412. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
2026-11-02
On September 30, 2026, the US state of Tennessee attempted to execute Christa Pike, a woman who had been on death row for more than 30 years.
Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. After being convicted of the murder, Pike spent decades in prison before her execution was finally scheduled.
But the execution did not go as planned.
Pike was given two doses of a drug called pentobarbital as part of the execution process, but she survived. She was taken to hospital and is still alive as of the time of recording this episode.
The death penalty is one of the oldest forms of punishment in human history. Some people believe it is an appropriate punishment for the most serious crimes. Others believe that governments should never have the power to take someone's life.
So today, we're going to look at what the death penalty is, its long history, where it is still used today, and the arguments for and against it. And at the end, we'll return to the case of Christa Pike and consider what her failed execution tells us about capital punishment.
Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/11/02/412-should-we-abolish-the-death-penalty-english-vocabulary-lesson/
AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/
$10 Free Credits on iTalki (Affiliate Link) - https://www.italki.com/affshare?ref=af17506448
My Editing Software (50 % Discount Affiliate Link) - https://descript.cello.so/BgOK9XOfQdD
Borough by Blue Dot Sessions
Contact [email protected] to advertise on Thinking in English. Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thinking in English
Thomas Wilkinson- No. of episodes
- 496
- Latest episode
- 2026-11-02
Where can you listen?
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Podtail
Google Podcasts
RSS
Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary.I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglishVisit the website: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact [email protected] to advertise on Thinking in English.