Culips English Podcast: Recent Episodes
Culips Team
What’s the best way to give money as a gift? In this episode, Andrew tells a story about hosting his wife’s family for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday. You’ll hear him talk about preparing a huge meal, fitting eight people into a small space, and turning gift-giving into fun games with cash prizes.
Listen along to supercharge your listening skills. Don’t forget to check out the FREE interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help your English become more natural.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
- RSVP for the Culips Hamburg Meet-up on October 18th
The post Bonus episode #159 – Full House for Chuseok first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about retirement. They chat about what it means, how it looks in different countries, and what people dream of doing after they stop working. You’ll hear them share real examples from the United States, Canada, and Korea and discuss ideas like second careers, semi-retirement, and common lifestyles for retirees. They also teach several useful English expressions connected to retirement, such as golden years, twilight years, nest egg, empty nester, and living the good life.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- How to use expressions like golden years and living the good life to describe retirement in a positive way
- What nest egg and empty nester mean and how they relate to family and financial life
- The difference between golden years and twilight years
- How people in the U.S., Canada, and Korea view and prepare for retirement
- How to describe retirement dreams, second careers, and semi-retirement naturally in English
This episode is perfect for:
- Intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary with real-life topics
- Listeners interested in cultural differences between countries
- Anyone preparing for discussions about work, lifestyle, or aging in English
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Simplified Speech #230 – The golden years and how people spend them first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever had a day that started off terribly but somehow became unforgettable? In this episode, Andrew shares the story of a rainy half marathon that began in total chaos and ended with a sweet surprise.
You’ll hear real, everyday English as he talks about staying motivated, finding focus, and turning frustration into pride. You’ll also learn natural expressions that native speakers use, like “gong show,” “clock’s ticking,” “to blow by someone,” and “to steal someone’s thunder.”
Join our friendly community on Discord to share your own story about overcoming setbacks, and check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to get even more from this episode.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #158 – The rain stole my thunder first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Indiana get honest with each other about everyday things that annoy people. They talk about habits that “get on their nerves,” such as loud chewing, people using their phones while talking, overused clichés, bad driving habits, and even dog owners who don’t follow the rules. Along the way, your hosts explain useful expressions like “gets on my nerves,” and “grinds my gears,” so you can understand and use them the next time you want to complain to a friend!
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- How to use natural English expressions for talking about annoying habits and situations
- Real-life examples of common, idiomatic ways to complain in English
- Vocabulary for describing irritation, such as annoying, irritating, and rude
This episode is perfect for:
- Intermediate English learners who want to practice real conversational English
- Students who want to expand their vocabulary for everyday situations
- Anyone who wants to sound more natural when talking to friends about small problems and annoyances
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Simplified Speech #229 – Things that get on our nerves first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about what’s new at Culips! You’ll learn about the second European meetup happening in Hamburg, Germany on October 18th. They also introduce the October challenge, which is focused on linking words that will help you create better-connected sentences.
European Meetup #2 – Hamburg, Germany
- Date: Saturday, October 18th
- Time: 4:00 PM
- Location: People’s Place Cafe, Hamburg
- Cost: Free!
- Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required
- RSVP: Fill out the form here:
Join fellow English learners for a relaxed, friendly chat in a welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels!
October Challenge: Connecting Words
Theme: Linking words and connectors to create longer, more natural sentences
How it works:
- New tasks every other day throughout October
- Complete skeleton sentences using connecting words like “therefore,” “despite,” “besides,” and “nevertheless”
- Practice making your speech flow more naturally and confidently
- Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate
It’s completely free and perfect for learning to express complex ideas while connecting with other learners!
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account:
Sign up for free at
Discord. - Download the App:
Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. - Join the Culips Server:
Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server:
Join Here. - Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the October Challenge:
Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the October Challenge (available from October 2nd).
Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!
The post Culips Community Update – October 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English expressions: “cut someone some slack” and “give someone the benefit of the doubt.” These are common phrases that English speakers use to ask for understanding, forgiveness, or trust when someone is under pressure or when we are unsure about their actions.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- How to use “cut someone some slack” to ask for extra patience or forgiveness
- When to use “give someone the benefit of the doubt” to choose trust over suspicion
- The grammar pattern both expressions share
- Vocabulary like slack, taut, to be swamped, and to cover for someone
- Real-life examples from work, home, and friendship situations
This episode is perfect for:
- Intermediate to advanced English learners who want to sound more natural
- Anyone looking to build vocabulary for work, school, and social life
- Learners preparing for conversations with native speakers where trust and understanding are important
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Catch Word #288 – The benefit of the doubt first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What if you could speak with anyone, in any language, in real time? In this bonus episode, Andrew explores that idea with a clear, step-by-step look at live translation. He reads a news article and explains the key ideas and terms in easy to understand English, showing how Apple, Google, and Meta are pursuing the “universal translator” and what it could mean for travel, work, and daily life.
What you’ll learn
- Meanings of “universal translator,” “seamlessly,” “coherent,” and “simultaneously”
- Tech vocabulary like “selling point,” “battleground,” “purpose built,” and “friction”
- Useful expressions such as “usher in,” “spurred by,” “paired with,” and “home field advantage”
How it will improve your English
- You expand your vocabulary with clear definitions and natural examples from the article
- You understand complex sentences because Andrew pauses to explain key lines in plain English
- You can review and reinforce with the interactive transcript and glossary, and members can take a short quiz
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
- Apple, Google and Meta are trying to perfect a science fiction gadget: The universal translator
The post Bonus episode #157 – Universal translator first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about street smarts: the practical skills and awareness people should have in order to stay safe and confident in cities. They share personal stories about living in places like Madrid, London, Seoul, and Canada, and explain how experiences such as pickpocketing or mugging can change the way people think about safety. The hosts also compare life in big cities to life in smaller towns or the countryside, showing how different environments require different kinds of common sense.
This episode is great for upper-intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday English conversations about real-life situations, build up vocabulary related to safety and street crime, and practice listening to natural storytelling from native speakers.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Vocabulary: Useful English words and expressions about safety, danger, and daily life in cities, such as dodgy, pickpocket, mugging, and shady character.
- Listening: Improve your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers sharing real experiences.
- Speaking: Learn how to tell your own stories about travel, street smarts, and staying safe using natural English phrases.
- Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about safety in cities and compare experiences from Canada, Spain, Korea, and the UK.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you understand natural speech and respond more quickly in English.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Chatterbox #339 – Street smarts first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Indiana continue their fun conversation about things that are overrated or underrated. They share their opinions on topics like walking 10,000 steps a day, biohacking, pineapple on pizza, vinyl records, and even the idea of being famous. They compare their different views, tell stories, and explain why some things deserve more love while others are praised too much.
👉 Try iTalki to improve your English speaking skills! Use promo code CULIPS to get $15 in lessons for only $10.
Click here to book a lesson via the website
Click here to book a lesson via the app
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- How to use the words “overrated” and “underrated” to share your opinion
- Real-life examples of these expressions in conversations about health, music, food, and culture
- Helpful phrases to agree or disagree politely and naturally
- Extra vocabulary you can use when discussing popular trends and everyday topics
This episode is perfect for:
- Intermediate English learners who want to improve their speaking and listening skills
- Anyone interested in learning how to sound more natural when sharing opinions
- Students looking for fun vocabulary and examples to use in conversations about everyday topics
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Simplified Speech #228 – Overrated or Underrated? Fun English Expressions Explained first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do bad things really come in threes? In this episode, Andrew tells you four mini stories from his week that will make you wonder about this old superstition. From unexpected moments during his evening run to tech troubles that tested his patience, you’ll hear authentic English storytelling that takes you from frustrating lows to feel-good highs.
- You’ll improve your listening skills by hearing how Andrew tells stories in natural, everyday English.
- You’ll learn common expressions that native speakers use, like “holding back,” “buying into something,” “fiddle around with,” and “clear sailing.”
- You’ll discover interesting things about English-speaking culture, including superstitions and childhood experiences.
- You can practice your English on our Discord server by telling other learners about your own week and what happened to you.
Make sure to check out the free interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary to get the most out of this episode.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #156 – Bad things come in threes first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about Indiana’s recent trip to Colorado. She shares stories about all of the activities she enjoyed during her time there, such as attending a wedding, spotting mountain goats on a hike, and adjusting to the thin air of “the Mile High City.” Indiana also tells Andrew about trying local craft beers and visiting the surreal art installation called Meow Wolf.
If you’re an intermediate English learner who wants to improve your listening skills while hearing a natural conversation about travel, culture, and the different landscapes of the United States, then this episode is for you!
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions for travel, landscapes, wildlife, art, and cultural experiences.
- Listening: Build your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native speakers about fun topics like traveling and hiking.
- Speaking: Practice talking about your own trips, weddings, cultural outings, and travel highlights in our Discord community and speaking classes.
- Culture: Learn more about how North Americans describe places, family friends, and special events like weddings.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you feel more confident and natural when sharing your own stories.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Simplified Speech #227 – Indiana’s trip to Colorado first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Alina recaps the Culips meetup that happened in July, introduces the next Culips meetup, and tells you all about the September challenge!
September Challenge: Let’s talk about work
Theme: Work-related English (interviews, dress codes, workplace situations)
How it works:
- New tasks every other day throughout September
- Answer work-related questions and scenarios
- Great chance to review skills from previous challenges
- Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate
It’s completely free and perfect for practicing professional English skills while connecting with other learners!
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here.
- Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the September Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the September Challenge (available from September 2nd).
Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!
The 2025 Culips Meetup in Prague.
The post Culips Community Update – September 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English idioms: to go off the rails and to get out of hand. These are common expressions that English speakers use to describe situations that become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control. You’ll hear Andrew and Indiana explain the meaning, give background, and share many everyday examples. They also act out short conversations to show how these expressions are used naturally in real life.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- How to use “go off the rails” to describe events or people behaving in extreme, chaotic ways
- When to say “get out of hand” for situations that are becoming difficult to manage
- The differences in strength and tone between the two expressions
- Real-life examples of when to use these idioms naturally in conversations
This episode is perfect for:
- Intermediate and advanced English learners who want to expand their vocabulary
- Anyone looking to describe stressful or messy situations in natural English
- Students preparing for work, travel, or everyday conversations in English-speaking environments
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here. - Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Catch Word #287 – Off the rails first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Sapporo, Japan. He tells you about exploring the Susukino district, visiting the coastal town of Otaru, and discovering beer and sake festivals throughout the city. You’ll also hear about many of his other adventures including witnessing a car accident and navigating the city without Google Maps for an extra challenge!
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who are ready to take it to the next level with their English fluency. Andrew’s storytelling is clear, understandable, and designed to help you build your vocabulary, comprehension, cultural knowledge, and communicative fluency.
Make sure to check out the free interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary to get the most out of this episode.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #155 – Visiting Sapporo first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Why do some people do foolish things even though they’re smart? And why do some things that are obvious to you seem difficult for others to understand? In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of “common sense.” They discuss what it means, where it comes from, and why people sometimes seem to lack it. As they chat, Andrew and Anna share funny real-life stories from their lives and compare “common sense” with “book smarts.”
This episode is best for upper-intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about common sense, decision-making, and how people think in everyday life.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- How to explain the meaning of common sense in clear English
- Natural ways to use everyday expressions like clueless, ditzy, all over the place, and book smarts
- How to talk about practical knowledge, life experience, and problem-solving skills in everyday English
- How culture, age, and personal experience can affect what we think is “obvious”
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Chatterbox #338 – Common sense first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his quick one-day visit to Osaka. You’ll hear about his record shopping plans, an unexpected tsunami alert, and how he had to make some tough decisions about his travel plans.
This is perfect for English learners because you’ll hear natural storytelling with everyday vocabulary and expressions. Andrew speaks clearly and shares real experiences, which helps you understand how native speakers actually talk.
This episode is highly recommended for intermediate learners who are looking to hit the next level with their English fluency.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #154 – Back in Osaka first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana explore a topic everyone can relate to – the things we’re bad at. They share funny and honest stories about their struggles with tasks like assembling IKEA furniture, drawing, handling insects, recalling movie details, parking while chatting, and even stretching. Through your hosts’ lighthearted conversation, you’ll hear how these challenges show up in daily life and how they react to each other’s skills (or lack of them).
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to build everyday vocabulary, improve listening skills, and gain confidence talking about personal experiences in a natural way.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
- Vocabulary: Learn everyday English words and expressions for talking about skills, weaknesses, and funny life situations.
- Listening: Build your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers.
- Speaking: Practice sharing your own stories and experiences about things you’re not very good at.
- Culture: Discover how Canadians and Americans talk about their strengths and weaknesses in a casual and humorous way.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you respond more quickly and naturally in English.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here. - Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Simplified Speech #226 – What we’re bad at first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you ever get a feeling that something is right or wrong, even if you can’t explain why? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of the sixth sense, also known as intuition. They talk about what it means, how it works, and when they’ve relied on it in real life. You’ll hear personal stories, learn common expressions, and improve your listening skills while enjoying a fun, natural conversation between native speakers.
This episode is great for upper intermediate to advanced English learners who want to talk more confidently about thoughts, gut feelings, and intuitive decision-making in English.
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
- What the sixth sense is and how to describe it in English
- Natural phrases like gut feeling, bad vibe, and ulterior motives
- About Andrew and Anna’s experiences using their sixth sense
- The difference between using logic and feelings when making choices
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Chatterbox #337 – Our sixth sense first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
August Challenge – Vocabulary Boost!
In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the August Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you’ll focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning and using 15 advanced adjectives that have been featured in Culips episodes. It’s a great way to make your English sound more colorful, expressive, and natural like a native speaker.
The challenge runs every second day throughout August, giving you time to really understand each adjective and practice using it in your own stories, example sentences, or voice messages. These include words like “remiss,” “palpable,” “low-key,” and “fancy schmancy” – words that native speakers use regularly but English learners often skip over when listening.
Andrew and Alina also chat about Alina’s new hobby: chess! She recently learned to play at age 31 and has been winning games at her local expat board game meetup in Ireland.
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here.
- Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the August Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the August Challenge (available from August 2nd).
Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!
The post Culips Community Update – August 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
This episode is all about musical education! Andrew and Indiana share stories about learning instruments as kids, their music classes at school, and how they feel about playing musical instruments today. You’ll hear Andrew talk about jamming on his drum set in his basement, Indiana’s experiences in school chorus, and whether they think parents should push their kids to take music lessons.
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to pick up natural vocabulary and expressions about music, school, and hobbies while listening to a real conversation between native speakers.
In this lesson, you’ll work on:
- Vocabulary: Learn natural English words and phrases about music, school, and hobbies.
- Listening: Build your listening with this clear and easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers.
- Speaking: Improve your speaking skills by chatting about your own experiences with music education during one of our weekly conversation classes or by talking with other Culips listeners on our Discord server.
- Culture: Discover what music education is like in Canada and the U.S., and why it’s important in schools.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations and stories helps you think in English and speak more confidently.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Simplified Speech #225 – Musical education first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
How can a homemade lunch end in tragedy, mystery, and a murder trial that shocks the world? Join Andrew as he revisits the infamous mushroom murder case in Australia and guides you through the dramatic courtroom outcome. In this episode, you’ll read along with a real news article and learn important vocabulary that helps you understand the story. You’ll learn legal words like “jury” and “plead”, and more advanced terms like “deception” and “estranged.” Andrew explains everything clearly so you can follow the story and improve your English at the same time.
What you’ll learn:
- Useful legal vocabulary and how it’s used in real news stories
- Natural expressions for describing crime, trials, and serious events
- How native speakers explain complex topics in simple, conversational ways
Perfect for intermediate learners who:
- Want to build vocabulary for understanding news and serious topics
- Enjoy true stories that are dramatic, mysterious, and real
- Like learning English through current events and real conversations
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Watch the YouTube version of this episode
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
- Listen to the original mushroom mystery episode
- Read the original article from CBC news
The post Bonus episode #153 – The mushroom murder verdict first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever been in a situation where someone was being too loud, too intense, or acting like they’re better than everyone else? In today’s episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two essential expressions that native English speakers use all the time to ask someone to change their behavior.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to use “tone it down” when someone needs to be quieter or calmer
- When to say “get off your high horse” to someone who’s acting superior
- The difference between being polite and being too direct with these expressions
This episode is perfect for:
- Intermediate to advanced English learners
- Anyone who wants to sound more natural in conversations
- Students preparing for everyday situations in English-speaking countries
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Catch Word #286 – Tone it down first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What happens when a country’s most secretive presidential residence suddenly opens its doors to the public? Join Andrew as he takes you on a fascinating tour of Seoul’s famous Blue House, the presidential residence that was recently opened to the public! In this episode, Andrew shares his incredible experience exploring the beautiful grounds where Korean presidents once lived, complete with amazing architecture, an ancient Buddha statue, and breathtaking city views. You’ll learn about the mysterious legends surrounding this location. Is it blessed or cursed? Plus, discover why this might be your only chance to visit before it closes!
What you’ll learn:
- Essential vocabulary for describing locations, architecture, and sightseeing experiences
- Natural expressions for talking about summer weather, crowds, and making reservations
- How native speakers share stories with vivid details and personal opinions
Perfect for intermediate learners who:
- Want to sound more natural when describing places and experiences
- Love learning through fun, real-life stories
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #152 – The Blue House first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you rely on your eyes more than your other senses? In this episode, you’ll hear a real conversation between Andrew and Anna about vision, eyesight, and learning styles. You’ll find out why Andrew wears an eye mask at night, what Anna would do in a zombie apocalypse without her contact lenses, and whether either of them would get laser eye surgery.
If you’re at the upper intermediate level, this is the perfect episode to build your English confidence. You’ll learn natural ways to describe habits, talk about effort, and express strong opinions, all with real vocabulary that native speakers use every day.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Learn six natural expressions and idioms, including break the bank, *seep through, and hardwired to*, with clear context and usage.
- Hear a real conversation about eyesight, contact lenses, and laser surgery to build vocabulary related to health and the senses.
- Understand how to describe learning preferences, especially visual learning, using everyday English.
- Discover how to talk about memory techniques like the “memory palace” and share opinions about study habits.
- Practice listening to spontaneous, fluent English with common sentence patterns, filler words, and real-life storytelling. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Don’t forget: Download the study guide to get the interactive transcript, quiz, and vocabulary explanations and examples. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Chatterbox #336 – Talking about our sense of sight first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever worked hard to create something beautiful, only to have uninvited guests show up and ruin it? That’s exactly what happened to Andrew when he transformed his little Seoul yard into an urban paradise! In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about some unexpected “burglars” who discovered his secret garden. You’ll discover who these mysterious visitors are and why they’ve been “terrorizing” his home all week! Along the way, you’ll learn over 15 useful expressions that will make your English sound more natural and native-like, all included in the FREE vocabulary glossary.
What you’ll learn:
- Essential home and garden vocabulary you’ll actually use in real conversations
- Natural expressions for describing progress and changes over time
- How native speakers tell personal stories with humor and suspense
- Vocabulary for talking about nature and wildlife
Perfect for intermediate learners who:
- Want to sound more natural when sharing personal experiences
- Love learning through entertaining, real-life stories
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #151 – The blueberry burglar first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Indiana play a game called Overrated or Underrated, where they share what they think about popular things. They talk about everyday items like vegan cheese, meal prepping, self-help books, and vision boards. You’ll learn what the adjectives “overrated” and “underrated” mean, and how to use them naturally when sharing what you think.
This is a great lesson for learning natural English and speaking like a native speaker. You’ll hear real conversations and pick up expressions that English speakers use every day.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to use the words overrated and underrated correctly
- Natural ways to share your opinions about different topics
- Common expressions for agreeing and disagreeing politely
- Useful vocabulary for talking about lifestyle and popular trends
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Simplified Speech #224 – Overrated or underrated? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the July Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you’ll practice how to share your opinion politely while discussing 14 different controversial topics. It’s a great way to improve your communication skills and learn how to disagree respectfully in English.
They also share exciting news about the first-ever Culips meetup in Europe, happening on July 26 in Prague. You’re invited to join us for a free, in-person event where you can meet other Culips listeners, make new friends, and feel part of the Culips community. And of course, there’ll be lots of chances to practice speaking English in a fun, relaxed setting. Click here to sign up for the meetup!
Later in the episode, you’ll hear a message from Editke, a Culips listener, who shares how joining the community helped her build real speaking confidence, improve her English skills, and make new friends. Over time, she became more comfortable speaking and now feels like Culips is her second family.
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here.
- Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from May 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
- Join us for the Culips meetup in Prague on July 26th
The post Culips July Challenge Announcement first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What are you looking forward to this summer? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana share their summer plans, from music festivals and dream concerts to chill bike rides and travel ideas. You’ll get to hear a fun and natural conversation that helps you build real English skills for everyday life.
This episode is great for improving your English listening skills. You will hear a natural, clear conversation between native speakers. It’s perfect if you want to understand real spoken English more easily. You will also learn useful vocabulary and expressions for talking about your summer plans, vacations, and events.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn words and expressions related to travel, concerts, weather, and daily life.
- Listening: Train your ears to understand natural English used in real conversations.
- Speaking: Use what you hear to talk about your own summer experiences in our speaking classes or on our Discord server.
- Culture: Discover what summer activities are popular in North America and South Korea, from music festivals to fun outdoor plans.
- Fluency: Build your confidence by listening to stories that feel personal and relatable.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #223 – How we’re spending summer first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever tried to buy something online and everything went completely wrong? That’s exactly what happened to Andrew when he tried to book a simple plane ticket online! In this episode, Andrew tells you two funny stories: one about his epic battle with credit card verification systems that led to a complete “rage quit,” and another about a confusing elevator situation that made him question basic social manners.
These stories are full of natural English expressions and vocabulary that you’ll hear native speakers use when they’re frustrated, telling personal stories, or discussing everyday social situations.
What you’ll learn:
- Essential travel vocabulary like “stopover,” “verification,” “overseas purchase,” and “budget airline” that you’ll need for real trips
- How to express frustration naturally with phrases like “at my wit’s end,” “blood boiling,” and “back to square one”
- The meaning of “rage quit” and other modern slang that native speakers use every day
- Natural conversation flow – notice how Andrew tells stories, asks questions, and shares his thoughts just like in real conversations
- Practical expressions for describing technical problems and discussing social situations
Perfect for you if:
- You want to understand how native speakers share personal experiences and ask for opinions
- You’re building confidence with travel, technology, and social vocabulary
- You love learning through entertaining, relatable stories instead of boring textbook lessons
- You want to sound more natural when expressing frustration or discussing everyday problems in English
- You’re ready for real English that doesn’t feel like studying
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #150 – Rage quitting first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you know what to say if you need to report something important but not urgent? In today’s episode, you’ll learn exactly how to handle this type of situation in English.
Join Andrew and Kassy as they break down two realistic phone conversations where someone calls the police or fire department’s non-emergency line. You’ll learn the key expressions native speakers use to describe situations that are a little concerning but not emergencies.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
- Start a phone call in a polite and clear way
- Use softening language like “might,” “maybe,” and “a little worried”
- Explain situations without sounding too dramatic
- Understand what the phrases “check in on someone” and “wellness check” mean
This is a must-listen for anyone living in an English-speaking country—or planning to! By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident calling for help in everyday situations.
Listen now and be ready for anything—no stress, no panic. Just the right English when you need it.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Real Talk #065 – How to call the non-emergency line first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever had one of those moments where a simple activity turns into a total disaster? That’s exactly what happened to Andrew during what should have been a routine evening run! In this episode, you’ll follow Andrew through his unexpected adventure with tiny flying bugs, bloodshot eyes, and his first-ever visit to an eye doctor. But here’s the thing – this isn’t just a funny story. It’s packed with real English that you’ll actually use when talking about health problems, describing symptoms, and sharing your own mishaps with friends.
What you’ll learn:
- Essential medical vocabulary like “bloodshot,” “prescription,” “irritated,” and “artificial tears” that you’ll need in real situations
- The difference between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians (even native speakers get confused!)
- Natural speaking flow – notice how Andrew corrects himself, adds details, and changes topics just like in real conversations
- Practical expressions for describing symptoms and explaining problems to doctors
- The idiom “keep an eye out” and exactly when to use it in everyday English
Perfect for you if:
- You want to understand how native speakers tell personal stories and share experiences
- You’re building confidence with medical and health-related vocabulary
- You love learning through entertaining, relatable stories instead of boring textbook lessons
- You want to sound more natural when describing problems or mishaps in English
- You’re ready for real English that doesn’t feel like studying
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #149 – An eye-opening experience first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever followed a fashion trend, copied someone’s lifestyle, or tried to match a certain vibe? In Korea, there’s a popular word for that: chugumi. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy break down this buzzword, explain what it means, and show you how to talk about similar ideas in English. You’ll hear real examples, learn useful vocabulary, and get tips for sounding natural when talking about style, identity, and social media trends.
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about culture, inspiration, and personal expression.
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
- What the word chugumi really means and why it matters
- How to talk about style, lifestyle, and vibe in clear, natural English
- Common expressions like role model, poser, and try hard
- Why this trend is about more than just looks
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
The post Simplified Speech #222 – Exploring the chugumi trend first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite English podcast? In this episode, Andrew gives you an exclusive peek into the Culips production process while teaching you natural English expressions and vocabulary along the way. You’ll learn useful phrases like “behind the scenes,” “put the pedal to the metal,” and “down to the wire” as Andrew walks you through each step of creating an episode. This is perfect practice for intermediate to advanced learners who want to improve their listening skills while satisfying their curiosity about how quality English content really gets made!
What you’ll learn:
- 10+ useful expressions like “behind the scenes,” “put the pedal to the metal,” and “down to the wire” – phrases you’ll hear in movies, at work, and in daily conversations
- English vocabulary that’s actually useful: “brainstorming,” “transcribe,” “proofreader,” and “on the fly”
- How to sound more natural when you explain processes or tell stories about your work
- Real pronunciation – hear how native speakers actually talk (with pauses, corrections, and natural flow)
- Confidence boost – follow along with a real English story and feel proud when you understand it all
- Speaking: Discuss this episode with other Culips listeners in our Discord community!
Perfect for you if:
- You want to understand English podcasts and videos without subtitles
- You’re preparing for work or study in English
- You love learning through interesting stories (not boring textbook lessons!)
- You want to sound more natural when speaking English
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #148 – From A to Z first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you ever hear native speakers use expressions like “movie buff,” “gearhead,” or “shopaholic” and feel confused? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana break it all down for you. You’ll learn how to sound more natural and expressive when talking about your own passions or anyone else’s.
This episode is great for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to build their vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
✅ How to use useful, advanced vocabulary like cinephile, metalhead, and audiophile
✅ The difference between -phile, -head, buff, -holic, and fiend
✅ How to avoid sounding unnatural or overdoing it when using slang
✅ Why these expressions show up in pop culture, podcasts, and movies
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
🔥 Culips members get everything: interactive transcript, study guide, ad free audio, and bonus content with two extra expressions, holic and fiend. Click here to join and get the most out of this episode!
🧠Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
🚀Want to level up your speaking? Join the Culips Discord to connect with other learners, share your interests, and practice using today’s expressions in real conversations. Click here to join the community!
The post Catch Word #285 – Cinephile, gearhead, history buff first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Ready to finally master phrasal verbs?
In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the Culips June Challenge, designed to help you learn and use 15 high-frequency phrasal verbs in real conversations. You’ll hear how to join the free challenge on Discord, how it works, and why it’s a great way to stay consistent and motivated with your English.
They also share details about the first-ever Culips meetup in Europe, happening this July in Prague.
If you want to connect with other learners, speak more naturally, and have fun while you study, this episode is for you.
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server:
Join Here. - Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from June 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Watch the video version of this episode
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Culips Community Update – June 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What happens when you visit a dog shelter and find the perfect pet? In this episode, Andrew tells the story of adopting his new dog, O’Wall. Listen as he explains how he and his wife chose their new pet, went through the adoption process, and helped their dog settle into her new home. You’ll hear about visiting shelters, picking the perfect name, and why O’Wall is the luckiest dog around!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Build fluency by hearing natural storytelling with real pauses, word corrections, and the flow of everyday conversation.
- Vocabulary: Learn practical words like “agnostic,” “shed,” “puppy mill,” and “hand-me-down” through Andrew’s personal story.
- Expressions: Pick up natural phrases like “hit the jackpot,” “rock paper scissors,” and “tuckered out” that English speakers use daily.
- Pronunciation: Hear how English sounds when spoken naturally, including how words connect together in fast speech.
- Speaking: Share your own pet stories and discuss this episode with other Culips listeners in our Discord community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #147 – We hit the jackpot first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how friendship changes as we grow older, especially when life gets busy with work, relationships, and family. They discuss how marriage and parenthood can shift friendship dynamics, how the media creates unrealistic ideas about friendship, and what real connection looks like today. Listen to this episode to hear a natural conversation about adult relationships while building your fluency and learning new vocabulary about friendship, connection, and modern life.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “on the fence” (not sure about something) and “long-lost friend” (a friend you haven’t seen in a long time).
- Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about everyday life topics like making and maintaining friendships.
- Speaking: Build your fluency by joining Culips’ small-group speaking classes to talk about your own friendships and experiences.
- Culture: Discover how adult friendships work in different countries and what influences them.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations helps train your brain to think in English and use English more naturally.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #221 – Adult Friendships first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever experienced a week so busy and memorable it felt like a whole month? In this episode, Andrew shares two stories from one incredibly eventful week in his life. Listen in as Andrew talks about special celebrations, cultural traditions in Korea, and thoughtful surprises from loved ones. There’s even a mystery gift involved… but you’ll have to tune in to find out exactly what it was!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Build your listening comprehension through Andrew’s natural and engaging storytelling about everyday life.
- Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary with practical terms related to birthdays, celebrations, and thoughtful gift ideas.
- Expressions: Learn authentic English expressions like “the cherry on top,” “in hot water,” and “make a long story short.”
- Pronunciation: Familiarize yourself with the intonation and rhythm of casual spoken English through clear, conversational speech.
- Speaking: Practice new vocabulary and expressions by joining conversations with learners from around the world in the Culips Discord community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #146 – A month in a week first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about taste. They discuss how our preferences for food and drinks develop from childhood to adulthood, sharing personal stories about acquired tastes and interesting foods from their home countries. The conversation then shifts to personal preferences in music, fashion, films, and coffee, with both hosts talking about how their tastes have evolved over time. They end by questioning if having similar tastes is important for friendships and what our preferences reveal about who we are.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful adjectives to describe taste preferences like “refined,” “sophisticated,” “impeccable,” “gaudy,” “questionable,” and “tacky.”
- Listening: Build your listening skills by following a natural, friendly conversation about physical taste and personal preferences.
- Speaking: Discuss your own taste in food, music, movies, and fashion on our Discord server and in our weekly speaking classes.
- Culture: Discover how taste differs across cultures and how it connects to identity and personality.
- Fluency: Level up your English through acquisition, with support from our helpful study guide with an interactive transcript, quiz, and practice exercises.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Chatterbox #335 – Let’s talk taste first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about how he spends his free time and shares his top three YouTube channels. You’ll hear about a Dutch YouTuber exploring Seoul, a British marathon runner living in Tokyo, and a Canadian couple building a quiet life in the Japanese countryside. Andrew explains why he enjoys each channel and how they fit into his daily routine.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Improve your listening skills by spending time with Andrew and following clear, real-life English.
- Vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases about daily life, hobbies, travel, and online content.
- Expressions: Learn everyday English expressions like “recharge your batteries,” “walk the walk,” and “on the edge of your seat.”
- Pronunciation: Get used to the sound and rhythm of natural spoken English to build better speaking habits.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
YouTube channels mentioned by Andrew:
- iGoBart
- Ran to Japan
- Maigomika
The post Bonus episode #145 – My favorite YouTubers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana catch up and talk all about weddings. Indiana shares her recent experience traveling to Florida for her husband’s cousin’s wedding, which was held in Miami. She explains what a Jewish wedding is like and describes some unique traditions, such as the chuppah, the ketubah, the breaking of a glass, and the fun dance called the hora. Andrew and Indiana also compare weddings in Canada, the United States, and Korea, talking about receptions, wedding cakes, group photos, and gift-giving traditions.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful words and expressions related to weddings, travel, and cultural traditions.
- Listening: Develop your listening skills by following a natural, friendly, and unscripted conversation between native English speakers.
- Speaking: Talk about wedding customs in your country on our Discord server or in a Culips small-group speaking class.
- Culture: Learn about real-life wedding experiences in different countries and cultures.
- Fluency: Level up your fluency by spending time with real, everyday English that native speakers use in daily life, with support from the study guide to help you practice.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #220 – Semi-destination wedding first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew talks about a fascinating and sad news story involving three deaths from eating poisonous mushrooms. Accident or crime? Listen to and decide for yourself! In the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn about the phrasal verb to feel for (someone).
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript: Click here.
Join the Culips Discord server: Click here.
Read the news article about the mushroom mystery: Click here.
The post [Classic] Bonus episode #64 – The mushroom mystery first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and share updates about their lives. Kassy talks about taking short trips with her baby to nearby cities in Korea. She describes visiting a busy flower festival and returning to a town just to eat her favorite vegetable bread. She also talks about her upcoming move and her hope to make her new place feel more like home. Andrew talks about how voting by mail works in Canada and the recent Canadian election. He also shares a funny story about planting trees and decorating his front yard with his wife.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions that native speakers use when talking about daily life, moving, elections, and hobbies like gardening.
- Listening: Improve your listening skills by following a clear and natural conversation between native speakers.
- Speaking: Share your own life updates on our Discord server or in our Culips small-group speaking classes.
- Culture: Hear about real-life topics like voting in Canada, Korean flower festivals, and home projects.
- Fluency: Get more confident by hearing repeated examples and practicing with our study guide.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #219 – Day trips, elections, and more! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Alina share the latest Culips community news for May 2025! They read a kind review from a Culips member, announce the winner of the March challenge, and introduce the new challenge for May. This month, the challenge will help you master one of the trickiest parts of English grammar: the difference between the present perfect and past simple tenses.
Everyone is welcome to join the free challenge on our Discord server. You will get a video lesson from Andrew, lots of practice activities, and a chance to win a Culips swag bag! Improve your grammar and become part of our fun and friendly community. Join us today!
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server:
Join Here. - Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from May 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Culips Community Update – May 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about how they watch movies, both at the theater and at home. They discuss their personal movie habits, like sneaking snacks into the cinema, watching movies alone, and breaking long movies into smaller parts. You’ll also hear about movie traditions in different countries, how theater experiences are changing, and the pros and cons of enjoying films with friends, family, or just by yourself.
How this episode will help you improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn common expressions and everyday words like matinee, concession, installments, and immersive. These are useful for talking about entertainment, culture, and daily habits. * Listening: Practice understanding natural English with clear speech, casual conversation, and real opinions from native speaker movie fans. * Speaking: Get better at sharing your own thoughts by hearing how Andrew and Indiana express likes, dislikes, and personal routines with enjoying films and series. * Culture: Discover movie-watching habits and movie theater experiences from around the world, including Canada, the U.S., and Korea. Learn how movie culture is different depending on where you live. * Fluency:* Improve your overall English skills by listening to a friendly conversation full of opinions, everyday grammar, and common slang.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #218 – How we watch movies in 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a mix of real-life updates and personal stories, from sleeping alone in a queen-size bed to trying to fix a podcast recording disaster. He also talks about replacing social media habits with Japanese reading practice and learning how to do DIY home repairs like caulking the shower. It’s a relaxed and personal episode where Andrew talks about real-life moments, challenges, and habits in clear, natural English.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Improve your listening by following a natural, unscripted story told in clear, easy-to-understand English.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to language learning, technology mistakes, and home improvement.
- Idioms and expressions: Hear everyday English expressions like “work your magic,” “wasn’t meant to be,” “doom scrolling,” “DIY,” and “know a thing or two.”
- Pronunciation: Listening to real spoken English helps you get used to natural sounds and rhythm. This makes it easier for you to speak clearly and with better pronunciation.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #144 – A Little Bit of Everything first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever seen someone who looks exactly like someone else? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach two fun English expressions: “A dead ringer” and “A spitting image.” You’ll hear clear examples, learn the difference between the two, and understand when and how to use each one.
This episode is great for learning real English expressions used by native speakers. Andrew and Kassy break everything down in a way that’s easy to follow, and they include example conversations that make the meaning of each expression clear. They also share personal stories, cultural tips, and bonus expressions like “two peas in a pod,” “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and “doppelganger.”
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn natural English phrases to talk about people and things that look very similar.
- Listening: Practice understanding clear and natural English through real conversation.
- Speaking: Use the expressions you learn to describe lookalikes and practice talking about your own family in Culips small-group English classes.
- Culture: Discover how these expressions are used in everyday life and where they come from.
- Fluency: Get more confident by hearing repeated examples and practicing with our study guide.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Catch Word #284 – A dead ringer first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew recaps his experience running the 2025 Seoul Marathon. He shares the fun and challenges of race weekend, from eating lots of carbs before the race to jumping over a bike left on the road. He also talks about what it was like to run with thousands of people and even spot someone from a Korean TV show. This story is full of exciting moments, personal thoughts, and useful English.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Improve your listening by hearing a real story told in clear, natural English.
- New vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases about running, eating, weather, and daily life.
- Idioms and expressions: Hear everyday English expressions like “recap,” “soak up the atmosphere,” “guilty pleasure,” “full send,” and “double take.”
- Pronunciation: When you listen to clear and natural English, your ears get used to the sounds. This helps you speak more clearly too. If you can hear how native speakers talk, it becomes easier to copy them and have a better accent.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #143 – The race I’ll never forget first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wandered through a store for a long time and still couldn’t find what you needed? In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you how to ask for help in English when you’re shopping. You’ll learn useful phrases and polite expressions that native English speakers use when they can’t find a product in a supermarket or department store. The episode includes example conversations and clear explanations to help you understand and use the language with confidence.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn common phrases like “I’m having trouble finding…” and “Do you know if you carry…?”
- Listening: Train your ears to understand natural, clear English conversations in retail settings like grocery stores or shopping malls.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes and practicing how to use polite and useful phrases for real-world shopping situations.
- Culture: Understand how people ask for help in North American shopping culture.
- Fluency: Spending time with real English conversations will improve your ability to respond naturally and politely in everyday situations.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Real Talk #064 – How to ask for help in a store first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his recent trip to Japan, where he experienced both the best and worst parts of travel. From enjoying delicious local food and relaxing in traditional hot springs to unexpectedly getting sick in Tokyo, Andrew shares the real ups and downs of his adventure. Listening to natural English through personal stories like this is a great way to improve your fluency and build confidence. Tune in to hear about culture, food, travel tips, and an unforgettable ending to the trip.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Build your listening comprehension by hearing a native speaker tell a real story using clear and natural English.
- New vocabulary: Learn practical and useful expressions related to travel, food, feeling sick, and daily experiences.
- Idioms and expressions: Pick up common idioms and casual phrases that English speakers use in everyday conversations.
- Pronunciation: Improve your speaking and rhythm by shadowing or repeating after Andrew.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #142 – The best and worst of times in Japan first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy talk all about vegetables . They compare shopping at local markets with going to big grocery stores. Kassy shares her experience getting fresh produce from a local market near her house and tells us about a fun new vegetable subscription box she signed up for. Andrew talks about the kinds of vegetables he misses from back home and why he sometimes grows his own herbs and veggies. You’ll also hear about the benefits of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and trying farm-to-table food.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful words and expressions about food, markets, and money, like “produce,” “haul,” and “stretch your dollar.”
- Listening: Practice understanding real, natural English as Andrew and Kassy have a fun and friendly conversation.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes by practicing how to talk about shopping and growing vegetables.
- Culture: Discover cultural differences in food shopping habits and learn about the farm-to-table movement.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you think in English and express yourself more easily.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #217 – Veggie Tales first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates from the Culips community and introduce the April challenge. They read a thoughtful comment from a listener, announce the February challenge winner, and talk about a helpful new feature that will make learning English with Culips even better for you.
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server:
Join Here. - Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the April Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the April Challenge (available from April 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Culips Community Update – March 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about textures and the way things feel when we touch them. They share interesting and personal stories about their favorite and least favorite textures, from soft cashmere to slimy foods and scratchy sweaters. They also discuss how touch is important in human relationships and how it’s different in cultures around the world. You’ll learn useful English expressions and vocabulary to talk about touch, feelings, and personal preferences.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions like soft, firm, fluffy, scratchy, and touchy-feely that will help you talk about textures and feelings.
- Listening: Train your ears with real, natural English as Andrew and Anna share fun, friendly stories and opinions.
- Speaking: Boost your speaking skills by practicing how to describe your personal likes and dislikes with textures and materials.
- Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about touch in daily life and social situations.
- Fluency: Improve your overall English by listening to a full conversation with clear examples, real emotions, and natural grammar.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Chatterbox #334 – Getting in touch: How we feel the world first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a couple more stories from his recent trip to Hawaii and reflects on some unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences he and his wife had during their travels. Listening to authentic, natural English from a native speaker is one of the best ways to improve your English skills and become fluent faster. So tune in to hear about their everyday adventures, unexpected moments, and the interesting experiences they had along the way!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Build your listening comprehension by following a native speaker share personal stories in authentic, everyday English.
- New vocabulary: Learn useful and natural expressions related to travel, daily life, and surprise experiences.
- Idioms and expressions: Pick up real-life idioms and phrasal verbs that native speakers use in casual conversations.
- Pronunciation: Improve your pronunciation, flow, and intonation through shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #141 – Living like a local first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever felt like a kid again while doing something fun? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how we all have a child inside us. They share stories about playful moments in their lives and discuss why keeping a sense of fun and wonder is important, even as adults. Andrew and Kassy also talk about how staying connected to your inner child can reduce stress and improve mental health. They share fun ways to bring more playfulness into your daily life, including hobbies, sports, and creative activities.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to childhood, creativity, and fun activities.
- Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about memories, hobbies, and fun activities.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes and practicing how to talk about your own childhood experiences in English.
- Culture: Discover how different cultures value play, creativity, and reconnecting with childhood joy.
- Fluency: Spending time with real English conversations will train your brain to think in English and help you speak more naturally.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #216 – Connecting with your inner child first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares his plans for the upcoming Seoul Marathon. He discusses his preparation struggles due to recent illness, travel, and limited training time. You’ll hear about his plans with his running buddy, Jimmy, his strategy to enjoy the marathon without stressing about his personal record, and his thoughts about dealing with challenging weather conditions on race day.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Practice your listening skills by hearing Andrew naturally discuss his marathon preparations and expectations.
- New vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary with useful words and phrases like “booked up,” “bout,” “ramping up,” “stagger,” and “smash a PR,” to clearly express yourself about personal challenges or achievements.
- Idioms and expressions: Learn everyday expressions like “pump someone’s tires,” “the Goldilocks zone,” and “it all boils down to,” to sound more natural when speaking English.
- Pronunciation: Improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation through shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice using Andrew’s natural speech.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #140 – Ready, set, relax first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Waiting is a part of everyday life. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, waiting for a job offer, or standing in line at the store, waiting can feel frustrating. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the psychology of waiting, discussing why some waiting feels harder than others and how cultural differences affect our patience. They also share personal stories about waiting, including long lines at government offices and waiting for language skills to improve.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful North American and UK English expressions such as “queuing,” “standing in line,” “pushing in,” and “cutting in line,” to talk about waiting and patience.
- Listening: Improve your understanding by hearing natural conversations about real-life situations.
- Speaking: Get ideas for how to express frustration, share opinions, and describe your experiences with waiting.
- Culture: Understand how different countries view waiting, from fast-paced city life to slow-moving rural areas.
- Fluency: Listening to real conversations between native speakers helps you think in English and express yourself more naturally.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Chatterbox #333 – The psychology of waiting first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares stories from his recent trip to Hawaii. He talks about visiting famous places like Waikiki Beach, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and hiking up Diamond Head. Along the way, he reflects on fun moments with his wife, the excitement of exploring new places, and even a few surprises. You’ll feel like you’re right there with him as he brings his Hawaiian adventure to life.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Improve your listening skills by hearing Andrew talk naturally about his travel experiences in Hawaii.
- New vocabulary: Build your vocabulary with useful words and phrases like whirlwind trip, propel, vital, and to be wiped out, so you can express yourself clearly when speaking about travel or daily life.
- Idioms and expressions: Understand and practice expressions such as hit the ground running, check the boxes, and get off the beaten path, helping you sound natural when talking with native speakers.
- Pronunciation: Use this episode for shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice to improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Bonus episode #139 – Hawaiian sun first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, you’ll hear Andrew and Indiana talk about Indiana’s recent surgery and recovery. They use real-life English to discuss medical vocabulary, including words like “cartilage” and “labrum,” and explain how to describe pain and injuries. Indiana shares her experience of getting a diagnosis, deciding on surgery, and going through recovery. This is a great opportunity for you to learn medical terms in context, improve your listening skills, and hear how native speakers talk about health and personal experiences.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful medical terms like cartilage, anesthesia, and physical therapy to talk about injuries and treatments.
- Listening: Train your ears to understand natural English as Andrew and Indiana discuss healthcare, pain management, and exercise.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes by practicing how to talk about personal experiences, ask about someone’s health, and describe medical issues.
- Culture: Compare different healthcare systems and understand how medical treatments work in different countries.
- Fluency: Exposure to real conversations will help you think in English and express yourself more easily.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
- Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.
The post Simplified Speech #215 – Indiana’s operation first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares the exciting conclusion of his hiking trip in South Korea with his best friend, Luke. After a chaotic morning rushing to catch a bus, they finally arrive in Taebaek, a small mountain town. Their adventure continues with beautiful snowy trails, a surprise trail closure, and an unexpected challenge at the top of the mountain. As always, you’ll hear natural English and pick up useful vocabulary, expressions, and cultural insights.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Get better at understanding natural English by following along with a fun and engaging real-life story.
- New vocabulary: Pick up useful words and phrases like spur of the moment, groggy, and to keep an eye on something.
- Idioms and expressions: Hear common expressions in action, such as a rude awakening, hoof it, and clued in, and learn how to use them naturally.
- Pronunciation: Listen to how Andrew changes his speed and tone to create suspense and keep the story interesting.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
- Learn more about Taebaeksan
The post Bonus episode #138 – Epic winter hike first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English expressions: “knee jerk reaction” and “off the cuff.” These expressions describe spontaneous reactions, one for quick emotional responses and the other for acting without preparation. Through fun conversations and clear examples, you’ll learn how to use these expressions naturally in daily life!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn how to naturally and correctly use common everyday English expressions like “knee jerk reaction” ” (a quick, emotional response without thinking) and “off the cuff” (speaking or acting without preparation).
- Listening: Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation between native speakers, featuring real-life examples and clear explanations of these phrases.
- Culture: Learn how English speakers use these phrases in daily life, from workplace discussions to casual chats.
- Fluency: Training your ear with real English will help you think and speak more confidently.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Catch Word #283 – Off the cuff first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about the Culips community. They talk about the fun activities happening recently including small-group speaking classes and monthly challenges. They read a nice review from a listener named Coco, who joined the classes and loved them. They also spin a prize wheel to pick a winner from the January challenge. Alina introduces the new March challenge, which will help learners understand and use the tricky verb “get.” Finally, they talk about the schedule for upcoming speaking classes. Even though both Andrew and Alina are feeling a little sick, they power through the episode to bring all the latest news from Culips!
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here.
- Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the March Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the March Challenge (available from March 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group speaking class schedule
The post Culips Community Update – February 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the impact of sound on our daily lives. From the noises that wake us up in the morning to the background sounds that shape our work, relaxation, and social interactions, they discuss how these sounds affect our mood, focus, and overall well-being. Tune in to learn how sound impacts daily life and boost your English skills at the same time!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “placebo effect,” “to gab away,” and “to make one’s blood boil” to describe reactions, conversations, and strong emotions.
- Listening: Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation about how sounds affect our daily lives, sleep, and focus.
- Speaking: Gain confidence by discussing your own experiences with sound and how it influences your mood and routines.
- Culture: Discover how different cultures react to noise, from quiet train cars in Korea to lively restaurant terraces in Spain.
- Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to real conversations that help train your ears and mind to think in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Chatterbox #332 – The soundscape of our lives first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a funny but stressful story about how a hiking trip almost went wrong before it even started. He talks about losing his wallet, missing a subway, and rushing to catch a bus just in time. This real-life story is easy to understand and will help you improve your English while enjoying an exciting adventure.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Hear natural English as Andrew describes a real-life story with excitement and detail. Pay attention to how he tells the story and expresses emotions.
- New vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases related to travel, problem-solving, and making quick decisions, like get the wheels in motion and rifling through.
- Idioms and expressions: Discover expressions like go with the flow and in the midst of and see how they make storytelling more engaging.
- Pronunciation: Listen to how Andrew changes his speed and tone to create suspense and keep the story interesting.
- Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and share a time when you had to deal with an unexpected situation. Practice using the new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #137 – The adventure before the adventure first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their latest travels. Kassy talks about her trip to Thailand with her four-month-old son. She explains what it was like to ride a speedboat and go through airport security with a baby. Andrew describes his plan to visit Taebaek, the small Korean city where he first lived. He looks forward to hiking the local mountain and seeing how much the city has changed. Listen to learn useful English words and phrases about travel, family, and exploring new places!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions about traveling, flying with a baby, and planning a holiday trip.
- Listening: Practice understanding natural, easy-to-follow English conversations about everyday life and travel.
- Speaking: Gain confidence by discussing your own travel stories with friends or in Culips small-group English classes.
- Culture: Hear about what it’s like to visit Thailand with a baby and learn about local food and customs in Korea.
- Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to real conversations that help train your ears and mind to think in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #214 – Catching rays and climbing days first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description:In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about winter and how it can make people feel sad or tired. They share their own winter experiences from places like Korea and the United States. Andrew and Indiana explain why winter can be hard and give simple tips to feel better, such as getting enough sunlight, exercising, and staying warm. They also talk about fun winter activities and ways to stay happy during the cold months. Listen to improve your English and learn how to beat the winter blues and enjoy the season!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “down in the dumps,” “no pain, no gain,” and “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
- Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about dealing with the winter blues and staying motivated during cold months.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode.
- Culture: Discover how different countries, like Canada and the United States, experience winter and the traditions they have during the season.
- Fluency: Listening to real English conversations will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #213 – Beating the winter blues first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about going to his nephew’s elementary school graduation and realizing the power of celebrating small wins. He shares how a simple ceremony can bring families closer, boost confidence, and lead to bigger successes. He also explains why supporting each other’s achievements, even when they seem small, can make a big difference. This real-life story will help you improve your English skills and become a better communicator.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew describes his day at the graduation and how it changed his perspective on small victories.
- New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to school ceremonies, encouragement, and showing support to loved ones.
- Idioms and Expressions: Discover helpful English expressions like “no easy feat,” “to miss by just a hair,” and “in the whole scheme of things,” and see how they are used in real conversations.
- Pronunciation: Listen for how Andrew clearly pronounces words, stresses important syllables, and connects phrases. Then practice repeating short parts of the episode to develop your pronunciation skills and speak more clearly.
- Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server, share your own surprise stories, and practice using new vocabulary in casual conversations.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #136 – Onwards and upwards first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English idioms: “can’t stomach something” and “makes my skin crawl.” These expressions are perfect for describing strong negative reactions, like disgust or fear. Together, Andrew and Indiana break down the meanings of these idioms, share real-life examples, and discuss how to use these expressions in a wide variety of situations.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “gory,” “to scurry,” and “creeped out” to use in everyday English.
- Listening: Understand common English idioms that you will hear in everyday situations.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode and practice these idioms.
- Culture: Discover which situations these expressions are appropriate for and when they might sound too strong or rude.
- Fluency: Spending time with real English will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Catch Word #282 – Makes my skin crawl first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Alina share exciting news about February’s free grammar challenge on countable and uncountable nouns. Learn how to join the challenge by signing up for the Culips Discord server, participating in fun, easy tasks every second day, and earning a completion certificate. Plus, discover other ways to connect with the Culips community and improve your English. Don’t miss it!
How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge
- Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord.
- Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
- Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here.
- Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
- Access the February Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the February Challenge (available from February 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Culips Community Update – January first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew talks with Mikael about Norway, a country with beautiful fjords, long winters, and tasty seafood. Mikael shares fun facts about life in Norway, like their famous brown cheese, exciting holidays, and how they stay cozy during dark winters. They also talk about Norwegian traditions, popular foods, and the best places to visit. It’s a fun way to learn about Norway and improve your English skills at the same time!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “pitch black,” “take it in stride”,” and “rite of passage” to use in everyday English.
- Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations with this discussion about Norway.
- Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode.
- Culture: Discover interesting facts about Norway’s traditions, foods, and daily life.
- Fluency: Spending time with real English will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Speaking classes with this episode:
We’ll be discussing this episode in the following small-group conversation classes. To join the classes, you must be a Culips member.
- March 1st, 2025 with Alina at 11:00 AM Ireland time (GMT +0)
- March 4th, 2025 with Andrew at 8:00 PM Korea time (GMT +9)
- March 11th, 2025 with Indiana at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time (GMT-5)
All classes happen on Zoom and last for one hour. To see the schedule in your time zone and learn how to join the classes, click here: https://esl.culips.com/online-classes-schedule/
Links mentioned in this episode:
- More About Mikael – Listen to our previous episode featuring Mikael’s interview.
- Alina’s Trip to Norway – Learn about Alina’s experience and her favorite Norwegian foods.
- Flåklypa Movie Trailer – Watch the trailer for the stop-motion movie Mikael mentioned.
The post Simplified Speech #212 – Learning about Norway first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew tells the story of how he surprised his parents at Christmas. He shares the big reveal, their shocked reactions, and how they spent the holiday. He also talks about what he did during the rest of his visit and how he felt about surprising them. This real-life story will help you improve your English skills and become a better communicator.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a real-life story about surprising his parents at Christmas.
- New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about family gatherings, holiday traditions, and making last-minute arrangements during the festive season.
- Idioms and Expressions: Learn useful English expressions like “to be taken aback,” “the more the merrier,” and “to break the ice,” and see how they’re used in real conversations.
- Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s intonation and rhythm, then practice repeating short clips of the episode to build your fluency and sound more natural.
- Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server, share your own surprise stories, and practice using new vocabulary in casual conversations.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #135 – They never saw it coming first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Join Andrew as he talks with Mikael, a special guest from Norway. Mikael shares how he learned English and got interested in programming and making video games. He also tells the story of how he met Culips team member Alina through a pen pal app years ago. If you want to know Mikael’s tips for learning English and learn some cool video game vocabulary, this episode is perfect for you!
How this episode will improve your English:
- Build your vocabulary: Learn useful gaming and tech words like “roguelike” and everyday phrases like “head bashing against the wall.”
- Improve your pronunciation: Listen to clear and natural English from native and non-native speakers to sound more fluent.
- Learn about culture: Discover how Norwegians learn English and how gaming connects people worldwide.
- Sharpen your listening skills: Understand real-life English by listening to a fun, engaging conversation.
- Practice speaking: Join the speaking classes about this episode (schedule below) to build confidence and improve your conversation skills.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Speaking classes with this episode:
We’ll be discussing this episode in the following small-group conversation classes. To join the classes, you must be a Culips member.
- February 22nd, 2025 with Alina at 11:00 AM Ireland time (GMT +0)
- February 27th, 2025 with Andrew at 8:00 PM Korea time (GMT +9)
- March 4th, 2025 with Indiana at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time (GMT-5)
All classes happen on Zoom and last for one hour. To see the schedule in your time zone and learn how to join the classes, click here:
The post Simplified Speech #211 – Interview with Mikael first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about his quick trip to Vancouver before heading to his hometown for Christmas. He talks about flying in from Seoul, meeting his best friend Luke, and enjoying Canadian treats like poutine. Andrew also faced some challenges, like rainy weather and lost luggage, but still found time to watch a hockey game and explore the city. As you listen, you’ll learn useful English expressions such as “we go way back” and “caught up with me,” and improve your fluency while having fun with Andrew’s adventure.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a real-life story about traveling to Vancouver, meeting his best friend, and exploring the city.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about traveling, winter activities, and spending time with friends.
- Idioms and expressions: Understand common English expressions like “mission accomplished,” “to fend off,” and “to be wiped.”
- Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to improve your fluency and confidence.
- Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server to practice conversational English and share your own stories.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
- Listen to Simplified Speech 205 – Learning to Scuba with Luke
The post Bonus episode #134 – 48 hours in VanCity first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew and Anna talk about modern identity labels that people use in their daily lives. They look at labels for work, relationships, finances, and more. Some examples include WFH (work from home), solopreneur (running a business alone), and dink (double income, no kids). They also discuss terms for different generations, like millennial and zoomer, and relationship labels like situationship. Andrew and Anna explain what these words mean, how people use them, and why these labels have become popular. This episode will help you understand new English vocabulary and learn more about Western culture.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Build Vocabulary and Learn Idioms: Expand your English vocabulary with terms like “DINK(Y)” and “situationship,” and understand idioms such as “out of touch” to improve your conversational English.
- Practice Listening Skills: Improve your listening skills by following native English speakers’ natural speech patterns, tone, and rhythm in real-life discussions.
- Improve English Pronunciation: Hear and mimic correct pronunciation of challenging words like “Achilles heel” and “mollycoddled” to sound more fluent in English.
- Speak English with Confidence: Use new expressions from this episode in your conversations to improve fluency and natural speech. Join our Discord server and participate in our speaking classes to practice these expressions in real-life discussions with other English learners and our teachers.
- Learn English Culture Through Language: Explore how cultural trends influence vocabulary and understand phrases related to modern lifestyles, like “empty nester” or “slashie.”
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Speaking classes with this episode:
We’ll be discussing this episode in the following small-group conversation classes. To join the classes, you must be a Culips member.
- February 15th, 2025 with Alina at 11:00 AM Ireland time (GMT +0)
- February 20th, 2025 with Andrew at 8:00 PM Korea time (GMT +9)
- February 25th, 2025 with Indiana at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time (GMT-5)
All classes happen on Zoom and last for one hour. To see the schedule in your time zone and learn how to join the classes, click here: https://esl.culips.com/online-classes-schedule/
The post Chatterbox #331 – Modern identity labels first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about how his New Year’s plans took an unexpected turn. After a fun trip to Canada, he returned to South Korea feeling under the weather. Despite his plans to start the year with a bang, he spent the first few days battling jet lag and coming down with something. Andrew also talks about celebrating New Year’s Eve with his wife and gives us a glimpse of his gift exchange. As you listen, you’ll learn useful English expressions like “coming down with something” and “start with a bang,” while improving your vocabulary, fluency, and listening skills.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a personal story about his New Year’s experience in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about winter, feeling sick, and celebrating holidays.
- Idioms and expressions: Understand common expressions like “rest up,” “work up an appetite,” and “sometimes life throws you a curveball.”
- Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to improve your fluency and confidence.
- Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #133 – Not so fast first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana discuss her recent move to a new house. They talk about the exciting but exhausting process of buying and moving into a home, the challenges of unpacking, and the traditions surrounding moving day. Indiana shares her experience of house hunting for months and finally settling into her new space, while Andrew reflects on his own moving experiences.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Learn new vocabulary and expressions: The episode includes everyday expressions like “every waking hour” and “go to town,” which you can use in conversations to sound more natural.
- Improve listening skills: Listening to real conversations helps you understand how native speakers talk, including their speed, tone, and pronunciation.
- Practice pronunciation: By listening carefully, you can hear how words are pronounced and try saying them yourself to match.
- Understand everyday topics: The discussion about moving houses teaches useful vocabulary related to daily life, like “house hunting” and “moving truck.”
- Gain confidence in speaking: Hearing casual conversations can help you feel more confident in using English for similar discussions in your life.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #210 – Indiana’s move first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Happy 2025! In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew gets the new year off to an exciting start by sharing some big plans for the months ahead. As you listen, you’ll pick up practical English expressions, discover useful fluency tips, and hear about a special membership sale you won’t want to miss. Let’s make this a fantastic year of learning and growth together!
The post Bonus episode #132 – 2025 Goals: Language, Fitness, Fun first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy reflect on their most memorable moments from 2024, sharing stories about their personal highlights of the year. From family visits and exciting travel experiences to special moments of growth and achievement, they discuss what made this year truly unforgettable.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Improved vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to personal experiences, milestones, and emotions.
- Better listening skills: Understand how native speakers use casual language to share stories and reflect on the past.
- Practical English: Learn how native speakers talk about their experiences and feelings and learn how to discuss important moments in your own life.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #209 – The best of ’24 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about trying to celebrate his mother-in-law’s birthday. At first, they planned a hike, but heavy snow forced them to change their plans over and over again. In the end, he and his family enjoyed a cozy, indoor party instead. You’ll also hear about a funny surprise about his father-in-law’s new look! As you listen, you will learn useful English expressions and build your fluency.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew tells a personal story in a clear, understandable way.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to family gatherings, food, and cultural traditions.
- Idioms and expressions: Learn common English expressions used in real-life situations and understand how to include them in your own conversations.
- Pronunciation: Listen carefully to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to sound more confident and fluent.
- Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #131 – Talking ‘bout last week first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you the meanings and uses of three frequently used adverbs: “typically,” “literally,” and “practically.” The hosts also provide practical examples and tips on effectively using these common but confusing adverbs. Learn how to start using these words in your daily English conversations to improve your fluency and sound more natural.
What You Will Learn:
- About adverbs: Understand how and when to use “typically,” “literally,” and “practically” in English.
- Common expressions: Learn common phrases that include these adverbs and how they can improve your communication.
- Context and nuance: Discover how the meaning of “literally” changes based on context, and when to use it for emphasis.
How This Episode Will Improve Your English:
- Vocabulary building: Expand your vocabulary with three essential adverbs and learn their meanings and uses.
- Listening skills: Improve your listening comprehension by following along with a natural English conversation.
- Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Catch Word #280 – Typically, literally, practically first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his experience trying out cutting-edge virtual reality technology, the Apple Vision Pro. He describes his first-hand encounter with immersive 3D environments, watching videos, and playing games in virtual reality. Andrew also talks about the current limitations and future applications of this technology.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening practice: You’ll hear a native English speaker describe a complex technological experience in detail, improving your understanding of spoken English in a tech-focused context.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to virtual reality, 3D technology, and futuristic concepts.
- Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as “down the pike,” “blow your socks off,” “rough around the edges,” and “cost prohibitive” in real-life contexts.
- Technology trends: Learn about current developments in virtual reality and augmented reality technology, giving you vocabulary to discuss these topics in English.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of tech-related terms, brand names, and colloquial expressions, which you can practice yourself.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #119 – I saw the future first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share some exciting personal news as Kassy prepares to welcome her first baby. They talk about how she told her family, the prepa-rations she’s making, and her experiences during pregnancy. They also discuss how different cultures announce baby news and the use of social media to share family moments. Join An-drew and Kassy as they celebrate this special time in Kassy’s life and help you improve your English skills along the way!
What you will learn:
- Vocabulary related to pregnancy, such as “gestational diabetes,” “cloth diapering,” and “gender reveal party.”
- Insights into how different cultures celebrate and announce pregnancies.
- The pros and cons of using social media to share family news.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Grow your vocabulary with common expressions about parenting and family life.
- Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers.
- Talk about this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server and speaking classes.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #202 – Kassy’s big life update first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about exciting adventures from the final leg of his summer vacation in Banff, Alberta. He recounts the challenges of planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains, his awesome visits to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and a super-cool jazz concert. Plus, he shares a cute story about an impromptu photo session at Lake Louise!
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening practice: You’ll hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about travel planning, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. This will improve your understanding of spoken English in a real-life context.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to travel, natural landscapes, and musical performances.
- Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as “smooth sailing,” “go with the flow,” “up another notch,” and “compare notes” in real-life contexts.
- Canadian culture: Learn about famous Canadian natural attractions, the Banff Center for the Arts and Creativity, and the concept of garage sales in North America.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of place names, geographical features, and music-related terminology, which you can practice yourself.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #118 – 10 out of 10 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss teen employment. They share their personal experiences and explore the reasons behind the increasing number of teen jobs in various countries. They talk about their first jobs, the wages they earned, and how these early work experiences influenced their lives. They also compare teen employment in different cultures and discuss how rising living costs affect young workers.
What You’ll Learn:
- Vocabulary related to teen employment and part-time jobs, such as “stock shelves,” “wage,” “spare,”, and “paper route/round.”
- The reasons why teens start working, including gaining financial independence and helping with increasing living expenses.
- Personal stories about balancing school and work, and how early jobs can impact academic performance and personal growth.
- Cultural differences in teen employment between North America, Europe, and Asia.
How This Episode Will Improve Your English:
- Expand your vocabulary with words and expressions used when discussing part-time work and employment.
- Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers.
- Increase your cultural knowledge about teen jobs in different countries and how these experiences can shape a person’s future.
- Build confidence in discussing your own experiences and job-related topics in English, including how to describe various entry-level positions and their impact on personal development.
- Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Chatterbox #326 – Teen employment first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his summer vacation to Kelowna, British Columbia, his hometown. He describes his adventurous flight on a small plane through stormy weather, his experiences staying at his brother’s place near the beach, and family activities like mini-golfing. Plus he shares a story about a fun linguistic surprise at a sushi restaurant!
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening practice: You’ll hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his travel experiences and family reunions. This improves your understanding of spoken English.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to air travel, weather conditions, recreational activities, and family gatherings.
- Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as “par for the course,” “white knuckling it,” “show someone a thing or two,” and “hit the spot” in a real-life context.
- Canadian culture: Learn about popular summer activities in a Canadian town, family recreation spots, and the issue of forest fires in Western Canada.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words, place names, and activity-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself.
- Travel English: Learn vocabulary and expressions useful for describing travel experiences, weather conditions, and leisure activities.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #117 – Kelownafornia first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Culips episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about audiobooks. They discuss how audiobooks have become more popular in recent years. Andrew shares his experience of listening to audiobooks while running, and Kassy talks about why she has limited experience with them. They also talk about the good and bad points of audiobooks compared to reading regular books.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening practice: You’ll hear two native English speakers have a natural conversation about audiobooks. This will help you get better at understanding spoken English.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and expressions related to books and technology.
- Everyday expressions: Hear common English idioms and expressions used in context, such as “Cringeworthy” and “Make it or break it.”
- Cultural knowledge: Learn about how people in English-speaking countries enjoy books in different ways.
- Pronunciation: Listen to clear English pronunciation, which you can practice repeating.
- Conversation skills: Talk about this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server and speaking classes.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Sign up and become a Culips member now!
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #201 – Audiobooks first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Canada, focusing on his visit to Victoria, British Columbia. He describes his journey from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry, a whale-watching adventure with his wife and an old friend, and a barbecue party with his former bandmates. Andrew shares details about seeing orca and humpback whales, visiting Race Rocks to observe sea lions and seals, and an unexpected change of plans due to COVID-19.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening practice: You’ll get to hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his travel experiences and reunions with friends. This helps improve your understanding of spoken English, especially in story form.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to travel, marine life, and social gatherings.
- Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms and colloquialisms such as “hightail it,” “spitting fire,” “give someone their flowers,” and “call it a night” in context.
- Canadian culture: Learn about popular tourist activities in British Columbia, Canadian wildlife, and social customs like summer barbecues.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words, place names, and wildlife-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #116 – Whale of a time first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Suzanne explore two strong English expressions that you can use when you want to say, “absolutely not!” or when something is completely impossible. They are “Over my dead body” and “When hell freezes over.” These expressions are used to show firm refusal or to say that something will never happen.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Understanding idioms: Learn how to use the expressions “Over my dead body” and “When hell freezes over” to show strong disagreement or to describe something that is impossible.
- Vocabulary in context: Learn the different contexts in which these expressions can be used, including both serious and playful situations.
- Cultural tips: Learn how these expressions are used in everyday conversations and when it is appropriate to use them.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and practice using new expressions that will help you sound more natural and fluent in English.
- Improve your listening: Build your skills so you can understand and follow native speakers discussing real-life situations.
- Boost your confidence: Feel more confident using strong language in English to express your opinions or stand your ground in conversations.
- Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Catch Word #279 – Over my dead body first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew tells a story about camping in British Columbia, Canada. He went with his brother and talks about their journey on logging roads, setting up camp in the rain, and enjoying a natural hot spring. Andrew also talks about an incident with his stolen sandals, describes the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, and explains why this trip was so special to him.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening practice: You’ll get to hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his outdoor experience. This helps improve your understanding of spoken English.
- New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to camping, nature, and travel, like “logging road,” “raging river,” and “hot spring.”
- Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as “better safe than sorry,” “stone’s throw away,” and “slept like a baby” in context.
- Canadian culture: Learn about outdoor activities in Canada, small-town experiences, and popular natural attractions.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words and nature-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #115 – Hot spring heist first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy help you learn how to talk about being unemployed in an optimistic way. They teach you how to discuss your job status in a way that’s both positive and professional. You’ll learn how to have conversations about finding a new job or changing career with their helpful explanations!
What you will learn in this episode:
- Positive talk: Learn how to talk about being unemployed in a positive way.
- Useful expressions: Discover useful expressions like “I’m in between jobs” and “I’m at a career crossroads.”
- Real-Life examples: Hear simple conversations that show how to use these phrases in everyday situations.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
- New vocabulary: Build your English vocabulary with useful words and expressions for discussing unemployment.
- Better communication: Gain confidence in talking about your job status without feeling awkward or negative.
- Fluency in context: Practice using these expressions to make your English sound more fluent and natural in real-life conversations.
- Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Real Talk #063 – How to talk about being unemployed first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description:
In this episode, Andrew recaps his recent 48-hour trip to Osaka, Japan. He shares his experiences from the first-ever Culips meetup, his shopping adventures for running shoes and vinyl records, and his nighttime run around Osaka Castle. Andrew also describes his encounters with local cuisine, an exceptional coffee shop, and the challenges of exercising in Japan’s summer heat.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he gives a detailed account of his travel experiences.
- Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, shopping, and running, such as “layover,” “hustle and bustle,” “tax-free plan,” and “running crews.”
- Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like “put some faces to the community,” “all set for,” and “it is what it is” used in context.
- Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #114 – Osaka was awesome first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna explore the topics of overtourism and tourist shaming. They share their thoughts on a recent protest in Barcelona where demonstrators used water guns to express their frustration with the high number of tourists. Andrew and Anna also compare different cities’ approaches to managing tourism and discuss the impact of tourism on local communities.
What you will learn about in this episode:
- Overtourism: Find out what overtourism is and how it causes problems in cities like Barcelona, impacting the lives of local residents.
- Tourist shaming: Learn about tourist shaming and its effects on both visitors and locals.
How you will improve your English with this episode
- Build your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to tourism and social issues.
- Strengthen your listening skills: Strengthen your ability to follow and understand natural conversations between native speakers.
- Refine your pronunciation: Listen to and mimic native speaker pronunciation to sound more natural.
- Increase your cultural knowledge: Learn about cultural and social issues that will help you communicate more effectively in English.
- Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Chatterbox #325 – Overtourism first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions for describing situations where you are left alone without support: “Left to your own devices” and “High and dry.” With several helpful example conversations, they discuss the meaning and nuance of these expressions and provide easy-to-understand explanations to help you know how to use them in different real-life situations.
What You Will Learn
- Key expressions: Learn the meaning of “Left to your own devices” and “High and dry.”
- How to speak like a native: Learn about different situations where these expressions are commonly used.
- Cultural tips: Hear about popular songs that use these expressions and the maritime origins of “High and dry.”
- Practical examples: Listen to conversations that show you how to use these expressions naturally.
How This Episode Will Help You
- Expand Vocabulary: Add new idiomatic expressions to your English vocabulary.
- Improve Comprehension: Understand how and when to use these expressions in real-life situations.
- Cultural Knowledge: Learn about cultural references and popular music that feature these expressions.
- Listening Practice: Upgrade your listening skills with clear and easy-to-understand examples.
The best way to learn with this lesson
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips Member now!
- Members can access the ad-free version here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.
The post Catch Word #278 – Left to your own devices first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew is away this week visiting family and friends in Canada, so we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit a classic bonus episode from 2022, titled ‘A Sweet Mystery.’ This episode quickly became a Culips fan favorite for its interesting story. In the episode, Andrew talks about a mystery he has discovered in his neighborhood and about visiting a Christmas market in Seoul. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to not hold water. Enjoy!
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post [Classic] Bonus Episode #031 – A sweet mystery first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Real Talk, Andrew and Kassy teach you how to handle misunderstandings in English conversations. They focus on common situations where people might get confused, such as unclear pronunciation or vague statements. Through practical examples, you’ll learn how to ask for clarification and how to correct yourself politely when you’ve been misunderstood.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Clarification expressions: Learn useful expressions to help you handle misunderstandings easily.
- Practical examples: Listen to two real-life conversations that show how to use these expressions in different situations.
- Pronunciation tips: Understand the difference between similar-sounding numbers, like 15 and 50, to avoid confusion.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
- Better vocabulary: Build your English vocabulary with new expressions for handling misunderstandings.
- Improved understanding: Improve your listening skills so you can understand and solve unclear statements or pronunciation issues.
- Fluency and confidence: Practice using these expressions in real-life situations to sound more fluent and confident in English.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Real Talk #062 – What to say when you’re misunderstood first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about crossing an item off his bucket list. He talks about his long-standing goal to cook a dish that would genuinely impress his wife. Andrew describes his experience preparing miyeokguk, a traditional Korean seaweed soup, for his wife’s birthday. He talks about searching for a great recipe, cooking the dish, and his wife’s reaction to the meal.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he shares a personal story and explains cultural customs.
- Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to cooking, cultural practices, and personal goals, such as “bucket list,” “reconstituting,” and “customary food.”
- Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like “kick the bucket,” “whip up,” and “blow you out of the water” used in a natural context.
- Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #113 – Off the bucket list first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about the topic of “decluttering” – in other words, removing and tidying up disorganized objects in your home. They discuss different methods of decluttering, including the concept of Swedish death cleaning, and share their own experiences with organizing their homes and lives. On a scale of 1 to 10, how organized do you think Andrew and Indiana’s workspaces are? Listen and find out!
What you will learn
- Decluttering techniques: Discover different methods of decluttering, including the unique concept of Swedish death cleaning.
- Personal experiences: Hear Andrew and Indiana share their personal stories and challenges with decluttering.
- Practical tips: Learn practical tips and strategies to help you organize your own space and minimize clutter.
How this episode will improve your English
- Vocabulary building: Learn key words and expressions related to decluttering and organization.
- Listening skills: Improve your listening by hearing native English speakers talk in a natural, conversational setting.
- Real-life learning: Understand how to use the new vocabulary and expressions in real-life situations and conversations.
- Cultural Insights: Learn about what Canadians and Americans think about decluttering and organization.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking and communication practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Simplified Speech #200 – Decluttering your life first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his upcoming trip to Osaka, Japan. He discusses the top three things he’s looking forward to: the first-ever Culips meetup, shopping, and exploring Osaka through running. Andrew also looks back on his previous visits to Osaka and his travel style, focusing on personal interests rather than typical tourist activities.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he talks about real-life experiences and plans.
- Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, shopping, and running, such as “layover,” “dire need,” “abusing,” and “want list.”
- Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like “been there, done that,” “talking into the void,” and “hit up” used in context.
- Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Participate in the Osaka meetup on July 30th!
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Bonus episode #112 – Visiting Osaka first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever thought about how different cultures and generations handle child discipline at home? In this episode, Andrew and Alina discuss the kinds of punishments they experienced as children and explore how these methods have changed over time. They share personal stories and reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and the impact these punishments had on their lives.
What you will learn about in this episode:
- Types of punishments: Learn about the different kinds of punishments children receive at home across various cultures, particularly in Canada and Russia.
- Effectiveness and impact: Understand how the hosts reflect on the long-term impact of different kinds of punishments they received growing up.
- Personal stories: Hear personal stories about childhood punishments and their effects.
- Current trends: Learn about current trends in child discipline and how they differ from past generations.
How you will improve your English with this episode
- Build your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to child discipline and punishment.
- Better understanding: Improve your understanding of English by using the context and usage of new vocabulary through real-life examples.
- Natural conversation skills: Listen to a natural conversation, which will help you speak more like a native.
- Cultural insight: Learn about cultural differences in child-rearing practices, improving your skills to communicate with people from different cultures.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
The post Chatterbox #324 – Childhood discipline and punishment first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares his excitement about an upcoming trip to his home country, Canada. He discusses three main things he’s looking forward to: reuniting with old friends in Victoria, enjoying lake swimming in his hometown of Kelowna, and visiting Banff in the Rocky Mountains. He also shares personal stories about Canadian summer activities and the beauty of the country.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing personal experiences and future plans in detail.
- Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, outdoor activities, and Canadian geography, such as “swimmable,” “high dive,” and “scenic spot.”
- Idioms and expressions: Learn helpful English expressions like “crack my list,” “don’t get me wrong,” and “I’m all over that” used in context.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, including place names and casual speech patterns, which you can then practice on your own.
- Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of Canadian geography, summer activities, and cultural events, providing context for future conversations about travel and leisure.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Participate in the Osaka meetup on July 30th!
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Special Offer: Save 20% on Culips Memberships!
For one week only, until July 22nd, we’re offering a 20% discount on yearly Culips memberships! Get access to helpful study guides, interactive transcripts, ad-free episodes, member-only series, weekly speaking classes, and more. Sign up now and reach your English goals with Culips!
If you’re a current member, you can take advantage of the sale by renewing your membership at the discounted price.
Sign up now and save 20% until July 22nd.
The post Bonus episode #111 – Things I’m looking forward to first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Special Offer: Save 20% on Culips Memberships!
For one week only, until July 22nd, we’re offering a 20% discount on yearly Culips memberships! Get access to helpful study guides, interactive transcripts, ad-free episodes, member-only series, weekly speaking classes, and more. Sign up now and reach your English goals with Culips!
If you’re a current member, you can take advantage of the sale by renewing your membership at the discounted price.
Sign up now and save 20% until July 22nd.
Episode description:
Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of bike lanes in cities? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne discuss the topic of bike lanes, sharing their personal experiences and opinions on cycling infrastructure. They talk about the pros and cons of bike lanes, how different cities approach cycling, and the impact on pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Bike lane basics: Understand what bike lanes are and their purpose in city infrastructure.
- Different perspectives: Hear from both a casual cyclist and a more experienced cycling hobbyist about their views on bike lanes.
- City comparisons: Discover how bike infrastructure varies between cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Seoul.
- Cycling culture: Learn about cycling culture and how it influences city planning and transportation.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
- Grow your vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to cycling and city infrastructure.
- Listening practice: Improve your listening skills with natural, engaging conversations.
- Fluent conversation skills: Practice understanding and using English in discussions about everyday topics like transportation and safety
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- SALE: Become a Culips member and save 20%
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Expressions included in the study guide
- Paint something with the same brush
- High-stakes
- Psych oneself out
- Pins and needles
- Spur something on
- There’s no two ways about it
The post Simplified Speech #199 – Bike lanes first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Special Offer: Save 20% on Culips Memberships!
For one week only, until July 22nd, we’re offering a 20% discount on yearly Culips memberships! Get access to helpful study guides, interactive transcripts, ad-free episodes, member-only series, weekly speaking classes, and more. Sign up now and reach your English goals with Culips!
If you’re a current member, you can take advantage of the sale by renewing your membership at the discounted price.
Sign up now and save 20% until July 22nd.
Episode description:
In this episode, Andrew talks about the pros and cons of running’s growing popularity. He highlights the challenges runners face, especially the difficulty of finding good running shoes due to high demand. Andrew shares a personal story about trying to save money by purchasing discounted shoes online, only to discover they were counterfeits. Listen to hear about his experience with these fake shoes, the frustrations of marathon sign-ups, and other downsides of the running boom.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing real-life situations in detail.
- Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to running and fitness, such as “endurance,” “training cycle,” “counterfeit,” and “foam cushioning.”
- Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like “a grain of salt,” “touch grass,” and “missed the boat” used in context.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own.
- Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of the running culture and fitness trends in different parts of the world, especially in Seoul.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- SALE: Become a Culips member and save 20%
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
- Osaka meet-up registration
The post Bonus episode #110 – Too good to be true first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you sometimes feel anxious without knowing why? In this Chatterbox English learning podcast, Andrew and Anna dive deep into the topic of anxiety. They explain what anxiety means, how it affects people, and share their personal experiences. From nervous feelings before a presentation to intense panic attacks, this episode covers it all. If you want to improve your English while learning about mental health, this episode is perfect for you!
What you will learn:
- Understanding Anxiety: Learn what anxiety is and its different forms.
- Personal Experiences: Hear Andrew and Anna share their own anxiety stories.
- Practical Tips: Discover effective ways to manage and reduce anxiety in daily life.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
- New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about emotions and mental health.
- Listening Practice: Improve your skills by following a natural English conversation.
- Contextual Learning: Understand how to use new words in real situations.
- Speaking Practice: Discuss the episode with other learners on the Culips Discord Server.
What’s included in the study guide:
- Interactive transcript
- In-depth explanations and examples of the key expressions
- Vocabulary quiz
- Comprehension quiz
- Speaking and writing practice questions
The best way to learn with this lesson:
- Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now.
- Members can access the ad-free version here.
- Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.
The post Chatterbox #323 – Recognizing anxiety first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew discusses the recent lovebug outbreak in Seoul. He describes these insects, explains their unusual name, and talks about his experience dealing with them this summer. Andrew also explores the bigger topic of how people approach killing insects, and shares his own opinion about this issue.
This episode will help improve your English in the following ways:
- Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing a real-life situation in detail.
- Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to insects and pest control, such as “proliferating,” “symbiotic relationship,” “keep in check,” and “creepy crawly.”
- Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like “out of the blue,” “attached at the hip,” and “it’s on” used in context.
- Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own.
- Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of how people in different cultures deal with household pests.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Episode notes:
- The scientific name of the lovebug is plecia nearctica.
- Contrary to what Andrew mentions, a centipede can have between 15 pairs to 191 pairs of legs and a millipede can have between 40 and 1,306 pairs of legs.
The post Bonus episode #109 – The lovebugs first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Curious about the growing popularity of Stoicism but not sure what it’s all about? In this engaging episode of Chatterbox, hosts Andrew and Anna dive into the philosophy of Stoicism. They unpack its principles, discuss why it has gained traction in recent years, and share practical ways to apply Stoic ideas in everyday life. Key topics include managing emotions, embracing challenges, and learning from renowned Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Key principles: Discover the main ideas of Stoicism, including controlling your emotions, choosing to let go of anger and stress, and embracing challenges.
- Practical applications: Hear about real-life examples of how to use Stoic principles to reduce stress and improve your daily life.
- Popular figures: Learn about the origins of Stoicism and its founding fathers, Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, as well as popular YouTubers and podcasters that discuss this philosophy.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary Building: Learn new words and phrases related to philosophy and self-improvement.
- Listening Skills: Improve your listening comprehension with a clear and interesting discussion between two native speakers.
- Cultural knowledge: Understand the modern popularity of Stoicism and its influence on today’s self-help trends.
- Improve your speaking and communication skills: Use the study guide and connect with the member community to practice speaking about Stoicism in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now.
Members can access the ad-free version here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.
Episode references:
- An introduction to Stoicism by Ryan Holiday: https://youtu.be/s27_2jlQq8U
The post Chatterbox #322 – The Stoicism explosion first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about trying to clean out his junk drawer and exchange some of the coins he’s been saving up for the past few years at the bank. What seemed like a simple task turns out to be surprisingly complicated. Tune in to hear all the details of this everyday adventure and improve your English at the same time!
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
- Listening Skills: Practice understanding naturally spoken English through Andrew’s engaging story about cleaning his junk drawer and exchanging coins at the bank.
- Vocabulary Building: Expand your vocabulary with new words and expressions related to household tasks and banking, such as “odds and ends,” “spare change,” “cash out,” and “paid off.”
- Pronunciation Practice: Improve your pronunciation by shadowing Andrew’s speech throughout the episode, helping you become a clearer and more confident speaker.
- English Speaking Practice: Enhance your speaking skills by joining discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule
- Simplified Speech 189 – Company’s coming
The post Bonus episode #108 – Odds and ends first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss the big changes in Kassy’s life as she prepares to move from Thailand back to Korea. They talk about her experiences living and working in Thailand, her future plans, and the cultural differences she has encountered along the way. Listening to this fun and easy-to-understand conversation is a great way to work on your English and learn some useful vocabulary!
What You Will Learn:
- Vocabulary and expressions related to life changes, international moves, and daily routines.
- Cultural insights into living and working abroad, especially in Thailand and Korea.
- Personal stories about adjusting to new environments and making life decisions.
How This Episode Will Improve Your English:
- Expand your vocabulary with words and expressions used in everyday conversation about moving and living abroad.
- Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers.
- Learn about cultural differences and similarities between Thailand and Korea, improving your cultural knowledge.
- Build confidence in discussing your own experiences and future plans in English.
- Practice your English speaking and communication skills by sharing your own experiences on our Discord server.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #198 – Leaving Thailand first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his day exploring Seoul with his wife. He shares their experiences of finding something fun to do on a free Sunday. Andrew describes visiting a crowded restaurant, enjoying Korean rice cakes at a special cafe, and checking out outdoor reading spaces in the city. He talks about spontaneous plans, dealing with the summer heat, and the awesome surprises of big-city life. Enjoy the episode and happy English learning!
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
- Listening skills: Practice understanding naturally spoken English through Andrew’s storytelling about his day in Seoul.
- Vocabulary building: Learn new words and phrases related to city exploration and Korean culture. You will learn useful idioms like “jam-packed,” “flash forward,” and “something clicked.”
- Pronunciation practice: Use the episode to shadow Andrew’s pronunciation to become a clearer speaker.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Small-group discussion class schedule
- Chatterbox 318 – Digital modesty
The post Bonus episode #107 – Adventure time first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy talk about the “rat race.” They discuss what it means, whether their jobs feel like a rat race, and how people might escape it. Kassy chose this topic because of a book she recently read called “Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.” The conversation turns into an interesting discussion about modern life, competition, goals, dreams, and personal happiness.
What You Will Learn:
- What “rat race” means and how it relates to a busy life.
- How pressure from society makes people feel stuck in competition.
- Personal stories about being in or escaping the rat race.
- New words and expressions related to the topic.
How This Episode Will Improve Your English:
- Learn vocabulary, expressions, and idioms about work-life balance and social pressure.
- Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation.
- Understand expressions like “to be in the thick of something” and “to be cut out for.”
- Practice your English speaking and communication skills by sharing your own experiences on our Discord server.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #197 – The rat race first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent train journey from Boryeong to Seoul. He shares his experiences of traveling on a crowded train, where he came across a mother and her young children who brought unexpected chaos to the trip. Andrew describes how the children’s behavior affected the other passengers and the surprising reactions from everyone on board. He reflects on the importance of being polite in public places and the challenges of handling difficult situations while traveling. Enjoy the episode and happy learning!
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
- Listening skills: Practice understanding spoken English through Andrew’s storytelling about his train ride.
- Vocabulary building: Learn new words and phrases related to travel and public behavior. You will learn useful idioms like “stuffed/packed to the gills,” “paint someone in a bad light,” and “within earshot.”
- Pronunciation practice: Use the episode to shadow Andrew’s pronunciation to become a clearer speaker.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
The post Bonus episode #106 – Crazy train first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this special episode, Andrew is joined by Australian wildlife expert Joey Clarke, Senior Science Communicator at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. They talk about Australia’s unique animals, conservation efforts, and fire management. Listen to hear fascinating stories about the wildlife of Australia and how it is being protected while improving your English skills!
What You Will Learn in This Episode:* The unique features of various Australian wildlife species, including tree kangaroos and numbats. * The differences between marsupials and placental mammals and why marsupials are common in Australia. * The major threats to Australian wildlife, such as habitat loss, feral animals, and invasive plants. * The role of fire in the Australian ecosystem and traditional Indigenous fire management practices. * Success stories of conservation efforts by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. * Tips for being a responsible tourist in Australia and supporting conservation efforts.
How This Episode Will Improve Your English:* Learn new vocabulary related to wildlife, conservation, and ecosystems. * Hear both Australian and Canadian accents, helping you understand different ways of speaking English. * Understand and discuss complex topics like conservation strategies and the impact of invasive species. * Discuss the episode with other English learners on the Culips Discord Server.
Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction * 04:05 – Chapter 1: Introduction to Joey Clarke * 07:19 – Chapter 2: The Australian bush * 10:23 – Chapter 3: Unique Australian wildlife * 15:33 – Chapter 4: Marsupials and Placental Mammals * 20:28 – Chapter 5: Threats to wildlife * 25:44 – Chapter 6: Fires in Australia * 32:20 – Chapter 7: Conservation Success Stories * 38:38 – Chapter 8: Responsible tourism * 40:51 – Chapter 9: Learning more about the Australian Wildlife Conservancy * 43:04* – Conclusion
Links:* Australian Wildlife Conservancy * Australian Wildlife Conservancy on Instagram * Australian Wildlife Conservancy on YouTube * Donate to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy * Culips Discord Server
Become a Culips member:Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.
The post Chatterbox #321 – A talk about Australian wildlife with Joey Clarke first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his weekend trip to Boryeong, a small city on the west coast of South Korea. He shares his experiences of traveling by train, staying with friends, and participating in the Boryeong Half Marathon. Andrew describes the city’s famous mud festival and the enjoyable moments he had running and spending time with his friends. He also discusses the challenges of the race and the satisfaction of achieving personal goals.
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
- Listening skills: Practice understanding spoken English through Andrew’s storytelling about his trip and race.
- Vocabulary building: Learn new words related to travel and cultural and sporting events. You will learn some useful idioms like “stand corrected,” “infamous,” “have your hands full,” and “draw the shortest straw.”
- Pronunciation practice: Use the episode to shadow Andrew’s pronunciation to become a clearer speaker.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Enjoy the episode and happy learning!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:28 – Announcement of the Culips small-group discussion classes
00:04:30 – Announcement of a meet-up in Japan
00:06:17 – Introduction to the “Weekend Away” story
00:13:48 – Arriving in Boryeong
00:16:36 – Nightmare train ride
00:18:54 – The night before the race
00:21:01 – The morning of the race
00:23:10 – Race report
00:32:15 – Conclusion
Important links:
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript
- Join the Culips Discord server
The post Bonus episode #105 – Weekend away first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode Description:
In this episode, Andrew talks about following his favorite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, during the NHL playoffs. He shares his passion for the team and the highs and lows he felt throughout the season. Andrew also discusses the thrill of watching last-minute victories and the disappointment of their eventual elimination.
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
- Vocabulary building: You’ll expand your vocabulary with terms related to sports and everyday life.
- Idioms and expressions: You’ll understand idiomatic expressions like “come full circle” and “live up to your potential” in context, making them easier to remember and use.
- Listening comprehension: You’ll hear natural English conversation, helping you improve your listening skills and comprehension.
- Cultural insight: Gain a deeper understanding of personal celebrations and traditions.
- Pronunciation and intonation: Improve your pronunciation by listening to Andrew’s natural speech patterns.
- English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Bonus episode #104 – Cup quest first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about dealing with extreme weather, such as heat waves and cold snaps. They discuss their favorite methods for staying cool during heat waves. Then, they share experiences about staying warm during cold snaps, including the use of heating gadgets.
By listening to this episode, you will learn how to talk about weather and temperature. You’ll also pick up new vocabulary and learn about cultural differences in a fun and easy-to-follow discussion. Join Andrew and Kassy as they share stories and tips about coping with extreme temperatures, helping you improve your English skills along the way!
What You Will Learn:
- Vocabulary related to weather and temperature, such as “heat wave,” “cold snap,” and more!
- Cultural differences in dealing with extreme weather conditions in countries like Canada, the USA, South Korea, Australia, and Thailand.
- Comparisons between Eastern and Western approaches to dealing with extreme temperatures.
How You Will Improve Your English with This Episode:
- Expand your vocabulary with weather-related terms and expressions used in everyday conversations.
- Learn to describe personal experiences related to different weather conditions.
- Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers.
- Enhance your communication skills by sharing your own experiences with extreme weather on our Discord server.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #196 – Heat waves and cold snaps first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew reflects on the busy month of May, and talks about personal celebrations like his birthday and anniversary, and describes how he and his wife celebrated these special occasions. Andrew also talks about buying a new espresso machine and the joys (and challenges) of perfecting his coffee-making skills. As you listen to Andrew’s stories, you’ll learn practical vocabulary and expressions that you can use in your daily English conversations.
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
Vocabulary building: Learn new words and phrases related to celebrations, coffee making, and daily activities.
Listening comprehension: Enhance your ability to understand natural, conversational English.
Cultural insight: Gain a deeper understanding of personal celebrations and traditions.
Pronunciation and intonation: Improve your pronunciation by listening to Andrew’s natural speech patterns.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
- Become a Culips member
- Study with the interactive transcript:
- Join the Culips Discord server
- Simplified Speech #194 – Double birthday bash
The post Bonus episode #103 – Wild May first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Suzanne introduce two expressions to help you describe challenging situations in English: “To hit the fan” and “Everything’s gone south.” These phrases are helpful for expressing when things aren’t going well. By listening to this episode, you’ll learn what they mean, how to use them, and where they come from. Join Andrew and Suzanne to master these expressions and boost your English skills!
What You Will Learn
- What “To hit the fan” and “Everything’s gone south” mean.
- How these expressions are used in everyday conversations, especially at work or in personal situations.
- Discover why English speakers use these expressions and how they reflect everyday experiences.
- Get advice on using these expressions correctly in your own English conversations.
How This Episode Will Help You
- Add useful expressions to your English vocabulary.
- Practice using these idioms naturally, making your English sound more fluent.
- Understand the cultural context behind these expressions, helping you connect better with English speakers.
- Practice talking about these topics with our community on Discord.
- Use the study guide to learn even more related expressions, test your knowledge with a quiz, and practice using the new vocabulary in various contexts.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Catch Word #277 – Hit the fan first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew is interviewed about his life in South Korea by Alastair Budge, host of the English for Curious Minds podcast. Andrew discusses his journey from Canada to Korea, his initial experiences teaching English in a small mountain city, and how he handled cultural differences and embraced the unpredictability of life abroad. As you listen to Andrew’s interview, you’ll gain insights into South Korean culture and the challenges and rewards of living in a foreign country.
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to interviews, cultural experiences, and teaching abroad.
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding spoken English in a natural, conversational setting.
Cultural insight: Gain a deeper understanding of South Korean culture and the life of a foreigner who lives there.
Pronunciation and intonation: Improve your pronunciation by listening to Andrew’s natural speech patterns.
Interactive learning: Discuss the episode with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for speaking practice.
- Study with the interactive transcript:
- Join the Culips Discord server:
- Become a Culips member:
- Bonus episode 54: Click here.
- Listen to the full interview on Alastair’s Youtube channel:
The post Bonus episode #102 – Andrew gets interviewed first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna are trying out something new – they’re playing a conversation game! The goal of the game is to make deeper conversations, moving beyond small talk. The hosts go through a range of questions, from light-hearted to deep and thought-provoking, and then discuss each other’s responses. As they answer these questions, they share their personal experiences, memories, and take time to reflect on their lives. Make sure to give this episode a listen to find out more and improve your communication skills!
What You Will Learn:
- How to discuss hypothetical situations using conditional sentences.
- How to effectively participate in a conversation, ask follow-up questions, and express your opinions respectfully.
- How to make your speech more engaging by using descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and figurative language.
How This Episode Will Help You:
- Grow your vocabulary with vocabulary related to conversation, communication, and relationships.
- Build your listening skills by following a natural conversation between native English speakers.
- Learn idiomatic expressions like “think on your feet” and “Goldilocks.”
- Gain a deeper understanding of British and Canadian cultures.
- Use the study guide and join the member community on Discord to practice asking and answering similar open-ended questions.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Chatterbox #320 – Connecting through conversation first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about going on a picnic with his wife to the Han River Park in Seoul, South Korea. He describes their preparation process, the convenient amenities available at the park, and the awesome time they shared together. As you listen to Andrew’s story, you’ll learn new vocabulary related to picnics, outdoor activities, and more. Plus, you’ll also improve your listening skills and ability to follow a long-form story in English.
This episode will help you improve your English in several ways:
Vocabulary: You’ll learn new words and phrases about picnics, adventures, and outdoor experiences. This will help you discuss these topics more effectively in English.
Listening: By focusing on Andrew’s story, you’ll practice understanding spoken English and following the main points of a narrative.
Speaking: Andrew’s picnic experience might inspire you to share your own stories about enjoying outdoor activities with friends and family. You can also practice your English by discussing this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server.
Pronunciation: Listening to Andrew’s natural English will help you improve your own pronunciation and intonation, as you become more familiar with the rhythm and flow of the language.
- Study with the interactive transcript:
- Join the Culips Discord server:
- Become a Culips member:
The post Bonus episode #101 – Perfect Picnic first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy will teach you two fun expressions to make your English even better: “spruce up” and “deck out.” You will learn how English speakers use these expressions to talk about making something look or work better. For example, you might spruce up your clothes for spring or deck out a game room with cool new gadgets. Get ready to “spruce up” your English and “deck out” your vocabulary with this fun and informative episode!
What You Will Learn:
- The meaning of “spruce up” and “deck out”
- How to use these expressions in real life
- Where these expressions come from and why we use them
- Tips for using “spruce up” and “deck out” in your own English conversations
How This Episode Will Help You:
- Learn two new expressions to make your English more natural
- Become more fluent by using expressions English speakers use every day
- Discover how people in the U.S. and Canada “deck out” their houses with lots of lights and decorations for holidays like Halloween and Christmas
- Practice talking about these topics with our community on Discord
- Use the study guide to learn even more related expressions, test your knowledge with a quiz, and practice using the new vocabulary in various contexts
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Catch Word #276 – Spruce it up first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description:In this episode, Andrew interviews Jesús Florez, a Culips listener originally from Colombia. Jesús talks about his journey of becoming a highly proficient English speaker with an American-like accent. He discusses his background story of meeting his wife online and moving from Colombia to the United States. He tells Andrew all about the intensive work he did to improve his pronunciation and the resources he used to achieve fluency, plus he shares some valuable tips with English learners! If you want to know how to become a fluent English speaker and perfect your pronunciation, this episode is for you!
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Effective strategies for mastering an American-like accent.
- The importance of input (listening) in working on pronunciation.
- Helpful tips for improving pronunciation in a foreign language.
- Benefits of learning from both native and non-native English teachers.
- The importance of the visual aspect of pronunciation.
How this episode will help improve your English:
- Expand your vocabulary related to language learning
- Improve listening skills by following a natural unscripted conversation.
- Learn useful expressions like “get [something] off the ground” and “take precedence”.
- Improve speaking by discussing your own language learning journey using the study guide questions.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Chatterbox #319 – Interview with Jesús Florez first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description
In this very special episode, we celebrate hitting the 100-episode milestone of the bonus series. And we do so by flipping the script. Instead of hearing Andrew share a story with you, you’ll get to listen to stories sent in by Culips listeners from around the world. Tune in to hear them share funny moments, discuss their English study routines, and talk about how they’ve leveled up their language skills with Culips.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the creation of this episode. Without our amazing community, Culips wouldn’t exist. We hope you enjoy this special edition of the bonus series, and here’s to many more episodes to come!
- Study with the interactive transcript: Click here.
- Join the Culips Discord server:
- Become a Culips member:
Chapters:
- [00:00:00] Introduction – Andrew explains the special 100th bonus episode
- [00:05:51] Story from Sodam about moving to the U.S.
- [00:06:51] Story from Sandra about an extraordinary experience at the Musée d’Orsay
- [00:08:09] Story from Ray about learning English through Pokémon and practicing shadowing
- [00:10:04] Story from Jin about discovering Culips and using the interactive transcript
- [00:12:54] Story from Shun about the power of shadowing
- [00:17:16] Story from Mery about a trip to London with her boyfriend
- [00:20:44] Story from Edit about sleep talking
- [00:25:23] Story from Pijon about why pronunciation is important
- [00:27:41] Story from Navid about improving his English after immigrating to Canada
- [00:30:44] Story from Suhavi about being forced to listen to Culips by her mom
- [00:35:07] Story from WangJae about becoming a father
- [00:37:58] Story from Grimes about learning English with Culips
- [00:39:29] Story from Kalléu about improving English skills through Culips
- [00:39:29] Story from Dominika about a Czech tradition
- [00:42:53] Story from Jiwoo and Chloe about their mom’s passion for Culips
- [00:44:33] Story from Sarah comparing school life in two different countries
- [00:46:50] Story from Usako about decluttering and playing table tennis
- [00:48:52] Story from Kelvin about his English learning journey
- [00:50:24] Story from Mina about returning to work after maternity leave
- [00:52:33] Story from Sergey about Culips in his daily routine
- [00:53:38] Story from Muhammed about learning with Culips
- [00:54:32] Story from Anthony about improving his English for business
- [00:58:04] Story from Zahra about finding Culips during the pandemic
- [00:58:56] Story from Diana about mistaking chrysanthemum tubers for ginger
- [01:02:51] Story from Darkhan about a blessing in disguise
- [01:04:19] Story from Thea Yang about learning languages every day
The post Bonus episode #100 – Your stories first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description:
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy share their experiences attending live sporting events in various countries, including Canada, the USA, Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. They discuss the exciting atmosphere, food options, ticket prices, and cultural differences between watching sports in different parts of the world.
By listening to this episode, you will gain a better understanding of how to talk about sports and live events in English. You’ll also pick up new vocabulary words and learn about cultural differences in an engaging and easy-to-follow discussion. Join Andrew and Kassy as they share their passion for sports and help you improve your English skills along the way!
What you will learn
- Vocabulary related to sports and live events, such as “seeded,” “concession,” and “jumbotron”
- Insights into the sports culture and fan experiences in different countries
- Comparisons between the cost and availability of food and drinks at stadiums around the world
- Opinions on watching sports on TV versus attending live events
How you will improve your English with this episode
- Expand your vocabulary with sports-related terms and expressions
- Learn to discuss and compare cultural experiences using clear language
- Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers
- Improve your communication skills by discussing this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Simplified Speech #195 – Live sports first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about running a trail race in Jangsu, a small village in South Korea. He describes the challenges of running on mountain paths, the beautiful scenery he saw, and the great feeling of finishing the race. As you listen to Andrew’s story, you’ll learn new vocabulary about running, nature, and facing difficulties. You’ll also improve your listening skills and ability to understand a story in English.
- Study with the interactive transcript:
- Join the Culips Discord server:
- Get the comprehension quiz:
The post Bonus episode #099 – Trail talk first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description:
In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the concept of digital modesty – the idea of being mindful about how much personal information you share online. They explore the benefits and drawbacks of sharing on social media and the importance of setting boundaries to protect your privacy.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The meaning of digital modesty and why it’s an important topic
- Different perspectives on sharing personal information online
- The potential risks of oversharing on social media
- The importance of setting personal boundaries and limits for online sharing
- How cultural differences can influence what is considered modest or acceptable to share
How this episode will improve your English:
- Expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to online behavior and social media, such as: digital modesty, non-negotiables,off-putting, oversharing, and boundaries.
- Improve your listening comprehension by following a natural, unscripted conversation between native English speakers.
- Learn idiomatic expressions like strike a chord and play devil’s advocate.
- Gain insight into cultural differences and how they can impact online behavior
- Improve your speaking and communication skills by using the study guide and connecting with the member community to practice speaking about digital modesty in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Episode references:
- Mary Harrington interviewed on the Modern Wisdom podcast: Click here.
- The geography game Andrew mentioned, GeoGuesser: Click here.
- The story of the missing van lifer: Click here.
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Kaique Rocha (pexels.com)
The post Chatterbox #318 – Digital modesty first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a simple yet powerful change he made to his daily routine that has left him feeling more rested, productive, and less stressed. He explains how keeping his phone away from his bed at night and reading a book first thing in the morning has made a big difference to his well-being. Andrew also talks about the Korean book he’s currently reading and the inspiring journey of its translator.
This episode will help improve your English communication skills in several ways:
- You’ll get great practice listening to and understanding natural, conversational English as Andrew shares a personal story.
- You’ll learn useful vocabulary related to daily routines, reading habits, sleep, productivity, and language learning.
- By listening to Andrew’s story, you’ll build your ability to understand spoken English and grasp main ideas.
- The topic of making positive changes might inspire you to think about your own habits and discuss them with others in English.
- Study with the interactive transcript:
- Join the Culips Discord server:
- Try the comprehension quiz:
The post Bonus episode #098 – Lifestyle change first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description:
Join Andrew and Kassy as they talk about their upcoming milestone birthdays. Kassy is turning 30, and Andrew is turning 40! They’ll chat about their favorite ways to celebrate birthdays, common birthday traditions in the United States and Canada, and the customary foods enjoyed on birthdays in South Korea. This episode is perfect for English learners who want to improve their listening skills and expand their cultural knowledge.
What you will learn:
- Birthday celebrations: Discover how people in North America typically celebrate their birthdays.
- Cultural traditions: Learn about birthday customs and traditions in the United States, Canada, and South Korea.
- Personal experiences: Hear Andrew and Kassy share their own birthday memories and preferences.
Milestone birthdays: Understand the significance of turning 30 and 40 in Western culture.
How this episode will improve your English:
- Vocabulary building: Learn essential words and phrases related to birthdays and celebrations.
- Listening skills: Improve your ability to understand native English speakers in a natural, conversational setting.
- Cultural awareness: Gain insights into birthday celebrations and traditions in different countries.
- Relatable content: Connect with the hosts’ personal stories and experiences, which can help you retain the language more effectively.
- Speaking practice: Use the study guide and connect with the member community to practice discussing birthday-related topics in English.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Thirdman (pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #194 – Double birthday bash first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares about his experience binge-watching the new Netflix sci-fi series “The Three-Body Problem.” He discusses the show’s interesting premise, engaging storyline, and characters. By listening to this episode, you’ll learn vocabulary related to TV shows, books, and the phenomenon of binge-watching.
This episode will help improve your English communication skills in several ways:
- You’ll hear natural, casual English spoken at a conversational pace as Andrew discusses the show’s premise, characters, and his overall impressions.
- You’ll expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to TV/movie plots, acting, adaptations from books, and giving opinions.
- By listening to Andrew’s story, you’ll get practice understanding spoken English and comprehending someone’s thoughts and viewpoints.
- The topic of a popular sci-fi series provides cultural insight into this entertainment genre loved by many English speakers.
Study with the interactive transcript: click here
Join the Culips Discord server:
Become a Culips member:
The post Bonus episode #097 – Binge-watching first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Learn about what it’s like to be an only child in this interesting episode of the Culips Everyday English Podcast. Andrew and Kassy will share their personal experiences growing up with siblings. They will also talk about their thoughts on not having any brothers or sisters. This is a great episode for listeners who want to understand more about family life in the United States and Canada.
What You Will Learn
- Family Experiences: Hear different stories about growing up with siblings versus being an only child.
- Cultural Views: Understand how people in North America view families without brothers or sisters.
- Personal Stories: Listen to personal stories from Andrew and Kassy about their childhoods and family lives.
- Family Relationships: Learn about the special challenges, benefits, and relationships in families with only one child.
How This Episode Will Improve Your English
- New Vocabulary: Learn common words and expressions related to family in a conversational way.
- Listening Skills: Practice understanding how people really speak in casual conversations.
- Cultural Understanding: Learn the cultural views on family structures in North America.
- Relatable Content: Become motivated by hearing real personal stories and experiences you can relate to.
- Speaking Practice: Use the study guide and join the member community to practice speaking about family topics.
The best way to learn with this lesson
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Vitaly Gariev (pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #193 – Only children first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares stories designed to help you build your English fluency, increase your cultural knowledge, grow your vocabulary, and become a better communicator.
Andrew shares about a perfect day out he had with his wife, exploring a historic neighborhood in Seoul. He talks about uncovering the city’s history, observing its architecture, and their lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant where they enjoyed boiled pork with kimchi and rice wine. Andrew also shares a funny incident involving the rice wine and concludes the story with their quest for a café on a busy Sunday.
Join the Culips Discord server:
Become a Culips member:
Submit an audio story for bonus episode #100:
The post Bonus episode #096 – Perfect day, perfect date first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were feeling excited and enthusiastic, only for someone to say something that made you feel bad? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce several useful expressions that you can use to describe these situations. They provide detailed explanations, different usage scenarios, and offer advice on when to avoid using these phrases. You’ll also hear four example conversations featuring these new expressions, which will help you learn how to use them naturally and sound more like a native speaker.
What you will learn
- New Expressions: Learn expressions that communicate the feeling of someone making you less happy or excited.
- Usage and Context: Understand how and when to use these expressions through detailed explanations.
- Practical Examples: Listen to four dialogues that use these new expressions, teaching you to apply them in real-life situations.
- Do’s and Don’ts: Learn important advice on situations where these phrases might not be appropriate.
How you will improve your English with this episode
- Bigger vocabulary: Add expressions and phrases to your English vocabulary.
- Improved understanding: Learn about subtle emotional nuances in English conversations.
- Natural conversation skills: Practice these expressions through examples, making your English sound more fluent and native-like.
The best way to learn with this lesson
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
The post Catch Word #275 – Debbie Downer first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares about his experience running the Seoul Marathon. He talks about his preparation, the race day, and achieving his goal of finishing under 3 hours. Andrew describes the atmosphere, his emotions before and during the race, and celebrating afterwards with his friend Jimmy.
You will learn useful running and exercise vocabulary as well as common English expressions and phrasal verbs related to challenges, determination, and perseverance. By studying with this episode, you can improve your listening comprehension, English fluency, and understanding of casual, authentic English speech.
Study with the interactive transcript: click here
Join the Culips Discord server: click here
Become a Culips member: click here
The post Bonus episode #095 – I did it! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Anna continue exploring trend predictions. This time, they’re looking into five trend predictions coming out of America. They talk about all the details and share their own opinions and attitudes towards these trends. By studying with this audio lesson, you can improve your listening skills and learn vocabulary related to trends, personal well-being, technology advancements, chatbots, consumerism and second-hand shopping.
For Culips members, an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio are available to improve your learning experience.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Sign up for a Culips membership: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
What you will learn:
- Vocabulary related to consumer trends, personal well-being, technology, shopping habits, and more. Words like “neo-hedonism”, “augmented reality”, “secondhand”, etc.
- Useful expressions and idioms like “the writing is on the wall”, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”, etc.
- Perspectives on societal shifts and changing consumer behaviors in the Western world.
- The hosts’ personal experiences with things like smart watches, online shopping, and prioritizing sleep/health.
How it will improve your English:
- Listening practice with two native speakers having a natural conversation using casual language.
- Exposure to different accents – one Canadian and one British.
- Comprehending reasons/opinions from contextual clues when new vocabulary is used.
- Learning common phrasal verbs like “chime in”, “harp on”, “deep dive into”, etc. used in discussions.
- Noting differences in vocabulary between American/British English like “thrift store” vs “charity shop”.
Overall, by listening attentively, you will improve your vocabulary, idiom knowledge, listening comprehension of casual speech, and understanding of Western societal/consumer trends – all while being immersed in a natural conversation between two native speakers.
For Culips members, an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio are available to improve your learning experience.
The post Chatterbox #317 – Trend Predictions for 2024 from the USA first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Join Andrew as he gets ready for the Seoul Marathon. He shares his feelings of excitement and nervousness as he prepares for this big race. You’ll hear all about Andrew’s training – the hard workouts he has been doing to get ready. He talks about meeting up with his running buddy, Jimmy, and about his goals for the marathon, like trying to run it in under 3 hours.
Andrew also tells some funny stories, like his struggle over whether to buy expensive new “super shoes” that are supposed to help runners go faster.
Listening to his stories will keep you entertained while exposing you to real English conversation. You’ll learn useful vocabulary related to running, racing, and other athletic activities. This episode provides an immersive English listening comprehension
Study with the interactive transcript: click here
Join the Culips Discord server: click here
Become a Culips member: click here
The post Bonus episode #094 – What I’ve been dreaming of first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Join Andrew and Kassy for a fun and fascinating conversation about spas, saunas, and bathhouses. In this episode for intermediate-level English learners, our hosts will discuss their experiences visiting these relaxing places around the world.
You’ll learn useful vocabulary and expressions for describing spa treatments, facilities, and the overall experience. The natural conversation style will help improve your English listening comprehension, conversational fluency, and vocabulary building.
Immerse yourself in real English as Andrew and Kassy share stories, compare cultural traditions, and chat about the benefits of a good sauna session. Learn tips on how to talk about visiting spas, saunas, and bathhouses in your daily English conversations.
For Culips members, an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio are available to improve your learning experience.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Sign up for a Culips membership: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Fun factsTampere, Finland is the sauna capital of the world. It is a city of 250,000 people with over 60 public saunas. The whole country of Finland is estimated to have more than 3 million saunas!
Expressions included in the study guide* All-inclusive * To sweat [something] out * To be pampered * To be catered towards * Fancy-schmancy * A shock to one’s system
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: The Anam (unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #192 – Visiting the spa or sauna first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, join Andrew as he takes you on a journey through Singapore, sharing his adventures and misadventures in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and diverse destinations. Learn useful English vocabulary and expressions related to travel, sightseeing, food, and cultural experiences while improving your listening comprehension with his interesting stories from Singapore.
Andrew’s stories are interesting, easy to understand, and packed with everyday English vocabulary and expressions. Listening is like hanging out with a native English speaking friend. With the bonus episodes, you’ll be able to:
- Improve your ability to hear and understand authentic English conversations.
- Build your vocabulary with useful everyday words and expressions.
- Learning interesting facts about English-speaking cultures.
Study with the interactive transcript: click here
Join the Culips Discord server: click here
Become a Culips member: click here
The post Bonus episode #093 – Singapore Stories first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Improve your English listening comprehension and communication skills with Culips.
In this special episode, Andrew interviews Matthew Skidmore. Matthew shares his experiences growing up in Dudley, England, and his opinions about British food and music. He discusses his background in acting and drama school and his decision to move to Korea. He also reflects on his time in Korea and the memories he made there. He then talks about his unique hobbies that include dancing, tabletop gaming, and exercising, and the benefits they bring to his life.
By listening to this episode, you’ll learn English vocabulary related to accents, music, food, hobbies, education, life abroad and cultural differences. If you’re looking to improve you English speaking skills and learn more about different cultures, this episode is for you!
Fun factsIn this episode, Andrew and Matthew discuss various accents throughout the UK. Did you know that there are about 40 distinct regional accents across the country? Black Country dialect is spoken in the area where Matthew is from.
Expressions included in the study guide* That’s a tough one * To crunch the numbers * Rose-colored glasses * To take a leap of faith * To have it all figured out * To blow [one’s] own trumpet
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Culips
The post Chatterbox #316 – Interview with Matthew Skidmore first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about one of the highlights of his time in Melbourne: a visit to the State Library Victoria. He then tells a funny story about a disagreement with his wife regarding eSIMs. Finally, he shares his opinion regarding travel-style compatibility and why it’s important to consider when going on a trip with other people.
Andrew’s stories are interesting, easy to understand, and packed with everyday English vocabulary and expressions. Listening is like hanging out with a native English speaking friend. With the bonus episodes, you’ll be able to:
- Improve your ability to hear and understand authentic English speech.
- Build your vocabulary with useful everyday words and expressions.
- Learning interesting facts about English-speaking cultures.
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The post Bonus episode #092 – Exploring Melbourne first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew and Kassy are back with another one of their famous catch-up chats. Kassy talks about how she’s been spending some of her free time doing something she never imagined herself doing. And Andrew shares a story about a new purchase he is very excited about unboxing.
Listen to hear all the details and to improve your English communication skills with these real-life stories!
Fun factsCatching up with friends or coworkers over coffee dates back to coffee houses in the Middle East in the 15th century. They were called “Schools of the Wise” because people had lively conversations and shared ideas while they were there. These gatherings were the start of today’s coffee culture, where cafés are popular places to hang out and chat. This tradition shows how important it is for people to connect and talk, even in simple ways like catching up over coffee.
Expressions included in the study guide* To sync up * Stigma * A slog * Standoffish * To stick to [oneself] * To put [something] behind you
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
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The post Simplified Speech #191 – Kassy’s campaigns and Andrew’s audio first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Australia. He shares stories from his time in Melbourne and about some wildlife encounters he experienced on Phillip Island. He also talks about returning to a snowstorm back home in Seoul.
Andrew’s stories are fun, easy to follow, and full of everyday English words and expressions. Listening to them is like hanging out with an English-speaking friend. It will help you:
- Hear and understand English as it’s really spoken
- Learn new words used in everyday life
- Discover fun facts about English-speaking cultures
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The post Bonus episode #091 – Little penguins first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Simplified Speech, join Andrew as he warmly welcomes back Suzanne, who has been away from the podcast for some time. Andrew talks with Suzanne about her recent wedding in France and becoming a Canadian citizen. She shares the challenges of planning a wedding from abroad and the process of gaining dual citizenship, including a Zoom citizenship ceremony.
By listening to this conversation, you can learn English vocabulary related to weddings, travel, and citizenship. This episode is great for improving your listening skills and learning about different cultures!
Fun factsAs of 2024, the most powerful passports in the world are from Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. People holding these passports can enjoy visa-free travel to 194 places around the world, out of 227 destinations in total.
Expressions included in the study guide* To go down * There’s something to be said for * To put [someone] on the spot * To throw in [something] * Take-home (message) * How’s life treating you?
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Jaimie Harmsen (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #190 – Catchin’ up with Suzanne first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew takes you on an adventure through Sydney, Australia! Discover the famous Sydney Opera House through Andrew’s eyes as he talks about his experience watching a live opera performance. Lace up your running shoes and go with him across Sydney’s scenic routes, including the Seven Bridges Run and the popular trails of Centennial Park.
Hear about Andrew’s visit to the Sydney Fish Market and the funny challenges he faced while eating seafood with curious birds. In addition to these stories, Andrew shares about more exciting activities he did in Sydney, and talks about what’s to come from his time in Melbourne next.
Listening to this episode is a great way to build your English skills. As you listen to Andrew’s stories, you’ll pick up new expressions and vocabulary, and improve your English communication in a fun and entertaining way.
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The post Bonus episode #090 – Afternoon at the opera first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Embark on a deeper exploration of Irish culture with Part 2 of our engaging interview series, tailored for English learners on the Culips English Podcast. After our insightful conversation with Alina in Part 1, we’re thrilled to introduce David, Alina’s husband and our first Irish native speaker guest. This episode is packed with unique insights into Irish history, sports, and music, designed to enrich your English study experience.
As you join Andrew and David, you’ll not only dive into Ireland’s captivating cultural heritage but also enhance your English learning with practical idioms and slang from both Canada and Ireland. This special episode is crafted to improve your understanding of English nuances, boost your vocabulary, and introduce you to authentic expressions, making your learning journey both educational and enjoyable.
Listen to Chatterbox #314 – Interview with Alina Morozova
Join the Culips Discord server: click here
Fun factsThere are many stereotypes about Ireland out there, and a lot of them aren’t true. For example, many people associate the Irish with red hair but, in reality, only 10% of the Irish population has red hair, as it is the rarest natural hair colour in the world.
Expressions included in the study guide* To give [someone] a heads-up * To be on the brink of [something] * To look down on [someone] * To punch above [one’s] weight * To do well for [oneself]
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: David Flynn
The post Chatterbox #315 – Interview with David Flynn first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares stories from his trip to Sydney, Australia. He talks about his first impressions of the city and how he fell in love with it. Andrew also discusses his swimming adventures, including his wife’s swimming lessons and their visits to the hotel pool and various beaches. He highlights their experience at the Bondi Icebergs Pool and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
By listening to his stories, you can improve your English communication skills, learn idiomatic expressions and vocabulary, and immerse in English-speaking culture, all while exploring one of Australia’s most iconic cities.
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The post Bonus episode #089 – Sunshine and Swims in Sydney first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Kassy and Andrew are having company over! No, the companies they work for aren’t coming to their houses—“having company” means having guests such as friends and family come and visit your home. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew talk about how they prepare their homes when they have company over. They discuss cooking, cleaning, sleeping accommodations, and an attempt of Kassy’s to make a homemade air freshener that went horribly wrong. Listen and find out what happened!
Fun factsAlthough the first thing that may pop into your head when you hear the word “company” is your workplace, there are many idioms that use the word “company” to mean “being with other people.” For instance, have you ever heard the old saying “misery loves company”? This means that people who are unhappy get comfort in spending time and talking to other people who are unhappy.
Expressions included in the study guide* To have company [over] * To stroke [someone’s] ego * To overstay [one’s] welcome * To couch surf * To impose * Your mileage may vary (YMMV)
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: fauxels (pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #189 – Company’s coming first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew tells you all about his latest trip. He’s in a country that has great weather, a relaxed vibe, and a high cost of living. Can you guess where he is? Listen in to find out the answer and improve your English fluency.
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The post Bonus episode #088 – On the road… again first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In your opinion, which player is the cream of the crop on your favourite sports team? Who would you say is the poster child of success in the business world? If you’re not quite sure how to answer, Andrew and Kassy will help you understand the meanings and usages of these idioms in this Catch Word episode. They explain the origins of these helpful expressions and provide many example scenarios and synonyms.
Fun factsOne synonym for “cream of the crop” is “crème de la crème,” a saying that has been borrowed from French and means “the cream of the cream.” It’s similar to saying “the best of the best.” You can use this pattern to emphasize other adjectives, too. For instance, a really suave actor might be described as “the coolest of the cool” or a trillionaire could be called “the richest of the rich.” Try playing around with this structure and coming up with some creative ways to express superlative adjectives!
Expressions included in the study guide* Cream of the crop * Poster child * To cover for [someone] * Stacked * First-rate * Politically incorrect
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: RDNE Stock project (pexels.com)
The post Catch Word #274 – Cream of the crop first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his heartwarming and occasionally challenging adventures in dog sitting Gabby Girl, a dog he and his wife unexpectedly agreed to care for. Tune in to hear about their unique experiences and grow your English fluency along the way!
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The post Bonus episode #087 – Dog days first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, you’ll be introduced to Culips Discord moderator and study guide writer Alina Morozova! She shares the story of how she became fluent in English, how she met her husband and moved to Ireland, and her personal tips and recommendations for learning English.
Fun factsAlina’s hometown, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, used to be a part of China during its last imperial dynasty (the Qing dynasty). It was ceded to Russia in 1858.
Expressions included in the study guide* To throw shade * To click (with/for) * To light a fire under [somebody] * Aha moment * To have egg on [one’s] face * With [one’s] eyes closed
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: Alina
The post Chatterbox #314 – Interview with Alina first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about his podcasting and personal lives colliding. He describes a lunch meeting that highlights the smallness of our world. Listen, learn, and improve your English fluency with this real-life story.
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The post Bonus episode #086 – Worlds collide first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Were you a good student in school, or a badly behaved one? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss ways to discipline and punish school students. They share stories from their own school days and their time as teachers. They also discuss how punishment in schools has changed over time. Listen to learn more and improve your English fluency.
Fun factsInterestingly, in the past, one form of punishment involved students memorizing and repeating lengthy texts and lists containing irrelevant and impractical data. Most people would agree that studying random information without context and practical examples indeed sounds like a punishment!
Expressions included in the study guide* To goof off * To rough up * To burst into * To be frowned upon * To mock * Eye-opening
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
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The post Simplified Speech #188 – Class clown or teacher’s pet? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a physical challenge he completed with his friend Jimmy to start off the new year. He shares all the details, including how a planning mistake made the challenge more difficult than expected. Listen, learn, and improve your English fluency with this real-life story.
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The post Bonus episode #085 – Bonked and zonked first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew and Anna discuss trend predictions for 2024 in South Korea.They share their thoughts and talk about if these trends might apply to other parts of the world as well. Join in to practice your listening skills, improve your vocabulary, and learn something new along the way!
Fun factsHave you ever heard about fads? Unlike a trend, a fad is something that’s very fashionable and popular, but only for a short period of time. For example, fidget spinners: they were so big about 10 years ago, but then everyone just forgot about them. Check out our Chatterbox episode #139 – Fads and trends to learn a bit more about fads!
Articles referenced in this episode:
- Key consumer trends for 2024
- Trend Korea 2024 Expressions included in the study guide* My take on it
- To make the most of [something]
- Each to their own
- To take off
- A foot in the door
- Don’t quote me on that
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: Mikael Blomkvist (Pexels.com)
The post Chatterbox #313 – K-trend 2024: What’s Next from Korea? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about how a surprise change in his plans led him to a wonderful discovery. He explains how sometimes, when things don’t go as expected, it can turn out to be a good thing. Join Andrew to improve your English fluency with this real-life story.
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The post Bonus episode #084 – Random rules first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Catch Word, hosts Andrew and Kassy explore the idioms “to cave” and “to fold.” In short, “to cave” means to give in to pressure and “to fold” means to give up when you feel defeated. They sound pretty alike, right? Using several example scenarios and dialogues, Andrew and Kassy explain the differences between these two similar verbs, so you don’t mix them up!
Fun factsThe verb “to fold” originates from the popular card game poker. There are actually a lot of other expressions that originate in this classic game!
For instance, “poker face” – this refers to a facial expression that doesn’t reveal any emotion or reaction. Similarly, “calling one’s bluff” means deciding that the cards someone has aren’t as good as they’re pretending. In everyday use, when you “call someone’s bluff,” it means you suspect they are not being honest or exaggerating something, and you confront them to prove if what they’re saying is true or not. Essentially, it’s like saying, “I don’t believe you. Prove it!”
Expressions included in the study guide* To cave * To fold * To guilt trip [someone] * To call [someone] out * To cut one’s losses * To throw in the towel
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: Kohji Asakawa (Pixabay.com)
The post Catch Word #273 – The expressions “To cave” and “To fold” first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew talks about his New Year’s experiences. He shares stories about the holidays, a big snowfall, and fun moments with his wife. Andrew also describes their New Year’s Eve celebration at home with music and dancing. Listen to this episode to enjoy a holiday story and improve your English fluency!
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The post Bonus episode #083 – New year, new you first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this special episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy reflect on the highlights of 2023 and share their exciting plans for 2024. Plus, they talk about some of the exciting new things happening at Culips in the new year. Join them for a heartfelt and forward-looking conversation as they say goodbye to 2023 and look ahead to a promising 2024. Happy new year, everyone!
Fun factsDid you know that New Year’s resolutions date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon? The Babylonians would make promises to the gods at the start of each year, hoping to earn favor for the year ahead. So, if you’re making resolutions for the New Year, you’re continuing a tradition that’s been going strong for millennia!
Expressions included in the study guide* To put out feelers * To get a competitive edge * To throw a number out there * To be stuck in the groove * Cup of tea * To brave [something]
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: Mikael Blomkvist (Pixabay.com)
The post Simplified Speech #187 – Happy new year! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you like ballet? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about this unique style of dancing. They discuss its origins and characteristics, and explain some specific vocabulary along the way. Suzanne, a former professional dancer, shares her own story and what ballet means to her.
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Fun factsIn this episode, Suzanne mentions breaking new ballet shoes. The process can include soaking them in water, pounding them with a hammer, and shaving the sole with a razor. However, despite all the effort, ballet shoes don’t last long before they need to be replaced: they lose their shape and wear out within a few weeks or sometimes even days!
Expressions included in the study guide* Intricate * To eat, breathe, and sleep [something] * To get sucked into [something] * I’ll tell you what * To break in [something] * To dig deep The post [Classic Bonus] Simplified Speech #168 – The ballet first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Christmas is coming! In this festive episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss Christmas preparations and traditions. Join our hosts as they share their childhood memories, discuss gifts, and explore how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. Get into the Christmas spirit and take your English fluency to the next level!
Fun factsIn this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about Christmas lights. Interesting fact: the world record for the most lights on a house was set on November 28, 2014. This happened in LaGrangeville, New York, USA. A family – Tim, Grace, Emily, Daniel, and John Gay – decorated their home with 601,736 lights. That’s a lot of Christmas spirit!
Expressions included in the study guide* To get into the spirit * Is that the case? * To follow in [someone’s] footsteps * To stick with [something] * Decked out * To go hard
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: Brett Sayles (Pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #186 – Christmas 2023 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew tells a story about receiving a sudden and mysterious DM on Instagram, which led to him and his wife agreeing to watch a dog named Gabby for five days. Listen in to hear all the details while improving your English fluency in a fun and effective way!
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December live stream: click here
The post Bonus episode #081 – Gabby Girl first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever had to ask for a recommendation letter? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you many useful expressions that are helpful not only in that situation but also in many other everyday scenarios. This episode is designed to improve your vocabulary and boost your confidence in English. You don’t want to miss it!
Fun factsDid you know that recommendation letters have been around for a long time? In ancient Rome, people used recommendation letters to obtain jobs or positions of influence. During the Renaissance era, students began using these letters for admission to universities or higher education institutions. Even today, the purpose of recommendation letters remains the same, providing a personal endorsement of someone’s skills and character, just as it did hundreds of years ago.
Expressions included in the study guide* Are you available to talk one on one? * Undecided * To major in [something] * What extracurriculars are you involved in? * Is there a deadline? * With a fine-tooth comb
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
The post Real Talk #61 – Asking for a recommendation letter first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Join Andrew as he talks about unseasonably warm weather, the challenge of running down stairs, overheating, a chaotic Christmas market, Glühwein, and a winning hockey team! Improve your English fluency with these entertaining stories.
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Bonus 31 – A sweet mystery: click here
The post Bonus episode #080 – Christmas market chaos first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever heard the term “gaslighting”? The verb “to gaslight” has become a very popular word over the past several years. Gaslighting is a manipulation tactic where someone makes another person doubt their own experiences and memories. In this episode, Andrew and Anna have a thought-provoking discussion about this concept. They introduce the definition of the term, its history, and their personal thoughts and experiences with gaslighting in their own lives. It’s a great episode for Culips listeners who are interested in psychology!
Fun factsThe word has become so popular that online dictionary Merriam-Webster announced that “gaslighting” was its word of the year in 2022! According to its search data, searches for the term “gaslighting” increased 1,740% from the year before.
Expressions included in the study guide* A dark place * To take credit for [something] * More than [adjective] to * To go back on [something] * To second-guess oneself * To butter [somebody] up
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Photo by RDNE Stock project
The post Chatterbox #312 – Gaslighting first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this bonus episode, Andrew tells two stories about coincidences. He talks about buying a Nintendo, meeting one of his favorite podcast hosts, cold winds, closed stores, Hongdae cults, and meeting a Culips listener. Listen for fun and surprising tales!
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Chatterbox 251 – Interview with Jonson Lee: click here
Simplified Speech 185 – Nintendo power: click here
The post Bonus episode #079 – Life is weird first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from our Fluency Files series, which is usually for Culips members only. In this one, Andrew talks about the 5 ways he boosts his mood to feel better when he’s tired or stressed.
Culips members get a study guide for this episode which includes an interactive transcript, vocabulary glossary, detailed vocabulary explanations with example sentences, listening comprehension questions, and prompts for speaking and writing practice.
Click here to sign up and become a Culips member.
Click here to join our Discord community for free to practice your English speaking with our community:
This episode includes a performance by the Musicians from Marlboro (string quartet), originally published by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The clip has been edited for this episode. This work is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License. To view a copy of this license, click here.
What is the Fluency Files?The Fluency Files is our special series for Culips Members. Each episode features a short audio story and comes with a transcript and study guide. The Fluency Files is perfect for deep studying and intensive English learning. We recommend it to anyone who wants to make big breakthroughs with their English skills. To get access to the entire Fluency Files library, sign up and become a Culips Member on culips.com. Or check out this page to learn more about the Culips Fluency Files.
The post Fluency Files #67: Mood boosters first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this bonus episode, Andrew shares his experience of spending a week alone at home while his wife was away in Japan. He also discusses their reunion and the amazing gifts she brought back for him. Tune in to hear all the details!
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The post Bonus episode #078 – Home alone first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this fun episode, Kassy and Andrew share their love of video games with each other. They mostly talk about games from the Nintendo franchise, which is famous for characters like Mario and Pikachu. Kassy chats about the cooperative game she has been playing with her husband on her Nintendo Switch recently and Andrew mentions his desire to buy a Switch himself. If you have nostalgia for classic Nintendo games, then this is the episode for you!
Fun factsNintendo did not start out as a video game company – in fact, it was founded in 1889 as a producer of playing cards. Its first at-home console was called the Color TV-Game and it was first released in 1977.
Expressions included in the study guide* toss-up * to mull something over * to drop the ball * one’s jam * to trash talk / trash talker * in one’s wheelhouse
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
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The post Simplified Speech #185 – Nintendo power first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about finding the perfect sofa for his living room. He talks about the challenges of finding
In this bonus episode, join Andrew as he tells a story about an unplanned cooking adventure. Listen as he talks about deciding to make homemade pizza, sharing his experiences from selecting ingredients to the final delicious outcome. This episode is perfect for improving your English fluency and learning new vocabulary, all while enjoying a lighthearted story about kitchen experiments and culinary surprises.
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The post Bonus episode #077 – The spontaneous chef first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the ‘Taylor Swift effect,’ which refers to Taylor Swift’s influence on her fans and society in general. They discuss the impact of her work, her personality, and the factors contributing to her remarkable success. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan or simply want to learn more about her, give this episode a listen!
Fun factsDid you know that you can now study Taylor Swift at universities? Some colleges and universities offer classes dedicated to analyzing her songs, influence, and impact on pop culture. Could you picture yourself majoring in the subject of Taylor Swift?
Expressions included in the study guide* To live under a rock * To relate to [someone/something] * The girl/boy next door * To hit in a different way * To hold [one’s cards close to [one’s] chest * To have a bone to pick
Copyright: Culips.com
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Nickpanek620 (Pixabay.com)
The post Chatterbox #311 – The Taylor Swift effect first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares his experience of attending a unique wedding at a beer brewery. Tune in for a fun story that will help boost your English fluency.
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The post Bonus episode #076 – Daisy’s big day first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
After a couple of weeks apart, hosts Andrew and Kassy reunite in this episode to catch up! They talk about Kassy’s recent trip to South Korea and a health issue that Andrew has been facing. They also share their love for Korean food and discuss the dishes they crave the most when they’re out of the country.
Fun factsMudeungsan is a beautiful mountain located in a national park. It provides stunning views of Gwangju city and has many hiking trails to explore. South Korea is home to twenty-two national parks, covering a remarkable 6.6% of the country’s total land area!
Expressions included in the study guide* Someone’s neck of the woods * To rest up * To be wiped out * To clog up * To compensate for * A cliffhanger
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Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
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The post Simplified Speech #184 – Andrew and Kassy catch up (again) first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about finding the perfect sofa for his living room. He talks about the challenges of finding the right size, fabric, and color. Listen to hear all about the ups and downs of his sofa saga and improve your English fluency along the way.
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The post Bonus episode #075 – A sofa story first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed someone to wait patiently while you handled something? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two expressions you can use in such situations: bear with me and hang tight.
Catch Word is a Culips series that teaches you idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. With Catch Word, you learn common phrases used by native English speakers while listening to casual, natural conversations.
Fun factsDid you know that waiting can be quite stressful for our bodies? Studies have shown that while waiting, our heart rate can increase, stress and anxiety levels go up, muscles get tense, and our perception of time changes. On the bright side, if we’re waiting for something exciting, our bodies releases endorphins, which make us feel happy.
Expressions included in the study guide* Bear with me * Hang tight * To line up [something] * To come across as * To get [something] across * Can’t bear [something]
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Ben White (Unsplash.com)
Bonus 067 – Early in the morningEpisode descriptionAndrew talks about a new app that he’s become addicted to and how he used that app to make an early morning purchase. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson he teaches you how to use the idiomatic expression to put words in [someone’s] mouth.
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Details about the Culips course:
The post Bonus 067 – Early in the morning first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew interviews one of Culips’ study guide writers, Indiana! He asks her about how she got interested in languages, how she became an English teacher, and what her hobbies are. Plus, Andrew and Indiana share an exciting piece of news – a free Culips course that starts in October! Listen to this episode to find out more about this exciting English learning opportunity.
Join our first live course to study Simplified Speech episodes with a native English-speaking teacher for free! Click here for more details.
Fun factsIndiana mentions that she lives in New York State, but not New York City. The State of New York has a total area of 54,555 square miles. Meanwhile, NYC only consists of 472 square miles!
Expressions included in the study guide* The floor is yours * Drip * Beta * To drop in * To cap [something] at * To pat oneself on the back
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Indiana
The post Simplified Speech #178 – Interview with Indiana first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Bonus Episode #066 – Let’s clear the air Episode description Andrew shares a story about a miscommunication, meeting up for lunch with his brother-in-law, a funny thing that happened at the Apple store, and more in this edition of the bonus episode. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiom to clearRead More
The post Bonus Episode #066 – Let’s clear the air first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
How often do you go to museums and art galleries? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about the different kinds of art exhibits they enjoy visiting. They also talk about some of the reasons they do not always enjoy spending time at art galleries, including anxiety and the behaviour of other gallery-goers. Fun factsRead More
The post Simplified Speech #177 – Museums and galleries first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Sandwich day Episode description Andrew talks about forest fires raging in his hometown, marathon training, gifts from his mother-in-law, and more. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn about the phrasal verb: to ramp up. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.Read More
The post Sandwich day first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you prefer quality over quantity, or the other way around? Your answer will probably vary depending on the situation. In this Simplifies Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the idea of quality versus quantity when it comes to making choices in life. They share their preferences and discuss when quality matters more thanRead More
The post Simplified Speech #176 – Quality or quantity? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The mushroom mystery Episode description Andrew talks about a fascinating and sad news story involving three deaths from eating poisonous mushrooms. Accident or crime? Listen to and decide for yourself! In the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn about the phrasal verb to feel for (someone). Support Culips and take your English to the next level byRead More
The post The mushroom mystery first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever tried something new that completely changed the way you live your daily life? These new technologies and experiences are often called game changers. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss game changers, such as having a GPS in your car, AI assistants like ChatGPT, and streaming services like Netflix. Fun facts WhenRead More
The post Simplified Speech #175 – Game changers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Heat wave Episode description In this edition of the bonus episode, Andrew talks about his weekend of cancelled plans. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the word copycat. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactiveRead More
The post Heat wave first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss quiet quitting. This term gained popularity during the COVID pandemic, and it refers to a situation where workers do the bare minimum of their employment responsibilities and do only the job that they’re being paid to do. Through this, employees refuse to engage in hustle culture. TheRead More
The post Chatterbox #309 – Quiet quitting first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Tourist in your town Episode description In this edition of the bonus episode, Andrew talks about the trip he took without even leaving the city! Intrigued? Listen to find out the details. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiomatic expression to rub shoulders with someone Support Culips and take your EnglishRead More
The post Tourist in your town first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the fascinating life of Alan Turing, a visionary mathematician and codebreaker whose genius has shaped our modern world of technology. Join our hosts as they discuss the remarkable achievements and personal struggles of this legendary figure. Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced EnglishRead More
The post Chatterbox #308 – The life and legacy of Alan Turing first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Cake quest and marathon test Episode description In this edition of the bonus episode, Andrew shares two stories about what he did last week. The first is about his wife’s birthday party and the second is about starting to train for a marathon. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about a useful EnglishRead More
The post Cake quest and marathon test first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you like remakes, or do you believe that nothing can beat the original? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss remakes of movies and video games, and whether the remakes can be better than the originals of our childhoods. They also talk about why remakes have become so popular lately and shareRead More
The post Simplified Speech #174 – What do you think about remakes? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Bonus episode #60 – Round 2 Episode description In this week’s edition of the bonus episode, Andrew talks about teaching Korean for the first time, catching COVID for the second time, and how he spent his 5-day bedroom quarantine. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression: to chalk [something] up toRead More
The post Bonus episode #60 – Round 2 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There are many different ways to talk about things that are old and worn out in English. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two idiomatic expressions you can use to describe these things: seen better days and worse for wear. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series designed for intermediate and advanced EnglishRead More
The post Catch Word #271 – Seen better days first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the concept of setting boundaries. Setting boundaries means creating limits between ourselves and others. For instance, one example of a boundary you could set is to not respond to work-related calls after dinner time. You can set boundaries for yourself, your friends, family, and even yourRead More
The post Chatterbox #307 – Setting boundaries first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Books and buddies Episode description In this week’s edition of the bonus episode, Andrew talks about having some guests over to his house, professional development, and a new book by one of his favorite writers. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression to stay on your toes. Support Culips and takeRead More
The post Books and buddies first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss Kassy’s plans for the summer. Kassy and her husband are going to Europe to volunteer at an Eco Lodge in Scotland. Tune in to find out all the details! Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features two native English speakers having clear and natural conversations about fascinatingRead More
The post Simplified Speech #173 – Kassy’s European summer first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
One step forward, two steps back Episode description In this week’s edition of the bonus episode, Andrew talks about some trials and errors he went through when trying to upgrade the storage drive in his old computer. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the phrasal verb to swap out. Support Culips andRead More
The post One step forward, two steps back first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We’ve all been in situations where our options were limited, and we had to accept something less than what we wanted. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two idiomatic expressions that you can use to describe these situations, bottom of the barrel and slim pickings. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series designed forRead More
The post Catch Word #270 – Bottom of the barrel first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The good, the bad, and the ugly cry Episode description In this week’s edition of the bonus episode, Andrew talks about what he’s been up to over the last couple of weeks, including moving to his new house and a health scare with his pet dog Pinky Boy. Listen, learn, and improve your English fluencyRead More
The post The good, the bad, and the ugly cry first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you use tabs a lot? Do you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts or mouse clicks? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about the different ways to browse the internet. They share their different styles of surfing the internet and explore the pros and cons of each approach. Simplified Speech is the Culips seriesRead More
The post Simplified Speech #172 – What kind of web surfer are you? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Status update Episode description Andrew quickly checks in to give you a status update about what’s new at Culips this week. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Join the Culips Discord server here: Watch the Discord tutorial here: Listen to ChatterboxRead More
The post Status update first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but it helps you grow as a person. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the science of stepping outside of your comfort zone, talk about why it’s important to push yourself, and share their own stories of personal growth and overcoming challenges. Culips’ Chatterbox seriesRead More
The post Chatterbox #306 – Stepping outside your comfort zone first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
False alarm Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew makes a big announcement about the new Culips Discord server. Plus, he tells you a story about a false alarm and teaches you the idiomatic expression ‘like a champ.’ Study with the interactive transcript here: Support Culips and take your English to the next levelRead More
The post False alarm first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
It feels great to give compliments, but do you know how to do it in English? When done correctly, it can help you create warm connections with others. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy guide you through effective and easy-to-understand ways to compliment someone’s appearance.
By learning these expressions, you’ll be able to make your friends feel good and appreciated while also improving your own English fluency and cultural understanding. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to improve your conversational English in a fun and meaningful way!
Fun factsA fun and simple expression to remember is “You look like a million bucks!” This is a great way to compliment someone on their makeup, clothes, or hairstyle.
Expressions included in the study guide* To be pretty [adjective] oneself * To make something pop * Don’t make me blush * To make waves * All dolled up * To pull something off
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Hiển Nguyễn [pexels.com]
The post Real Talk #058 – How to compliment someone’s appearance first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever had to move mountains to achieve something? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two useful idiomatic expressions that mean to work extra hard: to bend over backwards and to move mountains. Give this episode a listen to learn how to use these expressions!
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English language learners. With this series you will learn idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that will help improve your English listening and speaking skills.
Fun factsIn this episode, Andrew and Suzanne agree that moving mountains is a nearly impossible task. But hypothetically, what would happen if someone did that? It would very likely result in environmental chaos: disturbed plants and animals, drastic climate change, and natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Expressions included in the study guide* To bend over backwards * To move mountains * In a nutshell * It was meant to be * That’s the spirit * To do/work wonders
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: ervenur Yelkenci (Pexels.com)
The post Catch Word#269 – Move mountains first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Pioneers of the ContinuumEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew chats with Alastair Budge. Alastair is the creator of the English for Curious Minds podcast. They discuss an exciting new audio drama that Alastair has created called Pioneers of the Continuum, which features voice actors from the English language podcast community.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Pioneers of the Continuum:
English Learning for Curious Minds:
The post Pioneers of the Continuum first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What’s unique about your home? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne take Culips listeners on an audio tour of their homes. They discuss size, rooms, amenities, renovations, and memories. How do you think a Korean apartment in the middle of Seoul will compare to a duplex in Montreal? Listen and find out!
Fun factsIf you want to buy an apartment in Seoul, the average cost in 2023 is over one billion won (or over $750,000). Interestingly, the average cost of a detached home is about $25,000 less than that!
Expressions included in the study guide* To flex * Man cave * In retrospect * To air out * Game changer * Nothing/not anything to write home about
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Naomi Hébert (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #171 – What’s your house like? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Dark horseEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a dead mic, a failed recording session, and a new technology. Plus, he and Kassy teach you two interesting idiomatic expressions, black sheep and dark horse.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Dark horse first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Daily life can often feel hectic and stressful. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and focus on your responsibilities and the future. However, it’s also important to slow down once in a while and reflect on the little joys in life. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne do just that—they chat about the small but lovely things they enjoy during daily life, such as the smell of coffee in the morning and gazing at a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.
Fun factsMy Favorite Things is a song about the little joys in life from the classic 1965 musical drama The Sound of Music. Look it up on YouTube and practice your listening comprehension with the help of Julie Andrews’ soothing voice!
Expressions included in the study guide* To get [something] going * To venture into/out into * To poke around * To slam back * In the dark * To crack [someone] up
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Everton Vila (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #170 – The little joys in life first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The anniversary episodeEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about how he spent the weekend celebrating Children’s Day and Parents’ Day. And in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English expression: R and R.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post The anniversary episode first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Kassy have a catch-up and share what’s been happening in their lives lately. They talk about reading challenges, useful reading and productivity apps, and Kassy’s recent sports adventures.
The Simplified Speech series features native speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations. By studying with this Simplified Speech episode, you’ll improve your English listening skills, increase your vocabulary, and learn how to talk about recent events happening in your life.
Fun factsIn this episode, Andrew talks about reading in Korean, the language he’s learning. Although reading in a foreign language is often undervalued by many learners, it’s actually a very effective way to improve your language skills. It can help you learn new vocabulary, improve grammar and sentence structure, and understand the cultural nuances better.
Expressions included in the study guide* And all that jazz * To fangirl out * Smack dab in the middle * To bow out * To crave * Hooked
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Katerina Holmes (Pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #169 – Andrew and Kassy catch up first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There’s an app for thatEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about playing the drums and selling furniture. Plus he talks about the awesome Culips member live stream from last week and teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: to be in the market for something.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post There’s an app for that first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you like ballet? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about this unique style of dancing. They discuss its origins and characteristics, and explain some specific vocabulary along the way. Suzanne, a former professional dancer, shares her own story and what ballet means to her.
Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features two native English speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations about interesting topics. These episodes are designed to help you improve your English listening and speaking skills in a fun and exciting way.
Fun factsIn this episode, Suzanne mentions breaking new ballet shoes. The process can include soaking them in water, pounding them with a hammer, and shaving the sole with a razor. However, despite all the effort, ballet shoes don’t last long before they need to be replaced: they lose their shape and wear out within a few weeks or sometimes even days!
Expressions included in the study guide* Intricate * To eat, breathe, and sleep [something] * To get sucked into [something] * I’ll tell you what * To break in [something] * To dig deep
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Pixabay (Pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #168 – The ballet first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The lost episodeEpisode descriptionJoin Andrew as he tells a story about a surprising discovery he found while organizing some files on his hard drive last week. Then after the story, Andrew teaches you a must-know phrasal verb that will improve your English fluency: to get around [something].
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post The lost episode first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Anna and Andrew talk about online anonymity. They share their own stories about using the internet and discuss the pros and cons of being anonymous online. They discuss how being anonymous can help people talk honestly but can also cause problems like cyberbullying and false information.
Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. The series features fascinating conversations between native English speakers, covering a variety of topics such as culture, current events, everyday life, and more. By listening to Chatterbox, you can build your vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, develop your fluency, and gain insights into native speakers’ perspectives and experiences.
Fun fact
Fun factsThe online group Anonymous, known for its hacktivist activities, gained international attention in 2008 when they launched a series of cyber attacks against the Church of Scientology. This operation, called Project Chanology, aimed to expose the organization’s alleged abuse of its members.
Expressions included in the study guide* A whistleblower * To have your cake and eat it too * Yin yang * A burner * Tribal * School of thought
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: pexels.com
The post Chatterbox #305 – Online anonymity first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Lamp, lamb, luckEpisode descriptionJoin Andrew as he talks about how a normal day doing some errands with his wife had a surprise ending. Along the way, he’ll also give you some updates about what’s new at Culips and teach you a helpful English idiom, to weigh your options.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Lamp, lamb, luck first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew and Suzanne discuss emotional support animals (also known as ESAs). They chat about Suzanne’s process with registering her dog as an ESA for her upcoming travel plans. This is a great episode for listeners interested in learning more about the ESA registration process and practicing pet and air travel vocabulary!
Simplified Speech is the Culips series for beginner and intermediate English learners. It includes easy-to-understand conversations between two native speakers, helping you build vocabulary and improve your listening skills in English.
Fun factsService animals have to be trained to perform certain tasks, while ESAs typically do not need any special training. There are an estimated 500,000 service dogs working in the United States, and any breed of dog can be a service animal. Meanwhile, any type of animal can be an ESA in the U.S.!
Expressions included in the study guide* to put someone through something * to vouch for someone * to check the boxes * to weed out * fingers crossed * to rest on one’s laurels
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Helena Lopes (pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #167 – Emotional support animals first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Walking and talkingEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the last-moment trip he took to Jeju Island to meet up with one of his oldest and best friends. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the useful English idiom to throw a wrench into [someone’s] plans.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Walking and talking first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever been so nervous or stressed about a presentation that you forgot everything you had prepared? Have you ever performed well during sports practice but made mistakes during the big game? There are lots of great idioms to describe these nightmare scenarios in English and, in this episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce listeners to two of the most common ones: to crack under the pressure and can’t take/handle the heat.
Fun factsOne of the best things you can do with a heavy, stressful workload is to break your responsibilities into manageable tasks. Try the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Work on a task for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this pattern three or four times, and then take a 15-minute break. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done!
Expressions included in the study guide* To crack under [the] pressure * Can’t take/handle the heat * [One’s] mind goes blank * To egg on * Gut feeling * To suck the joy out of
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Khwanchai Phanthong (pexels.com)
The post Catch Word #268 – I cracked under the pressure first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Big plans, little ovenEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares two stories about his ongoing house renovation, one that’s funny and one that’s interesting. In the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiom to butt heads.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Big plans, little oven first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you ever feel exhausted and overwhelmed with work or other aspects of your life? If so, you’re not alone. Burnout is a common experience that can happen to anyone. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore what burnout is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent it.
Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners that features native English speakers having natural conversations on interesting topics. Studying with this series will help you build your fluency, sharpen your listening skills, and expand your vocabulary.
Fun factsDid you know that during the pandemic, a new term “Zoom fatigue” started being used to describe the tiredness and burnout caused by overuse of video conferencing? Many people have experienced higher levels of stress and burnout as a result of remote work, social isolation, and the constant use of video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
Expressions included in the study guide* To go the extra mile * To [one’s] detriment * Dread * To grit and bear it * Ins and outs * To grind it into the ground
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Cup of Couple [pexels.com]
The post Chatterbox#304 – Burnout first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Talking with strangersEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a unique dinner party he had with his friends over the weekend. Along the way, he teaches you about some interesting expressions like: to tip your hat to somebody, to let something slide, and to be shouldered with something
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
Check out Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy here:
The post Dinner party first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Table manners are an important part of many different cultures. Something that may be considered rude in one country may actually be polite in another. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what is generally considered polite in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., their personal opinions on table manners, and a few horror stories about some really uncomfortable eating situations.
Fun factsIf you have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at a fancy restaurant in the U.S., here’s an etiquette tip that will help you and your waiter. When leaving your seat for a short period of time, leave your napkin on your chair to indicate that you haven’t finished your meal yet. When you’re ready to leave the restaurant and you want to signal to the waitstaff that you’re finished, place your napkin on top of the table.
Expressions included in the study guide* In the zone * Spic and span * Doesn’t fly * To be glued to [something] * To show [someone] the ropes * To cut [something] out
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: fauxels [pexels.com]
The post Simplified Speech #166 – Table manners first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Talking with strangersEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about an interesting conversation he had while riding the bus in Canada. He also gives you some exciting updates about some projects were working on at Culips. Along the way, he teaches you the vocabulary: a handful of something, to bite, curt, blunt, and to play favorites.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Talking with strangers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever considered living in a micro apartment or tiny home? In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the rising trend of micro apartments in the real estate and housing industry. They explore why tiny living is becoming more popular and share their opinions on the matter.
Chatterbox is a series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners where you can listen to native English speakers having natural conversations on fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series will help you improve your English listening and speaking skills and expand your vocabulary.
Fun factsThe tiniest house ever made is only 1 square metre. It was created by architect Van Bo Le-Mentzel. It’s a do-it-yourself house that costs around €250 to build and includes a bed, a desk, a chair, and a small shelf.
Expressions included in the study guide* To be partial to [something] * To sacrifice [something] for [something] * To do with * A cliché * To get a foothold into [something] * Biased
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Patrick Perkins (Unsplash.com)
The post Chatterbox #303 – Could you live in a micro apartment? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
He speaks!Episode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a shocking event his wife witnessed this week. He also gives you some Culips updates, and teaches you about the idiomatic expression to rub someone the wrong way.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post He speaks! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Applying for a part-time job can be stressful, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared before you walk into a store and ask for an application. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you some of the common phrases and etiquette involved with applying for a part-time job in person. The example conversation presented by our hosts is applicable to many different kinds of part-time jobs, including food service, retail, or hospitality. If you’re unsure what to say or ask when trying to get an interview, then this is the episode for you!
Fun factsThese days, many large franchises or chains will not allow you to apply for a job in person – they require you to fill out an online application and submit your resume on their website. However, if you’d like to make a good impression, you can try following up on the status of your application in person after you’ve applied online! Many of the expressions featured in this episode can be used in this situation as well.
Expressions included in the study guide* Can I speak to the manager? * Do you have any experience? * What’s your availability? * Valid form of ID / government issued ID * Does [time] work for you? * Thank you for the opportunity
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Eric Prouzet (Unsplash.com)
The post Real Talk #057 – How to apply for a part-time job first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Pizza ParlorEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a cool aspect of big city life and shares some stories about what he did last week. Along the way, he teaches you some useful English vocabulary like to congregate, to pass the baton, and to be taken aback.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.:
The post Pizza Parlor first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We all have stories about our teenage years – some funny, some awkward. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy take a look back at their teenage selves and share their personal stories. Tune in to find out more!
Simplified Speech is the Culips series designed for beginner and intermediate English language learners. The series features natural, easy-to-understand conversations between two native speakers. By following along, you’ll increase your vocabulary and improve your listening skills in English.
Fun factsDid you know that just like humans, animals go through a rebellious phase during their teenage years as well? Elephants and monkeys have been observed showing similar behaviors as human teenagers, such as disobeying their parents, showing aggression, and being more adventurous.
Expressions included in the study guide* Angsty * Slob * To go [your] own way * To blossom into * Social butterfly * Make it up as [you] goes along
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Cottonbro Studio (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #165 – What were you like as a teenager? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Whistle while you workEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew lets you know what he’s been up to over the last week and how he’s getting ready for spring. Along the way, he teaches you some interesting vocabulary and expressions, like menial, in the pipeline, and to be on a [something] kick.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here. Listen to “Whistle While you Work”:
The post Whistle while you work first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the controversial topic of cancel culture. Cancel culture refers to the recent culture of mass criticism and ostracization of people in power after they have said or done something offensive. Because of social media, word spreads quickly when famous people commit a crime or even simply say something inappropriate. The responses to these behaviours can happen so fast that an actor could go from beloved celebrity to hated figure overnight. But is this culture helping or hurting us? If you’ve got an opinion on this topic, this is the perfect episode for you— listen and see if you agree with Anna and Andrew’s thoughts!
Fun factsOne of the first notable uses of “cancelled” meaning “to force someone out of a position of power” is in the 1991 Wesley Snipes action movie New Jack City. Since then, the verb “to cancel” gradually grew in popularity, but the term “cancel culture” only became popular in the late 2010s.
Expressions included in the study guide* Behind the scenes * To not sit well with * In the spotlight * To shut someone out * To bounce back * To push the limit
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Rodolpho Zanardo (pexels.com)
The post Chatterbox #302 – What is cancel culture? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Back to life, back to realityEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about his battle with jet lag and how his house renovation project is going. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression to be thrown out of whack.
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Study with the interactive transcript here.
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Queen Elizabeth II was an important figure both in Britain and around the world. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and died at the age of 96 on September 8th, 2022. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the Queen’s life and her legacy. Tune in to learn more about one of the most famous women in the world!
Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners in which native English speakers have natural conversations about interesting topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series will help you improve your English listening and speaking skills and expand your vocabulary.
Fun factsRoyal funerals are planned out in advance, but did you know that Queen Elisabeth’s funeral had been in preparation since the 1960s? The plan was called “Operation London Bridge”, and the code phrase for the Queen’s death was “London Bridge is down”.
Expressions included in the study guide* Well-off * Fair share * By no means * The dust settles * Top Trumps * Down to a T/tee
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Wiki Images (Pixabay.com)
The post Chatterbox #301 – Queen Elizabeth II first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There’s no place like homeEpisode descriptionJoin Andrew for the thrilling conclusion to his visit to Canada and his journey back to Seoul! He shares some stories about his brother’s birthday party and how he kept himself entertained on the plane. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression to float your boat.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
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Have you ever gotten together with your coworkers on the weekend? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their experiences spending time with their colleagues socially. They discuss the kinds of activities they participate in, cultural differences regarding socializing with coworkers, and the idea of drinking alcohol with the boss. What do you think English teachers living abroad do for fun with their colleagues? Give this episode a try and find out!
Fun factsWhile many Americans would feel uncomfortable with the idea of going out to the bars with their boss and coworkers, this is an important part of business culture in both South Korea and Japan. It’s called hoesik in Korean and nomikai in Japanese.
Expressions included in the study guide* To talk shop * Slowly but surely * Next level * Common ground * To not be one’s thing * At play
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Jopwell (pexels.com)
The post Simplified Speech #164 – Socializing with coworkers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Two days, two doughnutsEpisode descriptionJoin Andrew for an exciting update on his travels and adventures in this bonus episode! He’ll share some stories of his latest adventures, from exploring Vancouver and Victoria, to creating unforgettable memories.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
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In this special episode, Kassy and Andrew get the chance to meet and chat in person! Our reunited hosts discuss Kassy’s unexpected three-week trip to South Korea and how she has been spending her time there. Be sure to check this one out if you’d like to hear stories about funny travel mishaps, different kinds of cuisine, and extreme weather conditions.
Fun factsDid you know that Incheon International Airport offers live music performances to visitors of the airport in different terminals throughout the day? If you ever have the chance to travel through this airport, check out one of their classical, jazz, or gugak (Korean folk music) performances!
Expressions included in the study guide* To fall through * Everything under the sun * For the ages * To count on * To white-knuckle * Coulda woulda shoulda
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Daniel Bernard (unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #163 – Kassy’s trip to Korea first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
On the roadEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew gives an update from the road and shares a few stories about what he’s up to during his trip back home to Canada.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post On the road first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Is the metaverse our future reality or just a dystopian fantasy? In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk all about virtual reality and share their opinions on how they see the future of the metaverse.
Chatterbox is a Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series features native speakers having natural conversations about fascinating topics that help you improve your English listening and speaking skills. Plus, you might learn something interesting along the way!
Fun factsYou might think that the concept of the metaverse is recent, but did you know that the idea of virtual reality, or VR, dates all the way back to 1838? That’s when the VR headset of the 19th century—the stereoscope—was invented by an English scientist, Charles Wheatstone.
Expressions included in the study guide* To attribute [something] to [something/someone] * A late adopter/an early adopter * Out of the loop * To block out * To jump/dive headfirst into [something] * To change [one’s] tune
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Sound On (Pexels.com)
The post Chatterbox #300 – The metaverse first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Silly hamsterEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about buyers remorse and his regret for buying a phone case. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: To check all your boxes.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Silly hamster first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Brain drain sounds like a mental health condition, but it actually means the mass migration of educated and skilled people from one place to another. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna have a discussion about some of the reasons for this phenomenon. The hosts describe some of the brain drain trends they’ve witnessed in Canada, the UK, South Korea, and more. Check out the episode and learn why nurses are moving from Canada to the United States!
Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series features native English speakers having natural conversations about fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series is a great way to improve your English listening and speaking skills.
Fun factsSome states in the United States that are suffering from the effects of economic emigration are offering remote workers money to relocate there. Two cities in West Virginia are offering up to $20,000!
Expressions included in the study guide* Greener pastures * No brainer * To blend in * To not do as/so hot * Bottom line * To put down roots
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Milad Fakurian (Unsplash.com)
The post Chatterbox #299 – Brain drain first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A chance encounterEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about seeing a couple from a reality TV dating show at a coffee shop in his neighbourhood. He also talks about his upcoming trip to Canada. In the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the idiomatic expression to put two and two together.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post A chance encounter first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you consider yourself an expressive person? Can you usually tell how someone feels by looking at their face? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about how people communicate with facial expressions.
Simplified Speech is a Culips series designed to help beginner and intermediate English language learners improve their listening skills. In this series, you can listen to native speakers having natural conversations about everyday topics using language that is clear and easy to understand.
Fun factsAccording to the Guinness World Records, Gary Pearlman from the USA set a world record for the largest outdoor free floating soap bubble on July 20, 2015. That bubble had a volume of 96.27 m³!
Expressions included in the study guide* To be written all over (one’s) face * Ticked off * Seething * RBF (resting bitch face) * To save face * To suck up to (someone)
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Muhammad-taha Ibrahim (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #162 – What do your facial expressions say about you? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Skate time!Episode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about going ice skating with his wife. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English idiom: to set the bar high/low.
Are you ready to seriously improve your English in 2023? We’re here to help you reach your goal. You can save 25% on a yearly Culips membership or renewal from January 1-15. Become a Culips member now!
Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post Skate time! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Nobody likes to be disappointed, but it happens to all of us at some point of our life, so it’s good to know how to talk about it. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions used when talking about disappointing someone.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. With this series you’ll learn common everyday idioms and expressions and improve your listening and speaking skills.
Fun factsAccording to the Guinness World Records, Gary Pearlman from the USA set a world record for the largest outdoor free floating soap bubble on July 20, 2015. That bubble had a volume of 96.27 m³!
Expressions included in the study guide* To burst [someone’s] bubble * To dash [someone’s] hopes * Tongue-in-cheek * To be left on read * To get over [something/someone] * Worst-case scenario
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Sebastian Pichler (Unsplash.com)
The post Catch Word #267 – Burst your bubble first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Bye, ‘22!Episode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew looks back on 2022 and talks about his goals and plans for 2023.
Are you ready to seriously improve your English in 2023? We’re here to help you reach your goal.
You can save 25% on a yearly Culips membership or renewal from January 1-15.
Become a Culips member now:
Study with the interactive transcript here:
The post Bye, ‘22! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Biennial health checkEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about going for a health checkup. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: a shock to your system.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – it’s Christmas! There are many different traditions and ways to celebrate this holiday around the world. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the way they used to celebrate Christmas in their home countries and how they do it now that they live abroad.
Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series features native English speakers having natural conversations about fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series is a great way to improve your English listening and speaking skills.
Fun factsHave you ever seen an upside-down Christmas tree? Hanging Christmas trees from the ceiling is a trend that has been growing in popularity over the last few years. And while the tradition has religious origins, nowadays people do it for a more practical reason: this way a tree takes up less space.
Expressions included in the study guide* Lead-up * To resign [oneself] to [something] * For starters * To spoil [someone] * At the crack of dawn * To seep into
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Kevin Bidwell (Pexels.com)
The post Chatterbox #298 – Christmas in Canada and the UK first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Attending a funeralEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about what it’s like to attend a funeral in South Korea.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
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Self-care is a term that has been around for a long time. However, it has become more popular recently because people are paying more attention to taking care of their physical and mental health in a fast-paced world. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about their personal self-care routines and some tips for listeners. If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, then this is a great episode to check out!
Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features easy to understand conversations that help beginner and intermediate English learners improve their listening skills. We have quality study guides and transcripts available for all Culips members.
Fun factsIt can be very difficult to practice self-care when you’re stressed out. The next time you want to relax and calm down, try this grounding technique that uses all of your senses:
- Notice and name five things you can see
- Notice and name four things you can feel
- Notice and name three things you can hear
- Notice and name two things you can smell
- Notice and name one thing you can touch
This simple exercise can help you disconnect from your stress and pay more attention to your body and environment. Try it out! You just might feel a little bit calmer afterwards.
Expressions included in the study guide* To take a toll on * To squeeze in * To go out on a limb * Love-hate relationship * To take full advantage of * Band-aid
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com
Image: Lesly Juarez and madison lavern (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #161 – Do you practice self-care? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Self-care is a term that has been around for a long time. However, it has become more popular recently because people are paying more attention to taking care of their physical and mental health in a fast-paced world. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about their personal self-care routines and some tips for listeners. If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, then this is a great episode to check out!
Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features easy to understand conversations that help beginner and intermediate English learners improve their listening skills. We have quality study guides and transcripts available for all Culips members.
Fun factsIt can be very difficult to practice self-care when you’re stressed out. The next time you want to relax and calm down, try this grounding technique that uses all of your senses:
- Notice and name five things you can see
- Notice and name four things you can feel
- Notice and name three things you can hear
- Notice and name two things you can smell
- Notice and name one thing you can touch
This simple exercise can help you disconnect from your stress and pay more attention to your body and environment. Try it out! You just might feel a little bit calmer afterwards.
Expressions included in the study guide* To take a toll on * To squeeze in * To go out on a limb * Love-hate relationship * To take full advantage of * Band-aid
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com
Image: Lesly Juarez and madison lavern (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #161 – Do you practice self-care? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A sweet mysteryEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about a mystery he has discovered in his neighborhood and about visiting a Christmas market in Seoul. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to not hold water.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post A sweet mystery first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A sweet mysteryEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about a mystery he has discovered in his neighborhood and about visiting a Christmas market in Seoul. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to not hold water.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post A sweet mystery first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you the type of person who gets work done quickly and easily? Sometimes we may work on a task for a long time but still not make a lot of progress on it. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew teach two expressions you can use in situations where you’re stuck or not making progress. These expressions are to not make a dent in something and to go round in circles.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their English fluency. You’ll learn idioms and useful expressions to help you have more natural-sounding conversations.
Fun factsThe tallest rollercoaster in the world is Six Flags’ Kingda Ka rollercoaster. It first opened in 2005 and is 456 feet tall (almost 139 metres) at its highest point.
Expressions included in the study guide* To not make a dent in (something) * To go round in circles * To be tapped * To feel (someone’s) pain * To take over a contract * To come to a consensus
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com
Image: Ran Berkovich (Unsplash.com)
The post Catch Word #266 – Not make a dent in it first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you the type of person who gets work done quickly and easily? Sometimes we may work on a task for a long time but still not make a lot of progress on it. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew teach two expressions you can use in situations where you’re stuck or not making progress. These expressions are to not make a dent in something and to go round in circles.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their English fluency. You’ll learn idioms and useful expressions to help you have more natural-sounding conversations.
Fun factsThe tallest rollercoaster in the world is Six Flags’ Kingda Ka rollercoaster. It first opened in 2005 and is 456 feet tall (almost 139 metres) at its highest point.
Expressions included in the study guide* To not make a dent in (something) * To go round in circles * To be tapped * To feel (someone’s) pain * To take over a contract * To come to a consensus
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com
Image: Ran Berkovich (Unsplash.com)
The post Catch Word #266 – Not make a dent in it first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
34 days of musicEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the music he listened to this year. Plus, he teaches you about a useful English expression, to reign supreme.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post 34 days of music first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you a saver or a spender? In this episode, Andrew and Anna share their experiences handling finances and give some tips on how to spend less money. If you’re interested in personal finance, be sure to give it a listen!
Chatterbox is a series that features natural conversations between native speakers. This series is designed for intermediate and advanced learners. Listening to our Chatterbox series is a great way to improve your vocabulary and listening skills. Take your English fluency to the next level!
Fun factsThe tallest rollercoaster in the world is Six Flags’ Kingda Ka rollercoaster. It first opened in 2005 and is 456 feet tall (almost 139 metres) at its highest point.
Expressions included in the study guide* To have a handle on [something] * Night and day * To kick the bucket * To push the boat out * Peace of mind * To delve into [something]
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com
Image: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels.com)
The post Chatterbox #297 – Personal finance first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
For the bestEpisode descriptionIn this bonus episode, Andrew shares the story about how his half marathon went last week. He also talks about the World Cup and who he’s cheering for. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression slim to none.
Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post For the best first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Most children in the U.S. and Canada have had at least a few experiences visiting amusement parks. In this Simplified speech episode, Andrew and Kassy describe their childhood experiences going to amusement parks and theme parks. They discuss their opinions on them and offer several tips on getting the most fun out of your visit.Read More
The post Simplified Speech #160 – Amusement parks first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Come back to haunt me Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about a decision he made in the past that has come back to haunt him. He also shares a story about a website that helped him to relive some childhood memories. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expressionRead More
The post Come back to haunt me first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
It is always a great time picking up a new hobby! In this episode, Kassy talks with Andrew about some new hobbies of hers. Listen in to find out what they are! Simplified Speech is a Culips series where native speakers have natural conversations about everyday topics using clear and easy to understand language. These episodesRead More
The post Simplified Speech #159 – Kassy’s new hobbies first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A dumpster fire Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the drama that’s unfolding at Twitter. Plus, he gives you some behind the scenes updates about some new things happening at Culips and teaches you a funny idiomatic expression: a dumpster fire. Support Culips and take your English to the next levelRead More
The post A dumpster fire first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever travelled abroad during summer vacation? Depending on where you travel, summer can be one of the best times to take a trip. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about Anna’s trip to Scotland during the summer. Listen to this Chatterbox episode to hear about the food, sites, weather, and more thatRead More
The post Chatterbox #296 – Anna’s trip to Scotland first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever travelled abroad during summer vacation? Depending on where you travel, summer can be one of the best times to take a trip. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about Anna’s trip to Scotland during the summer. Listen to this Chatterbox episode to hear about the food, sites, weather, and more thatRead More
The post Chatterbox #296 – Anna’s trip to Scotland first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
My strong suit Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about why his dog Pinky is a conversation starter and shares some stories about what he did over the weekend. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the idiomatic expression to be someone’s strong suit. Support Culips and take your English toRead More
The post My strong suit first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Emergencies can be extremely stressful, but they certainly make for some good stories. In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy recount several stories from their childhoods about emergency situations. You’ll hear stories about stubborn children, bee stings, and getting stuck in theatre chairs. Listen to their tales and find out if you’ve goneRead More
The post Simplified Speech #158 – Have you ever been in an emergency? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A fixer-upper Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about some exciting news! Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English expression: a fixer-upper. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.
The post A fixer-upper first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Where is your office? Is it located in a big building owned by the company you work for, or are you a digital nomad, able to work anywhere in the world? Andrew and Anna talk about what it must be like being a digital nomad and discuss the good and the bad that comes withRead More
The post Chatterbox #295 – Life as a digital nomad first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Pick up where you left off Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about getting a 24-hour bug, visiting an industrial office tower, and failing the exercise portion of the Sober October Challenge. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you an idiomatic English expression: To lose it. Support Culips and take yourRead More
The post Pick up where you left off first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
No one ever expects to be in an emergency, but sometimes we may be in a situation where we need to call for help. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you common expressions you can use when talking to a 911 dispatcher. Real Talk is a series that helps you learn practicalRead More
The post Real Talk #056 – Calling 911 in an emergency first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A glimmer of hope Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a few stories about what he got up to last week. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson he teaches you about the expression a grind. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up,Read More
The post A glimmer of hope first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever thought about living abroad? That’s the discussion topic for this Chatterbox episode. Join Andrew and Anna as they share their experiences of living in a foreign country and talk about the ups and downs of living abroad. Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners in which native English speakers haveRead More
The post Chatterbox #294 – The highs and lows of living abroad first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Sober October Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the Sober October challenge and shopping for new shoes. Plus, he teaches you a useful idiomatic expression out of pocket. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactiveRead More
The post Sober October first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it was best to just remain quiet? In English, there are many ways to say, “I don’t want to talk about it”. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two idiomatic expressions you can use to talk about being quiet and not talking. The CatchRead More
The post Catch Word #265 – Take the fifth first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
French hotdog Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about visiting an international festival in his neighborhood and about trying some cuisine from a couple different countries. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson he teaches you about the idiom for the time being. Support Culips and take your English to the next level byRead More
The post French hotdog first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What is life like after marriage? Andrew and Kassy have both had their weddings recently and, in this episode, they talk about adjusting to married life and share their experiences dealing with it. In our Simplified Speech series, native speakers have natural and easy to understand conversations about everyday topics. These episodes are designed toRead More
The post Simplified Speech #157 – Adjusting to life as a newlywed first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Mosquitos and juice Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew shares talks about getting attacked by mosquitos and a near disaster. Sound intriguing? Listen to the episode to learn the whole story. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn how to use the adjective stricken to describe negative situations. Support Culips and take yourRead More
The post Mosquitos and juice first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Mosquitos and juice Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew shares talks about getting attacked by mosquitos and a near disaster. Sound intriguing? Listen to the episode to learn the whole story. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn how to use the adjective stricken to describe negative situations. Support Culips and take yourRead More
The post Mosquitos and juice first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Greetings from Thailand! Kassy and her husband have finally arrived in Thailand and are starting to get settled in Bangkok. In this episode, Kassy tells Andrew about her first impressions of the new country and shares a couple of funny and interesting stories from her first days there. Tune in to hear about Kassy’s adventuresRead More
The post Simplified Speech #156 – First impressions of Thailand first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Flexing my detective skills Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew shares some stories about what he got up to last week, including searching for his wife’s wallet and selling his PS4. He also tells you about an awesome new Culips feature, the interactive transcript. Then, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a greatRead More
The post Flexing my detective skills first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wanted to pack up and move to a whole new country? Kassy recently did just that, moving from South Korea to Thailand. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about her recent move and share their stories about what it’s like to prepare for an international move. Simplified Speech episodes are designedRead More
The post Simplified Speech #155 – Getting ready for an international move first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Goodbye, summer! Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about commuting to work in a typhoon, celebrating Chuseok, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you how to use the expression to go into [something] mode. Support Culips and take your English to the next level byRead More
The post A roller-coaster week first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Who doesn’t love a hot cup of tea? Most countries have some kind of tea culture. However, the British think of tea as especially important to their culture. In fact, many people think of tea when they think of elements of British culture. In this Chatterbox episode, Anna talks with Andrew about her country’s relationshipRead More
The post Chatterbox #293 – The history and culture of tea in the UK first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Goodbye, summer! Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about some of the highlights from the past week and teaches you a useful expression you can use when you’re tired: wiped out. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
The post Goodbye, summer! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Goodbye, summer! Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about some of the highlights from the past week and teaches you a useful expression you can use when you’re tired: wiped out. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com.
The post Goodbye, summer! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode Kassy and Andrew talk about Kassy’s trip home to the United States of America. On this trip, she finally got a chance to spend some time with her family and friends that she had not been able to see in person for years. Kassy talks about how she and her husband gotRead More
The post Simplified Speech #154 – Kassy’s trip home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode Kassy and Andrew talk about Kassy’s trip home to the United States of America. On this trip, she finally got a chance to spend some time with her family and friends that she had not been able to see in person for years. Kassy talks about how she and her husband gotRead More
The post Simplified Speech #154 – Kassy’s trip home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Let the games begin Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew shares some stories from the monster of a week he had last week. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English expression: on point. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. ToRead More
The post Let the games begin first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Let the games begin Episode description In this bonus episode, Andrew shares some stories from the monster of a week he had last week. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English expression: on point. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. ToRead More
The post Let the games begin first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Who doesn’t like to have a good laugh? In this Catch Word episode, Kassy and Andrew teach you some useful expressions that help you to talk about comedy and things in your life that make you laugh a lot. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English language learners that willRead More
The post Catch Word #264 – In stiches first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A really random day Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a random day he had last week where he registered his marriage and got an IV drip. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you an extremely common idiomatic expression: for good. Support Culips and take your English to theRead More
The post A really random day first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Zombies are everywhere! From movies and TV shows to video games and more, zombies are supernatural monsters that appear in almost every culture’s folklore. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about everything they know about these undead creatures. Simplified Speech episodes feature two native English speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations about interestingRead More
The post Simplified Speech #153 – Zombies! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Zombies are everywhere! From movies and TV shows to video games and more, zombies are supernatural monsters that appear in almost every culture’s folklore. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about everything they know about these undead creatures. Simplified Speech episodes feature two native English speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations about interestingRead More
The post Simplified Speech #153 – Zombies! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A week in bed Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about how he kept himself entertained while being sick at home with COVID. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you an expression you can use when you regret saying something: to eat your words. For information about becoming a CulipsRead More
The post A week in bed first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever heard of high intensity interval training? That’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it? Luckily, we usually just call this type of workout HIIT. It’s a training style that has recently gained a lot of popularity. In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Anna explain the entire concept of HIIT and share their storiesRead More
The post Chatterbox #292 – Let’s get physical and talk about HIIT first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Don’t cry over spilt milk Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about why he had to cancel his trip to Canada at the last moment. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful expression for telling bad news: all around. For information about becoming a Culips Member, visit Culips.com
The post Don’t cry over spilt milk first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There’s always someone in a friend group that’s not very observant. Maybe it takes them too long to understand a joke, or maybe they always say the wrong thing at the wrong time. There are many different phrases in the English language to describe these oblivious kinds of friends. Today, Kassy and Andrew explain twoRead More
The post Catch Word #263 – Turn a blind eye first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Heading home Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares some stories about what he got up to last week and talks about his upcoming trip to Canada. Plus he teaches you a useful expression: to wait it out. For information about becoming a Culips Member, visit Culips.com
The post Heading home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone knows about Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but do you know there’s a Strange Music Day and a Burger Day? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy explore the wonderful world of international days. Give it a listen and you might discover a special day just for you! Simplified Speech is a Culips seriesRead More
The post Simplified Speech #152 – Do you celebrate any international days? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The birthday cake experiment Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about celebrating his wife’s birthday and baking her a cake. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you how to use a common idiomatic expression: to have your work cut out for you. The Culips Member July live streamRead More
The post The birthday cake experiment first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A beautiful flower arrangement can help to change the whole look of a room. But how do you order flowers at a flower shop in English? Don’t worry! In this Real Talk episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy walk you through the expressions and vocabulary you will need when buying flowers to decorate your home orRead More
The post Real Talk #055 – How to order flowers in English first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A quick trip south Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a short road trip he took to a small city at the southern tip of South Korea called Tongyeong. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you how to use a common idiomatic expression: to bad-mouth [someone]. Visit Culips.com to getRead More
The post A quick trip south first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone owns special and precious things, things they think of as valuable and unique. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew get together to talk about the things that they value the most and, in fact, can’t imagine their lives without. Listen in to learn about what things both Andrew and Kassy consider to be theirRead More
The post Simplified Speech #151 – What’s your most prized possession? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Movie marathon Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares some stories about what he did last week. Plus, he teaches you a useful and common idiomatic expression that native speakers use all the time: to be at the top of your game. Visit Culips.com to get the 100% free transcript for this episode.
The post Movie marathon first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Making decisions isn’t always easy, especially these days, when there are so many options for us to pick from. If you’ve ever felt stuck when faced with choices, you’re not alone! This sensation is called decision paralysis and many people face it, including Culips hosts Andrew and Anna. Listen in as they talk about thisRead More
The post Chatterbox #291 – Decision paralysis first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The search for the lost ring Episode description In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew tells a story about losing his wedding ring. Plus, he teaches you an idiomatic expression that native speakers use all the time: on and off. Visit Culips.com to get the 100% free transcript for this episode.
The post The search for the lost ring first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There are things that we like, and then there are things we really obsess over! But watch out: you don’t want your obsession to turn into an addiction. In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy explore expressions dealing with our obsessions. Simplified Speech is a series featuring easy and natural English conversations. BothRead More
The post Simplified Speech #150 – Have you ever been obsessed with something? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Here comes the rain Episode description In this week’s update episode, Andrew shares some stories about the monsoon season and dog sitting a poodle! Plus, he teaches you about an extremely useful phrasal verb: to stick with [something]. Visit Culips.com to get the 100% free transcript for this episode.
The post Here comes the rain first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
At some point, we’ve all found ourselves scrolling through the news or social media for hours on end. Sometimes the things we discover make us feel good (cute puppy videos!), and other times we find things that makes us feel bad (most news article about the world nowadays!). In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teachRead More
The post Catch Word #262 – Doomscrolling first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Adventures in cooking Episode description In this week’s update episode, Andrew shares a story about getting his picture taken in a photo booth. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful expression: unbeknownst to [someone]. Visit Culips.com to get the 100% free transcript for this episode.
The post Spontaneous photo shoot [Bonus episode ] first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Bread is a staple around the world. Every culture has its own version or style, from India’s naan to Brazil’s pão de queijo. In today’s episode, Andrew and Anna chat about bread and what makes it so delicious (and popular). The Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Each episode features natural,Read More
The post Chatterbox #290 – Is bread the world’s favourite food? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Adventures in cooking Episode description In this week’s update episode, Andrew shares a story about the highs and lows of learning how to cook Korean food. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful expression: there’s never a dull moment. Visit Culips.com to get the 100% free transcript for this episode.
The post Adventures in cooking first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you really know yourself? Sometimes you think you know your own personality, but you might think differently after taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator! The MBTI is a test designed to evaluate what kind of personality you have, based on 8 sets of traits. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the MBTI asRead More
The post Chatterbox #289 – What’s your MBTI? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Presents from the island Episode description In this week’s update episode, Andrew talks about all the wonderful things his wife brought back for him from her trip to Jeju Island. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: to go to town. Visit Culips.com to get the 100% free transcript forRead More
The post Presents from the island first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Words can inspire us. Everyone has that moment when they read something, or hear something, that just makes sense. So much so that we want to share these quotes with the world. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about inspirational quotes and share the ones they feel have influenced their lives in some way.Read More
The post Chatterbox #288 – What’s your favourite quote? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Holding down the fort Episode description In this week’s update episode, Andrew talks about holding down the fort while his wife is away for the week. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful phrasal verb: to take on [somebody/something].
The post Holding down the fort first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Here comes the bride! Kassy recently got married and in this episode, she tells Andrew all about her big day. In our Simplified Speech series, native English speakers have natural conversations about everyday topics. These episodes are designed to boost your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. On occasion, our hosts share their personalRead More
The post Simplified Speech #149 – Kassy’s wedding story first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Broken tape player Episode description Andrew talks about how he spent the last week and about how his vintage cassette player broke. He also teaches you how to use the expression to slack off on doing something and gives an update about what you can expect this week from Culips. Visit Culips.com to get theRead More
The post Broken tape player first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone knows someone who seems to know about all the trends or the latest news before everyone else. You might even be that person among your friends! In today’s Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two idioms that you can use to describe these people, finger on the pulse and ahead of the curve.Read More
The post Catch Word #261 – Finger on the pulse first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Andrew’s whirlwind weekend Episode description Andrew talks about his super busy weekend that included not only celebrating his birthday but also celebrating his first wedding anniversary. He also teaches you how to use the expression to pull out all the stops and gives a preview of the next Culips episode.
The post Andrew’s whirlwind weekend first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Hometowns: everyone has one! In today’s Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy talk about where they grew up. One of them grew up in Canada, and the other grew up in the United States. You will hear about the interesting similarities and differences the two have to share with you. Come and join them!Read More
The post Simplified Speech #148 – Where did you grow up? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wished there were an expression that perfectly fit how you feel about just how expensive something is? You’re in luck because, in English, there is! Today, Andrew and Kassy share two idiomatic expressions used when talking about buying something that is overpriced or, in your opinion, too expensive. The Culips Catch WordRead More
The post Catch Word #260 – Pay through the nose first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Pubs are very common in the United Kingdom and Canada. However, there are differences between the two countries and their respective cultures. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss how important pubs are in their cultures and compare their traditions and customs. Chatterbox is a series where native English speakers have a natural conversationRead More
The post Chatterbox #287 – Pub culture in the UK and Canada first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two idiomatic expressions you can use when talking about something returning to normal: back in the saddle and back in business. Study with this vocabulary lesson and improve your English listening and speaking. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series where you can learn idioms,Read More
The post Catch Word #259 – Back in the saddle first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Curious about what’s new in the lives of Culips’ podcast hosts? Listen in as Andrew and Kassy have another one of their famous catch-up calls. Simplified Speech episodes feature two native English speakers having clear, natural, and easy to understand English conversations about interesting topics. By listening to Andrew and Kassy chat about their hobbies,Read More
The post Simplified Speech #147 – Andrew’s diggin’ and Kassy’s almost married! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Kassy shares her big news: she’s moving to Thailand so she can pursue her dream job teaching in a new country! Moving can be stressful. Moving to a new country is even more stressful. Andrew and Kassy discuss the process and everything that Kassy needs to do to prepare for her big move. In thisRead More
The post Simplified Speech #146 – Kassy’s big move first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever won a contest? That’s the discussion question that Andrew and Kassy talk about in this episode. Join them as they teach you the differences between draws, contests, sweepstakes, and lotteries. Then listen in as they share some stories about the different contests they’ve won in the past. Simplified Speech episodes are designedRead More
The post Simplified Speech #145 – Have you ever won a contest? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever bought or sold something used online? That’s the question that Andrew and Suzanne discuss in this Simplified Speech episode. Andrew talks about some sales he’s made recently, and Suzanne shares some crazy stories about different experiences she’s had as both a buyer and a seller. Simplified Speech episodes feature two native EnglishRead More
The post Simplified Speech #144 – Buying and selling used things first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
“I was so nervous. I was sweating bullets!” That might sound a bit strange, but it’s a common English expression. Sweating bullets means to be very stressed or nervous. Does that happen to you sometimes? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two idioms with the word sweat: no sweat and sweatingRead More
The post Catch Word #258 – Sweating bullets first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you like the way you look in photos? Considering the huge market for online filters for photographs, there must be a lot of people who prefer embellishing their pictures instead of keeping them natural. Is that a problem? In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Anna discuss the pros and cons of online beautyRead More
The post Chatterbox #286 – Beauty filters first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy give some updates about what’s going on in their lives these days. Kassy tells us the results of a big math test she took recently and talks about choosing a wedding dress and last-minute wedding planning. Andrew shares about why he started playing drums again and talksRead More
The post Simplified Speech #143 – Kassy’s acing tests and Andrew’s drumming away first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What are some of your favourite life hacks? That’s the topic of discussion for this Chatterbox episode. Join Andrew and Anna as they share some of their favourite shortcuts for optimizing and organizing their lives and work. Chatterbox is the Culips series for intermediate and advanced English learners. Each episode features a natural conversation betweenRead More
The post Chatterbox #285 – Life hacks first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Plant-based meat alternatives have gained in popularity over the past decade. People following vegan and vegetarian diets now enjoy better, tastier fake meats. Today, Andrew and Kassy talk about this new, controversial food trend. This episode is part of Culips’ Simplified Speech series. It features natural, easy‑to‑understand English conversations about interesting topics, like fake meat.Read More
The post Simplified Speech #142 – Fake meat and meat alternatives first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you a big playlist person? That’s the question that Andrew and Suzanne discuss in this Simplified Speech episode. Join them as they chat about the kinds of playlists they make, how they make them, and when they like to listen to them. Simplified Speech is perfect for intermediate-level English learners who are looking toRead More
The post Simplified Speech #141 – Are you a big playlist person? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What is your favourite way to say, “I have to leave now, and fast”? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two common English expression that mean to leave quickly: duck out and hightail it out of there. The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Today’s audioRead More
The post Real Talk #054 – Joining a gym first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever heard of kombucha? For some people, it’s an amazing tea full of health benefits. For others, it’s a weird-tasting beverage that only strange people drink! In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew asks Kassy about her kombucha brewing lifestyle. They talk about the various steps of Kassy’s brewing process. Simplified Speech is aRead More
The post Simplified Speech #140 – Kassy’s kombucha first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What is your favourite way to say, “I have to leave now, and fast”? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two common English expression that mean to leave quickly: duck out and hightail it out of there. The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Today’s audioRead More
The post Catch Word #257 – Hightail it out of there first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Did you know that every country has their own special wedding traditions? Recently, Suzanne travelled to France to start planning her wedding. In this episode, Suzanne tells Andrew about the wedding traditions she discovered there. In our Simplified Speech series, native English speakers have natural conversations about common topics. These episodes are designed to boostRead More
The post Simplified Speech #139 – Wedding traditions in France first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In many countries, there is a cult of overworking and people are expected to work long hours. In fact, working long hours can be seen as a sign of good moral ethics. However, overworking is also a big problem for workers, as it puts a lot of stress on them. In this Chatterbox episode, AndrewRead More
The post Chatterbox #284 – The cult of overwork first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you heard about the newest trend that combines a daily walk or jog with picking up litter? If not, you’re not alone. It’s called plogging, and in this Chatterbox episode Andrew and Anna explain it, how it came to be called plogging, and why it’s becoming a popular activity for many people around theRead More
The post Chatterbox #283 – Plogging first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Damn! I can’t wait to listen to the new Culips episode. This is just one of the many ways you can use the word damn. You may have heard people say this word in films, TV, and music, but never truly understood all of the many meanings of the word. Listen to this Catch WordRead More
The post Catch Word #256 – The different ways English speakers use damn first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Trolls. No, we’re not talking about mean mythical creatures who live under bridges. We’re talking about online trolls. They are very real and very mean people who like to anger others by posting nasty and cruel comments online. This has become a big problem associated with social media. In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts AndrewRead More
The post Simplified Speech #138 – What do you think about online trolls? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Board games are a fun way to spend an evening with friends. In this episode, Kassy talks with Andrew about her board game club and shares how it helps her meet new people, despite the pandemic. Simplified Speech episodes feature two native English speakers having clear, natural and easy to understand English conversations about interestingRead More
The post Simplified Speech #137 – Kassy’s board game club first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description Happy 2022! In this short episode, Andrew and the Culips team pass on the greetings and wishes for the new year. Transcript Note: The words and expressions that appear in bold text within the transcript are discussed in more detail in the Detailed Explanations section that follows the transcript. The transcript has beenRead More
The post Happy 2022!! BONUS EPISODE first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
For some, 2021 was a lot better than 2020. However, that is not the case for everyone. We’re all still dealing with the COVID pandemic. In this episode, the Culips team looks back at some of the highs and lows of the last year. Simplified Speech is a series meant for intermediate English language learners.Read More
The post Simplified Speech #136 – How was your 2021? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Making a dental appointment, finding the time to go, and paying for dental insurance can all be quite the hassle. But of course, the main part of the whole experience is talking with your dentist about dental health. In this Real Talk episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy help you with the English you can expectRead More
The post Real Talk #053 – Visiting the dentist first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Suzanne tells us about her experience of flying internationally during the pandemic, which didn’t go as smoothly as planned. If you are thinking about taking a trip abroad, listen to this episode to get some useful tips on how to avoid problems at the airport. The Simplified Speech series is the perfectRead More
The post Simplified Speech #135 – Suzanne’s trip to France first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Podcasts are evolving. From the technology used to the companies producing them and everything in between, the podcasting industry is seeing a lot of new, exciting changes. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the changes they’ve seen, and discuss what it might mean for the future of podcasting. The Chatterbox series is designedRead More
The post Chatterbox #282 – The future of podcasting first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wished there was another way to describe how friendly you are with certain people? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy share a couple ways native English speakers refer to their relationships with others. The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Listening toRead More
The post Catch Word #255 – We just clicked first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, Andrew and Anna debate the pros and cons of reading paper books and digital e-books. They also discuss their experiences with reading online and talk about the daily distractions that prevent them from reading properly. Our Chatterbox series is the perfect way to learn English with our Culips hosts who discuss interestingRead More
The post Chatterbox #281 – Do you prefer reading paper or e-books? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Would you like to have a bombshell dropped on you? That sounds pretty bad, but don’t worry, our hosts Andrew and Suzanne are here to explain expressions you can use when you’re shocked at hearing big news. In this Catch Word episode, the two main expressions are to drop a bombshell and a rude awakening.Read More
The post Catch Word #254 – In for a rude awakening first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you the type of person who loves food and wishes your plate would never go empty? Going to a buffet restaurant means you can eat as much as you want. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne give us their opinions on buffets. The Simplified Speech series helps you to learn English naturallyRead More
The post Simplified Speech #134 – Buffet restaurants first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
To calm down, hang out, relax, be easygoing: native English speakers use the word chill in many ways. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy explain how to use this versatile word in four different situations. The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Listening to ourRead More
The post Catch Word #253 – Just chill first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever lived or thought about living in a foreign country? If so, hit play and listen to Andrew and Suzanne’s perspectives about living in a foreign country. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about the ups and downs of living in a foreign country. Tune in to hear this interesting conversation fullRead More
The post Simplified Speech #133 – Moving to a foreign country first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What? Another grey hair? If we’re fortunate enough to grow old, finding grey hairs will be a common occurrence for sure. In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Anna talk about their relationship with grey hairs and a surprising new study on the topic. Apparently, your grey hairs can grow back to their natural colour.Read More
The post Chatterbox #280 – Say goodbye to grey hair? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you know how to describe rich people and companies in English? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two idiomatic English expressions that you can use to do just that. Upgrade your vocabulary and make your English sound more natural by learning with this lesson. Catch Word is the Culips vocabularyRead More
The post Catch Word #252 – Do you have deep pockets? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Kassy has joined the Culips wedding club! Many of the Culips hosts and listeners have gotten married these past few years, and Kassy is engaged to become the next! Listen to this Simplified Speech episode where Kassy talks about the events leading up to her engagement to her boyfriend. Simplified Speech is a series whereRead More
The post Simplified Speech #132 – Kassy’s getting married! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you noticed your usual grocery items are smaller than they used to be, but cost the same? You may not have heard of shrinkflation before, but it’s something that’s affecting everyone and people aren’t happy about it! In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the issue of shrinkflation. Culips’ Chatterbox series helps youRead More
The post Chatterbox #279 – Shrinkflation first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Squid Game on Netflix is a Korean show that has become extremely popular around the world. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the show, sharing their thoughts on the plot, story, and characters. If you liked Squid Game or are thinking about watching it, you shouldn’t miss this Simplified Speech episode! Simplified SpeechRead More
The post Simplified Speech #131 – Squid Game first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Not everyone enjoys going to the dentist’s office. However, there are certainly many people who fear making an appointment over the phone more than the dentist’s drill! Fear not. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy help you with the vocabulary and expressions you’ll need to make a dentist’s appointment. Real Talk is aRead More
The post Real Talk #052 – Making an appointment to see the dentist first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We love catching up with friends. In fact, before every Culips episode, our hosts spend some time doing just that. Today you get to listen in as Andrew and Kassy catch up on the latest news in their lives – from Andrew’s new hobby to Kassy’s big purchase! Simplified Speech features clear, natural, and easyRead More
The post Simplified Speech #130 – A new hobby and a big purchase first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you a fan of music festivals? In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the ins and outs of a typical musical festival. Tune in to learn about music festival culture and useful tips to make your music festival experience more enjoyable, all while practicing your English listening skills. Culips’ Chatterbox series is great forRead More
The post Chatterbox #278 – Music festivals first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Hitting the road with friends or family, for a week-long adventure is a time-honoured tradition–especially in North America. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what makes a great road trip and share their favourite road trip memories. This is Culips’ Simplified Speech series. It features clear, natural and easy to understand English conversationsRead More
The post Simplified Speech #129 – Road trips first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wanted to travel to space? A few well-known billionaires definitely have! In fact, they have restarted the Space Race and their companies are racing into infinity and beyond. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the new Space Race and what it means for the future of space travel. ChatterboxRead More
The post Chatterbox #277 – The new space race first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We’re back with another Catch Word episode! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you some idiomatic expressions or phrases to use when talking about something that improves or gets better. Tune in to improve your English listening skills by leaps and bounds! Catch Word is a great series that focuses on key vocabulary andRead More
The post Catch Word #251 – You’ve improved by leaps and bounds! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Many have cherished memories of their grandparents, from listening to their stories to feeling loved and supported throughout childhood. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their grandparents. Today’s conversation might tug on your heartstrings! The Simplified Speech series features clear, easy to understand conversations between native English speakers. This helpsRead More
The post Simplified Speech #128 – Grandparents first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever noticed a well-dressed, friendly person working in the hotel lobby? This person is often helping guests with taxis or telling them about the best restaurants in town. Many hotels employ a person called a concierge. Their job is to help you with all your needs, big or small. In this Real TalkRead More
The post Real Talk #051 – How to talk with the concierge at a hotel first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you missed hearing Jeremy’s voice on the podcast? Then tune in to this episode, which was recorded last year while Jeremy was still on the team. This Chatterbox episode is full of useful tips and resources for finding great listening materials for learning English. Culips’ Chatterbox series is perfect for upper-intermediate or advanced EnglishRead More
The post Chatterbox #276 – Evaluating different sources of listening materials first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
It’s always fun to compliment a friend (and to receive a compliment, too). Luckily, the English language has many expressions you can use to tell people how good they look! Today, Andrew and Kassy define two such expressions: to look like a million bucks and a sight for sore eyes. The Culips Catch Word seriesRead More
The post Catch Word #250 – Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Can you talk to animals? In this Simplified Speech episode, Suzanne tells Andrew an interesting story about her dog and an animal communicator. She says this animal communicator communicated with her dog and found out the problems in his life. Even if you are skeptical, it’s worth a listen! In Simplified Speech episodes, two nativeRead More
The post Simplified Speech #127 – Animal communicator first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone over the past year and a half. So what does this mean for the economy? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss the pandemic economy, how it’s changing, and what this could mean for the future.
Culips’ Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learning. All Chatterbox episodes feature natural conversations between two native English speakers. Listening to these audio lessons helps improve your grammar, vocabulary, and listening skills so that you can become fluent. You’ll be able to speak English naturally with Culips, and you might just learn something interesting along the way.
Fun facts During the pandemic, there is one restaurant service that has done really well: pizza. Pizzerias, and other restaurants that deliver pizzas, saw a 40% increase in sales just a few months into the pandemic.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Uptick
- Skyrocket
- Ups and downs
- Come to a dead halt
- Sell like hotcakes
- Left-leaning
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Eric Ward (Unsplash.com)
The post Chatterbox #275 – The pandemic economy first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Would you like to receive a slap in the face? Probably not! However, the expression a slap in the face isn’t a physical thing, it’s more of an insult. In this Catch Word episode, you’ll learn all about it as Andrew and Suzanne talk about the various ways of using the expressions a slap in the face and a slap on the wrist. Take a listen and learn how to use these two natural English expressions.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series. By studying with Catch Word, you will be able to grow your English vocabulary and learn idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that will make you sound like an English native speaker. In this episode, you will learn what a slap in the face and a slap on the wrist mean. Additionally, you will learn the meaning of to ghost [someone] and to get riled up.
Fun facts In this episode, our hosts talk about an example where one friend leaves dinner without paying for their food. If both of them did that, the situation would be called a dine and dash. Have you ever heard of that? A dine and dash is when you eat your food and then dash, or run, out of the restaurant without paying.
Expressions included in the study guide
- A slap in the face
- A slap on the wrist
- To ghost [someone]
- To get riled up
- A grant
- A phase
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Andrew Le on Unsplash
The post Catch Word #249 – A gigantic slap in the face first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Nice beaches, beautiful architecture, and warm weather: these are some of the things people most associate with Spain. But since cohost Anna lives in Spain, she can tell us a lot more about the country. Join Anna and Andrew as they talk about living in Spain in this Chatterbox episode.
Chatterbox is a series designed to present listeners with natural conversation between native English speakers. In this episode, they talk about Spanish climate and weather, food, and daily life.
Fun facts Many people outside of Spain think that paella is the national dish. However, Spaniards see it differently. Locals see paella as a regional dish, from Valencia.
Expressions included in the study guide
- To associate [something] with [something]
- Climate
- The last thing you want to do
- To make [one’s] blood boil
- Bob’s your uncle
- To stand the test of time
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Jorge Fernández Salas and alevision.co on Unsplash
The post Chatterbox #274 – What it’s like to live in Spain first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Since you’re listening to Culips, that means you’re learning a language! Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to teach one? Today, Anna and Andrew chat about their experiences as both language teachers and language learners.
Chatterbox is a Culips audio series for intermediate and advanced English learners. It features natural, unedited conversations between native English speakers about what’s going on in the world today. Tune in today to practice your English listening skills and expand your English vocabulary while also getting an inside look at what it’s like to teach a new language.
Fun facts Almost half of the world’s population is bilingual! 43% of the world is fluent in two languages. 40% only speak one, 13% speak three, 3% speak four, and 1% can speak five or more languages fluently.
Expressions included in the study guide
- The blind leading the blind
- Wallflower
- Go through the motions
- Put in the time
- Bring to the table
- Fire [someone] up
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Leonardo Toshiro Okubo on Unsplash
The post Chatterbox #273 – Anna’s language learning and teaching journey first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this interesting Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy will teach you some useful expressions to use when talking about things you don’t want to do.
Catch Word is a great series that focuses on key vocabulary and phrases used in all sorts of common everyday English conversations. This episode focuses on phrases that you might use when talking about things you don’t want to do or places you don’t want to go. Tune in to learn these new phrases and boost your English fluency to the next level!
Fun facts Life is too short to waste time doing things you really don’t want to do, so the next time your friend invites you to a party that you don’t want to go to or begs you to join a club that really doesn’t hold your interest, just say NO! The relief of skipping these events will far outweigh the potential awkwardness or disappointment of saying no to your friend.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Thanks, but no thanks
- To give off a weird vibe
- Suit yourself
- To rag on [someone]
- Wouldn’t be caught dead
- Rather die than [something]
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Daniel Herron n on Unsplash
The post Catch Word #248 – Thanks, but no thanks first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wondered what life is like in the UK? Turns out, it is a bit different from Canada or the US! Andrew speaks with UK native Anna to find out exactly what life was like in this English-speaking country.
Tune in for a new episode of Chatterbox, the Culips podcast series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Today’s natural, unedited conversation between two native speakers will help improve your English listening skills while also giving you an inside look at life in another country.
Fun facts Watch any show about or in the UK and you’ll notice that the characters drink a lot of tea. This isn’t just a stereotype! Since the 18th century, the UK has been one of the world’s largest tea consumers, with over 100,000,000 cups enjoyed per day!
Expressions included in the study guide
- Minefield
- A [something] streak
- If I say so myself
- To pan out
- Posh
- Out of this world
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Darya Tryfanava on Unsplash
The post Chatterbox #272 – Life and culture in the UK first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wondered more about your family history? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their family trees and different ways to learn more about your family history. They also discuss DNA test kits and their effects on society.
This Simplified Speech episode is perfect for intermediate English learners looking to hear natural English conversations at a slightly slower pace. Tune in to hear this interesting conversation about genealogy.
Fun facts The six degrees of separation theory states that everyone on the planet is connected to one another by six or fewer social connections. This does not mean that you are genetically related to someone by six degrees of separation, but you could be the friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a person who lives halfway across the planet from yourself. Pretty cool to think about, right?
Expressions included in the study guide
- Family tree
- A good chunk of [something]
- Little did I know
- Way back when
- [One’s] roots
- The other side of the coin
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: niko photos on Unsplash
The post Simplified Speech #126 – Do you know your family history? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The Summer Olympics! They happen every four years… well, almost. The global pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but hopefully cheering on our national athletes with be good entertainment for us all.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne share their thoughts on the Olympics. Which events do you think they prefer? Football, swimming, track and field? Give it a listen, find out!
Fun facts Did you know that athletes in Ancient Greece used to compete in the nude during the Olympic Games?
Expressions included in the study guide
- [Someone] do their thing
- A [something] background
- To give credit
- Backing
- The crème de la crème
- A [something] investment
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Kyle Dias on Unsplash
The post Simplified Speech #125 – Summer Olympics first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone deserves a nice vacation from time to time. If you are not comfortable checking in to a hotel speaking English, don’t worry. In this Real Talk episode, you will learn useful expressions you can use at the check-in counter.
Real Talk is a series designed to teach you practical real-life English. In this episode, we teach you how to check in to a hotel and how to respond to the most common questions receptionists ask.
Fun facts Checking into a hotel should be easy, right? How about checking in to the First World Hotel & Plaza in Malaysia, which has a world record 7,351 rooms? After listening to this episode, you’ll have no problems at all.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Under the name
- To pull up [something]
- Make and model
- To be all set
- Complimentary
- Enjoy your stay
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: The Anam and Brandon Hooper on Unsplash
The post Real Talk #050 – How to check into a hotel first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are your days so busy you find you don’t have any time for yourself? English has many ways to express this crazy busy state you’re in. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two key phrases so that you can let people know you’re too busy.
Culips’ Catch Word series teaches idioms, phrasal verbs and expressions so you can improve your English vocabulary. This audio English lesson features a natural conversation between two native English speakers. While you improve your listening skills, you’ll also learn new ways to express just how busy you are every day.
Fun facts One of the expression studies in this episode is to run around like a headless chicken. Did you know there was a famous case of a chicken that continued to live for 18 months after it had its head chopped off?
Expressions included in the study guide
- To spread [oneself] too thin
- To run around like a headless chicken
- Time’s running out
- Rite of passage
- Fam
- Downtime
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: STIL on Unsplash
The post Catch Word #247 – Spread too thin first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Ever wonder what life is like for our podcast hosts when they’re away from the mic? Well, you’re in luck! In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and swap tales of the exciting things that have recently happened in their lives.
Simplified Speech episodes are designed to help you improve your English listening and speaking skills. Two native English speakers will have a natural conversation using clear and easy to understand language.
Fun facts Studies have shown that catching up with your friends is good for your mental health. Adults with strong social support are less likely to have significant health problem and are likely to live longer.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Amigos/amigas
- Run-down
- Creature comforts
- To jump through hoops
- Ballpark
- Connections
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Priscilla De Preez (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #124 – What’s new with Kassy and Andrew first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone loves a good party! Every July 4th in the United States, Americans celebrate their Independence Day national holiday with fireworks, family gatherings, and good food. Hear what hosts Andrew and Kassy have to say about Canadian and American national holiday festivities in this episode of Simplified Speech.
Simplified Speech is a series in which native English speakers discuss topics using easy English for everyone to follow along. In this episode, you will hear interesting expressions like shenanigans, foreign concept, and to kick up a fuss.
Fun facts There is a very popular action movie called National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage, in which a secret map is written on the back of the American Declaration of Independence. While the movie is not historically accurate, you might enjoy the action scenes!
Expressions included in the study guide
- New on the block
- Shenanigans
- Foreign concept
- Inclusive
- To kick up a fuss
- To face [one’s] history
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Stephanie McCabe (Unsplash.com)
The post Simplified Speech #123 – Independence Day in the USA first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
With a heavy heart, Andrew announces that frequent cohost Jeremy is leaving the Culips team. However, it’s a great time to introduce the new Culips host, Anna! She is from the United Kingdom and currently lives in Spain. Anna is a teacher and even has her own podcast. We hope you follow her new Culips journey with us!
Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners. The conversations feature natural, unedited speech between native English speakers. Give it a listen!
Fun facts In the Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck. The rain predicts a long, happy marriage because a wet knot is difficult to untie.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Bittersweet
- Heavy heart
- To step back
- Residential
- Eyesore
- To stumble into [something]
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Andrew Bates
The post Chatterbox #271 – Meet Anna, the new Culips cohost! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Here comes the bride! Andrew’s bride, that is! In this episode, Andrew shares the story of his wedding day with Kassy and our listeners.
In our Simplified Speech series, native English speakers have clear and natural conversations on common topics. These episodes are designed to boost your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. On occasion, our hosts share their personal stories, making it easy to listen to these English audio lessons.
Fun facts In the Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck. The rain predicts a long, happy marriage because a wet knot is difficult to untie.
Expressions included in the study guide
- To be floored
- Don’t take it personally
- Little did you know
- Disaster struck
- MC and DJ
- To kill it
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Andrew Bates
The post Simplified Speech #122 – Andrew’s wedding first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever tried making a reservation at a restaurant and it just didn’t go as smoothly as you would have liked? Then tune in to this Real Talk episode where Andrew and Kassy teach you all the questions, answers, and expressions you need to know to make a reservation at a restaurant in perfect English.
The Culips Real Talk series is great for high-beginner and low-intermediate English learners. By studying with Real Talk, you’ll learn the English expressions you need to know for everyday, real-world situations.
Fun facts Some restaurants have reservation lists that are beyond the imagination. One such restaurant is owned and run by chef Damon Baehrel. This chef is unique, because he runs his restaurant out of his home and he goes through every process of the food prep from growing his own produce, to preparing it, cooking it, serving it, and even cleaning the dishes. He prepares a 20+ course meal for each guest and the dining experience is said to take between 5-7 hours! At one point, chef Baehrel had a 6 year wait-list of customers dying to eat at his restaurant.
Expressions included in the study guide
- I’d like to make a reservation for [number] this [day]
- A party of[number]
- Under whose name are you making the reservation?
- To push [something] up
- To squeeze [someone] in
- A ballpark [something]
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Jason Leung and K8 (Unsplash)
The post Real Talk #049 – How to make a reservation at a restaurant first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
These days, there are so many different sources to use when studying language. That’s both good and bad. There are pros and cons when you study with movies, TV, the internet, or any other kind of listening material. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy dive deep into the positives and negatives of these different ways of studying.
Chatterbox is a series for higher-level learners to follow the natural speech of Culips hosts. The hosts share expressions such as without further ado, to sulk, and auditory. Give a listen to hear how the hosts use these expressions and what they sound like.
Fun facts Despite the development of study materials on the internet and in the media, the textbook industry still makes a lot of money. In 2019, the publishing industry made $8.38 billion US selling textbooks!
Expressions included in the study guide
- Without further ado
- Auditory
- To sulk
- To avoid a trap
- To be pushing [a number]
- To be represented
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: JESHOOTS.COM & Erik Mclean (Unsplash)
The post Chatterbox #270 – The pros and cons of studying with videos first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Are you clumsy and uncoordinated? You’re not alone! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach us two ways to talk about being clumsy and share stories where they broke things by accident.
Culips’ Catch Word series teaches you idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions that help improve your English listening and speaking skills. Our online English grammar episodes are the best way to learn English. With Catch Word, you learn common phrases used by native English speakers while listening to a casual, natural conversation. You’ll even learn new ways to refer to clumsy actions!
Fun facts According to a 2007 study from the University of Delaware, clumsiness is something we’re born with. They quizzed 1500 student athletes and found that those with the slowest mental reaction times and processing speeds were the most likely to get injured. If you’re a naturally clumsy person, doctors suggest slowing down and taking in your surroundings before you act—that will help reduce the number of accidents.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Butterfingers
- Klutz
- Pump [someone] up
- Deets
- Lighten the mood
- Umbrella term
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Maria Bobrova & Sung Jin Cho (Unsplash)
The post Catch Word #246 – Butterfingers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.