Culips Everyday English Podcast: Recent Episodes
Culips English Podcast
Learning English is tough stuff, but we’re here to help every step of the way. This podcast is for English language learners who want to improve their lives by becoming fluent in English. Our high-quality lessons are free, fun and taught by our expert hosts. Listening to Culips is like sitting in on an interesting chat between good friends. Your fluency, listening skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation will improve naturally as you get to know our hosts and learn about interesting topics and trends in Canada and around the world. Get awesome at English, with Culips!
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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)
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:
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)
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:
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)
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:
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.
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
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.
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 comprehensionStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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 systemCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: The Anam (unsplash.com)
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 hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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 trumpetCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Culips
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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 youCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Culips
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 culturesStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Jaimie Harmsen (Unsplash.com)
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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 MorozovaJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereFun 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.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: David Flynn
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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)Copyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: fauxels (pexels.com)
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereListen to bonus episode 38: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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 incorrectCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: RDNE Stock project (pexels.com)
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!Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereListen to bonus episode 81: click hereBecome a Culips member: click here
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 closedCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: Alina
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
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-openingCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: Monstera Production (Pexels.com)
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
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 2024Expressions 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 thatCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: Mikael Blomkvist (Pexels.com)
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
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 towelCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: Kohji Asakawa (Pixabay.com)
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!Study with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
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.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: Mikael Blomkvist (Pixabay.com)
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereFun 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
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 hardCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreePhoto: Brett Sayles (Pexels.com)
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!Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereDecember live stream: click here
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 combCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBonus 31 - A sweet mystery: click here
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] upCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Photo by RDNE Stock project
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!Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereChatterbox 251 - Interview with Jonson Lee: click hereSimplified Speech 185 - Nintendo power: click here
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.
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!Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
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 wheelhouseCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Alvarordesign (Unsplash.com)
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about finding the perfect sofa for his living room. He talks about the challenges of findingIn 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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
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 pickCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Nickpanek620 (Pixabay.com)
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereCheck out Armchair Expert: click here
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 cliffhangerCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Pexels.com
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.Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
Are you a bookworm? Do you enjoy reading books? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss how to ask for a book recommendation at a library or a bookstore. They teach you many useful expressions that you can use in this situation and in various other everyday conversations. Make sure to listen to this lesson to improve your vocabulary and boost your speaking confidence!Fun factsDid you know that silent reading, which is a common thing today, wasn’t always normal in the history of reading? Back in ancient times, people typically read aloud, and silent reading was considered quite unusual. Traditionally, one reader would read texts out loud to an audience, because not many people could read, and books were rare as well. It’s fascinating how our reading habits have evolved over time!Expressions included in the study guide Can you recommend something? I’m open to anything To check something out It wouldn’t be my first choice To catch [one’s] interest To be up for [something] One of my top [number] reads You won’t regret itCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Tima Miroshnichenko (Pexels.com)
In this week's bonus episode, Andrew recounts the story of running in the Gyeongju Marathon. Listen along to hear about the highs and lows of the experience, including getting stuck in a traffic jam, being caught on live TV in an embarrassing moment, smashing a personal record, and feeling too old to celebrate!Study with the interactive transcript: click hereBecome a Culips member: click hereVerify your Culips membership: click hereBonus episode 61: click here
As you can imagine, a country as large as the United States has many regions with their own distinct personalities. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about all of the different regions in the United States. They discuss things like food, culture, accents, natural features, and demographics. If you’d like to learn more about culture in the United States, then this episode is for you!Fun factsThe United States contains a multitude of dialects. Depending on the resources you’ve taken advantage of in your English learning journey, you may be using a blend of different linguistic styles!Expressions included in the study guide Waspy To be built up To lump together Indigenous To push back Overrated/underratedCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Raghavendra V. Konkathi (Unsplash.com)
In this episode, Andrew talks about the history of Culips from its early days as one of the first English-language education podcasts, to where it’s at today! Plus, he answers a very frequently asked question: What does the word “Culips” mean?Become a Culips member: click hereStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereListen to Confident Business English with Anna: click here
Join Andrew and Kassy as they discuss the timeless debate of Time vs. Money. They share their perspectives, talk about how age changes our views on that matter, and discuss what they prefer to spend money on. Also, they chat about what they would do if there were more than 24 hours in a day in the bonus part of the episode.Fun factsRecent studies show that, after the pandemic, more people prefer spending their money on experiences rather than material possessions. According to research by Consumer Reports in 2023, 66% of people between the ages of 25 and 34 would choose experiences over physical items, which is a significant change from the 12% reported in 2021. Respondents claim that memories last longer than material possessions.Expressions included in the study guide At the end of the day To beat around the bush To work your way up Sign me up Back to the grind Let's put it this wayCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels.com)
In this episode, Andrew discusses a moment of truth and recounts a comical visit to a local clinic in his neighborhood. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression, "the cherry on top."Become a Culips member: click hereStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
Nobody likes to do chores, but we all have to do them. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss how they split chores in their households, and chat about cleaning services while sharing some useful cleaning tips and life hacks. Join in to improve your listening and speaking skills while picking up essential vocabulary!Fun factsMost of us aren’t fans of doing chores, but there are actually numerous benefits to them. Cleaning can boost your immune system, reduce stress, improve your mood, increase productivity, help burn calories, and even contribute to better heart health. So, the next time you don’t feel like cleaning, just remember all these positive effects!Expressions included in the study guide The bane of my existence To jump the gun Errand To swear by [something] TMI Day in, day outCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels.com)
In this episode, Andrew talks about a trip he took over the weekend with his wife to Busan. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression “I’m on dinner duty.”Become a Culips member: click hereStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereVisit the Le Meets brunch cafe Instagram: click here
Andrew and Kassy tackle a big topic in this episode – the problem with fast fashion. Fast fashion is when clothes are made quickly and cheaply, so people can buy new styles often and at low prices. Although this sounds like a good thing, it’s bad for the workers who make the clothing and it’s bad for the environment. Give this episode a listen and learn about the topic of fast fashion and Andrew and Kassy’s personal relationships to fashion.Fun factsIn response to the fast fashion industry, some people have called for a “slow fashion” movement. Slow fashion means making and buying clothes more thoughtfully and carefully. Instead of buying cheap apparel in high quantities, slow fashion is about buying sustainably made clothing that can be reused for a long time.Expressions included in the study guide to be in tune with to size someone up to catch someone doing something fear of missing out (FOMO) to fork over to get behind somethingCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: freestocks (unsplash.com)
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a surprise visit from an old friend. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiom not your first rodeo.Become a Culips member: click hereStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click here
Andrew and Kassy discuss how to handle noisy neighbours in this Real Talk episode. Dealing with noisy neighbours can be challenging, but with the right approach you might be able to solve the problem without losing your cool. This episode features several useful expressions for bringing up topics that aren’t easy to discuss and for addressing conflict.Fun factsThere are often local laws called noise ordinances. These limit how much noise you are allowed to make at certain times of day, such as between 10 PM and 7 AM. You should always try to communicate with your neighbours and solve noise problems among yourselves first. However, in extreme cases, you may be able to file a complaint that your neighbour is violating your area’s noise ordinance.Expressions included in the study guide To bother [someone] I wanted to talk to you about something What’s on your mind? To wind down To appreciate [something] Don’t hesitate to [verb]Copyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Pablo de Haro (pexels.com)
In this episode, Andrew talks about saying goodbye to his pet dog, Pinky. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to set off your alarm bells.Become a Culips member: click hereStudy with the interactive transcript: click hereJoin the Culips Discord server: click hereBonus episode 57: click hereCulips Instagram: click here
In this episode, Kassy and Andrew talk about Kassy’s trip to Europe. Kassy shares her adventures in Sweden, Italy, and Scotland. During this trip, she visited her family, went hiking, stayed in a 15th-century castle, and volunteered at an Eco Lodge. Listen to this Simplified Speech episode to hear all the exciting details!Fun factsDid you know that around 80% of Scandinavians speak English fluently? English is prioritized in their education, starting from a young age. But there’s something else: instead of dubbing movies and TV shows, as is common in many other countries, Scandinavians use subtitles. This means that even as children, they get to hear the original English dialogue. This practice improves their listening skills and helps them develop authentic English pronunciation and intonation from an early age.Expressions included in the study guide To buckle up A red-eye (flight) An acquired taste To fill [someone] in on [something] Hit-or-miss To hit [someone] upCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Ali Elliott (Unsplash.com)
The bonus series is back! Join Andrew as he shares a story about his recent adventure down south in Gwangju, where he caught up with friends and tackled a challenging half marathon along a scenic forest road. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, Andrew will teach you a useful English idiom: "To snore your head off."Study with the interactive transcript here:Listen to the interview with Indiana here:Join the Culips Discord server here:Details about the Culips course:
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 hereMiles Fisher: click herePentagon attack deep fake: click hereSouth Korean documentary, Meeting You: click hereFun 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 saltCopyright: Culips.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Sander Sammy (Unsplash.com)
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.comFor more information about this episode, visit culips.com.Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for FreeImage: Ben White (Unsplash.com)
Bonus 067 - Early in the morning Episode description Andrew 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.
Study with the interactive transcript here:
Listen to the interview with Indiana here:
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Details about the Culips course:
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
Bonus Episode #066 – Let’s clear the airEpisode descriptionAndrew 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 clear the air.
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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.
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Fun factsDid you know that there is a special word in the United States to refer to museum tour guides? Individuals who lead guided tours through art or science museums are sometimes called docents (pronounced doe-sents).
Expressions included in the study guide* Poser * To be bogged down * Can’t help but [verb] * To lose [one’s] cool * Over the top * To touch base with
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Snow White (pexels.com)
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.
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Study with the interactive transcript here:
Join the Culips Discord server here:
Check out the cake quest and marathon test episode here:
Check out the mushroom mystery episode here:
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 than quantity, and vice versa. Listen in to find out more and learn useful vocabulary to express your thoughts on quality and quantity in English!
Fun facts When it comes to studying English, you will achieve better results if you focus on the quality of your learning over how much—or the quantity—you are learning. Spending shorter, concentrated study sessions on specific language skills is usually more effective than studying for long hours without a clear goal.
Expressions included in the study guide
To slip through the cracks To come down to [something] More bang for your buck It goes to show The real deal When/if push comes to shove
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Romain Briaux (Unsplash.com)
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).
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Read the news article about the mushroom mystery here:
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 When you call something a game changer, it usually sounds positive. However, it can also be used neutrally or negatively. In any case, the most important criteria for a game changer is having a significant impact on a situation.
Expressions included in the study guide
Status quo Could you imagine Fallout To plug into To go on and on about [something] In the blink of an eye
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Brecht Denil (Unsplash.com)
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.
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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. The question is, is quiet quitting a problem or a solution? Tune in to find out what our hosts think about it!
Fun facts Quiet quitting is a popular topic these days, but have you heard of quiet firing? Quiet firing is when an employer tries to get rid of an employee without directly firing them. They make the employee's job less important or exclude them from important tasks, hoping that the employee will leave voluntarily. It seems like both employees and employers have found their own indirect ways of dealing with workplace challenges!
Expressions included in the study guide
Fed up To put [one’s] best foot forward Stiff upper lip To get on board with [something] Laid-back Ripped off
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Gustavo Fring (Pexels.com)
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 English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
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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 English learners, featuring two native English speakers having natural conversations. Learning with Chatterbox will help you improve your listening and speaking skills and expand your cultural awareness.
Fun facts Did you know that Alan Turing was the one who came up with the idea of differentiating humans from machines? He played a key role in developing CAPTCHA, those little puzzles we solve online to prove we're human. CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. So, the next time you see a CAPTCHA, remember Turing's innovative idea behind it!
Expressions included in the study guide
Savvy To wreak havoc Mind-blowing Legend has it Big deal Ahead of the pack
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Christian Lendl (Unsplash.com)
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 English idiom: to put your money where your mouth is. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
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Study with the interactive transcript here:
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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 share their own opinions on this matter. Tune in to find out what they think while improving your English conversation skills!
Fun facts “Perfect Strangers”, a 2016 Italian comedy-drama directed by Paolo Genovese, is holding the Guinness World Record for the most remade movie in the history of cinema. Within three years since it was first released, it was remade 18 times in many different languages!
Expressions included in the study guide
To drive someone up the wall Let alone Right up [one's] alley Off the top of [one's] head Top-notch Up to snuff
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Evan (Pexels.com)
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 to [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:
Join the Culips Discord server here:
Listen to Catch Word #271 here:
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 English learners. This series teaches you how to use everyday expressions, idioms, and slang to improve your speaking and listening skills.
Fun facts In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about giving old things new life by fixing them up. What’s interesting is that sometimes people do just the opposite: they buy new things and intentionally make them look old. This technique is known as distressing. It involves creating artificial signs of wear and tear in order to give items a vintage appearance.
Expressions included in the study guide
Seen better days Worse for wear TLC Heyday Past its prime Wear and tear
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Pixabay (Pexels.com)
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 your coworkers and boss. Setting boundaries is an important way to take control in your life and show respect for yourself. If you’d like to hear about how Andrew and Anna set boundaries in their own lives, then this is the episode for you!
Fun facts The term “work-life balance” became popular in the 1980s. Setting boundaries between your personal life and your professional life is an important strategy for taking care of your mental health. One simple way to set a boundary between working hours and after hours is to turn off e-mail notifications from your work e-mail during that time.
Expressions included in the study guide
to cross a line/boundary to set a precedent to run the risk to count as to have one’s [noun] hat on to walk all over [someone]
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Paolo Chiabrando (Unsplash.com)
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 take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
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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 fascinating topics. These episodes are designed to help you improve your English listening and speaking skills in a fun and exciting way.
Fun facts An interesting aspect of volunteering abroad is that it often offers an immersive language learning experience. Volunteers often improve their language skills and cultural understanding by interacting with hosts and fellow volunteers in foreign countries.
Expressions included in the study guide
The sky is the limit To stick out To be in the same boat To play by ear Hustle and bustle On the flip side
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Paolo Chiabrando (Unsplash.com)
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 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.
Join the Culips Discord server here:
Listen to Simplified Speech #172 here:
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 for intermediate and advanced English learners. By listening to these audio lessons, you can learn idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that native speakers use all the time. Tune in to take your fluency to the next level!
Fun facts Andrew mentions the expression “slim chance” in this episode. Did you know that the phrase “fat chance” means the exact same thing, even though “slim” and “fat” are opposites? English can be quite fascinating, don't you think?
Expressions included in the study guide
Bottom of the barrel Slim pickings To settle for [something] To inch towards [something] Decent What can you do?
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Mauro Lima (Unsplash.com)
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 fluency with real-life stories.
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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Watch the Discord tutorial here:
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 series for beginner and intermediate English language learners that features easy to understand conversations about everyday topics. These episodes are designed to help you improve your listening skills and expand your vocabulary. We have quality study guides and transcripts available for all Culips members.
Fun facts Do you know these handy Windows shortcuts that can make your browsing more efficient?
To open a new tab, press Ctrl + T To close a tab, press Ctrl + W To open a previously closed tab, press Ctrl + Shift + T
Expressions included in the study guide
One thing led to another Quirk Now that we’ve established Facade Willy-nilly Funky
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Cottonbro studio (Pexels.com)
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.
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Listen to Chatterbox #306
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 series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Chatterbox episodes feature two native English speakers having natural conversations. Listening to these audio lessons is a great way to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and listening skills so that you can build your fluency.
Fun facts Stepping outside of your comfort zone has a lot of benefits that include personal growth, improved self-confidence, and a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life. By embracing new experiences and facing fears, you create memorable moments and a richer, more vibrant life.
Expressions included in the study guide
In [one’s] element Second nature Sweet spot To put [oneself] out there In the long run In the deep end
Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Cottonbro studio (Pexels.com)
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 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 Simplified Speech 170, The little joys in life here:
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 facts A 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]
Rain, shine, and moving timeEpisode descriptionIn this week’s bonus episode, talks about celebrating his anniversary and getting ready for his upcoming move. Plus, he teaches you a useful English expression that will improve your listening and speaking, ‘to be in flux.’
Study with the interactive transcript here:
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Listen to Simplified Speech 122 here:
Listen to Simplified Speech 171 here:
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)
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:
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)
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.
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 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.
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)
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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 Back to life, back to reality 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.
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.
The post There’s no place like home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
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.
The post Two days, two doughnuts first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
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:
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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.
The post Biennial health check 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.
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.
The post Attending a funeral 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.
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 best Episode description In 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 nextRead More
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.
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 by becomingRead 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.
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.
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.
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 EnglishRead More
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 inRead More
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 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.
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 youRead More
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 forRead More
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 toRead More
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,Read More
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,Read More
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, phrasalRead More
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 EnglishRead More
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 whichRead More
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 CulipsRead More
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. OnRead More
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 perfectRead More
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 differentRead More
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 EnglishRead More
The post Catch Word #246 – Butterfingers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In today’s Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce two really useful phrases for talking about emotions and feelings. Sharing the thoughts buried deep in your heart isn’t an easy thing to do, especially in a foreign language. By listening to this episode, you can make those difficult emotional conversations feel a little less stressful.Read More
The post Catch Word #245 – Heart-to-heart 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.
Some people can’t get enough of jigsaw puzzles. They like connecting the dots and the challenge of piecing everything together. In the end, it’s always important to pay attention to the bigger picture. In this Catch Word episode, that’s exactly what hosts Andrew and Jeremy are talking about. Their two main expressions are to connectRead More
The post Catch Word #244 – Connect the dots first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
The way we communicate includes more than what we actually say. Sometimes there are hidden meanings! In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne explain two phrases that mean to look past the obvious for the truth. Catch Word episodes define idioms, phrases, and slang so you can sound like a native speaker. Listen as two EnglishRead More
The post Catch Word #243 – Read between the lines first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In today’s Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy are back with another catch-up session. In today’s episode, Kassy talks about her spring break trip and Andrew updates us on his adventures in obtaining his driver’s licence. Simplified Speech is a great series for intermediate learners. Tune in to hear natural English conversation spoken at aRead More
The post Simplified Speech #121 – May catch up between Andrew and Kassy 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.
Going to the bank can be a stressful experience. Going to a bank using a second language can be ever more stressful! In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy take you through the normal steps to open a bank account and the English expressions you will need to know. In this episode, our hostsRead More
The post Real Talk #048 – How to open a bank account first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Spinach, love it or hate it? In this scrumptious Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about controversial foods, foods that some people are dying to eat while others wrinkle their noses in disgust just thinking about them. This Simplified Speech episode on controversial foods is perfect for intermediate learners of English. Today’s episode isRead More
The post Simplified Speech #120 – Foods you either love or hate 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.
Welcome to another Simplified Speech episode where hosts Andrew and Kassy catch up on recent news. They always have a lot to share with each other, so give it a listen! It’s Kassy’s birthday in a couple of days! Happy birthday, Kassy! Of course, by the time you listen to this episode, it will haveRead More
The post Simplified Speech #119 – What’s new with us first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Animal lovers gather around! Whether you have a fur baby of your own or just love pets, you’ll enjoy listening to Andrew and Kassy talk about Pinky, Andrew’s new dog. In this episode, two native English speakers talk about owning a pet. This English audio lesson is designed to help you improve your vocabulary withRead More
The post Simplified Speech #118 – Meet Pinky, Andrew’s new dog first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Hmm, what’s today’s topic? Oh, that’s right! In today’s useful Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy will teach you some helpful phrases to use when talking about memory and remembering something. So, before you forget, click that play button and get listening! Listening to the Culips Catch Word series is a perfect way to learnRead More
The post Catch Word #242 – That rings a bell! 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.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy decide to catch up and share recent news about their personal lives. Andrew is on his way to getting his Korean driver’s licence, and Kassy is going to supervise the SATs—an exam she took not too long ago—as a teacher! In this episode, our hosts discuss theRead More
The post Simplified Speech #117 – Let’s catch up first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever thought about what your favourite word is in the English language? In this interesting Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their favourite and least favourite English words. Tune in to find out what they are. This episode is full of interesting English phrases and slang words that are sure toRead More
The post Simplified Speech #116 – Our favourite English words first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Life is full of important decisions, and some of them cannot be undone. You have to carefully navigate the world of decisions. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy discuss expressions that revolve around the major choices we make. In this episode, our hosts talk about life-altering decisions, like marriage and when to changeRead More
The post Catch Word #241 – Take the plunge first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Be careful where you step! If you’re injury-prone, you might just twist an ankle. In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Jeremy talk about their worst injuries. In this episode, you’ll hear how native English speakers talk about accidents and injuries. Along the way, you’ll hear useful idiomatic expressions used when talking about physicallyRead More
The post Simplified Speech #115 – Are you injury prone? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Here’s another brand-new Catch Word episode for our listeners! Tune in with Andrew and Jeremy to learn some useful English phrases you can use when you want to hurry up and do something quickly. There’s no better way to improve your English than learning English phrases encountered in natural conversations. This episode is perfect forRead More
The post Catch Word #240 – Let’s get crackin’! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Brrrriiinggg! There goes the school bell. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy look back on their high school days to talk about all of the interesting high school electives available in their schools in Canada and the U.S. This episode is chock-full of natural English expressions to boost your English fluency to theRead More
The post Simplified Speech #114 – High school electives first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
How’s your English learning these days? Are you getting into the groove of things? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy give you some useful expressions to use when talking about a project or job that you are about to finish. Fun facts Did you know that the act of procrastination has increased significantlyRead More
The post Catch Word #239 – It’s all downhill from here first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
You’re driving down the street and notice the police car behind you has just turned on its siren and flashing lights. You need to pull over. What do you do? What should you say? Getting pulled over by the police while driving can often be a stressful situation, even if you haven’t done anything wrong.Read More
The post Real Talk #047 – What to say if you are stopped by the police first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you love making or fixing things on your own? You’re probably a DIY enthusiast! You’ll enjoy today’s edition of Simplified Speech, where Andrew and Jeremy talk about do-it-yourself projects and whether or not it really is a good idea to do it yourself. Listen and improve your English skills! You’ll hear a conversation betweenRead More
The post Simplified Speech #113 – Let’s talk about DIY projects first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Grab a spoon and a tub of ice cream and dig in while listening to today’s Simplified Speech episode. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about popular desserts from their home countries and their favourites. Fun facts October 14th is designated as National Dessert Day in the United States. Another fun fact: people getRead More
The post Simplified Speech #112 – Dessert first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In the last year, online learning has become one of the most convenient ways to learn a new skill or teach a class. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the advantages and disadvantages to online learning and share what they’ve been studying online. . This episode is a Simplified Speech episode. Simplified SpeechRead More
The post Simplified Speech #111 – Online learning first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Meeting new people can be intimidating. It can also be the starting point for the best friendships you’ll ever have. In today’s edition of Real Talk, Andrew and Kassy discuss the different ways to start a conversation with a stranger. In this episode, you’ll hear a variety of conversation starters, personal introductions, and good topicsRead More
The post Real Talk #046 – How to start a conversation with a stranger first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, I’m going to talk about a bad study habit. This is something that you should avoid doing when you are studying English. Do you have any bad study habits? I know that when I first started learning Korean, I had lots of bad study habits. And also, as I was teaching EnglishRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #30: A Bad Study Habit first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this week’s Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy explain three everyday expressions using the word slip: slip up, to slip [one’s] mind, and to slip through [one’s] fingers. If you don’t know what Catch Word is, well, let me explain. It is the series where we teach you interesting English vocabulary that is veryRead More
The post Catch Word #238 – I let it slip through my fingers 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.
In this episode, we are going to be talking about taking a break. Now I often get this question from language learners all over the world, and it is, “Is it okay to take a break from studying?” Now I understand why most people ask this question. For those of us who are really seriousRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #29: Is it OK to take a break? Culips 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.
Hello there language learning friend. Welcome back to Culips. In this episode, I am going to talk about technology. Specifically, I’ll talk about what kinds of technology I have used to learn Korean and Spanish in the past. Now I should start off by saying when I started learning Korean about 10 years ago, thereRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #28: Using technology to learn English first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy have a blast talking about their favourite childhood games. Tune in to hear about childhood classics like tag, hide-and-seek, and much more. Hey there, friends, welcome back to Culips. This is a Simplified Speech episode. If you’re wondering what that is, well, Simplified Speech is the CulipsRead More
The post Simplified Speech #110 – Childhood games first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Hello everyone, this is Jeremy and you’re listening to Jeremy’s English Tips, a series by the Culips English Podcast where I teach you interesting expressions or share language learning tips.Welcome back to another episode of the Culips English Podcast series called Jeremy’s English Tips. In this episode, I’m going to answer a common question thatRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #27: Signs you’re improving 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.
This is a Real Talk episode. Real Talk is the series where we teach you the English that you need to know for everyday, real-world situations. Occasionally, someone will come to you with bad news. How should you respond? In this Real Talk episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy discuss the different ways you can beRead More
The post Real Talk #045 – How to respond to bad news first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this episode, I am going to teach you about the difference between these three words: but, though, and although. These three words technically mean the same thing, but the way that they are used is different. And they have some very subtle differences. Subtle differences are very small, hard to notice differences. So, IRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips Episode #26: The difference between but, though, and although first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What’s the difference between a hike, a trek, and a climb? Andrew and Jeremy answer a listener’s question and explain the nuances between the three words in this episode of Culips. We also share some stories about experiences we’ve had doing these activities. This is a fun episode and I think you’ll find it entertainingRead More
The post Simplified Speech #109 – Hiking, trekking, and climbing first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
If you don’t know what Catch Word is, well, let me explain. It is the series where we teach you awesome English vocabulary, like idioms, phrasal verbs, or expressions that will help improve your English listening and speaking. And today, I’m joined by my cohost, Jeremy.
OK, let’s get started with the episode now. Enjoy and happy English learning!
The post Catch Word #237 – Left to your own devices first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Happy New Year! At the end of each calendar year, most people take time to think of the past year and look forward to the next. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy reflect upon 2020 and discuss their goals for 2021. I just wanted to thank you all for studying English with CulipsRead More
The post Simplified Speech #108 – Happy New Year! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Homesickness is a familiar feeling for everyone, whether you’re away for a few days or you moved to a totally new country! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how they deal with homesickness. Fun facts Homesickness isn’t new. It has been around since ancient times. It is mentioned in the Christian bible’s OldRead More
The post Simplified Speech #107 – Homesickness first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this seasonal Culips episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about what they do to prepare for Christmas and the holiday season. Christmas isn’t simply a one-day affair, it’s a month long celebration of winter, family, and good cheer. Fun facts Christmas might be the most widely known December holiday in Western culture, but there areRead More
The post Simplified Speech #106 – Countdown to Christmas first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There are many ways to say, “It’s OK” and reassure someone. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew cover ways you can calm people down or make them feel better. Fun facts Everyone reacts differently to stress. In general, women tend to think, talk, and reach out to others. Men tend to use distraction, like physicalRead More
The post Catch Word #236 – No biggie first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you get scared when you cross a black cat at night? Do you change your behaviour when you notice the day is Friday the 13th? Join hosts Andrew and Kassy in this Simplified Speech episode as they share their stories and opinions on the topic of superstitions. Fun facts Superstition is the main topicRead More
The post Simplified Speech #105 – Bad luck first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Everyone has to visit the dentist sometime. And everyone can agree that it’s a bit scary! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy share their dental stories and why they’re afraid of the dentist. Fun facts In the United States alone, more than 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased each year. Yet only 30%Read More
The post Simplified Speech #104 – Are you afraid of the dentist? 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.
Episode description In today’s episode, I’d like to answer a common question that I get from language learners all over the world. And that question is, am I studying English correctly? How do I know I’m on the right path? Now, another related question I also get is, how do I know I’m on theRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #25: How do I know if I’m on the right path 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.
Gobble gobble! It’s that time of year again. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their families’ Thanksgiving traditions and what it’s like to celebrate Thanksgiving while living away from home. Fun facts In the United States, the president pardons a turkey each year, meaning he spares its life. This tradition startedRead More
The post Simplified Speech #103 – It’s Thanksgiving time again first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
This upcoming Friday, November 27th at 7pm Korean Standard Time, Kassy and I will be doing a YouTube live stream event for all Culips members. Our monthly live streams are a new membership benefit. And they are a way for us to connect with all of the people who support Culips and to spend someRead More
The post YouTube live stream event for all Culips members 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.
Do you do the same things every evening after work? What do you do when you’re getting ready for bed? In this episode, Andrew and Jeremy discuss their nighttime routines and how things change when you have a family. Fun facts Sleep experts say that having a nighttime routine will help you sleep better. ARead More
The post Simplified Speech #102 – Nighttime routines first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce some vocabulary and expressions about receiving moral support. Fun facts You’ve Got a Friend in Me, the theme song for the iconic Disney/Pixar Toy Story franchise, is a great example of showing moral support. This song conveys the importance of friendship that lasts through thick andRead More
The post Catch Word #235 – Through thick and thin first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Many people in the world shave. In this episode, Andrew and Jeremy talk about shaving their beards, how they do it, what tools they use, and what their loved ones think about their daily rituals. Fun facts In his lifetime, a man will shave more than 8 metres of hair! Expressions included in the studyRead More
The post Simplified Speech #101 – Shaving first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Have you ever eaten too much of your favourite food? You know you shouldn’t eat that much, but it’s just so good! That situation is a perfect example of going overboard. In this Catch Word episode, hosts Andrew and Jeremy share various expressions you can use when you overdo things. Fun facts Overboard is theRead More
The post Catch Word #234 – I think you went a bit overboard first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Some people enjoy surprises. Some people absolutely hate them! It is sometimes difficult to know how to react when someone tells you something incredible. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Jeremy share plenty of expressions to help you react. Fun facts A lot of people love being surprised by amazing facts. Ripley’s Believe ItRead More
The post Real Talk #044 – How to react to surprising news first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In this very special 100th episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew shares exciting news: he’s getting married! Listen in as he tells Kassy how he and his now-fiancée first met and how they got engaged. Fun facts The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome. In the second century BC, Roman brides-to-be wereRead More
The post Simplified Speech #100 – Andrew’s getting married! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description In this episode of Jeremy’s English Tips, I’d like to talk about the terrible twos. Do you have something like this in your native language? In English, we have this term, the terrible twos. This term describes a developmental stage in which young children under the age of three throw temper tantrums quiteRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #24: The most fun and difficult part of the English learning journey first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Isn’t it frustrating when you are on a video call and all of a sudden you experience technical difficulties? Sometimes the video is faulty. Sometimes it’s the audio. What should you do? In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy give you many expressions that will help you deal with these situations. Fun facts WeRead More
The post Real Talk #043 – Talking about video call problems first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you have a lot on your plate? No, we’re not talking about food. To have a lot on your plate means to be very busy. Well, if you’re not too busy, give this Catch Word episode a listen! Fun facts Another expression for being busy is to have a lot of plates to spin.Read More
The post Catch Word #233 – I’ve got a lot on my plate first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description In this episode of Jeremy’s English Tips, I would like to talk to you about how to help yourself improve your English by raising a baby English speaker in your head. Key points that Jeremy covers in this episode Everyone knows that babies learn language quite quickly and effortlessly. Why do adults seemRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #23: You are raising an English baby in your head first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
A much-loved dinner option, pizza is eaten all over the world. Today, Andrew and Kassy discuss the many different pizza types out there and answer a few controversial pizza questions. Fun facts Pizza traces its origins to the Greeks and Egyptians, who cooked a flatbread and topped it with olive oil and spices. Today’s moreRead More
The post Simplified Speech #099 – Pizza first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
What’s your favourite thing to buy at the local convenience store? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their favourite convenience store snacks, special features of convenience stores in North America, and differences between convenience stores in the United States and Canada. Fun facts 7-Eleven convenience stores can be found in countriesRead More
The post Simplified Speech #098 – Convenience stores first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description Have you ever struggled with making friends with English speakers? If so, then this episode is for you. Now, we’ll be talking about some cultural stuff in this one as well. And since there are many different English speaking countries around the world, I will use the word English speaker to refer toRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips #22: Four tips for making friends with English speakers 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.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their daily routines for getting ready in the morning. Enjoy this episode while you complete your own morning routine! Fun facts More than 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day!Read More
The post Simplified Speech #097 – Getting ready for the day first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
People have been collecting things for eons. It doesn’t matter what it is, whether it’s seashells or rare coins, anything can be considered a collector’s item. In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy dive into the world of collecting. Fun facts São Paulo is home to the largest collection in the world. ARead More
The post Simplified Speech #096 – Do you collect anything? 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.
Arts and crafts are popular all over the world. Some people paint, knit, or sew as a hobby. Some do arts and crafts as a job. In this Simplified Speech episode, host Andrew and Kassy talk about their relationship with arts and crafts. Fun facts In this episode, Kassy talks about attending Paint and SipRead More
The post Simplified Speech #095 – Arts and Crafts first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description In this episode, we’re going to be talking about discourse markers. All right, let’s jump right in. So what is a discourse marker? Well, a discourse marker, or discourse markers are those little words like, first, second, third, however, or finally that helped us to clarify or categorize our thoughts. Quick tip takeawaysRead More
The post Suzanne’s Quick Tips Episode #7: Discourse markers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description The expression for this episode is: to make a long story short. To make a long story short. I use this one a lot whenever I want to summarize something that would take too long to explain in full detail. Usually, this is used when there is a time limit on the discussion.Read More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips Episode #21: To make a long story short first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Life isn’t perfect. No matter how hard we try, sometimes things just go terribly. In this Catch Word episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy discuss two expressions you can use when that happens: to go south and to go haywire. Give it a listen! Fun facts Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is theRead More
The post Catch Word #232 – That’s when it all went south first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Good news, everybody! In this Real Talk episode, our hosts Andrew and Kassy discuss the many ways you can respond in English when you hear good news. Fun facts In this episode, our hosts talk about having drinks to celebrate good news. Apparently, after winning the US Open, famed tennis player Andy Murray treated hisRead More
The post Real Talk #042 – How to respond to good news 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.
Swimming is an activity with worldwide appeal. Some people see it as a fun activity. For others, it’s a competitive sport. Join hosts Andrew and Kassy in this Simplified Speech episode as they discuss their relationship with swimming. Dive right into it! Fun facts Swimming is one of the most popular Olympic sports. There wereRead More
The post Simplified Speech #094 – Swimming first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description In this episode of Jeremy’s English Tips, we are going to be talking about your comfort zone. Now, there is a very commonly used expression in English and it goes: to step outside of one’s comfort zone. Key points covered in this lesson: “To step outside of one’s comfort zone” is a commonlyRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips Episode #20: How to step outside of your English comfort zone first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Super! Really! Very! Extremely! There are many ways to add emphasis to your conversation and show the intensity of a feeling or situation. In today’s episode, Andrew and Jeremy share two catch words that native English speakers use every day. Fun facts Intensifiers are adverbs used to give force or emphasis. These parts of speechRead More
The post Catch Word #231 – So cute, it hurts first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Sometimes things go missing. Whether you’ve lost an item, a person, or an idea, there are unique phrases to fit the situation. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two phrases you can use to say that something has disappeared. Fun facts The Bermuda Triangle is famous for making planes and ships disappear.Read More
The post Catch Word #230 – That’s out the window first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Most of us can’t afford to recklessly spend money. So when it comes to making big purchases, we’re forced to make big decisions. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about some of the big purchases they have made. Fun facts The most expensive private home in the world is called Antilia. ItRead More
The post Simplified Speech #093 – Big purchases first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There are so many ways to tell people that you’re thinking. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy cover two expressions that you can use to tell someone just how hard you’re thinking about something. Fun facts Naps can improve your memory. German researchers at the University of Lübeck asked study participants to do some tasks;Read More
The post Catch Word #229 – I’m racking my brain first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description Today’s topic is breath support. Sometimes when we’re in an important meeting, an interview or maybe a class presentation, we might find that we’re kind of nervous, right? Our nerves go up, our body temperature goes up. Our breathing starts getting shallow. And we tend not to have a lot of what weRead More
The post Suzanne’s Quick Tips Episode #6: Breath support first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Do you dread social gatherings because you’re never quite sure exactly what to say? Then tune in to this Real Talk episode, where Andrew and Jeremy introduce some great phrases to use when making small talk at a party, wedding, or similar event. Fun facts Most people love to share stories about themselves. The bestRead More
The post Real Talk #041 – How to meet new people at a party first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Taking care of the environment through recycling and proper garbage disposal is such an important aspect of our lives. However, everyone goes about it differently. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the differences between how Canada and the United States deal with waste management. Fun facts Recycling isn’t easy for everyRead More
The post Simplified Speech #092 – Garbage and recycling first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
In today’s Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy introduce two phrases that can be used when expressing negative emotions. Although we wish life could always be full of happy times, that definitely isn’t the reality. Sometimes we have some pretty negative emotions bottled up inside; Andrew and Jeremy are here to help you express thoseRead More
The post Catch Word #228 – It’s really eating me up! first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description In this episode we are going to talk about three super useful ways to share your opinion in English. Now in English, it is very common for people to share their opinions and to discuss differing opinions in a rather casual setting. Key points covered in this lesson: The easiest way to shareRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips Episode #19: Three ways to share your opinion in English first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There are more and more food-delivery options available every year. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the apps they use and how often they order food, cook for themselves, or treat themselves to a night out. Fun facts It is said that the first-ever food delivery order happened in 1889. Italy’s King UmbertoRead More
The post Simplified Speech #091 – Food delivery apps 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.
Episode description In this episode, I’d like to talk about how using stories can make memorizing words easier. When adults try to learn a new language, they usually just try to learn words without context. Have you ever tried to memorize a long list of words? If so, then you are likely guilty of thisRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips Episode #18: Using Stories to Make Memorizing Words Easier first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Uniforms in school is a hot topic for students. Some students love that they don’t have to choose their clothes in the morning. Others hate the lack of freedom. In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Suzanne share their opinions on and experiences with school uniforms. Fun facts The prevalence of school uniforms variesRead More
The post Simplified Speech #090 – School uniforms first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Episode description Today, we have a quick tip for you. And today we’re going to talk about open-ended questions, and the intonation. So, when you ask a question, does it always go up at the end? Not always. Intonation. Many times people see a question mark or ask a question and automatically assume that aRead More
The post Suzanne’s Quick Tips Episode #5: Question intonation first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Regardless of what magazines and articles say about fashion, everyone has their own unique, personal style. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne describe their personal styles and talk about how they’ve changed over the years. Fun facts Men’s clothing has the buttons on the right side. Women’s buttons are on the left and sometimes theRead More
The post Simplified Speech #089 – Personal style first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
There are many expressions in English that use the imagery of pictures. A common one is to ask someone, “Do you get the picture?” Listen to this Catch Word episode with hosts Andrew and Jeremy to find out the many ways to use this expression. Fun facts Humans have been painting pictures for millennia. SomeRead More
The post Catch Word #227 – Get the picture first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
People around the world often start their days with a nice cup of coffee. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Jeremy discuss some helpful phrases that one might need when ordering a cup of energizing coffee. Fun facts Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world. It produces about a third ofRead More
The post Real Talk #040 – How to order coffee first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
We all have moments in our lives when we want to say, “I can’t help it!” Sometimes we’re looking for an excuse. Sometimes we really can’t change something about our lives. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy look at the different ways this phrase can be used. Fun facts In this episode, ourRead More
The post Catch Word #226 – I can’t help but … 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.
Episode description Our expression for today is to get your foot in the door. To get your foot in the door, it can be get her foot in the door, get his foot in the door, get my foot in the door. The key is to get a foot in the door. What this meansRead More
The post Jeremy’s English Tips Episode #17: Get your foot in the door first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Many of our listeners have become better English speakers, but what does it take to become a better English writer? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Jeremy give their advice on how to write like a native English speaker. Fun facts There are around 4000 new English words added to the Oxford English DictionaryRead More
The post Simplified Speech #088 – How to write English like a native speaker first appeared on Culips English Podcast.