Chatterbox | Culips English Podcast: Recent Episodes
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 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.
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
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Culips
The post Chatterbox #316 – Interview with Matthew Skidmore 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]
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
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, 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
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Photo: Alina
The post Chatterbox #314 – Interview with Alina 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
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
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.
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
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
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.
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 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
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
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 our modern world, technology is changing our lives all the time, and mostly, it’s making things better. But there are some tech innovations that can be a little worrying, even scary. In this episode, Andrew and Anna dive into the world of deepfakes. They explore their pros and cons and discuss how they might affect our future. If you’re interested in the world of modern technology and its hidden dangers, this episode is for you!
References in this episode:
Savages by Alltta: click here
Miles Fisher: click here
Pentagon attack deep fake: click here
South Korean documentary, Meeting You: click here
Fun factsIn this episode, Andrew and Anna explore both the dangers and the positive aspects of deepfakes. An interesting example of deepfake entertainment takes place at the Dalí Museum in Florida, where visitors can virtually meet the famous surrealist painter, interact and take selfies with him.
Expressions included in the study guide* To have got [something] down * In the limelight * To reap the benefits * To an extent * A hard sell * To take [something] with a pinch of salt
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Sander Sammy (Unsplash.com)
The post Chatterbox #310 – The troubling world of deep fakes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 EnglishRead More
The post Chatterbox #275 – The pandemic economy 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 designedRead More
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 betweenRead More
The post Chatterbox #273 – Anna’s language learning and teaching journey 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 forRead More
The post Chatterbox #272 – Life and culture in the UK 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 CulipsRead More
The post Chatterbox #271 – Meet Anna, the new Culips cohost! 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 differentRead More
The post Chatterbox #270 – The pros and cons of studying with videos first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you have a Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube Premium subscription? All three? In this interesting Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Suzanne chat about monthly subscription services. Tune in to hear about different types of subscriptions services that are available and which ones Andrew and Suzanne subscribe to.
Chatterbox episodes are perfect for high-intermediate and advanced English language learners. Listen to completely natural English conversations spoken at normal speeds and chock-full of everyday phrases and colloquialisms. This episode focuses on phrases related to the subscription economy—buying things that are billed your account every cycle, whether that be weekly, monthly, or yearly.
The post Chatterbox #269 – The subscription economy first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever felt like you don’t really belong? Or perhaps that, somehow, you’ve fooled people into believing that you’re more successful or intelligent than you really are? That’s called imposter syndrome. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy explain imposter syndrome and share their experiences dealing with it. In this Chatterbox episode, you’ll hear twoRead More
The post Chatterbox #268 – Imposter syndrome first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone has a skincare routine, whether it’s moisturizing occasionally or sticking to a daily regime. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne share their skincare routines. They also talk about how different cultures view skin care. In this episode, two native English speakers discuss their skincare routine. Chatterbox is designed for intermediate to advanced learners andRead More
The post Chatterbox #267 – Skin care first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Grab your popcorn and get comfortable. Listen as Andrew and Kassy talk about a few of the movies that changed how people think and that inspired a whole generation. In this episode, you’ll hear how two native English speakers talk about the movies. Listening to conversations about everyday topics is one of the best waysRead More
The post Chatterbox #265 – Movies that have had an impact on society first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We are back with Part 2 of Andrew’s interview with Robin MacPherson! In this episode, Robin shares the last two steps of his five-step method to better learn a new language. In this Chatterbox episode, you’ll get to listen to the second part of my interview with YouTuber and language education expert Robin MacPherson. SoRead More
The post Chatterbox #264 – Interview with Robin MacPherson: Part 2 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
How many languages can you speak? What are the best ways to improve your language skills? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew talks with YouTuber, blogger, author, and polyglot Robin MacPherson. Our guest offers several tips to help you learn English with podcasts. Robin and Andrew really got into the nitty-gritty of how you can useRead More
The post Chatterbox #263 – Interview with Robin MacPherson: Part 1 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Health care is different in every country. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the differences between the Canadian and American healthcare and health insurance systems. Today we are going to talk about a heavy subject, a serious subject. It’s not as lighthearted as our usual episodes. It is health care and health insurance.Read More
The post Chatterbox #262 – What is health care like in your country? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
One of the biggest stories in financial news these days is what’s happening with meme stocks and Reddit subgroups. Although the story and the English terms used to explain it are difficult to follow, hosts Andrew and Kassy carefully walk you through the ins and outs of this fascinating current event. Hello everyone. Welcome backRead More
The post Chatterbox #261 – Meme stocks first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you had made a couple of different choices along the way? In this interesting Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy reflect on their lives and how things might have turned out differently if they hadn’t started down the path they are on now. Listen inRead More
The post Chatterbox #260 – Where would you be… first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode of Fluency Files, Andrew tells a story about a unique experience he had recently, catching a bouquet at a wedding! Listen, learn, and become a better English speaker. What is the Fluency Files? The Fluency Files is our special series for Culips Members. Each episode features a short audio story and comesRead More
The post Fluency Files #47 – Bouquet toss (Bonus Episode) first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this week’s Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss an important topic: internet privacy. We now live in a world where so much of our personal information can be found and manipulated with just a few clicks of the mouse. Tune in to hear what Andrew and Kassy have to say about this topic. FunRead More
The post Chatterbox #259 – TikTok and internet privacy first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the entire world, yet our daily lives must continue! Culips host Suzanne has been taking online classes to become a yoga teacher. Together with regular host Andrew, she discusses her experience of learning to teach yoga through the internet. Fun facts Online yoga is extremely popular. In this episode, ourRead More
The post Chatterbox #258 – Suzanne’s online yoga class first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Learning a new language is hard. Dating a native speaker in your target language can help make it easier. Andrew and Kassy discuss how being in a relationship with a native speaker has helped them improve their language skills. Fun facts There are 378 million native English speakers and 743 million non-native speakers. Only 4%Read More
The post Chatterbox #257 – Dating a native speaker first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
It’s 2020 and much of the world is working from home; for many, it’s the first time. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about their home offices and how the work from home experience has been for them. Fun facts Working from home reduces stress, increases productivity, and is eco-friendly. That’s why, beforeRead More
The post Chatterbox #256 – Working from home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
It’s hard to share your thoughts and feelings in a different language. Sometimes you don’t have the words! In this episode, Andrew and Jeremy share their four tips for talking about art, films, and literature in English. Fun facts Vincent van Gogh, one of history’s greatest painters, only officially sold one painting while he wasRead More
The post Chatterbox #255 – Tips for talking about art first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy are back to answer some more questions submitted by Culips listeners. Don’t be afraid to submit your own questions after listening to this episode! Fun facts Humans learn about life by asking questions. From the time they can talk, children are naturally learning about the world through observation,Read More
The post Chatterbox #254 – Answering listener questions: Part 2 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We love hearing from our listeners! We also love it when our listeners ask questions about how to improve their English. In Part 1 of this episode, Andrew and Kassy answer four listener questions. There are more answers to come in Part 2! Fun facts A new English word is added to the dictionary everyRead More
The post Chatterbox #253 – Answering listener questions: Part 1 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone goes through the stage of language learning when they find themselves constantly translating their target language into their native one. When do people get past that stage and start to think in English? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Jeremy share their best methods for surpassing this plateau. Fun facts Have you read TheRead More
The post Chatterbox #252 – How to think in English first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this edition of Chatterbox, Andrew talks with Jonson Lee. Jonson is originally from Seoul, South Korea but has learned English to a very high level. Jonson talks about his English language learning journey and shares some great tips about how to become a better English speaker. Fun facts Jonson is a podcaster and Youtuber!Read More
The post Chatterbox #251 – Interview with Jonson Lee first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Here’s Part 2 of Suzanne’s amazing engagement story! Find out about the funny and touching experience in this Chatterbox episode with hosts Andrew and Suzanne. Fun facts Pop star Mariah Carey was once given an engagement ring reportedly worth $10 million by her then-boyfriend. Unfortunately, they did not end up getting married, although she didRead More
The post Chatterbox #250 – Sue’s engagement story: Part 2 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description Andrew and Suzanne talk about COVID-19, the situation in North America, and English expressions that are used to talk about the pandemic in part 2 of this special Chatterbox episode. Andrew: Hey everyone, Andrew here. In this Chatterbox episode Suzanne and I continue our talk about the COVID19 pandemic and the current situationRead More
The post Chatterbox #249 – Social distancing: Part 2 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Hey everyone, Andrew here. In this Chatterbox episode and in the next one too, Suzanne and I talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and the current situation in North America. Now, because we wanted to release these episodes to you as soon as possible, we decided to not make study guides for them. However, there areRead More
The post Chatterbox #248 – Social distancing: Part 1 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Exciting news for the Culips team! In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Suzanne discuss Suzanne’s recent engagement. Tune in to hear all about Suzanne’s amazing news and how she first met her future husband. This is Part 1 of a two-part story. Fun facts Only 34% of people over the age of 15 livingRead More
The post Chatterbox #247 – Sue’s engagement story: Part 1 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to study in another country? Andrew and Suzanne answer a listener’s question about what universities are like in North America. Fun facts The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States are the top four countries for international students. These four countries take in 40% of all peopleRead More
The post Chatterbox #246 – What university is like in North America first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever felt like your life is a bit boring, like you’re stuck doing the same old routine every day? Then listen to this Chatterbox episode with Andrew and Kassy, where they introduce some useful tips on how to shake up your life and appreciate the world around you. Fun facts According to theRead More
The post Chatterbox #245 – Shake up your life first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
It seems everybody has a story about meeting a celebrity. Sometimes it is an uncomfortable situation, and sometimes it ends up being a great story. In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Suzanne have some interesting stories to share with you about their celebrity encounters. Fun facts Paparazzi are famous for stalking celebrities to takeRead More
The post Chatterbox #244 – Meeting celebrities first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The outbreak of viral diseases is something to be taken seriously. The new coronavirus affecting China, and soon after many other countries, is a cause for concern for everyone. In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Jeremy talk about the sensitive topic of this new outbreak and how to discuss it in English. Fun factsRead More
The post Chatterbox #243 – Coronavirus first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The end of the calendar year is often a time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next. So why not do that while practicing your English skills! In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Jeremy will help you with just that. Join them as they chat about the highlights ofRead More
The post Chatterbox #242 – New Year extravaganza first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We’re really happy we receive so many emails for our listeners! So in this Chatterbox episode, our hosts Andrew and Jeremy have decided to answer as many emails as they can in one episode. Maybe we’ve answered your questions! Fun facts At one point in this episode, hosts Andrew and Jeremy talk about their desireRead More
The post Chatterbox #241 – You ask, we answer first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We have another special guest for you today! Steve Kaufmann is a successful polyglot, entrepreneur, and YouTuber. He runs a company called LingQ, which is a language studying platform. Join regular Chatterbox host Andrew and Steve for this fascinating conversation on language and learning. Fun facts In this episode, special guest Steve Kaufmann mentions thatRead More
The post Chatterbox #240 – Interview with Steve Kaufmann first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Culips really appreciates the feedback we get from our listeners. One such member, Iván from Spain, impressed Andrew with his story so much that we just had to have him on the podcast! Iván is a good example of a success story for learning English. Give this episode a good listen! Fun facts Special guestRead More
The post Chatterbox #239 – Interview with Iván first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have we got a treat for you! Andrew goes to his mother’s hometown in Scotland and interviews his cousin, Sarah. They talk about language, rural life, the Scottish weather, and vintage cars. We’re sure you’ll enjoy listening to Sarah’s stories … And her great Scottish accent! Fun facts Edinburgh, Scotland, hosts the world’s largest artsRead More
The post Chatterbox #238 – Interview with Andrew’s cousin, Sarah first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this interesting Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy answer a Culips listener’s questions about high school life in Canada and the United States. How was high school different for you? Listen and find out!
Fun facts Boston Latin, in Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest high school in the United States. It was founded in 1635! Over the years, it has had five different sites. The school moved to its current site in 1922.
Expressions included in the study guide
- Mandatory
- Bright
- A tradesperson
- Demanding
- A meet
- No comment
Note: To get the most out of studying with Culips, we recommend that you sign up and become a Culips member. Now, membership gets you unlimited access to our study guide library, which includes the study guide for this episode plus all of our other ones and you’ll also get exclusive access to other goodies, like our members-only series called the Fluency Files
Copyright: Culips.com
Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
The post Chatterbox #237 – The ultimate guide to high school first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Long-time Culips host Suzanne is visited by her mom, Emily! Her mother is such an interesting person. In this Chatterbox episode, they talk about her career as a nurse, her travels in Montreal, and her future travel plans to Aruba!
Fun facts Do you know anyone who always thinks they are sick? There’s an English word for that person: a hypochondriac. That is someone who thinks they have all kinds of illnesses, even when they don’t. I hope that’s not you!
Expressions included in the study guide
- For the most part
- A clinic
- Chronic
- Critical
- Heartwarming
- A rescue animal
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode and how we can help you improve your English, visit culips.com. Become a member and download the study guide for this episode.
Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
The post Chatterbox #236 – Interview with Suzanne’s mom first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Imagine being fluent in two or three languages—that would be great! But some people can speak five, ten, twenty languages! Those people are called polyglots. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew speaks with polyglot YouTuber Lindie Botes about language and the best techniques to learn many of them.
Fun facts Ziad Fazah is recognized as the man who speaks the most languages in the world. He claims to be able to speak 59 languages, although not everyone believes he is fluent in all 59. Regardless, that’s an impressive title to have!
Expressions included in the study guide
- A polyglot
- A community
- Conversational
- A bit
- Collecting dust
- Quality over quantity
Note: Download the study guide for this episode on culips.com
Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
The post Chatterbox #235 – Interview with Lindie Botes first appeared on Culips English Podcast.