
#607 | The Life of JD Vance (English Listening Practice)
- Politics
JD Vance grew up in a struggling Ohio town, escaped poverty, and wrote a memoir that made him famous across the world. Then, having spent years attacking Donald Trump, he became his most loyal ally — and, in January 2025, Vice President of the United States. In this episode, we look at the life, the book, and the unlikely journey of one of the most controversial figures in American politics. Hillbilly Elegy explains Rust Belt; 2016 spotlight, bestseller, filmChosen as Trump’s running mate for Vice PresidentTough childhood in Ohio; addiction, instability, grandparents’ supportMilitary gave struc...
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B2 · Upper-intermediate
Comfortable if you already follow TV news
- 79% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 125 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
- 120 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
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Real sentences from the start of this episode. Every word is marked with its level.
about the world at the same time as improving your English.
J. D. Vance. Love him or loathe him. He is important and by the time you listen to this
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Is this episode right for you?
B2 · Upper-intermediate
Comfortable if you already follow TV news
- 79% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 125 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
- 120 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
Transcript
The opening of the episode. The whole transcript is in the player.
harder words (B2+)
Hello, hello, hello and welcome to English Learning for Curious Minds by Leonardo English, the show where you can listen to fascinating stories and learn weird and wonderful things about the world at the same time as improving your English. I'm Alastair Budge and today we are going to be talking about the American Vice President
J. D. Vance. Love him or loathe him. He is important and by the time you listen to this episode perhaps he will be even more so. So today, Willey will take a look at his life where he came from, how he says this shaped his political views and his journey so far almost to the top of American politics. But before we get into all of that good stuff
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That was the opening. The rest of the episode (25 min) is in the player: every word clickable, with translation, saved words and flashcards.
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