Culips Everyday English Podcast

Do you still remember your best friend’s phone number from when you were a kid? Andrew and Indiana share some fun memories from the days when every home had a phone connected to the wall, and talk about the pros and cons of life with a landline. Along the way, you’ll learn useful English vocabulary like “a peek behind the curtain,” “to get through to someone,” “a comedy of errors,” “fishy,” “to come in handy,” and “peak something.” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Link from this episode: Watch the Curb Your Enthusiasm phone etiquette scene that Indiana talks about. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: A peek behind the curtain To get through to someone A comedy of errors Fishy To come in handy Peak something

Would you keep going in a race if something embarrassing happened to you halfway through? Andrew and Anna talk about an Australian athlete who had a bathroom accident during a Hyrox race in Beijing and kept going until she won. They discuss why the story traveled so fast online, what it meant for her sponsors, and whether pushing yourself to your limit is always a good thing. Along the way, you’ll hear expressions like “to have one’s blinkers on,” “a perfect storm,” “blowback,” “plastered all over,” “to spread like wildfire,” and “to lay low.” Listening to Andrew and Anna share their opinions on a real news story will help you follow how English speakers talk about current events in everyday conversation. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Link from this episode: BBC: “Hyrox athlete apologises for continuing race after soiling herself” Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To have one’s blinkers on A perfect storm Blowback To be plastered all over (something) To spread like wildfire To lay low

In this bonus episode, Andrew tells the story of something new that he and his wife recently started together, and what it’s like to be a total beginner again. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Tell us about a time you were a beginner! Record a two-minute audio story about an awkward, funny, or embarrassing moment from trying something new, and Andrew might share it in a future episode: Record your story here. Study materials for this episode The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary are free for everyone. No membership needed. The comprehension quiz and the PDF study guide download are for Culips members. Become a Culips member to get study materials for every episode, live speaking classes, ad-free audio, member-only perks, and more. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Keep an ear out for these expressions during the episode: To deteriorate Self-conscious To weigh the pros and cons To stick with (something) As the crow flies To put off A sales spiel A gym rat Ego lifting To be juxtaposed

What’s the one thing you just can’t say no to? Andrew and Indiana share their biggest weaknesses when it comes to food, shopping, screen time, and a few basic life skills, and Andrew tells a story about an unexpected visitor at his desk. Along the way, you’ll learn how to use “Achilles heel,” “a goody two-shoes,” “mid,” “cooked,” “your own worst enemy,” and “a coping mechanism.” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Link from this episode: The fashion scene at Dongmyo Market (SSENSE) Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: An Achilles heel A goody two-shoes Mid To be cooked To be one’s own worst enemy A coping mechanism

Does sport bring people together, or does it divide us? Andrew and Anna’s conversation moves from the World Cup to the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and even esports. Along the way, you’ll hear expressions like “in the wake of,” “to not have a dog in the fight,” “emotionally charged,” “over the top,” “good grief,” and “to check a box.” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: In the wake of (something) To (not) have a dog in the fight Emotionally charged Over the top Good grief To check a box

In this Catch Word lesson, Andrew and Indiana teach you five English expressions that are often used in meetings and in the workplace: “circle back,” “touch base,” “drop the ball,” “in the weeds,” and “move the needle.” Learning these expressions will help you be a clearer speaker and a better listener the next time you find yourself in a meeting. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To circle back To touch base To drop the ball Across the board In the weeds To move the needle

In this bonus episode, Andrew takes one day off at the end of the summer and heads to the beach with his wife. They are only away for 24 hours, but they fit a lot into it. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Study materials for this episode The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary are free for everyone. No membership needed. The comprehension quiz and the PDF study guide download are for Culips members. Become a Culips member to get study materials for every episode, live speaking classes, ad-free audio, member-only perks, and more. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Keep an ear out for these expressions during the episode: The last hurrah To be closed off A puppy mill To take one for the team Buoyant To zone out Not really a thing To luck out Big ups / props Health-maxxing

Hang out with your English-speaking friends, Andrew and Indiana, for a catch-up! Indiana has been growing tomatillos on her patio, and she rode 40 miles along New York’s Empire State Trail on a very hot day, though the ride did not go the way she planned. Andrew went to see a Damien Hirst exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, and he has been letting an AI design his marathon training plan. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: On deck To clue in Happy-go-lucky To put a bad taste in someone’s mouth To hit the pavement A mishap

In this bonus episode, Andrew tells the story of the most stressful morning he’s had in a long time, and it all started with something small that ended up in a place he couldn’t reach. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Tell us about your own terrible morning! Record a two-minute audio story and Andrew might share it in a future episode: Record your story here. Study Materials for This Episode The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary are free for everyone. No membership needed. The comprehension quiz and the PDF study guide download are for Culips members. Become a Culips member to get study materials for every episode, live speaking classes, ad-free audio, member-only perks, and more. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Keep an ear out for these expressions during the episode: Wiggle room Flush TMI Minuscule To fall between the cracks To lull someone to sleep To emit Tongs To rig up A last ditch effort

What does a heat wave actually do to your day? Andrew and Anna compare their summers from opposite sides of the world. Anna is in Madrid, where a hot day reaches 40 degrees and the blinds stay closed until evening. Andrew is in Seoul, where the rainy season just ended but the humidity stayed. They talk about air conditioning, lost sleep, cold showers, and the wildfires that burned west of Madrid this summer. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Not so fast Respite Bar none To do one’s business Bone dry To burn to a crisp Study Materials: Episode link: The 2026 Spain wildfires The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this bonus episode, Andrew picks up the story he started last time and tells you what happened next. He heads out to the edge of the city on a hot summer evening and gets home much later than he planned. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Expressions To set the stage To count down the days Headlining The tail end A certain je ne sais quoi When all is said and done Boy, was I wrong Artsy-fartsy To rub someone the wrong way To write off

How do you get from intermediate English to sounding almost like a native speaker? Jesús Florez did it, and he's back on the show to tell Andrew how. He explains the years he spent creating his own English immersion at home and names the four shows that finally moved him up to an advanced level. Listen in to hear his story and his advice for taking your own English to the next level. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Free Resources and Links The interactive transcript, study guide, and quizzes for this episode are free for everyone. No membership needed. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Jesús's YouTube channel Jesús's Instagram Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: A long time in the making To shift gears Give or take To lend itself to (something) A cut above (the rest) It bears repeating

Have you ever gotten a second chance at something you thought you would only get to do once? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the first Culips meetup in Seoul and then tells the story of trying to see one of his favorite bands play a second time. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Expressions A turnout To talk into the void To be taken aback A high-water mark Now or never Once-in-a-lifetime To shell out When life gives you lemons, make lemonade Someone’s mind is made up To go through

Have you ever looked up from your phone and realized that an hour just disappeared? In this Catch Word lesson, Andrew and Indiana teach you how to tell someone to "touch grass" and how to describe a person as "terminally online" or "chronically online." They explain the difference in tone between these expressions, why "touch grass" can sound like a real insult, and when each one is appropriate to use. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To touch grass Terminally online / Chronically online To be cooped up To be wrapped up in something A break with reality To get the last word

Have you ever traveled to a city far from home and felt like you had already been there? The same coffee shops, the same clothing stores, even the same songs playing inside the cafes. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about hyperblanding, the idea that fashion, music, food, and design all over the world are slowly becoming the same. The word comes from a 2026 trend report, and you can read more about it here. Listen to the full conversation to learn what hyperblanding is, decide if you agree with the idea, and build your English fluency at the same time. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: A myriad of To get under someone's skin To regurgitate Been there, done that To ride the wave Variety is the spice of life

What does a name really say about a person? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about baby names and the stories behind them. They chat about how naming has changed in North America since the 1950s. You'll also hear about old-fashioned virtue names, why so many parents today want something different, and the existence of "middle names" in the U.S. and Canada. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. To build your fluency, try listening to the episode more than once and saying the new expressions out loud until you feel comfortable using them yourself. Links mentioned in this episode: Popular baby name data (U.S. Social Security Administration) List of Korean surnames (Wikipedia) Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: At opposite ends of the spectrum A hat tip to (something) A copycat Claim to fame To fit in To stand out

How do you like your eggs? It sounds like a small question, but the answer can tell you a lot about a person. In this episode, Andrew surprises his co-host Kassy with a list of weird, wacky, and random questions. She hasn't seen them before, so you get to hear her real, unplanned answers. They talk about all sorts of everyday things, from what they would want to be famous for to how they wake up in the morning, and they use some natural expressions that native speakers say all the time. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Infamous No holds barred To zonk out Dogs Up and at 'em To come full circle

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a few quick updates from behind the scenes at Culips and tells a story about following the World Cup as a fan with more than one team to cheer for. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Free study guide: This episode comes with a free study guide for everyone. Download it to review the vocabulary, follow along with the episode, and practice using the new expressions. Resources mentioned in this episode: RSVP for the Culips meetup in Seoul Become a Culips member Join the Culips Discord server

Have you ever asked the internet about a health problem before asking a doctor? In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for health advice, and whether you can really trust them. Andrew shares a small health problem of his own and the answer he got from AI, and together they work out when a chatbot is actually helpful and when it is time to see a real doctor. Along the way they get into how confident these tools sound, who should be responsible when the advice is wrong, and what a visit to the doctor might look like in the future. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. To build your fluency, try listening to the episode more than once and saying the new expressions out loud until you feel comfortable using them yourself. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To get something checked out First port of call To take something with a grain of salt Off you trot Hypochondriac To go through the roof

What do you think is hiding on a 20-year-old iPod that someone forgot in a drawer? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana share three news stories and trends they came across recently. The first is about a woman who buys old iPods and shares the playlists she finds on them, like a small window into strangers' lives. After that, they talk about a new idea for spending less time on your phone, and a surprising change in what makes food popular today. To build your fluency, try listening to the episode more than once and saying the new expressions out loud until you feel comfortable using them yourself. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Stories mentioned in this episode: iPod archaeology (NPR): The analog bag trend: Texture is the new flavor: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To come across someone's desk Time capsule To have dirt on someone To hold something over someone In vogue To have hang-ups

Have you ever loved something your partner just won't try? For years, Andrew's wife said no to baseball. In this bonus episode, he finally gets her to the ballpark and finds out what she really thinks. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Study resources: Become a Culips member: Join the Culips Discord server: Get the interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary here: Glossary expressions: To brush something off To prod To level with someone To put yourself in someone's shoes To come around To look the part To pay through the nose A who's who Nosebleed seats To be priced out

What if there were a copy of you at work, answering emails and joining meetings while you slept? After Anna read a BBC article about people who are building AI versions of themselves, she brought the idea to Andrew, and the two of them talk about what these "digital twins" could mean for the rest of us. They look at the same question from three sides, the worker, the boss, and the business owner, and they keep coming back to one worry. If a company has a copy of you, do they still need you? Read the original BBC article on digital twins here: The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, a helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: The bottom line To not sit right with someone Joe Blow The cat's out of the bag M.O. (modus operandi) Dog-eat-dog

Have you started seeing videos that celebrate Chinese culture all over your feed, like someone swapping coffee for green tea? Andrew and Indiana noticed this trend too, and in this episode they teach three pieces of China-related slang and ask why it is all happening now. Their answer touches on the Djo song that went viral on TikTok, the move from TikTok to RedNote, soft power, and Canada's anti-tariff billboards in the US. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. To build your fluency, listen for how the hosts define each expression, then try using one yourself. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, a helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Links from this episode: End of Beginning by Djo: RedNote: Canada's anti-tariff billboards: 🔑 Key expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Chinamaxxing A baddie You met me at a very Chinese time in my life To age out (of something) A false alarm Soft power

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares some thoughts that have been on his mind lately about time and the way we experience it. He looks back a little, sits with the present moment, and wonders about what's coming. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Links mentioned in this episode: Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis: Click here The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Click here Introducing the Sackbut: Click here Introducing the Anton Walter Fortepiano: Click here Study resources: The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary for this episode are free for everyone. Get them here: Take the comprehension quiz for this episode:  Join our Discord community to participate in the June monthly challenge: Glossary expressions Crummy To go to a dark place Crafty Shrewd To clue in To give someone goosebumps To morph Crude A cool cat In the blink of an eye

What have you been up to lately? In this Simplified Speech catch-up episode, Andrew and Kassy share stories from the past month. Kassy talks about a family visit to Jeju Island, where rainy weather didn't stop them from hiking Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea, and seeing some of the island's stranger attractions. Andrew shares what happened during his birthday and fifth wedding anniversary, which fell in the same week and involved more cake than one person should eat in seven days. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Links mentioned in this episode: Jeju Island Hallasan Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: to put words in (someone's) mouth niche to call for (rain) (one's) legs are like jelly to get away with (something) to go ham

What's one thing you wish you had known sooner? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew sits down with Michael Lavers from the Level Up English Podcast for an honest conversation about regrets, missed chances, and the things we wish we had figured out earlier. They share stories about money mistakes, bad clothing buys, language learning, and the surprising lessons that come with getting older. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Check Out Michael's Work: Level Up English website: The Level Up English Podcast: Level Up English on YouTube: 🔑 Key expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Tongue-in-cheek No shade Lackadaisical To take the words right out of someone's mouth Building a house on sand A losing battle

Why do we dream? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana share their own theories about what dreams are for, the strangest recurring nightmares they've had, and a uniquely Korean kind of dream that's said to predict pregnancy. They also get into sleepwalking, snoring, and the small habits that can quietly ruin your sleep. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. References: Wikipedia, Conception dreams — Read here: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Fresh off the dome To ring true Every now and then To build up to The OG Story of my life

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about a weekend trip he took to visit two old friends in another city. They met up to hang out, do a challenging activity, and then enjoy some good times together. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. GLOSSARY EXPRESSIONS Get your act together In for a world of pain Talk your ear off Crash out Kaput Rip-off Putter around Lightheaded Toughen up Bounce back

Why does paying with cash feel different from tapping your phone? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the psychology of spending money. They share what they happily pay extra for, what they refuse to spend on, and the small tricks companies use to get more money out of our wallets. Along the way, they look at why we sometimes feel like we got a great deal even when we just spent five times what we intended. Listening to many natural responses is one of the best ways to build your everyday listening skills in English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. References: Dan Ariely TED Talk, Are we in control of our own decisions? — Watch here: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To recoil Hit or miss To break a bill Couldn't give a toss To be averse to To game

How do you answer the question, "How are you?" It sounds simple, but native English speakers actually use a wide variety of answers. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy share more than 30 common replies, including standard answers, sarcastic ones, and phrases people use on a busy or tough day. They explain what each phrase really means and the situations where you'll hear it. Listening to many natural responses is one of the best ways to build your everyday listening skills in English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To put someone through the wringer A scholar and a gentleman Murky Not one's cup of tea To be foiled To chuck something

Have you ever felt the fear of missing out on something exciting? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about FOMO, finding yourself in a funk, exercising your green thumb, and growing your own food. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. English Expressions featured in this episode FOMO On the ball To full send (it) To throw your hat into the ring To keep your eyes peeled To mull (something) over To hit (someone) like a ton of bricks To snap (yourself) out of (something) In a funk Green thumb

From Cornwall to Bangkok: Cycling, Podcasting, and Pop Culture with Michael Lavers Would you leave England to start a new life in Bangkok? Would you plan a cycling trip across an entire country? In this episode, Andrew interviews Michael Lavers from the Level Up English Podcast, a British podcaster who is doing exactly that. They chat about growing up in Cornwall, moving to Thailand, cycling adventures, and the challenges of learning Thai. Andrew ends the conversation with some quick questions about British pop culture that surprise even Michael! Listening to long conversations like this one is a fantastic way to improve your listening skills and pick up natural English expressions in context. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. 🔑 Key Expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To put someone through the wringer A scholar and a gentleman Murky Not one's cup of tea To be foiled To chuck something

Have you ever returned food at a restaurant? Fired a real gun? Used a fake ID to buy alcohol? Andrew and Indiana play Never Have I Ever in this episode, a popular North American game where players share the surprising things they have or have not done in their lives. Who has done more? Listen to find out, and learn some useful English expressions along the way. Listening to natural English conversations like this one is a great way to improve your fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a couple of stories about what he's been up to so far this spring, including a hike up a mountain in Seoul to see some spring flowers and doing a big deep clean of his house. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Are robots about to take over our houses? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and share what's new in their lives. Kassy talks about the new robotics program at her school and the family members coming to visit her in Korea, and Andrew explains the strange little experiment he tried to finally get over his fear of the stock market. Kassy also mentions an older episode about the GameStop story, which you can hear in Chatterbox 261 - “Meme stocks” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Have you ever been on a great date, only to suddenly feel completely turned off by something small and unexpected? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about "the ick," that sudden feeling of disgust toward someone you're dating. They share their own icks, from almond milk to vocal fry, and look at why these reactions happen. Are they silly snap judgments, or could they actually be rooted in something deeper, like evolution or personal values? Practice using the expressions from this episode in your own conversations, and you'll sound more natural in no time. - Andrew references articles from Time and Psychology Today: in the episode. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this episode, Andrew looks back on March. He ran the Seoul Marathon for the third year in a row after a rough winter of injuries and almost no training. He also tells you about the construction project he and his wife tackled in their yard, and why two weekends of mixing cement felt harder than running 42 kilometers. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

What would you say if you sat down at a restaurant and needed to tell your server about a food allergy? In this episode of Real Talk, Andrew and Indiana teach you practical phrases and expressions for talking about food allergies, food safety, and common menu abbreviations you'll see in English-speaking countries. Listen to this episode and practice the expressions in the study guide to feel more confident the next time you eat out. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Expressions included in the study guide A severe allergy To make a note of (something) To steer clear of (something) Cross contamination To go the extra mile Lactose intolerant

Would you use AI to write a birthday message to your best friend? What about a condolence note when someone loses a parent? Inspired by this Guardian article, Andrew and Indiana share their honest opinions on a question a lot of people are asking: is it ever OK to let AI speak for you in your personal life? You'll learn some useful expressions along the way and probably finish with a stronger opinion than you started with. Listening to real conversations between native speakers is one of the best ways to build your fluency and feel more confident in English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

What is it like to travel to Japan for a quick getaway? In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares stories from his recent 4-day trip to Fukuoka, Japan with his wife. They explored record stores, enjoyed incredible food, and visited a beautiful art museum. Andrew also tells you about an unexpected running adventure at a local park that turned into a secret competition with a stranger. Listening to this story will help you improve your English fluency. You will also learn useful, everyday words about travel, shopping, food, and city life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Join the Culips Discord server Mona Hatoum’s “+ and -” at the Fukuoka Art Museum Ohori Park, Fukuoka Homachiame Coffee, Fukuoka

In this Catch Word lesson, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English idioms: "stick to your guns" and "double down." Both expressions describe a person who refuses to change their mind, even when they face pressure or criticism. They discuss the small differences between these idioms, explaining why one is often seen as a sign of respect while the other is usually considered stubborn. By listening to their conversation, you will learn how to use these idioms naturally in your own everyday speaking.  The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Fan Fact: Many popular English idioms actually come from the world of gambling and card games. For example, the phrase "double down" comes from the game of Blackjack, where a player can double their bet in exchange for one more card. Another common expression mentioned in this episode is "to fold," which comes from Poker. In Poker, if you have a weak hand and don't want to keep betting, you fold your cards and give up on that round. Expression list: to stick to one's guns  to double down  to have one's mind made up  [Even] in the face of  Peer pressure  To back down

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana share their personal experiences as language learners. Even though they are English teachers, they also study second languages themselves. They talk about their history with languages like Japanese, German, and Korean, and discuss their favorite study methods and give advice on how to improve your skills.  They chat about some of the different ways they remember new vocabulary and why spending time with the language every day is so important. Finally, they also share some funny and unusual tips for practicing speaking without feeling embarrassed. Listen to the episode to find out which daily habits might work best for you. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Canada is famous for its cold winters, but what is it really like to visit in January? In this week's bonus episode, Andrew shares stories about his recent trip back to his hometown in Canada. He traveled there to enjoy the snow and do some classic winter activities. However, the weather didn't exactly match his plans! You will hear about his experience ice skating high up in the mountains and his trip to watch a local ice hockey game that had a very wild and surprising moment. Listening to this story will help you improve your English fluency. You will also learn useful, everyday words about winter weather, sports, and Canadian culture. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Bonus 166 - Home sweet home

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana discuss a difficult question: Can you separate the art from the artist? Sometimes, famous singers, writers, or actors do bad things or share opinions that hurt other people. Andrew and Indiana talk about if it is OK to still enjoy their music, books, or movies when this happens. By listening to this conversation, you will learn useful vocabulary to talk about controversy and personal values. This lesson will help you practice listening to natural English conversations and express your own thoughts about famous people who make bad choices. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Fun Fact Did you know that the popular word "canceled" actually comes from a 1991 movie? In the film New Jack City, a gangster gets angry at his girlfriend and tells someone to "cancel" her. Years later, people on social media started using this exact word to say they will stop supporting famous people who make bad choices. It shows how a simple movie line can grow into a word that everyone uses to talk about problematic artists today. Expression list problematic  separate the art from the artists clear-cut  blanket statement  to own up to  boycotting

Traveling abroad is usually a fun adventure, but what happens when you get sick in a different country? In this week's bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about his recent trip to Tokyo. He traveled there to see a concert and meet Culips listeners. However, a sudden illness almost ruined his plans. You will hear about how he tried to finish his trip and his long journey back to South Korea to find a doctor. Listening to this story will help you improve your English fluency. You will also learn useful, everyday words about traveling, being sick, and getting better. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Can you keep a secret? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the difference between being an "open book" and a "closed book." They discuss their own habits for keeping things private, share funny stories about childhood crushes, and debate whether it is harder to keep good news or bad news a secret. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Fun Fact Andrew mentions being "in a pickle." This is a funny way of saying you are in a difficult situation. While we usually think of pickles as a tasty snack, the phrase comes from the idea of being all mixed up or "stewed," just like vegetables in a jar of vinegar! Expression list To pry [something] out of [someone] To get dragged into To mind [one’s] own business A layoff Resentful To pave the way

Join Andrew and Indiana for a conversation about their love for J-Pop. In this episode, the hosts discuss how they originally found this genre and why it has become so famous globally. They talk about the "City Pop" trend, the unexpected ways they stumbled upon their favorite bands, and why listening to 90s Japanese music makes them feel nostalgic. Finally, they share a list of albums and songs to help you start listening, too. Press play to practice your English and find some great new music! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Here are the listening recommendations made by Andrew and Indiana: Spacy - Tatsuro Yamashita: Click here Wet Land - Hiroshi Yoshimura: Click here Sugar Babe - Songs: Click here Happy End - Kazamachi Roman: Click here Haruomi Hosono - Hosono House: Click here PONPONPON - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu: Click here Fun Fact Andrew mentions that listening to Japanese electronic music makes him nostalgic for old video games. This is no coincidence! Haruomi Hosono (recommended by both hosts in this episode) was a founder of Yellow Magic Orchestra, a band that pioneered using arcade sounds in pop music. Their 1978 hit "Computer Game" actually sampled sounds from Space Invaders!

In this Catch Word episode, you will learn two useful English idioms that describe financial failure. Andrew and Indiana explain what it means “to lose your shirt” and “to go belly up.” These expressions are common in news stories, business conversations, and everyday talk about money problems. Your hosts share clear examples from investing, gambling, restaurants, and regular life so you can understand how native speakers use these idioms naturally. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use “lose your shirt” when someone loses a large amount of money How to use “go belly up” to talk about a business or project that fails Helpful example dialogues that show tone, emotion, and real-life context This episode is perfect for you if: You want to build everyday vocabulary for talking about money and risk You want to understand English used in news reports, business shows, and casual conversations You need practical listening practice with clear examples and friendly explanations You want to feel more confident using idioms that native speakers use when discussing financial problems Fun Fact Did you know that “lose your shirt” comes from old gambling slang in the 1800s, when people sometimes bet so much money that they literally walked home without their clothes? The image was so shocking and memorable that people began using “lose your shirt” to describe losing all your money, even when no clothing was actually involved.

How do you usually react when your plans suddenly fall apart? In this bonus episode, Andrew tells a story about his recent trip to Canada where a few small errors led to some big inconveniences. He describes how he coped with a lack of entertainment and how he navigated a socially awkward moment with a group of strangers. Tune into the story to boost your fluency and pick up some useful expressions for describing everyday challenges and how to overcome them. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member RSVP for the Tokyo Meetup on February 10th, 2026 More details on Discord Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode, you get to hang out with Andrew and Kassy as they look back on Kassy’s huge cross-country trip in the United States. You’ll follow Kassy’s trip from Oregon to Arizona, then on to Pennsylvania, and finally down to the beach in North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll hear what it’s like to travel with a baby, catch up with family and old friends, and deal with a little culture shock in cities where you need to use a car in order to go anywhere. This light and adventurous story takes a shocking turn when a lightning strike causes a total disaster at Kassy’s parents’ house. Give this episode a listen and find out what happened! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

What are the things you miss most when you are away from home? In this episode, Andrew shares his excitement about his upcoming solo trip back to Canada. He talks about the challenges of traveling in the winter and a specific outdoor adventure he hopes the weather will allow him to do. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Andrew also shares his "must-visit" list, including the nostalgic shops and delicious local treats he can't find in Korea. Join Andrew for this everyday English chat to hear about his travel plans and learn useful vocabulary for describing hometowns and hobbies. Important links: Become a Culips member RSVP for the Tokyo Meetup on February 10th, 2026 More details on Discord Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule  

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about tattoos. They share personal stories, why some people choose tattoos, why others do not, and how tattoo culture looks in Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. You will hear clear examples of common tattoo words like sleeve, stick and poke, hand poked, lettering, script, blackout, and tribal. Andrew and Indiana also chat about cost, pain, trends, and rules about tattoos at workplaces and onsen in Japan. If you have opinions about tattoos and are interested in hearing more, this episode is perfect for listening practice and vocabulary-building! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: Useful tattoo vocabulary you can use in real life How to give opinions and reasons politely: how to agree, disagree, and soften your viewpoint Words for trends and style changes over time How to compare cultures and places How to share personal stories in a simple, clear way This episode is perfect for you if: You want listening practice with clear, natural speech and real life topics You want to learn English vocabulary you can use with friends, classmates, or coworkers You like culture, travel, music, and body art, and want words to talk about them in English You are an intermediate ESL learner who wants to sound more natural and confident

Do you find travel planning stressful? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about his upcoming trip to Canada. He shares the ups and downs of booking flights, including a mistake that forced him to change his plans. He also shares exciting news about a Culips meetup in Tokyo. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and learn useful vocabulary for talking about travel, money, and solving problems. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Catch Word, you will learn two common English idioms used to talk about speed and fast results. Andrew and Indiana explain what it means “to make short work of something” and to do something “in short order”, showing you how native speakers use these expressions in workplace and service industry situations. Your hosts will share clear examples from jobs, chores, food, hotels, and office settings so you can understand how these phrases are used naturally. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use the expression “make short work of something” to talk about finishing tasks very quickly How to use “in short order” to sound polite and professional when talking about quick results How these expressions sound in real conversations at work and in service situations This episode is perfect for you if: You’re trying to build practical vocabulary for everyday and professional English You want to learn alternative options to common expressions like “quickly” or “right away” You’re looking for realistic example dialogues that will help you remember and use new vocabulary

When was the last time something unexpected happened to you? In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a normal bike ride that turned into a surprise encounter with a YouTuber. He also talks about a tough week at home after his wife caught the flu and he had to take care of the house. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful vocabulary for telling stories about daily life and health. Don't forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Happy New Year! For our first Simplified Speech episode of 2026, Andrew and Indiana answer some rapid-fire questions about their plans for this year. From home renovations to fashion predictions, you’ll hear them discuss exactly what they hope to achieve in the new year. By listening to this conversation, you will learn natural vocabulary and idioms for talking about your own future goals, changing your daily habits, and making predictions. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Have you ever made a funny bet with your family? In this episode, Andrew talks about his Christmas in Seoul. He explores a beautiful neighborhood, eats delicious food, and challenges his wife to an exciting arcade game. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful expressions and storytelling language that can help you understand English more easily and speak it more smoothly. Don't forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In the last Chatterbox episode of 2025, you’ll listen to Andrew and Anna look back on the year with 15 fun reflection questions. You will hear them talk about surprising news, happy moments, new habits, travel stories, things they bought, and upcoming goals for 2026. Their conversation is relaxed and full of real, everyday English, so you can learn how native speakers look back on the past year and share personal experiences. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn in this episode: How to talk about your year in English, including highs, lows, and things you did not expect Useful phrases for giving opinions, agreeing, and reacting with surprise or humor Natural ways to talk about habits, goals, and plans for the new year This episode is perfect for you if: You want to learn natural ways to talk about goals and habits, including routines that fell apart and new habits you want to keep You want to practice English for small talk topics that come up a lot, like travel, food, buying things, trends, and social media You want ideas and language you can use as inspiration to talk about your own 2025 and your plans for 2026 with friends or coworkers

In this Culips episode, Andrew and his friend Luke talk about the Winter Olympics and why they are such a big deal in Canada. They chat about Olympic ice hockey, the return of pro NHL players, and the excitement and controversy around the next Games in Italy. You also hear them share their favorite winter sports, talk about strange Olympic events, and play a fun memory game where they try to name past Winter Olympic host cities. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to understand and use common conversation words like “chatter,” “lineup,” “controversy,” and “rivalry” How to follow a natural back-and-forth discussion about sports, history, and culture How English speakers react in the moment with expressions like “holy moly” and “it’s escaping me” How to give opinions and make predictions in English This episode is perfect for you if: You want listening practice with real, casual English conversation You want to build your speaking skills for everyday topics like sports, travel, and culture You want to learn useful vocabulary that helps you sound more natural and confident in English conversations Fact check: Ice Dancing vs. Figure Skating Jumps The Claim: Luke mentions knowing the names of maneuvers like the "triple Lutz" and "triple Salchow" because his mom watched Ice Dancing. The Fact: Those are Figure Skating jumps. In competitive Ice Dancing, athletes are actually forbidden from performing these types of multi-rotation jumps. It is a common mix-up, but the two are separate disciplines! Surfing as a "One-Off" Showcase The Claim: Andrew thought Surfing was a one-time showcase sport for the Summer Olympics, similar to breakdancing. The Fact: Unlike breakdancing (which was only for Paris 2024), Surfing is a permanent Olympic sport. It debuted in Tokyo 2020, appeared in Paris 2024, and is already confirmed for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The History of Ski Jumping The Claim: Luke suggested that ski jumping started at the Calgary 1988 Olympics with Eddie the Eagle. The Fact: Ski jumping is actually one of the original Winter Olympic sports. It has been in every Winter Games since the very first one in 1924 (Chamonix, France)—64 years before the Calgary Games. When the Games "Staggered" (The 2-Year Gap) The Claim: Andrew and Luke discussed the Games being "staggered" (Summer and Winter in different years) starting after 1988. The Fact: The change actually happened after 1992. Both the Summer and Winter Games were held in 1992 (Albertville and Barcelona). The first time the Winter Olympics were held in their own separate year was Lillehammer 1994. Canada’s 2010 Gold Medal Record The Claim: Luke estimated that Canada won about 10 gold medals in Vancouver 2010. The Fact: Canada actually won 14 gold medals in 2010. At the time, this set a world record for the most gold medals ever won by a single country at any Winter Olympics.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about harmful chemicals in household products and how they try to reduce exposure to these chemicals in their daily lives. You will hear them discuss common household cleaners, beauty items, plastic food storage containers, and some simple choices that they make to try and stay safe and healthy at home. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to talk about cleaners, beauty products, and everyday items in natural English Useful words and expressions related to safety, health, ingredients, and household routines How native speakers share personal stories, give examples, and explain their lifestyle choices Simple ways people try to avoid strong smells, heavy-duty cleaners, and unclear ingredients This episode is perfect for you if: You are interested in learning how to avoid unsafe chemicals in the daily products that you use You want to talk about everyday health and safety in clear, natural English You want to learn useful words for cleaners, beauty products, and daily routines

Have you ever had a moment where you thought, "OK, time for revenge"? In this episode, Andrew takes you to the streets of Seoul to talk about participating in the 2025 JTBC Marathon. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful expressions and storytelling language that can help you understand English more easily and speak it more smoothly. Don't forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana chat about the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Indiana shares how she hosted a vegetarian Thanksgiving potluck, talks about classic U.S. traditions like turkey, parades, football, and turkey trots, and compares them with Canadian Thanksgiving. Then Andrew and Indiana discuss Christmas: when the Christmas season really starts, decorations in the USA and in Seoul, Christmas cookies and holiday baking, Christmas music, and the stress of buying and choosing gifts for family. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to talk about Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions in natural English Useful holiday vocabulary, such as potluck, parade, stocking, turkey trot, and Christmas carols How native speakers describe hosting guests, giving gifts, and feeling stressed or excited about holidays Real examples of small talk and storytelling about family, food, and celebrations This episode is perfect for you if: You want to speak more naturally about holidays, family gatherings, and special events You want to build your vocabulary for English conversations about traditions and culture You want to improve your listening skills with clear, natural speech from native speakers You want to feel more confident joining English conversations about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share a Culips Community Update and introduce the final monthly challenge of 2025. They chat about their personal highlights from the year, then invite you to join the December 2025 Challenge on the Culips English Podcast Discord server. This month’s theme is reflecting on 2025, sharing your wins, celebrating community, and looking ahead to realistic English goals for 2026. December 2025 Challenge: Year End Reflection Theme: Reflect on your year, your English journey, and your connections in the Culips community  How it works: New tasks every other day throughout December Answer questions about your 2025 highlights, goals you achieved, and what you learned Share your favorite Culips episode of 2025 Tag and thank someone on the server who supported you or who you have practiced with Seasonal prompts about Christmas, end of year traditions, and setting realistic English goals for the new year Finish all the tasks to earn a festive completion certificate created by Alina It’s completely free, and it’s a fun way to practice English while connecting with learners from all over the world. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the December Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the December Challenge (available from December 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about what curiosity is, why you feel it, and how it can help or hurt you in everyday life. You will hear real stories about things they have been curious about lately, how curiosity can help you discover new ideas, and how it can sometimes distract you. They also explain the different types of curiosity (diversive curiosity and specific curiosity) and share useful idioms related to curiosity like “curiosity killed the cat.” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn in this episode: Natural English phrases to describe what you want to learn, what interests you, and what catches your attention. Common words and idioms connected to curiosity, such as “childlike curiosity,” “healthy curiosity,” and “my curiosity got the better of me.” How Andrew and Anna talk about what interests them, respond to each other’s stories, and describe curiosity in clear, everyday English. This episode is perfect for you if: You want to think in English more easily when talking about what interests you You want to sound natural and confident when sharing your own stories and questions You want to learn clear, useful expressions to describe curiosity in everyday life

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about ethical dilemmas. They share everyday tricky situations, like splitting a restaurant bill, switching airplane seats, and seeing someone cheat on a test. You will hear how they think through hard choices, weigh pros and cons, and set healthy boundaries without starting a fight. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: Clear meanings for key words and phrases used to discuss ethics and choices How to give reasons, agree politely, and disagree respectfully in conversations Useful sentence patterns for sharing opinions and asking follow-up questions Real examples of softening language, like “it depends,” “I feel,” and “maybe” This episode is perfect for you if: You want to speak more confidently about real-life problems and choices You need practical phrases for meetings, classes, and daily life You like clear examples you can copy and use in your own English conversations

What makes the perfect bachelor weekend? In this episode, Andrew explains the English proverb "When the cat's away, the mice will play" by sharing what happens when his wife takes a trip to Japan. He talks about his simple list of things he's looking forward to doing alone. Along the way, you'll learn useful idioms and everyday expressions while getting an inside look at Andrew’s wild weekend. Don't forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Do you ever feel frustrated after a bad day at work, a test, or a long commute? In this Chatterbox episode, join Andrew and Anna for a conversation about frustration and how to talk about it clearly in English. In this lesson, you will learn how frustration is different from anger and disappointment, hear real stories you can relate to, and pick up useful expressions like “at the end of my rope,” “bang my head against a wall,” and “it has been one of those days.” You will also train your ear to understand fast, everyday English and get ideas for how to describe your own feelings more accurately. To get the most from this lesson, get the study materials at Culips.com. You can use the interactive transcript, helpful study guide, vocabulary explanations, quizzes, and speaking and writing practice to help take your English to the next level. Members also get ad-free audio, access to our live speaking classes, and our community, where you can ask questions and share your own experiences with frustration. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana chat about Indiana’s surprise 30th birthday trip to Las Vegas. You’ll hear how her husband planned the trip, what Las Vegas is really like, and how she felt when she discovered the big surprise he had prepared for her.  Andrew and Indiana also talk about cultural expressions and ideas linked to Las Vegas, like “Sin City” and “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to talk about milestone birthdays, surprise trips, and travel experiences in natural English Useful expressions and idioms connected to Las Vegas, like Sin City and What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas How native speakers share personal stories, react to surprises, and express excitement naturally This episode is perfect for you if: You want to start thinking in English instead of translating from your first language You want to sound more natural and confident when telling personal stories You want to expand your vocabulary with expressions you can actually use

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very common and useful English expressions for making comparisons: “apples to oranges” and “night and day.” These idioms help you describe situations where things are so different that it’s not fair or even possible to compare them. You’ll hear realistic examples, like comparing homemade food to the gorgeous dishes shared by influencers, or an old, outdated phone to a brand new one. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use “apples to oranges” when two things are too different to compare How to use “night and day” to describe a major, positive change The difference in meaning and usage between the two expressions Real-life examples from conversations about jobs, health, technology, and daily life This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to use idiomatic expressions to talk about comparisons Learners trying to sound more fluent and confident in real conversations, at work, school, or in social situations

What do you do when your favorite jacket starts to smell really bad? In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about two expensive jackets that developed a terrible musty odor after being stored under his bed for the summer. He talks about trying different solutions, like leaving them in the sun, putting them in the freezer, and spraying them with fabric spray and even vodka. Listen as Andrew shares his experience and teaches you natural English expressions you can use in real life. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help make your English sound more natural and fluent. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew catches up with Kassy, who returns to share exciting updates about her life. She talks about finishing her master’s degree, taking a long trip across the United States with her baby, moving to a new city in Korea, and adjusting to work after maternity leave. Kassy also shares her experience planning her son’s first birthday and explains a special Korean tradition called Doljanchi, where a baby chooses an item that predicts their future. You’ll learn how to talk about life changes, travel experiences, and family traditions in clear, natural English. Andrew and Kassy also highlight useful vocabulary like caravan, strew, and mat leave, explaining how each one is used in everyday conversations. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to describe life updates and big transitions using natural English phrases Vocabulary for talking about travel, family, and moving to a new home The meaning of cultural terms like Doljanchi and maternity leave How native speakers share personal stories and connect emotionally in conversation This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday conversations Anyone interested in modern Korean culture and family life Listeners who want to improve their vocabulary and fluency for storytelling and daily English conversations The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about algorithms, the hidden digital systems that shape what we see online. They discuss how these tools affect what we buy, what we believe, and even how we feel. If you’ve ever wondered why the same ads seem to follow you everywhere, or you’re curious about Andrew’s story of being flooded with hair transplant ads, you’ll enjoy this one. If you’re an upper-intermediate English learner who wants to sound more natural when talking about technology and modern life, this episode is for you. You’ll learn useful vocabulary through a real conversation between Andrew and Anna, while building listening confidence along the way. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn in this episode: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions and terms related to technology and online behavior, such as echo chamber, rage bait, and Listening: Understand how algorithms work and how they influence what we see online with an interesting and easy-to-follow discussion. Speaking: Share your own experiences with algorithms in our speaking classes and on our Discord server. Fluency: Listening to natural English conversations helps train your brain to think in English, a key skill for fluent speaking. You'll also pick up natural expressions and speech patterns, and get comfortable with how native speakers discuss technology and digital culture.

What's the best way to give money as a gift? In this episode, Andrew tells a story about hosting his wife’s family for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday. You'll hear him talk about preparing a huge meal, fitting eight people into a small space, and turning gift-giving into fun games with cash prizes. Listen along to supercharge your listening skills. Don't forget to check out the FREE interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help your English become more natural. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about retirement. They chat about what it means, how it looks in different countries, and what people dream of doing after they stop working. You’ll hear them share real examples from the United States, Canada, and Korea and discuss ideas like second careers, semi-retirement, and common lifestyles for retirees. They also teach several useful English expressions connected to retirement, such as golden years, twilight years, nest egg, empty nester, and living the good life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use expressions like golden years and living the good life to describe retirement in a positive way What nest egg and empty nester mean and how they relate to family and financial life The difference between golden years and twilight years How people in the U.S., Canada, and Korea view and prepare for retirement How to describe retirement dreams, second careers, and semi-retirement naturally in English This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary with real-life topics Listeners interested in cultural differences between countries Anyone preparing for discussions about work, lifestyle, or aging in English

Have you ever had a day that started off terribly but somehow became unforgettable? In this episode, Andrew shares the story of a rainy half marathon that began in total chaos and ended with a sweet surprise. You’ll hear real, everyday English as he talks about staying motivated, finding focus, and turning frustration into pride. You’ll also learn natural expressions that native speakers use, like “gong show,” “clock’s ticking,” “to blow by someone,” and “to steal someone’s thunder.” Join our friendly community on Discord to share your own story about overcoming setbacks, and check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to get even more from this episode. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana get honest with each other about everyday things that annoy people. They talk about habits that “get on their nerves,” such as loud chewing, people using their phones while talking, overused clichés, bad driving habits, and even dog owners who don’t follow the rules. Along the way, your hosts explain useful expressions like “gets on my nerves,” and “grinds my gears,” so you can understand and use them the next time you want to complain to a friend! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use natural English expressions for talking about annoying habits and situations Real-life examples of common, idiomatic ways to complain in English Vocabulary for describing irritation, such as annoying, irritating, and rude This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to practice real conversational English Students who want to expand their vocabulary for everyday situations Anyone who wants to sound more natural when talking to friends about small problems and annoyances

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about what's new at Culips! You'll learn about the second European meetup happening in Hamburg, Germany on October 18th. They also introduce the October challenge, which is focused on linking words that will help you create better-connected sentences. European Meetup #2 - Hamburg, Germany Date: Saturday, October 18th Time: 4:00 PM Location: People's Place Cafe, Hamburg Cost: Free! Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required RSVP: Fill out the form here: Join fellow English learners for a relaxed, friendly chat in a welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels! October Challenge: Connecting Words Theme: Linking words and connectors to create longer, more natural sentences How it works: New tasks every other day throughout October Complete skeleton sentences using connecting words like "therefore," "despite," "besides," and "nevertheless" Practice making your speech flow more naturally and confidently Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate It's completely free and perfect for learning to express complex ideas while connecting with other learners! How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the October Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the October Challenge (available from October 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English expressions: “cut someone some slack” and “give someone the benefit of the doubt.” These are common phrases that English speakers use to ask for understanding, forgiveness, or trust when someone is under pressure or when we are unsure about their actions. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use “cut someone some slack” to ask for extra patience or forgiveness When to use “give someone the benefit of the doubt” to choose trust over suspicion The grammar pattern both expressions share Vocabulary like slack, taut, to be swamped, and to cover for someone Real-life examples from work, home, and friendship situations This episode is perfect for: Intermediate to advanced English learners who want to sound more natural Anyone looking to build vocabulary for work, school, and social life Learners preparing for conversations with native speakers where trust and understanding are important

What if you could speak with anyone, in any language, in real time? In this bonus episode, Andrew explores that idea with a clear, step-by-step look at live translation. He reads a news article and explains the key ideas and terms in easy to understand English, showing how Apple, Google, and Meta are pursuing the “universal translator” and what it could mean for travel, work, and daily life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn Meanings of “universal translator,” “seamlessly,” “coherent,” and “simultaneously” Tech vocabulary like “selling point,” “battleground,” “purpose built,” and “friction” Useful expressions such as “usher in,” “spurred by,” “paired with,” and “home field advantage” How it will improve your English You expand your vocabulary with clear definitions and natural examples from the article You understand complex sentences because Andrew pauses to explain key lines in plain English You can review and reinforce with the interactive transcript and glossary, and members can take a short quiz

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about street smarts: the practical skills and awareness people should have in order to stay safe and confident in cities. They share personal stories about living in places like Madrid, London, Seoul, and Canada, and explain how experiences such as pickpocketing or mugging can change the way people think about safety. The hosts also compare life in big cities to life in smaller towns or the countryside, showing how different environments require different kinds of common sense. This episode is great for upper-intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday English conversations about real-life situations, build up vocabulary related to safety and street crime, and practice listening to natural storytelling from native speakers. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn in this episode: Vocabulary: Useful English words and expressions about safety, danger, and daily life in cities, such as dodgy, pickpocket, mugging, and shady character. Listening: Improve your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers sharing real experiences. Speaking: Learn how to tell your own stories about travel, street smarts, and staying safe using natural English phrases. Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about safety in cities and compare experiences from Canada, Spain, Korea, and the UK. Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you understand natural speech and respond more quickly in English.

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana continue their fun conversation about things that are overrated or underrated. They share their opinions on topics like walking 10,000 steps a day, biohacking, pineapple on pizza, vinyl records, and even the idea of being famous. They compare their different views, tell stories, and explain why some things deserve more love while others are praised too much. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use the words “overrated” and “underrated” to share your opinion Real-life examples of these expressions in conversations about health, music, food, and culture Helpful phrases to agree or disagree politely and naturally Extra vocabulary you can use when discussing popular trends and everyday topics This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to improve their speaking and listening skills Anyone interested in learning how to sound more natural when sharing opinions Students looking for fun vocabulary and examples to use in conversations about everyday topics

Do bad things really come in threes? In this episode, Andrew tells you four mini stories from his week that will make you wonder about this old superstition. From unexpected moments during his evening run to tech troubles that tested his patience, you'll hear authentic English storytelling that takes you from frustrating lows to feel-good highs. You'll improve your listening skills by hearing how Andrew tells stories in natural, everyday English. You'll learn common expressions that native speakers use, like "holding back," "buying into something," "fiddle around with," and "clear sailing." You'll discover interesting things about English-speaking culture, including superstitions and childhood experiences. You can practice your English on our Discord server by telling other learners about your own week and what happened to you. Make sure to check out the free interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary to get the most out of this episode. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about Indiana’s recent trip to Colorado. She shares stories about all of the activities she enjoyed during her time there, such as attending a wedding, spotting mountain goats on a hike, and adjusting to the thin air of “the Mile High City.” Indiana also tells Andrew about trying local craft beers and visiting the surreal art installation called Meow Wolf. If you’re an intermediate English learner who wants to improve your listening skills while hearing a natural conversation about travel, culture, and the different landscapes of the United States, then this episode is for you! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions for travel, landscapes, wildlife, art, and cultural experiences. Listening: Build your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native speakers about fun topics like traveling and hiking. Speaking: Practice talking about your own trips, weddings, cultural outings, and travel highlights in our Discord community and speaking classes. Culture: Learn more about how North Americans describe places, family friends, and special events like weddings. Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you feel more confident and natural when sharing your own stories.

In this episode, Alina recaps the Culips meetup that happened in July, introduces the next Culips meetup, and tells you all about the September challenge! September Challenge: Let’s talk about work Theme: Work-related English (interviews, dress codes, workplace situations) How it works: New tasks every other day throughout September Answer work-related questions and scenarios Great chance to review skills from previous challenges Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate It's completely free and perfect for practicing professional English skills while connecting with other learners! How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the September Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the September Challenge (available from September 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community! The 2025 Culips Meetup in Prague.

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English idioms: to go off the rails and to get out of hand. These are common expressions that English speakers use to describe situations that become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control. You’ll hear Andrew and Indiana explain the meaning, give background, and share many everyday examples. They also act out short conversations to show how these expressions are used naturally in real life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use “go off the rails” to describe events or people behaving in extreme, chaotic ways When to say “get out of hand” for situations that are becoming difficult to manage The differences in strength and tone between the two expressions Real-life examples of when to use these idioms naturally in conversations

In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Sapporo, Japan. He tells you about exploring the Susukino district, visiting the coastal town of Otaru, and discovering beer and sake festivals throughout the city. You'll also hear about many of his other adventures including witnessing a car accident and navigating the city without Google Maps for an extra challenge! This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who are ready to take it to the next level with their English fluency. Andrew's storytelling is clear, understandable, and designed to help you build your vocabulary, comprehension, cultural knowledge, and communicative fluency. Make sure to check out the free interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary to get the most out of this episode. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Why do some people do foolish things even though they’re smart? And why do some things that are obvious to you seem difficult for others to understand? In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of “common sense.” They discuss what it means, where it comes from, and why people sometimes seem to lack it. As they chat, Andrew and Anna share funny real-life stories from their lives and compare “common sense” with “book smarts.” This episode is best for upper-intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about common sense, decision-making, and how people think in everyday life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to explain the meaning of common sense in clear English Natural ways to use everyday expressions like clueless, ditzy, all over the place, and book smarts How to talk about practical knowledge, life experience, and problem-solving skills in everyday English How culture, age, and personal experience can affect what we think is “obvious”

In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his quick one-day visit to Osaka. You'll hear about his record shopping plans, an unexpected tsunami alert, and how he had to make some tough decisions about his travel plans. This is perfect for English learners because you'll hear natural storytelling with everyday vocabulary and expressions. Andrew speaks clearly and shares real experiences, which helps you understand how native speakers actually talk. This episode is highly recommended for intermediate learners who are looking to hit the next level with their English fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana explore a topic everyone can relate to – the things we’re bad at. They share funny and honest stories about their struggles with tasks like assembling IKEA furniture, drawing, handling insects, recalling movie details, parking while chatting, and even stretching. Through your hosts’ lighthearted conversation, you’ll hear how these challenges show up in daily life and how they react to each other’s skills (or lack of them). The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to build everyday vocabulary, improve listening skills, and gain confidence talking about personal experiences in a natural way. What you’ll learn with this episode: Vocabulary: Learn everyday English words and expressions for talking about skills, weaknesses, and funny life situations. Listening: Build your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers. Speaking: Practice sharing your own stories and experiences about things you’re not very good at. Culture: Discover how Canadians and Americans talk about their strengths and weaknesses in a casual and humorous way. Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you respond more quickly and naturally in English.

Do you ever get a feeling that something is right or wrong, even if you can’t explain why? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of the sixth sense, also known as intuition. They talk about what it means, how it works, and when they’ve relied on it in real life. You’ll hear personal stories, learn common expressions, and improve your listening skills while enjoying a fun, natural conversation between native speakers. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode is great for upper intermediate to advanced English learners who want to talk more confidently about thoughts, gut feelings, and intuitive decision-making in English. In this lesson, you’ll learn: What the sixth sense is and how to describe it in English Natural phrases like gut feeling, bad vibe, and ulterior motives About Andrew and Anna’s experiences using their sixth sense The difference between using logic and feelings when making choices

August Challenge – Vocabulary Boost! In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the August Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you'll focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning and using 15 advanced adjectives that have been featured in Culips episodes. It's a great way to make your English sound more colorful, expressive, and natural like a native speaker. The challenge runs every second day throughout August, giving you time to really understand each adjective and practice using it in your own stories, example sentences, or voice messages. These include words like “remiss,” “palpable,” “low-key,” and “fancy schmancy” – words that native speakers use regularly but English learners often skip over when listening. Andrew and Alina also chat about Alina's new hobby: chess! She recently learned to play at age 31 and has been winning games at her local expat board game meetup in Ireland. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the August Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the August Challenge (available from August 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

This episode is all about musical education! Andrew and Indiana share stories about learning instruments as kids, their music classes at school, and how they feel about playing musical instruments today. You'll hear Andrew talk about jamming on his drum set in his basement, Indiana's experiences in school chorus, and whether they think parents should push their kids to take music lessons. This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to pick up natural vocabulary and expressions about music, school, and hobbies while listening to a real conversation between native speakers. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. In this lesson, you’ll work on: Vocabulary: Learn natural English words and phrases about music, school, and hobbies. Listening: Build your listening with this clear and easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers. Speaking: Improve your speaking skills by chatting about your own experiences with music education during one of our weekly conversation classes or by talking with other Culips listeners on our Discord server. Culture: Discover what music education is like in Canada and the U.S., and why it’s important in schools. Fluency: Listening to real conversations and stories helps you think in English and speak more confidently.

How can a homemade lunch end in tragedy, mystery, and a murder trial that shocks the world? Join Andrew as he revisits the infamous mushroom murder case in Australia and guides you through the dramatic courtroom outcome. In this episode, you’ll read along with a real news article and learn important vocabulary that helps you understand the story. You’ll learn legal words like “jury” and “plead”, and more advanced terms like “deception” and "estranged.” Andrew explains everything clearly so you can follow the story and improve your English at the same time. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you’ll learn: Useful legal vocabulary and how it’s used in real news stories Natural expressions for describing crime, trials, and serious events How native speakers explain complex topics in simple, conversational ways Perfect for intermediate learners who: Want to build vocabulary for understanding news and serious topics Enjoy true stories that are dramatic, mysterious, and real Like learning English through current events and real conversations Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Watch the YouTube version of this episode Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Listen to the original mushroom mystery episode Read the original article from CBC news

Have you ever been in a situation where someone was being too loud, too intense, or acting like they're better than everyone else? In today's episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two essential expressions that native English speakers use all the time to ask someone to change their behavior. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What You'll Learn: How to use "tone it down" when someone needs to be quieter or calmer When to say "get off your high horse" to someone who's acting superior The difference between being polite and being too direct with these expressions

What happens when a country's most secretive presidential residence suddenly opens its doors to the public? Join Andrew as he takes you on a fascinating tour of Seoul's famous Blue House,  the presidential residence that was recently opened to the public! In this episode, Andrew shares his incredible experience exploring the beautiful grounds where Korean presidents once lived, complete with amazing architecture, an ancient Buddha statue, and breathtaking city views. You'll learn about the mysterious legends surrounding this location. Is it blessed or cursed? Plus, discover why this might be your only chance to visit before it closes! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: Essential vocabulary for describing locations, architecture, and sightseeing experiences Natural expressions for talking about summer weather, crowds, and making reservations How native speakers share stories with vivid details and personal opinions Perfect for intermediate learners who: Want to sound more natural when describing places and experiences Love learning through fun, real-life stories Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Do you rely on your eyes more than your other senses? In this episode, you’ll hear a real conversation between Andrew and Anna about vision, eyesight, and learning styles. You’ll find out why Andrew wears an eye mask at night, what Anna would do in a zombie apocalypse without her contact lenses, and whether either of them would get laser eye surgery. If you’re at the upper intermediate level, this is the perfect episode to build your English confidence. You’ll learn natural ways to describe habits, talk about effort, and express strong opinions, all with real vocabulary that native speakers use every day. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. In this episode, you will learn: Learn six natural expressions and idioms, including break the bank, seep through, and hardwired to, with clear context and usage. Hear a real conversation about eyesight, contact lenses, and laser surgery to build vocabulary related to health and the senses. Understand how to describe learning preferences, especially visual learning, using everyday English. Discover how to talk about memory techniques like the “memory palace” and share opinions about study habits. Practice listening to spontaneous, fluent English with common sentence patterns, filler words, and real-life storytelling.

Have you ever worked hard to create something beautiful, only to have uninvited guests show up and ruin it? That's exactly what happened to Andrew when he transformed his little Seoul yard into an urban paradise! In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about some unexpected "burglars" who discovered his secret garden. You'll discover who these mysterious visitors are and why they've been "terrorizing" his home all week! Along the way, you'll learn over 15 useful expressions that will make your English sound more natural and native-like, all included in the FREE vocabulary glossary. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: Essential home and garden vocabulary you'll actually use in real conversations Natural expressions for describing progress and changes over time How native speakers tell personal stories with humor and suspense Vocabulary for talking about nature and wildlife Perfect for intermediate learners who: Want to sound more natural when sharing personal experiences Love learning through entertaining, real-life stories Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana play a game called Overrated or Underrated, where they share what they think about popular things. They talk about everyday items like vegan cheese, meal prepping, self-help books, and vision boards. You'll learn what the adjectives "overrated" and "underrated" mean, and how to use them naturally when sharing what you think. This is a great lesson for learning natural English and speaking like a native speaker. You'll hear real conversations and pick up expressions that English speakers use every day. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. In this episode, you will learn: How to use the words overrated and underrated correctly Natural ways to share your opinions about different topics Common expressions for agreeing and disagreeing politely Useful vocabulary for talking about lifestyle and popular trends

In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the July Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you’ll practice how to share your opinion politely while discussing 14 different controversial topics. It’s a great way to improve your communication skills and learn how to disagree respectfully in English. They also share exciting news about the first-ever Culips meetup in Europe, happening on July 26 in Prague. You’re invited to join us for a free, in-person event where you can meet other Culips listeners, make new friends, and feel part of the Culips community. And of course, there’ll be lots of chances to practice speaking English in a fun, relaxed setting. Click here to sign up for the meetup! Later in the episode, you’ll hear a message from Editke, a Culips listener, who shares how joining the community helped her build real speaking confidence, improve her English skills, and make new friends. Over time, she became more comfortable speaking and now feels like Culips is her second family. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from May 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Join us for the Culips meetup in Prague on July 26th

What are you looking forward to this summer? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana share their summer plans, from music festivals and dream concerts to chill bike rides and travel ideas. You'll get to hear a fun and natural conversation that helps you build real English skills for everyday life. This episode is great for improving your English listening skills. You will hear a natural, clear conversation between native speakers. It’s perfect if you want to understand real spoken English more easily. You will also learn useful vocabulary and expressions for talking about your summer plans, vacations, and events. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn words and expressions related to travel, concerts, weather, and daily life. Listening: Train your ears to understand natural English used in real conversations. Speaking: Use what you hear to talk about your own summer experiences in our speaking classes or on our Discord server. Culture: Discover what summer activities are popular in North America and South Korea, from music festivals to fun outdoor plans. Fluency: Build your confidence by listening to stories that feel personal and relatable. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

Have you ever tried to buy something online and everything went completely wrong? That's exactly what happened to Andrew when he tried to book a simple plane ticket online! In this episode, Andrew tells you two funny stories: one about his epic battle with credit card verification systems that led to a complete "rage quit," and another about a confusing elevator situation that made him question basic social manners. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. These stories are full of natural English expressions and vocabulary that you'll hear native speakers use when they're frustrated, telling personal stories, or discussing everyday social situations. What you'll learn: Essential travel vocabulary like "stopover," "verification," "overseas purchase," and "budget airline" that you'll need for real trips How to express frustration naturally with phrases like "at my wit's end," "blood boiling," and "back to square one" The meaning of "rage quit" and other modern slang that native speakers use every day Natural conversation flow - notice how Andrew tells stories, asks questions, and shares his thoughts just like in real conversations Practical expressions for describing technical problems and discussing social situations Perfect for you if: You want to understand how native speakers share personal experiences and ask for opinions You're building confidence with travel, technology, and social vocabulary You love learning through entertaining, relatable stories instead of boring textbook lessons You want to sound more natural when expressing frustration or discussing everyday problems in English You're ready for real English that doesn't feel like studying Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Do you know what to say if you need to report something important but not urgent? In today’s episode, you’ll learn exactly how to handle this type of situation in English. Join Andrew and Kassy as they break down two realistic phone conversations where someone calls the police or fire department’s non-emergency line. You’ll learn the key expressions native speakers use to describe situations that are a little concerning but not emergencies. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Start a phone call in a polite and clear way Use softening language like “might,” “maybe,” and “a little worried” Explain situations without sounding too dramatic Understand what the phrases “check in on someone” and “wellness check” mean This is a must-listen for anyone living in an English-speaking country—or planning to! By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident calling for help in everyday situations. Listen now and be ready for anything—no stress, no panic. Just the right English when you need it.

Have you ever had one of those moments where a simple activity turns into a total disaster? That's exactly what happened to Andrew during what should have been a routine evening run! In this episode, you'll follow Andrew through his unexpected adventure with tiny flying bugs, bloodshot eyes, and his first-ever visit to an eye doctor. But here's the thing - this isn't just a funny story. It's packed with real English that you'll actually use when talking about health problems, describing symptoms, and sharing your own mishaps with friends. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: Essential medical vocabulary like "bloodshot," "prescription," "irritated," and "artificial tears" that you'll need in real situations The difference between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians (even native speakers get confused!) Natural speaking flow - notice how Andrew corrects himself, adds details, and changes topics just like in real conversations Practical expressions for describing symptoms and explaining problems to doctors The idiom "keep an eye out" and exactly when to use it in everyday English Perfect for you if: You want to understand how native speakers tell personal stories and share experiences You're building confidence with medical and health-related vocabulary You love learning through entertaining, relatable stories instead of boring textbook lessons You want to sound more natural when describing problems or mishaps in English You're ready for real English that doesn't feel like studying Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Have you ever followed a fashion trend, copied someone’s lifestyle, or tried to match a certain vibe? In Korea, there’s a popular word for that: chugumi. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy break down this buzzword, explain what it means, and show you how to talk about similar ideas in English. You’ll hear real examples, learn useful vocabulary, and get tips for sounding natural when talking about style, identity, and social media trends. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about culture, inspiration, and personal expression. In this lesson, you’ll learn: What the word chugumi really means and why it matters How to talk about style, lifestyle, and vibe in clear, natural English Common expressions like role model, poser, and try hard Why this trend is about more than just looks

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite English podcast? In this episode, Andrew gives you an exclusive peek into the Culips production process while teaching you natural English expressions and vocabulary along the way. You'll learn useful phrases like "behind the scenes," "put the pedal to the metal," and "down to the wire" as Andrew walks you through each step of creating an episode. This is perfect practice for intermediate to advanced learners who want to improve their listening skills while satisfying their curiosity about how quality English content really gets made! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: 10+ useful expressions like "behind the scenes," "put the pedal to the metal," and "down to the wire" - phrases you'll hear in movies, at work, and in daily conversations English vocabulary that's actually useful: "brainstorming," "transcribe," "proofreader," and "on the fly" How to sound more natural when you explain processes or tell stories about your work Real pronunciation - hear how native speakers actually talk (with pauses, corrections, and natural flow) Confidence boost - follow along with a real English story and feel proud when you understand it all Speaking: Discuss this episode with other Culips listeners in our Discord community! Perfect for you if: You want to understand English podcasts and videos without subtitles You're preparing for work or study in English You love learning through interesting stories (not boring textbook lessons!) You want to sound more natural when speaking English Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Do you ever hear native speakers use expressions like “movie buff,” “gearhead,” or “shopaholic” and feel confused? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana break it all down for you. You’ll learn how to sound more natural and expressive when talking about your own passions or anyone else’s. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode is great for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to build their vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. In this lesson, you’ll learn: ✅ How to use useful, advanced vocabulary like cinephile, metalhead, and audiophile ✅ The difference between -phile, -head, buff, -holic, and fiend ✅ How to avoid sounding unnatural or overdoing it when using slang ✅ Why these expressions show up in pop culture, podcasts, and movies

Ready to finally master phrasal verbs? In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the Culips June Challenge, designed to help you learn and use 15 high-frequency phrasal verbs in real conversations. You’ll hear how to join the free challenge on Discord, how it works, and why it’s a great way to stay consistent and motivated with your English. They also share details about the first-ever Culips meetup in Europe, happening this July in Prague. If you want to connect with other learners, speak more naturally, and have fun while you study, this episode is for you. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from June 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Watch the video version of this episode Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

What happens when you visit a dog shelter and find the perfect pet? In this episode, Andrew tells the story of adopting his new dog, O'Wall. Listen as he explains how he and his wife chose their new pet, went through the adoption process, and helped their dog settle into her new home. You'll hear about visiting shelters, picking the perfect name, and why O'Wall is the luckiest dog around! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build fluency by hearing natural storytelling with real pauses, word corrections, and the flow of everyday conversation. Vocabulary: Learn practical words like "agnostic," "shed," "puppy mill," and "hand-me-down" through Andrew's personal story. Expressions: Pick up natural phrases like "hit the jackpot," "rock paper scissors," and "tuckered out" that English speakers use daily. Pronunciation: Hear how English sounds when spoken naturally, including how words connect together in fast speech. Speaking: Share your own pet stories and discuss this episode with other Culips listeners in our Discord community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how friendship changes as we grow older, especially when life gets busy with work, relationships, and family. They discuss how marriage and parenthood can shift friendship dynamics, how the media creates unrealistic ideas about friendship, and what real connection looks like today. Listen to this episode to hear a natural conversation about adult relationships while building your fluency and learning new vocabulary about friendship, connection, and modern life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “on the fence” (not sure about something) and “long-lost friend” (a friend you haven’t seen in a long time). Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about everyday life topics like making and maintaining friendships. Speaking: Build your fluency by joining Culips’ small-group speaking classes to talk about your own friendships and experiences. Culture: Discover how adult friendships work in different countries and what influences them. Fluency: Listening to real conversations helps train your brain to think in English and use English more naturally.

Have you ever experienced a week so busy and memorable it felt like a whole month? In this episode, Andrew shares two stories from one incredibly eventful week in his life. Listen in as Andrew talks about special celebrations, cultural traditions in Korea, and thoughtful surprises from loved ones. There’s even a mystery gift involved… but you'll have to tune in to find out exactly what it was! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build your listening comprehension through Andrew’s natural and engaging storytelling about everyday life. Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary with practical terms related to birthdays, celebrations, and thoughtful gift ideas. Expressions: Learn authentic English expressions like "the cherry on top," "in hot water," and "make a long story short." Pronunciation: Familiarize yourself with the intonation and rhythm of casual spoken English through clear, conversational speech. Speaking: Practice new vocabulary and expressions by joining conversations with learners from around the world in the Culips Discord community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about taste. They discuss how our preferences for food and drinks develop from childhood to adulthood, sharing personal stories about acquired tastes and interesting foods from their home countries. The conversation then shifts to personal preferences in music, fashion, films, and coffee, with both hosts talking about how their tastes have evolved over time. They end by questioning if having similar tastes is important for friendships and what our preferences reveal about who we are. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful adjectives to describe taste preferences like "refined," "sophisticated," "impeccable," "gaudy," "questionable," and "tacky." Listening: Build your listening skills by following a natural, friendly conversation about physical taste and personal preferences. Speaking: Discuss your own taste in food, music, movies, and fashion on our Discord server and in our weekly speaking classes. Culture: Discover how taste differs across cultures and how it connects to identity and personality. Fluency: Level up your English through acquisition, with support from our helpful study guide with an interactive transcript, quiz, and practice exercises.

In this episode, Andrew talks about how he spends his free time and shares his top three YouTube channels. You'll hear about a Dutch YouTuber exploring Seoul, a British marathon runner living in Tokyo, and a Canadian couple building a quiet life in the Japanese countryside. Andrew explains why he enjoys each channel and how they fit into his daily routine. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Improve your listening skills by spending time with Andrew and following clear, real-life English. Vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases about daily life, hobbies, travel, and online content. Expressions: Learn everyday English expressions like “recharge your batteries,” “walk the walk,” and “on the edge of your seat.” Pronunciation: Get used to the sound and rhythm of natural spoken English to build better speaking habits. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule YouTube channels mentioned by Andrew: iGoBart Ran to Japan Maigomika

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana catch up and talk all about weddings. Indiana shares her recent experience traveling to Florida for her husband’s cousin’s wedding, which was held in Miami. She explains what a Jewish wedding is like and describes some unique traditions, such as the chuppah, the ketubah, the breaking of a glass, and the fun dance called the hora. Andrew and Indiana also compare weddings in Canada, the United States, and Korea, talking about receptions, wedding cakes, group photos, and gift-giving traditions. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful words and expressions related to weddings, travel, and cultural traditions. Listening: Develop your listening skills by following a natural, friendly, and unscripted conversation between native English speakers. Speaking: Talk about wedding customs in your country on our Discord server or in a Culips small-group speaking class. Culture: Learn about real-life wedding experiences in different countries and cultures. Fluency: Level up your fluency by spending time with real, everyday English that native speakers use in daily life, with support from the study guide to help you practice. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

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). The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript: Click here. Join the Culips Discord server: Click here. Read the news article about the mushroom mystery: Click here.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and share updates about their lives. Kassy talks about taking short trips with her baby to nearby cities in Korea. She describes visiting a busy flower festival and returning to a town just to eat her favorite vegetable bread. She also talks about her upcoming move and her hope to make her new place feel more like home. Andrew talks about how voting by mail works in Canada and the recent Canadian election. He also shares a funny story about planting trees and decorating his front yard with his wife. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions that native speakers use when talking about daily life, moving, elections, and hobbies like gardening. Listening: Improve your listening skills by following a clear and natural conversation between native speakers. Speaking: Share your own life updates on our Discord server or in our Culips small-group speaking classes. Culture: Hear about real-life topics like voting in Canada, Korean flower festivals, and home projects. Fluency: Get more confident by hearing repeated examples and practicing with our study guide. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share the latest Culips community news for May 2025! They read a kind review from a Culips member, announce the winner of the March challenge, and introduce the new challenge for May. This month, the challenge will help you master one of the trickiest parts of English grammar: the difference between the present perfect and past simple tenses. Everyone is welcome to join the free challenge on our Discord server. You will get a video lesson from Andrew, lots of practice activities, and a chance to win a Culips swag bag! Improve your grammar and become part of our fun and friendly community. Join us today! How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from May 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about how they watch movies, both at the theater and at home. They discuss their personal movie habits, like sneaking snacks into the cinema, watching movies alone, and breaking long movies into smaller parts. You’ll also hear about movie traditions in different countries, how theater experiences are changing, and the pros and cons of enjoying films with friends, family, or just by yourself. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will help you improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn common expressions and everyday words like matinee, concession, installments, and immersive. These are useful for talking about entertainment, culture, and daily habits. Listening: Practice understanding natural English with clear speech, casual conversation, and real opinions from native speaker movie fans. Speaking: Get better at sharing your own thoughts by hearing how Andrew and Indiana express likes, dislikes, and personal routines with enjoying films and series. Culture: Discover movie-watching habits and movie theater experiences from around the world, including Canada, the U.S., and Korea. Learn how movie culture is different depending on where you live. Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to a friendly conversation full of opinions, everyday grammar, and common slang. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew shares a mix of real-life updates and personal stories, from sleeping alone in a queen-size bed to trying to fix a podcast recording disaster. He also talks about replacing social media habits with Japanese reading practice and learning how to do DIY home repairs like caulking the shower. It’s a relaxed and personal episode where Andrew talks about real-life moments, challenges, and habits in clear, natural English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Improve your listening by following a natural, unscripted story told in clear, easy-to-understand English. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to language learning, technology mistakes, and home improvement. Idioms and expressions: Hear everyday English expressions like “work your magic,” “wasn’t meant to be,” “doom scrolling,” “DIY,” and “know a thing or two.” Pronunciation: Listening to real spoken English helps you get used to natural sounds and rhythm. This makes it easier for you to speak clearly and with better pronunciation. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Have you ever seen someone who looks exactly like someone else? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach two fun English expressions: “A dead ringer” and “A spitting image.” You’ll hear clear examples, learn the difference between the two, and understand when and how to use each one. This episode is great for learning real English expressions used by native speakers. Andrew and Kassy break everything down in a way that’s easy to follow, and they include example conversations that make the meaning of each expression clear. They also share personal stories, cultural tips, and bonus expressions like “two peas in a pod,” “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and “doppelganger.” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn natural English phrases to talk about people and things that look very similar. Listening: Practice understanding clear and natural English through real conversation. Speaking: Use the expressions you learn to describe lookalikes and practice talking about your own family in Culips small-group English classes. Culture: Discover how these expressions are used in everyday life and where they come from. Fluency: Get more confident by hearing repeated examples and practicing with our study guide. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew recaps his experience running the 2025 Seoul Marathon. He shares the fun and challenges of race weekend, from eating lots of carbs before the race to jumping over a bike left on the road. He also talks about what it was like to run with thousands of people and even spot someone from a Korean TV show. This story is full of exciting moments, personal thoughts, and useful English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Improve your listening by hearing a real story told in clear, natural English. New vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases about running, eating, weather, and daily life. Idioms and expressions: Hear everyday English expressions like “recap,” “soak up the atmosphere,” “guilty pleasure,” “full send,” and “double take.” Pronunciation: When you listen to clear and natural English, your ears get used to the sounds. This helps you speak more clearly too. If you can hear how native speakers talk, it becomes easier to copy them and have a better accent. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Have you ever wandered through a store for a long time and still couldn’t find what you needed? In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you how to ask for help in English when you’re shopping. You’ll learn useful phrases and polite expressions that native English speakers use when they can’t find a product in a supermarket or department store. The episode includes example conversations and clear explanations to help you understand and use the language with confidence. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn common phrases like “I’m having trouble finding…” and “Do you know if you carry…?” Listening: Train your ears to understand natural, clear English conversations in retail settings like grocery stores or shopping malls. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes and practicing how to use polite and useful phrases for real-world shopping situations. Culture: Understand how people ask for help in North American shopping culture. Fluency: Spending time with real English conversations will improve your ability to respond naturally and politely in everyday situations. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his recent trip to Japan, where he experienced both the best and worst parts of travel. From enjoying delicious local food and relaxing in traditional hot springs to unexpectedly getting sick in Tokyo, Andrew shares the real ups and downs of his adventure. Listening to natural English through personal stories like this is a great way to improve your fluency and build confidence. Tune in to hear about culture, food, travel tips, and an unforgettable ending to the trip. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build your listening comprehension by hearing a native speaker tell a real story using clear and natural English. New vocabulary: Learn practical and useful expressions related to travel, food, feeling sick, and daily experiences. Idioms and expressions: Pick up common idioms and casual phrases that English speakers use in everyday conversations. Pronunciation: Improve your speaking and rhythm by shadowing or repeating after Andrew. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy talk all about vegetables \. They compare shopping at local markets with going to big grocery stores. Kassy shares her experience getting fresh produce from a local market near her house and tells us about a fun new vegetable subscription box she signed up for. Andrew talks about the kinds of vegetables he misses from back home and why he sometimes grows his own herbs and veggies. You’ll also hear about the benefits of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and trying farm-to-table food. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful words and expressions about food, markets, and money, like “produce,” “haul,” and “stretch your dollar.” Listening: Practice understanding real, natural English as Andrew and Kassy have a fun and friendly conversation. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes by practicing how to talk about shopping and growing vegetables. Culture: Discover cultural differences in food shopping habits and learn about the farm-to-table movement. Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you think in English and express yourself more easily. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates from the Culips community and introduce the April challenge. They read a thoughtful comment from a listener, announce the February challenge winner, and talk about a helpful new feature that will make learning English with Culips even better for you. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the April Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the April Challenge (available from April 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about textures and the way things feel when we touch them. They share interesting and personal stories about their favorite and least favorite textures, from soft cashmere to slimy foods and scratchy sweaters. They also discuss how touch is important in human relationships and how it’s different in cultures around the world. You’ll learn useful English expressions and vocabulary to talk about touch, feelings, and personal preferences. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions like soft, firm, fluffy, scratchy, and touchy-feely that will help you talk about textures and feelings. Listening: Train your ears with real, natural English as Andrew and Anna share fun, friendly stories and opinions. Speaking: Boost your speaking skills by practicing how to describe your personal likes and dislikes with textures and materials. Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about touch in daily life and social situations. Fluency: Improve your overall English by listening to a full conversation with clear examples, real emotions, and natural grammar. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew shares a couple more stories from his recent trip to Hawaii and reflects on some unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences he and his wife had during their travels. Listening to authentic, natural English from a native speaker is one of the best ways to improve your English skills and become fluent faster. So tune in to hear about their everyday adventures, unexpected moments, and the interesting experiences they had along the way! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build your listening comprehension by following a native speaker share personal stories in authentic, everyday English. New vocabulary: Learn useful and natural expressions related to travel, daily life, and surprise experiences. Idioms and expressions: Pick up real-life idioms and phrasal verbs that native speakers use in casual conversations. Pronunciation: Improve your pronunciation, flow, and intonation through shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Have you ever felt like a kid again while doing something fun? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how we all have a child inside us. They share stories about playful moments in their lives and discuss why keeping a sense of fun and wonder is important, even as adults. Andrew and Kassy also talk about how staying connected to your inner child can reduce stress and improve mental health. They share fun ways to bring more playfulness into your daily life, including hobbies, sports, and creative activities. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to childhood, creativity, and fun activities. Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about memories, hobbies, and fun activities. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes and practicing how to talk about your own childhood experiences in English. Culture: Discover how different cultures value play, creativity, and reconnecting with childhood joy. Fluency: Spending time with real English conversations will train your brain to think in English and help you speak more naturally. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew shares his plans for the upcoming Seoul Marathon. He discusses his preparation struggles due to recent illness, travel, and limited training time. You'll hear about his plans with his running buddy, Jimmy, his strategy to enjoy the marathon without stressing about his personal record, and his thoughts about dealing with challenging weather conditions on race day. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Practice your listening skills by hearing Andrew naturally discuss his marathon preparations and expectations. New vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary with useful words and phrases like "booked up," "bout," "ramping up," "stagger," and "smash a PR," to clearly express yourself about personal challenges or achievements. Idioms and expressions: Learn everyday expressions like "pump someone's tires," "the Goldilocks zone," and "it all boils down to," to sound more natural when speaking English. Pronunciation: Improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation through shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice using Andrew's natural speech. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Waiting is a part of everyday life. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, waiting for a job offer, or standing in line at the store, waiting can feel frustrating. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the psychology of waiting, discussing why some waiting feels harder than others and how cultural differences affect our patience. They also share personal stories about waiting, including long lines at government offices and waiting for language skills to improve. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful North American and UK English expressions such as "queuing," “standing in line,” "pushing in," and “cutting in line,” to talk about waiting and patience. Listening: Improve your understanding by hearing natural conversations about real-life situations. Speaking: Get ideas for how to express frustration, share opinions, and describe your experiences with waiting. Culture: Understand how different countries view waiting, from fast-paced city life to slow-moving rural areas. Fluency: Listening to real conversations between native speakers helps you think in English and express yourself more naturally. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew shares stories from his recent trip to Hawaii. He talks about visiting famous places like Waikiki Beach, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and hiking up Diamond Head. Along the way, he reflects on fun moments with his wife, the excitement of exploring new places, and even a few surprises. You’ll feel like you’re right there with him as he brings his Hawaiian adventure to life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Improve your listening skills by hearing Andrew talk naturally about his travel experiences in Hawaii. New vocabulary: Build your vocabulary with useful words and phrases like whirlwind trip, propel, vital, and to be wiped out, so you can express yourself clearly when speaking about travel or daily life. Idioms and expressions: Understand and practice expressions such as hit the ground running, check the boxes, and get off the beaten path, helping you sound natural when talking with native speakers. Pronunciation: Use this episode for shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice to improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode, you’ll hear Andrew and Indiana talk about Indiana’s recent surgery and recovery. They use real-life English to discuss medical vocabulary, including words like “cartilage” and “labrum,” and explain how to describe pain and injuries. Indiana shares her experience of getting a diagnosis, deciding on surgery, and going through recovery. This is a great opportunity for you to learn medical terms in context, improve your listening skills, and hear how native speakers talk about health and personal experiences. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful medical terms like cartilage, anesthesia, and physical therapy to talk about injuries and treatments. Listening: Train your ears to understand natural English as Andrew and Indiana discuss healthcare, pain management, and exercise. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes by practicing how to talk about personal experiences, ask about someone’s health, and describe medical issues. Culture: Compare different healthcare systems and understand how medical treatments work in different countries. Fluency: Exposure to real conversations will help you think in English and express yourself more easily. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.

In this episode, Andrew shares the exciting conclusion of his hiking trip in South Korea with his best friend, Luke. After a chaotic morning rushing to catch a bus, they finally arrive in Taebaek, a small mountain town. Their adventure continues with beautiful snowy trails, a surprise trail closure, and an unexpected challenge at the top of the mountain. As always, you’ll hear natural English and pick up useful vocabulary, expressions, and cultural insights. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Get better at understanding natural English by following along with a fun and engaging real-life story. New vocabulary: Pick up useful words and phrases like spur of the moment, groggy, and to keep an eye on something. Idioms and expressions: Hear common expressions in action, such as a rude awakening, hoof it, and clued in, and learn how to use them naturally. Pronunciation: Listen to how Andrew changes his speed and tone to create suspense and keep the story interesting. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Learn more about Taebaeksan

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English expressions: "knee jerk reaction" and "off the cuff." These expressions describe spontaneous reactions, one for quick emotional responses and the other for acting without preparation. Through fun conversations and clear examples, you'll learn how to use these expressions naturally in daily life! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn how to naturally and correctly use common everyday English expressions like "knee jerk reaction" " (a quick, emotional response without thinking) and "off the cuff” (speaking or acting without preparation). Listening: Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation between native speakers, featuring real-life examples and clear explanations of these phrases. Culture: Learn how English speakers use these phrases in daily life, from workplace discussions to casual chats. Fluency: Training your ear with real English will help you think and speak more confidently. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about the Culips community. They talk about the fun activities happening recently including small-group speaking classes and monthly challenges. They read a nice review from a listener named Coco, who joined the classes and loved them. They also spin a prize wheel to pick a winner from the January challenge. Alina introduces the new March challenge, which will help learners understand and use the tricky verb “get.” Finally, they talk about the schedule for upcoming speaking classes. Even though both Andrew and Alina are feeling a little sick, they power through the episode to bring all the latest news from Culips! How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the March Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the March Challenge (available from March 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the impact of sound on our daily lives. From the noises that wake us up in the morning to the background sounds that shape our work, relaxation, and social interactions, they discuss how these sounds affect our mood, focus, and overall well-being. Tune in to learn how sound impacts daily life and boost your English skills at the same time! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like "placebo effect," "to gab away," and "to make one's blood boil" to describe reactions, conversations, and strong emotions. Listening: Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation about how sounds affect our daily lives, sleep, and focus. Speaking: Gain confidence by discussing your own experiences with sound and how it influences your mood and routines. Culture: Discover how different cultures react to noise, from quiet train cars in Korea to lively restaurant terraces in Spain. Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to real conversations that help train your ears and mind to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew shares a funny but stressful story about how a hiking trip almost went wrong before it even started. He talks about losing his wallet, missing a subway, and rushing to catch a bus just in time. This real-life story is easy to understand and will help you improve your English while enjoying an exciting adventure. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural English as Andrew describes a real-life story with excitement and detail. Pay attention to how he tells the story and expresses emotions. New vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases related to travel, problem-solving, and making quick decisions, like get the wheels in motion and rifling through. Idioms and expressions: Discover expressions like go with the flow and in the midst of and see how they make storytelling more engaging. Pronunciation: Listen to how Andrew changes his speed and tone to create suspense and keep the story interesting. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and share a time when you had to deal with an unexpected situation. Practice using the new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their latest travels. Kassy talks about her trip to Thailand with her four-month-old son. She explains what it was like to ride a speedboat and go through airport security with a baby. Andrew describes his plan to visit Taebaek, the small Korean city where he first lived. He looks forward to hiking the local mountain and seeing how much the city has changed. Listen to learn useful English words and phrases about travel, family, and exploring new places! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions about traveling, flying with a baby, and planning a holiday trip. Listening: Practice understanding natural, easy-to-follow English conversations about everyday life and travel. Speaking: Gain confidence by discussing your own travel stories with friends or in Culips small-group English classes. Culture: Hear about what it’s like to visit Thailand with a baby and learn about local food and customs in Korea. Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to real conversations that help train your ears and mind to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

Episode description: In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about winter and how it can make people feel sad or tired. They share their own winter experiences from places like Korea and the United States. Andrew and Indiana explain why winter can be hard and give simple tips to feel better, such as getting enough sunlight, exercising, and staying warm. They also talk about fun winter activities and ways to stay happy during the cold months. Listen to improve your English and learn how to beat the winter blues and enjoy the season! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like "down in the dumps," "no pain, no gain," and "there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about dealing with the winter blues and staying motivated during cold months. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode. Culture: Discover how different countries, like Canada and the United States, experience winter and the traditions they have during the season. Fluency: Listening to real English conversations will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew talks about going to his nephew’s elementary school graduation and realizing the power of celebrating small wins. He shares how a simple ceremony can bring families closer, boost confidence, and lead to bigger successes. He also explains why supporting each other’s achievements, even when they seem small, can make a big difference. This real-life story will help you improve your English skills and become a better communicator. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew describes his day at the graduation and how it changed his perspective on small victories. New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to school ceremonies, encouragement, and showing support to loved ones. Idioms and Expressions: Discover helpful English expressions like “no easy feat,” “to miss by just a hair,” and “in the whole scheme of things,” and see how they are used in real conversations. Pronunciation: Listen for how Andrew clearly pronounces words, stresses important syllables, and connects phrases. Then practice repeating short parts of the episode to develop your pronunciation skills and speak more clearly. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server, share your own surprise stories, and practice using new vocabulary in casual conversations. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English idioms: "can't stomach something" and "makes my skin crawl." These expressions are perfect for describing strong negative reactions, like disgust or fear. Together, Andrew and Indiana break down the meanings of these idioms, share real-life examples, and discuss how to use these expressions in a wide variety of situations. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like "gory," "to scurry," and "creeped out" to use in everyday English. Listening: Understand common English idioms that you will hear in everyday situations. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode and practice these idioms. Culture: Discover which situations these expressions are appropriate for and when they might sound too strong or rude. Fluency: Spending time with real English will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share exciting news about February's free grammar challenge on countable and uncountable nouns. Learn how to join the challenge by signing up for the Culips Discord server, participating in fun, easy tasks every second day, and earning a completion certificate. Plus, discover other ways to connect with the Culips community and improve your English. Don’t miss it! How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the February Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the February Challenge (available from February 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew talks with Mikael about Norway, a country with beautiful fjords, long winters, and tasty seafood. Mikael shares fun facts about life in Norway, like their famous brown cheese, exciting holidays, and how they stay cozy during dark winters. They also talk about Norwegian traditions, popular foods, and the best places to visit. It’s a fun way to learn about Norway and improve your English skills at the same time! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like "pitch black," "take it in stride"," and "rite of passage" to use in everyday English. Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations with this discussion about Norway. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode. Culture: Discover interesting facts about Norway’s traditions, foods, and daily life. Fluency: Spending time with real English will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Links mentioned in this episode: More About Mikael - Listen to our previous episode featuring Mikael’s interview. Alina’s Trip to Norway - Learn about Alina’s experience and her favorite Norwegian foods. Flåklypa Movie Trailer - Watch the trailer for the stop-motion movie Mikael mentioned.

In this episode, Andrew tells the story of how he surprised his parents at Christmas. He shares the big reveal, their shocked reactions, and how they spent the holiday. He also talks about what he did during the rest of his visit and how he felt about surprising them. This real-life story will help you improve your English skills and become a better communicator. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a real-life story about surprising his parents at Christmas. New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about family gatherings, holiday traditions, and making last-minute arrangements during the festive season. Idioms and Expressions: Learn useful English expressions like “to be taken aback,” “the more the merrier,” and “to break the ice,” and see how they’re used in real conversations. Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s intonation and rhythm, then practice repeating short clips of the episode to build your fluency and sound more natural. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server, share your own surprise stories, and practice using new vocabulary in casual conversations. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Join Andrew as he talks with Mikael, a special guest from Norway. Mikael shares how he learned English and got interested in programming and making video games. He also tells the story of how he met Culips team member Alina through a pen pal app years ago. If you want to know Mikael’s tips for learning English and learn some cool video game vocabulary, this episode is perfect for you! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Build your vocabulary: Learn useful gaming and tech words like “roguelike” and everyday phrases like “head bashing against the wall.” Improve your pronunciation: Listen to clear and natural English from native and non-native speakers to sound more fluent. Learn about culture: Discover how Norwegians learn English and how gaming connects people worldwide. Sharpen your listening skills: Understand real-life English by listening to a fun, engaging conversation. Practice speaking: Join the speaking classes about this episode (schedule below) to build confidence and improve your conversation skills. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about his quick trip to Vancouver before heading to his hometown for Christmas. He talks about flying in from Seoul, meeting his best friend Luke, and enjoying Canadian treats like poutine. Andrew also faced some challenges, like rainy weather and lost luggage, but still found time to watch a hockey game and explore the city. As you listen, you’ll learn useful English expressions such as “we go way back” and “caught up with me,” and improve your fluency while having fun with Andrew’s adventure. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a real-life story about traveling to Vancouver, meeting his best friend, and exploring the city. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about traveling, winter activities, and spending time with friends. Idioms and expressions: Understand common English expressions like “mission accomplished,” “to fend off,” and “to be wiped.” Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to improve your fluency and confidence. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server to practice conversational English and share your own stories. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) Listen to Simplified Speech 205 - Learning to Scuba with Luke

Andrew and Anna talk about modern identity labels that people use in their daily lives. They look at labels for work, relationships, finances, and more. Some examples include WFH (work from home), solopreneur (running a business alone), and dink (double income, no kids). They also discuss terms for different generations, like millennial and zoomer, and relationship labels like situationship. Andrew and Anna explain what these words mean, how people use them, and why these labels have become popular. This episode will help you understand new English vocabulary and learn more about Western culture. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Build Vocabulary and Learn Idioms: Expand your English vocabulary with terms like "DINK(Y)" and "situationship," and understand idioms such as "out of touch" to improve your conversational English. Practice Listening Skills: Improve your listening skills by following native English speakers' natural speech patterns, tone, and rhythm in real-life discussions. Improve English Pronunciation: Hear and mimic correct pronunciation of challenging words like "Achilles heel" and "mollycoddled" to sound more fluent in English. Speak English with Confidence: Use new expressions from this episode in your conversations to improve fluency and natural speech. Join our Discord server and participate in our speaking classes to practice these expressions in real-life discussions with other English learners and our teachers. Learn English Culture Through Language: Explore how cultural trends influence vocabulary and understand phrases related to modern lifestyles, like "empty nester" or "slashie." The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about how his New Year’s plans took an unexpected turn. After a fun trip to Canada, he returned to South Korea feeling under the weather. Despite his plans to start the year with a bang, he spent the first few days battling jet lag and coming down with something. Andrew also talks about celebrating New Year’s Eve with his wife and gives us a glimpse of his gift exchange. As you listen, you’ll learn useful English expressions like “coming down with something” and “start with a bang,” while improving your vocabulary, fluency, and listening skills. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a personal story about his New Year’s experience in a clear, easy-to-understand way. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about winter, feeling sick, and celebrating holidays. Idioms and expressions: Understand common expressions like "rest up," "work up an appetite," and "sometimes life throws you a curveball.” Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to improve your fluency and confidence. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana discuss her recent move to a new house. They talk about the exciting but exhausting process of buying and moving into a home, the challenges of unpacking, and the traditions surrounding moving day. Indiana shares her experience of house hunting for months and finally settling into her new space, while Andrew reflects on his own moving experiences. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Learn new vocabulary and expressions: The episode includes everyday expressions like "every waking hour" and "go to town," which you can use in conversations to sound more natural. Improve listening skills: Listening to real conversations helps you understand how native speakers talk, including their speed, tone, and pronunciation. Practice pronunciation: By listening carefully, you can hear how words are pronounced and try saying them yourself to match. Understand everyday topics: The discussion about moving houses teaches useful vocabulary related to daily life, like "house hunting" and "moving truck." Gain confidence in speaking: Hearing casual conversations can help you feel more confident in using English for similar discussions in your life. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

Happy 2025! In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew gets the new year off to an exciting start by sharing some big plans for the months ahead. As you listen, you’ll pick up practical English expressions, discover useful fluency tips, and hear about a special membership sale you won’t want to miss. Let’s make this a fantastic year of learning and growth together! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy reflect on their most memorable moments from 2024, sharing stories about their personal highlights of the year. From family visits and exciting travel experiences to special moments of growth and achievement, they discuss what made this year truly unforgettable. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Improved vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to personal experiences, milestones, and emotions. Better listening skills: Understand how native speakers use casual language to share stories and reflect on the past. Practical English: Learn how native speakers talk about their experiences and feelings and learn how to discuss important moments in your own life. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about trying to celebrate his mother-in-law’s birthday. At first, they planned a hike, but heavy snow forced them to change their plans over and over again. In the end, he and his family enjoyed a cozy, indoor party instead. You’ll also hear about a funny surprise about his father-in-law’s new look! As you listen, you will learn useful English expressions and build your fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew tells a personal story in a clear, understandable way. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to family gatherings, food, and cultural traditions. Idioms and expressions: Learn common English expressions used in real-life situations and understand how to include them in your own conversations. Pronunciation: Listen carefully to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to sound more confident and fluent. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew talks with new-mom, Kassy! She recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and she tells us all about her pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of caring for a newborn. Listen to hear about her daily routine, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the cultural differences that shape her new life as a parent. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn: Cultural Insights: Discover how birth and parenting practices differ in Korea, especially in terms of hospital policies and traditions like the "100th day" celebration. Parenting Vocabulary: Learn helpful English terms related to pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care. Family Life Challenges: Understand the common struggles of new parents, including diapering, breastfeeding, and adjusting to a new routine. Personal Stories: Hear Kassy's unique experiences and lessons from her journey into motherhood. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary Expansion: Learn useful expressions and terms related to parenting, family life, and cultural traditions. Listening Skills: Improve your ability to follow natural conversations and personal stories between native speakers. Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into family dynamics and cultural differences, enhancing your ability to understand real-life situations. Practical Expressions: Pick up everyday phrases that can help you discuss family life and personal experiences in English. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the Oxford Dictionary’s top English words for 2024. Follow along as he breaks down each word, explains how to use it naturally, and shares why these words capture our changing culture. As a special treat, he even introduces a brand-new word he created himself! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Get better at understanding spoken English as Andrew clearly explains each word’s meaning and usage. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases tied to modern life and culture. Idioms and expressions: Pick up new expressions and learn how to use them into your own sentences. Cultural knowledge: Discover how language reflects what people care about today. Pronunciation: Listen closely to Andrew’s natural speech and copy him to practice sounding more fluent and confident. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about some of the best live music shows they’ve ever seen. They share what made these concerts special, from the wild energy of mosh pits to the excitement of finding new bands. This episode is perfect for English learners who love music and want to improve their listening skills and learn about the cultural side of English. And who knows, you might even discover a new band you really like! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Grow your English listening skills: Hear a real, everyday English conversation between native speakers about concerts and music. Learn new music vocabulary: Discover words like “psych rock,” “crowdsurfing,” “moshing,” and “opener” and understand how to use them. Get cultural insights: Understand concert culture in English-speaking countries and learn about well-known bands, like Talking Heads and Weezer. Stay motivated with fun topics: Enjoy learning English by listening to stories and experiences about live music shows you’ll find interesting. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Click here to listen to a playlist of the bands mentioned in this episode!

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares the rollercoaster of events he experienced this week, from staying glued to the news during a major political moment in South Korea to tackling an important health check-up. With humor and honesty, he reflects on how these moments shaped his week. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening practice: Practice following real-life stories told in clear, natural English. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about health, news, and everyday life, such as “in flux,” “flush my system,” and “the nitty gritty.” Idioms and expressions: Learn common expressions like “stick your head in the sand,” “doom and gloom,” and “hold up.” Try using them in your own sentences. Cultural knowledge: Get a look at South Korean culture, healthcare, and how major events impact daily life. Pronunciation practice: Hear Andrew’s natural intonation and pacing to improve your own English fluency. Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) Listen to bonus episode 33

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew is joined by Alina to discuss her recent spontaneous trip to Norway. Alina shares how she made a last-minute decision to visit the country, motivated by her love for Scandinavian coffee and her desire to experience the famous Norwegian sauna. Throughout the episode, Alina also talks about her first impressions of Norway, the challenges of traveling spontaneously, and some cultural surprises she encountered. Join the conversation to hear about Alina’s quick getaway and how sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones you don’t plan! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary building: Learn expressions related to spontaneous decisions, travel, and cultural experiences. New expressions: Understand and use useful expressions like "to sleep on it," "a far cry," and "to follow suit" in everyday conversations. Listening skills: Improve your ability to follow a natural, real-life conversation between two fluent speakers. Cultural context: Gain a better understanding of how travel experiences and cultural norms can differ between countries, helping you in international discussions. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew takes you on a fun Sunday trip through Jegidong, a neighborhood in Seoul. Follow along as he and his wife find a small, hidden Chinese restaurant and visit a lively local market, buying fresh fruit and enjoying the busy, bustling atmosphere. To top it all off, they relax at a café with a fascinating history as an old movie theater. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening Practice: Get better at understanding English by following Andrew’s interesting and easy-to-follow stories. Hear how native speakers talk in everyday conversations. New Vocabulary: Learn words about food, markets, and exploring cities. Discover phrases like “hole-in-the-wall,” “bustling,” and “medicinal ingredients.” Idioms and Expressions: Pick up fun sayings like “chow down,” “go to town,” and “pat yourself on the back.” See how they’re used and try them in your own sentences. Cultural Knowledge: Learn about life in Korea, the food people love, and what makes local neighborhoods special. Pronunciation Practice: Listen to Andrew’s clear and natural speech. Copy his way of speaking to sound more fluent and confident in English. Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna discuss the important topic of office etiquette. They share tips and opinions on workplace culture, including dress codes, handling awkward situations, and maintaining a harmonious office environment. You'll also hear about how cultural differences influence workplace behavior and why certain habits, like strong perfumes or noisy eating, might cause friction in shared spaces. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary building: Learn key expressions related to workplaces, office culture, and clothing styles. Listening skills: Improve your ability to follow natural conversations between native speakers. Cultural context: Learn about workplace expectations and cultural differences, making it easier to connect in international professional settings. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week's bonus episode, Andrew shares his experience receiving a surprise care package from San Francisco. While unpacking delicious American treats with his wife, he reflects on his own journey with homesickness in South Korea and how care packages helped him adjust to life abroad. Listen as Andrew humorously describes his weakness for peanut butter cups and why his wife had to become the official "snack manager" in their house. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening practice: Get better at understanding English by following Andrew's story. Practice understanding natural, conversational English as he shares personal experiences and memories. Vocabulary building: Learn useful vocabulary related to living abroad like "care package," "homesickness," "non-perishable," "expat," and "self-control." Expand your word bank with terms commonly used when discussing cultural differences and international living. Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural English expressions like "the odds are," "work up an appetite," "pig out," and "leave someone in the lurch." Understand how these idioms are used in context and add them to your own speech. Cultural understanding: Learn about care packages, a common practice in Western cultures for showing care to loved ones living far away. Pronunciation practice: Listen to the correct pronunciation of new words and phrases. Practice copying Andrew's natural speech patterns to improve your own pronunciation and fluency. Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two useful expressions that describe when something is exactly what you need. These expressions are perfect for situations when you get something that suits you perfectly or brings you comfort. You will learn how to use “exactly what the doctor ordered” and “just the ticket” in real-life conversations, as well as understand how these expressions can help you sound more natural in English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. ​​What you will learn: New expressions: Learn how to say when something is the perfect solution or exactly what you need in a situation. Usage and context: Understand how to use “exactly what the doctor ordered” and “just the ticket” in different situations through detailed explanations. Practical examples: Listen to real-world examples of conversations that use these expressions, teaching you how to apply them in your own conversations. Do's and don’ts: Learn when and where these expressions are most appropriate to use. How this episode will improve your English: Bigger vocabulary: Add expressions to your vocabulary that will help you express when something is just right for you. Better communication: Use these expressions to sound more fluent and natural when talking about solutions or things that make you feel better. Real-world application: Understand how to use these expressions in everyday conversations, making your English sound more native-like. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week's bonus episode, Andrew tells a funny story about trying to stop wasting time on his phone and computer. He uses an app to block distracting websites so he can focus better. But instead of staying on track, he discovers a new distraction he didn't expect. Andrew talks about how his plan took an unexpected turn and what he learned from it. He also shares the meaning of the expression, "When God closes a door, he opens a window," and how it fits his experience. Join him to hear about his ironic adventure with technology and staying productive. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening practice: Improve your listening skills by following Andrew's engaging story about battling digital distractions. Practice understanding natural, conversational English as he shares his personal experiences with technology. Vocabulary building: Learn useful technology and productivity vocabulary like "distractions," "blocker," "addictive," "time suck," and "productivity." Expand your word bank with terms you'll encounter in everyday conversations about apps and staying focused. Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural English expressions like "have a hunch," "down the rabbit hole," "rack your brain," "no going back," and "scratch that itch." Understand how these idioms are used in context and add them to your own speech. Understanding sayings: Learn the meaning of the saying "When God closes a door, he opens a window," and see how Andrew applies it to his own situation. This will help you understand common proverbs used in English. Pronunciation practice: Listen to the correct pronunciation of new words and phrases. Try mimicking Andrew's speech to improve your own pronunciation and fluency in English. Cultural tips: Learn how people deal with technology and distractions in English-speaking cultures. Understand common challenges and solutions related to productivity. Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Trying playing Connections Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew is joined by his longtime friend Luke, who recently took up scuba diving! Listen in as Luke shares stories about learning to scuba dive in Bali and the Philippines, including the different kinds of dives he experienced and all the training he went through. Andrew and Luke discuss Luke’s diving adventures and the different sights he saw in the ocean – such as a World War II shipwreck! If you're interested in scuba diving or just want to enjoy a natural conversation between two native speakers, then this episode is an excellent way to improve your English skills! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. ​​What you will learn: Vocabulary related to scuba diving, like "buoyancy," "wetsuit," and "oxygen tank" Information about scuba diving training and essential safety tips How to talk about personal experiences and new hobbies in English How this episode will improve your English: Expand your vocabulary with common words used to talk about sports and adventure activities Improve your listening skills by following a friendly conversation between native speakers Learn how native speakers discuss experiences and hobbies, making it easier to talk about your own interests in the future The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Listen to Chatterbox 152: An interview with Luke from 2015! Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week's bonus episode, Andrew tells a funny yet unfortunate tale about some bad luck that he and his wife both experienced with their favorite gadgets at almost the same time! You'll hear about exactly what happened, the lessons they learned, and how they dealt with it all. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening practice: Follow a real-life story filled with natural speech. Practice understanding a longer, detailed narrative about everyday challenges. Vocabulary building: Learn useful tech and household vocabulary like “frequency,” “static,” “routine,” and “vicinity.” Master words you might encounter in conversations about gadgets and home life. Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural expressions like “pump up,” “crime of opportunity,” and “a baddie.” Learn how English speakers talk about responsibility, accidents, and routines in casual language. Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Simplified Speech 201 - Audiobooks Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew talks with Indiana about her recent trip to Germany. Indiana shares exciting stories about meeting her family in Germany for the first time, seeing amazing castles, and trying new foods. They also talk about the challenges of speaking another language and what it was like to see her family’s culture up close. This episode gives interesting insights into German culture and tips for feeling more comfortable in a foreign country. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. ​​What you will learn: Vocabulary for discussing travel, family reunions, and cultural experiences. Interesting aspects of German culture and history, including food, language, and traditions. How this episode will improve your English: Expand your travel and cultural vocabulary with real-life expressions. Improve your listening comprehension through listening to a natural conversation between native speakers. Build confidence using English to talk about travel, culture, and family experiences. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew tells the story of what happened after he hurt his knee during a marathon. He talks about his trip to the doctor, getting different treatments, and what it was like walking around with a leg brace. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening practice: Follow a natural story about visiting the doctor and dealing with an injury. Practice understanding a longer narrative with real-life details. Vocabulary building: Learn essential medical and health vocabulary like "orthopedic," "administering," "brace," and "treatment." Master words you might need at the doctor's office. Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural expressions like "a godsend," "put weight on," and "eye-opening." Learn how English speakers talk about health and recovery. Speaking skills: Learn how to explain symptoms, describe pain, and talk about medical experiences in natural English. Real-life English: Get comfortable with doctor-patient conversations and medical situations in English. Grammar in context: Notice how English speakers tell stories in the past tense and use sequence words to explain events. English speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew is joined by Indiana to talk about her recent trip to Iceland. They discuss the stunning landscapes, the unique Icelandic culture, and how she decided to travel to Iceland to go on a nature expedition cruise. Indiana also shares interesting facts about Iceland's history, local traditions, and the memorable experiences she had while traveling to that special island. If you dream of visiting Iceland or just want to improve your English, this episode is for you! It features a natural conversation that will help you practice listening, build your vocabulary, and increase your fluency. If you’d like to learn more about Indiana, click here to listen to her interview with Andrew from last year. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. ​​What you will learn: Icelandic geography: Learn about the natural beauty of Iceland, from its famous waterfalls to its volcanic landscapes. Cultural insights: Discover Icelandic traditions, such as the use of unique surnames and the importance of public pools. Travel experiences: Hear about Indiana's firsthand experiences visiting Reykjavik, exploring the Arctic Circle, and spending ten nights on a tiny cruise ship. How this episode will improve your English: Listening skills: Improve your ability to follow natural conversations between native speakers. Vocabulary expansion: Learn useful travel-related words and phrases that will build your English vocabulary. Cultural understanding: Increase your knowledge of Icelandic culture and history, making it easier to discuss these topics in English. Engaging storytelling: Listening to real-life stories will help you stay focused and learn English more effectively. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this week's bonus episode, Andrew talks about his trip to Gyeongju, South Korea where he participated in the 2024 Gyeongju Marathon. From his pre-race planning and road trip with his friend Jimmy, to the excitement of race day morning, you'll hear all the details of his marathon experience. Andrew shares what it's like to be one of the few international runners at the event, introduces us to the traditional Korean music that welcomed runners at the start line, and opens up about dealing with an unexpected knee injury during the race. Despite the challenges, Andrew stays positive and already has his sights set on his next marathon. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening practice: Improve your English by following along as Andrew tells a personal story about preparing for and running a marathon in Korea. Vocabulary building: Learn useful sports and fitness terms like "carb loading," "dialed in" "hit your pace," and "acting up." Idioms and expressions: Learn everyday idioms like "wasn't in the cards," "to be iffy," "TMI," and "empty the tank." See how these common expressions are used naturally in conversation. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew and Anna continue their chat about the challenges and joys of using humor in different languages. They share stories of failed jokes, moments when humor brought people together, and discuss how different cultures approach comedy. They also share their favorite types of comedy and talk about why some people seem naturally funny while others aren’t. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn: Vocabulary and expressions related to humor and comedy. Why some people might be naturally funnier than others. How language learners can become more comfortable using humor, even when it's difficult. How you will improve your English with this episode Grow your understanding of cultural and linguistic differences in humor. Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native speakers. Learn to recognize different types of humor, such as deadpan and self-deprecating. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the highs and lows of preparing for his next race in Gyeongju, South Korea. Along the way, he reflects on how running has impacted his life, and he discusses trying to overcome challenges like injuries and tough weather conditions. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: Listening practice: Improve your English by following along as Andrew talks about his passion for running. Vocabulary building: Learn useful terms related to fitness and running, like "training block," "runner’s knee," and "PR" (personal record). Idioms and expressions: Learn new idioms such as “hit a wall” and “tough it out,” and see how they’re used in real-life situations. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about comedy and what makes them laugh. They share stories about the types of humor they enjoy and discuss the differences in comedy across cultures, from British and American sitcoms to well-known comedians. Tune in to hear their thoughts and add some fun to your English learning! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What You'll Learn: Vocabulary related to comedy and humour, such as “deadpan,” “roast,” and “sitcom.” The differences between British and American humour. Recommendations for popular TV shows and comedians to check out. How This Episode Will Improve Your English: Expand your vocabulary with words and expressions related to comedy and entertainment. Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between native English speakers. Learn how to talk about cultural differences in humour and personal experiences. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Do you love the fall season as much as Andrew does? In this bonus episode, Andrew lists his top six favorite things about autumn. He talks about everything from the freshness of the crisp air to delicious fall desserts. He also talks about how fall is uniquely celebrated in Korea compared to Canada. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: Listening practice: Improve your English listening skills by following along with a native speaker's discussion about the fall season. Vocabulary expansion: Learn specific autumn-related vocabulary like "layered look," "crisp air," and "ablaze with color." Idioms and expressions: Learn idioms such as “ungodly amount of [something]” “double down on [something]” and “knock on wood” and how they are used in everyday conversation. Cultural tips: Discover the differences in autumn celebrations in Canada and Korea, deepening your global cultural awareness. Pronunciation practice: Focus on the pronunciation of new vocabulary and expressions within a natural speaking context, improving your speaking and listening accuracy. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the "Kidult" trend and how strong nostalgia can be. They talk about their favorite childhood toys, like Barbies, Beanie Babies, Legos, and video games. They also discuss how many adults today are returning to these toys by collecting or playing with them again. Plus, they chat about how the toy industry has changed to focus on adults and whether there’s any stigma around adults buying toys for themselves. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What You'll Learn: Vocabulary related to childhood toys, nostalgia, and collecting. What the "Kidult" trend is and what Andrew and Anna think about it. Andrew and Anna’s favorite childhood toys and how they feel about them now. How This Episode Will Improve Your English: Learn useful vocabulary and expressions to talk about toys, nostalgia, and childhood memories. Improve your listening skills by following a fun, easy conversation between two native speakers. Build confidence in talking about your own childhood experiences and hobbies in English. Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew talks about saying goodbye to an expat friend who is leaving Korea after many years. He shares his opinion about the differences between expats and immigrants, and discusses the challenges of maintaining friendships as a long-term foreign resident in South Korea. Andrew also talks about ever-changing social circles for immigrants and the sad but true reality of friends returning to their home countries. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll hear a native English speaker discuss social dynamics and personal relationships, improving your understanding of spoken English in a cultural and relationship context. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to immigration, expat life, cultural adaptation, and social relationships. Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "chew the fat," "down with that," "plant some roots," and "ghettoize" in real-life contexts. Cultural insights: Learn about the experiences of long-term foreign residents in South Korea, giving you vocabulary to discuss immigration, cultural adaptation, and international friendships in English. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of expressions and vocabulary related to immigration, cultural differences, and everyday social situations, which you can practice yourself. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you the meanings and uses of three frequently used adverbs: "typically," "literally," and "practically." The hosts also provide practical examples and tips on effectively using these common but confusing adverbs. Learn how to start using these words in your daily English conversations to improve your fluency and sound more natural. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What You Will Learn: About adverbs: Understand how and when to use "typically," "literally," and "practically" in English. Common expressions: Learn common phrases that include these adverbs and how they can improve your communication. Context and nuance: Discover how the meaning of "literally" changes based on context, and when to use it for emphasis. How This Episode Will Improve Your English: Vocabulary building: Expand your vocabulary with three essential adverbs and learn their meanings and uses. Listening skills: Improve your listening comprehension by following along with a natural English conversation. Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew talks about his experience trying out cutting-edge virtual reality technology, the Apple Vision Pro. He describes his first-hand encounter with immersive 3D environments, watching videos, and playing games in virtual reality. Andrew also talks about the current limitations and future applications of this technology. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll hear a native English speaker describe a complex technological experience in detail, improving your understanding of spoken English in a tech-focused context. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to virtual reality, 3D technology, and futuristic concepts. Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "down the pike," "blow your socks off," "rough around the edges," and "cost prohibitive" in real-life contexts. Technology trends: Learn about current developments in virtual reality and augmented reality technology, giving you vocabulary to discuss these topics in English. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of tech-related terms, brand names, and colloquial expressions, which you can practice yourself. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share some exciting personal news as Kassy prepares to welcome her first baby. They talk about how she told her family, the prepa-rations she's making, and her experiences during pregnancy. They also discuss how different cultures announce baby news and the use of social media to share family moments. Join An-drew and Kassy as they celebrate this special time in Kassy’s life and help you improve your English skills along the way! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. ​​What you will learn: Vocabulary related to pregnancy, such as "gestational diabetes," "cloth diapering," and "gender reveal party." Insights into how different cultures celebrate and announce pregnancies. The pros and cons of using social media to share family news. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Grow your vocabulary with common expressions about parenting and family life. Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers. Talk about this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server and speaking classes.  The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew talks about exciting adventures from the final leg of his summer vacation in Banff, Alberta. He recounts the challenges of planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains, his awesome visits to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and a super-cool jazz concert. Plus, he shares a cute story about an impromptu photo session at Lake Louise! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about travel planning, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. This will improve your understanding of spoken English in a real-life context. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to travel, natural landscapes, and musical performances. Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "smooth sailing," "go with the flow," "up another notch," and "compare notes" in real-life contexts. Canadian culture: Learn about famous Canadian natural attractions, the Banff Center for the Arts and Creativity, and the concept of garage sales in North America. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of place names, geographical features, and music-related terminology, which you can practice yourself. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss teen employment. They share their personal experiences and explore the reasons behind the increasing number of teen jobs in various countries. They talk about their first jobs, the wages they earned, and how these early work experiences influenced their lives. They also compare teen employment in different cultures and discuss how rising living costs affect young workers. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What You'll Learn: Vocabulary related to teen employment and part-time jobs, such as "stock shelves," "wage," "spare,”, and "paper route/round." The reasons why teens start working, including gaining financial independence and helping with increasing living expenses. Personal stories about balancing school and work, and how early jobs can impact academic performance and personal growth. Cultural differences in teen employment between North America, Europe, and Asia. How This Episode Will Improve Your English: Expand your vocabulary with words and expressions used when discussing part-time work and employment. Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers. Increase your cultural knowledge about teen jobs in different countries and how these experiences can shape a person's future. Build confidence in discussing your own experiences and job-related topics in English, including how to describe various entry-level positions and their impact on personal development. Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew talks about his summer vacation to Kelowna, British Columbia, his hometown. He describes his adventurous flight on a small plane through stormy weather, his experiences staying at his brother's place near the beach, and family activities like mini-golfing. Plus he shares a story about a fun linguistic surprise at a sushi restaurant! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his travel experiences and family reunions. This improves your understanding of spoken English. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to air travel, weather conditions, recreational activities, and family gatherings. Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "par for the course," "white knuckling it," "show someone a thing or two," and "hit the spot" in a real-life context. Canadian culture: Learn about popular summer activities in a Canadian town, family recreation spots, and the issue of forest fires in Western Canada. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words, place names, and activity-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself. Travel English: Learn vocabulary and expressions useful for describing travel experiences, weather conditions, and leisure activities. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Culips episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about audiobooks. They discuss how audiobooks have become more popular in recent years. Andrew shares his experience of listening to audiobooks while running, and Kassy talks about why she has limited experience with them. They also talk about the good and bad points of audiobooks compared to reading regular books. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll hear two native English speakers have a natural conversation about audiobooks. This will help you get better at understanding spoken English. New vocabulary: Learn words and expressions related to books and technology. Everyday expressions: Hear common English idioms and expressions used in context, such as "Cringeworthy" and "Make it or break it." Cultural knowledge: Learn about how people in English-speaking countries enjoy books in different ways. Pronunciation: Listen to clear English pronunciation, which you can practice repeating. Conversation skills: Talk about this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server and speaking classes. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Canada, focusing on his visit to Victoria, British Columbia. He describes his journey from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry, a whale-watching adventure with his wife and an old friend, and a barbecue party with his former bandmates. Andrew shares details about seeing orca and humpback whales, visiting Race Rocks to observe sea lions and seals, and an unexpected change of plans due to COVID-19. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll get to hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his travel experiences and reunions with friends. This helps improve your understanding of spoken English, especially in story form. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to travel, marine life, and social gatherings. Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms and colloquialisms such as "hightail it," "spitting fire," "give someone their flowers," and "call it a night" in context. Canadian culture: Learn about popular tourist activities in British Columbia, Canadian wildlife, and social customs like summer barbecues. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words, place names, and wildlife-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Suzanne explore two strong English expressions that you can use when you want to say, "absolutely not!" or when something is completely impossible. They are "Over my dead body" and "When hell freezes over." These expressions are used to show firm refusal or to say that something will never happen. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn in this episode: Understanding idioms: Learn how to use the expressions "Over my dead body" and "When hell freezes over" to show strong disagreement or to describe something that is impossible. Vocabulary in context: Learn the different contexts in which these expressions can be used, including both serious and playful situations. Cultural tips: Learn how these expressions are used in everyday conversations and when it is appropriate to use them. How you will improve your English with this episode: Expand your vocabulary: Learn and practice using new expressions that will help you sound more natural and fluent in English. Improve your listening: Build your skills so you can understand and follow native speakers discussing real-life situations. Boost your confidence: Feel more confident using strong language in English to express your opinions or stand your ground in conversations. Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew tells a story about camping in British Columbia, Canada. He went with his brother and talks about their journey on logging roads, setting up camp in the rain, and enjoying a natural hot spring. Andrew also talks about an incident with his stolen sandals, describes the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, and explains why this trip was so special to him. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening practice: You'll get to hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his outdoor experience. This helps improve your understanding of spoken English. New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to camping, nature, and travel, like "logging road," "raging river," and "hot spring." Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "better safe than sorry," "stone's throw away," and "slept like a baby" in context. Canadian culture: Learn about outdoor activities in Canada, small-town experiences, and popular natural attractions. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words and nature-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy help you learn how to talk about being unemployed in an optimistic way. They teach you how to discuss your job status in a way that’s both positive and professional. You’ll learn how to have conversations about finding a new job or changing career with their helpful explanations! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn in this episode: Positive talk: Learn how to talk about being unemployed in a positive way. Useful expressions: Discover useful expressions like “I’m in between jobs” and “I’m at a career crossroads.” Real-Life examples: Hear simple conversations that show how to use these phrases in everyday situations. How you will improve your English with this episode: New vocabulary: Build your English vocabulary with useful words and expressions for discussing unemployment. Better communication: Gain confidence in talking about your job status without feeling awkward or negative. Fluency in context: Practice using these expressions to make your English sound more fluent and natural in real-life conversations. Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Episode description: In this episode, Andrew recaps his recent 48-hour trip to Osaka, Japan. He shares his experiences from the first-ever Culips meetup, his shopping adventures for running shoes and vinyl records, and his nighttime run around Osaka Castle. Andrew also describes his encounters with local cuisine, an exceptional coffee shop, and the challenges of exercising in Japan's summer heat. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he gives a detailed account of his travel experiences. Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, shopping, and running, such as "layover," "hustle and bustle," "tax-free plan," and "running crews." Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like "put some faces to the community," "all set for," and "it is what it is" used in context. Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna explore the topics of overtourism and tourist shaming. They share their thoughts on a recent protest in Barcelona where demonstrators used water guns to express their frustration with the high number of tourists. Andrew and Anna also compare different cities’ approaches to managing tourism and discuss the impact of tourism on local communities. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn about in this episode: Overtourism: Find out what overtourism is and how it causes problems in cities like Barcelona, impacting the lives of local residents. Tourist shaming: Learn about tourist shaming and its effects on both visitors and locals. How you will improve your English with this episode Build your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to tourism and social issues. Strengthen your listening skills: Strengthen your ability to follow and understand natural conversations between native speakers. Refine your pronunciation: Listen to and mimic native speaker pronunciation to sound more natural. Increase your cultural knowledge: Learn about cultural and social issues that will help you communicate more effectively in English. Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions for describing situations where you are left alone without support: "Left to your own devices" and "High and dry." With several helpful example conversations, they discuss the meaning and nuance of these expressions and provide easy-to-understand explanations to help you know how to use them in different real-life situations. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What You Will Learn Key expressions: Learn the meaning of "Left to your own devices" and "High and dry." How to speak like a native: Learn about different situations where these expressions are commonly used. Cultural tips: Hear about popular songs that use these expressions and the maritime origins of “High and dry.” Practical examples: Listen to conversations that show you how to use these expressions naturally. How This Episode Will Help You Expand Vocabulary: Add new idiomatic expressions to your English vocabulary. Improve Comprehension: Understand how and when to use these expressions in real-life situations. Cultural Knowledge: Learn about cultural references and popular music that feature these expressions. Listening Practice: Upgrade your listening skills with clear and easy-to-understand examples. The best way to learn with this lesson Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips Member now! Members can access the ad-free version here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.

Andrew is away this week visiting family and friends in Canada, so we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit a classic bonus episode from 2022, titled ‘A Sweet Mystery.’ This episode quickly became a Culips fan favorite for its interesting story. In the episode, Andrew talks about a mystery he has discovered in his neighborhood and about visiting a Christmas market in Seoul. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to not hold water. Enjoy! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Real Talk, Andrew and Kassy teach you how to handle misunderstandings in English conversations. They focus on common situations where people might get confused, such as unclear pronunciation or vague statements. Through practical examples, you'll learn how to ask for clarification and how to correct yourself politely when you've been misunderstood. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn in this episode: Clarification expressions: Learn useful expressions to help you handle misunderstandings easily. Practical examples: Listen to two real-life conversations that show how to use these expressions in different situations. Pronunciation tips: Understand the difference between similar-sounding numbers, like 15 and 50, to avoid confusion. How you will improve your English with this episode: Better vocabulary: Build your English vocabulary with new expressions for handling misunderstandings. Improved understanding: Improve your listening skills so you can understand and solve unclear statements or pronunciation issues. Fluency and confidence: Practice using these expressions in real-life situations to sound more fluent and confident in English. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew shares a story about crossing an item off his bucket list. He talks about his long-standing goal to cook a dish that would genuinely impress his wife. Andrew describes his experience preparing miyeokguk, a traditional Korean seaweed soup, for his wife's birthday. He talks about searching for a great recipe, cooking the dish, and his wife's reaction to the meal. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he shares a personal story and explains cultural customs. Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to cooking, cultural practices, and personal goals, such as "bucket list," "reconstituting," and "customary food." Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like "kick the bucket," "whip up," and "blow you out of the water" used in a natural context. Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about the topic of “decluttering” – in other words, removing and tidying up disorganized objects in your home. They discuss different methods of decluttering, including the concept of Swedish death cleaning, and share their own experiences with organizing their homes and lives. On a scale of 1 to 10, how organized do you think Andrew and Indiana’s workspaces are? Listen and find out! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn Decluttering techniques: Discover different methods of decluttering, including the unique concept of Swedish death cleaning. Personal experiences: Hear Andrew and Indiana share their personal stories and challenges with decluttering. Practical tips: Learn practical tips and strategies to help you organize your own space and minimize clutter. How this episode will improve your English Vocabulary building: Learn key words and expressions related to decluttering and organization. Listening skills: Improve your listening by hearing native English speakers talk in a natural, conversational setting. Real-life learning: Understand how to use the new vocabulary and expressions in real-life situations and conversations. Cultural Insights: Learn about what Canadians and Americans think about decluttering and organization. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking and communication practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew talks about his upcoming trip to Osaka, Japan. He discusses the top three things he's looking forward to: the first-ever Culips meetup, shopping, and exploring Osaka through running. Andrew also looks back on his previous visits to Osaka and his travel style, focusing on personal interests rather than typical tourist activities. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he talks about real-life experiences and plans. Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, shopping, and running, such as "layover," "dire need," "abusing," and "want list." Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like "been there, done that," "talking into the void," and "hit up" used in context. Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Have you ever thought about how different cultures and generations handle child discipline at home? In this episode, Andrew and Alina discuss the kinds of punishments they experienced as children and explore how these methods have changed over time. They share personal stories and reflect on what worked, what didn't, and the impact these punishments had on their lives. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn about in this episode: Types of punishments: Learn about the different kinds of punishments children receive at home across various cultures, particularly in Canada and Russia. Effectiveness and impact: Understand how the hosts reflect on the long-term impact of different kinds of punishments they received growing up. Personal stories: Hear personal stories about childhood punishments and their effects. Current trends: Learn about current trends in child discipline and how they differ from past generations. How you will improve your English with this episode Build your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to child discipline and punishment. Better understanding: Improve your understanding of English by using the context and usage of new vocabulary through real-life examples. Natural conversation skills: Listen to a natural conversation, which will help you speak more like a native. Cultural insight: Learn about cultural differences in child-rearing practices, improving your skills to communicate with people from different cultures. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode, Andrew shares his excitement about an upcoming trip to his home country, Canada. He discusses three main things he's looking forward to: reuniting with old friends in Victoria, enjoying lake swimming in his hometown of Kelowna, and visiting Banff in the Rocky Mountains. He also shares personal stories about Canadian summer activities and the beauty of the country. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing personal experiences and future plans in detail. Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, outdoor activities, and Canadian geography, such as "swimmable," "high dive," and "scenic spot." Idioms and expressions: Learn helpful English expressions like "crack my list," "don't get me wrong," and "I'm all over that" used in context. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, including place names and casual speech patterns, which you can then practice on your own. Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of Canadian geography, summer activities, and cultural events, providing context for future conversations about travel and leisure. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of bike lanes in cities? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne discuss the topic of bike lanes, sharing their personal experiences and opinions on cycling infrastructure. They talk about the pros and cons of bike lanes, how different cities approach cycling, and the impact on pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn in this episode: Bike lane basics: Understand what bike lanes are and their purpose in city infrastructure. Different perspectives: Hear from both a casual cyclist and a more experienced cycling hobbyist about their views on bike lanes. City comparisons: Discover how bike infrastructure varies between cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Seoul. Cycling culture: Learn about cycling culture and how it influences city planning and transportation. How you will improve your English with this episode: Grow your vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to cycling and city infrastructure. Listening practice: Improve your listening skills with natural, engaging conversations. Fluent conversation skills: Practice understanding and using English in discussions about everyday topics like transportation and safety English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) Expressions included in the study guide You gotta do what you gotta do Don’t get me started To push one’s luck Not all [noun] are created equal To hog A me thing

In this episode, Andrew talks about the pros and cons of running’s growing popularity. He highlights the challenges runners face, especially the difficulty of finding good running shoes due to high demand. Andrew shares a personal story about trying to save money by purchasing discounted shoes online, only to discover they were counterfeits. Listen to hear about his experience with these fake shoes, the frustrations of marathon sign-ups, and other downsides of the running boom. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways: Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing real-life situations in detail. Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to running and fitness, such as "endurance," "training cycle," "counterfeit," and "foam cushioning." Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like "a grain of salt," "touch grass," and "missed the boat" used in context. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own. Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of the running culture and fitness trends in different parts of the world, especially in Seoul. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)

Do you sometimes feel anxious without knowing why? In this Chatterbox English learning podcast, Andrew and Anna dive deep into the topic of anxiety. They explain what anxiety means, how it affects people, and share their personal experiences. From nervous feelings before a presentation to intense panic attacks, this episode covers it all. If you want to improve your English while learning about mental health, this episode is perfect for you! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you will learn: Understanding Anxiety: Learn what anxiety is and its different forms. Personal Experiences: Hear Andrew and Anna share their own anxiety stories. Practical Tips: Discover effective ways to manage and reduce anxiety in daily life. How you will improve your English with this episode: New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about emotions and mental health. Listening Practice: Improve your skills by following a natural English conversation. Contextual Learning: Understand how to use new words in real situations. Speaking Practice: Discuss the episode with other learners on the Culips Discord Server. What’s included in the study guide: Interactive transcript In-depth explanations and examples of the key expressions Vocabulary quiz Comprehension quiz Speaking and writing practice questions The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now. Members can access the ad-free version here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.

In this episode, Andrew discusses the recent lovebug outbreak in Seoul. He describes these insects, explains their unusual name, and talks about his experience dealing with them this summer. Andrew also explores the bigger topic of how people approach killing insects, and shares his own opinion about this issue. This episode will help improve your English in the following ways: Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing a real-life situation in detail. Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to insects and pest control, such as "proliferating," "symbiotic relationship," "keep in check,” and "creepy crawly." Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like "out of the blue," "attached at the hip," and "it's on" used in context. Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own. Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of how people in different cultures deal with household pests. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) Episode notes: The scientific name of the lovebug is plecia nearctica. Contrary to what Andrew mentions, a centipede can have between 15 pairs to 191 pairs of legs and a millipede can have between 40 and 1,306 pairs of legs.

Curious about the growing popularity of Stoicism but not sure what it's all about? In this engaging episode of Chatterbox, hosts Andrew and Anna dive into the philosophy of Stoicism. They unpack its principles, discuss why it has gained traction in recent years, and share practical ways to apply Stoic ideas in everyday life. Key topics include managing emotions, embracing challenges, and learning from renowned Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca. What you'll learn in this episode: Key principles: Discover the main ideas of Stoicism, including controlling your emotions, choosing to let go of anger and stress, and embracing challenges. Practical applications: Hear about real-life examples of how to use Stoic principles to reduce stress and improve your daily life. Popular figures: Learn about the origins of Stoicism and its founding fathers, Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, as well as popular YouTubers and podcasters that discuss this philosophy. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary Building: Learn new words and phrases related to philosophy and self-improvement. Listening Skills: Improve your listening comprehension with a clear and interesting discussion between two native speakers. Cultural knowledge: Understand the modern popularity of Stoicism and its influence on today's self-help trends. Improve your speaking and communication skills: Use the study guide and connect with the member community to practice speaking about Stoicism in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now. Members can access the ad-free version here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Episode references: An introduction to Stoicism by Ryan Holiday: click here

In this episode, Andrew shares a story about trying to clean out his junk drawer and exchange some of the coins he's been saving up for the past few years at the bank. What seemed like a simple task turns out to be surprisingly complicated. Tune in to hear all the details of this everyday adventure and improve your English at the same time! This episode will help you improve your English in several ways: Listening Skills: Practice understanding naturally spoken English through Andrew's engaging story about cleaning his junk drawer and exchanging coins at the bank. Vocabulary Building: Expand your vocabulary with new words and expressions related to household tasks and banking, such as "odds and ends," "spare change," "cash out," and "paid off." Pronunciation Practice: Improve your pronunciation by shadowing Andrew's speech throughout the episode, helping you become a clearer and more confident speaker. English Speaking Practice: Enhance your speaking skills by joining discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule Simplified Speech 189 - Company’s coming