Culips Everyday English Podcast

In this episode, Andrew reflects on the busy month of May, and talks about personal celebrations like his birthday and anniversary, and describes how he and his wife celebrated these special occasions. Andrew also talks about buying a new espresso machine and the joys (and challenges) of perfecting his coffee-making skills. As you listen to Andrew’s stories, you’ll learn practical vocabulary and expressions that you can use in your daily English conversations. This episode will help you improve your English in several ways: Vocabulary building: Learn new words and phrases related to celebrations, coffee making, and daily activities. Listening comprehension: Enhance your ability to understand natural, conversational English. Cultural insight: Gain a deeper understanding of personal celebrations and traditions. Pronunciation and intonation: Improve your pronunciation by listening to Andrew’s natural speech patterns. English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice. Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server Simplified Speech #194 – Double birthday bash

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Suzanne introduce two expressions to help you describe challenging situations in English: “To hit the fan” and “Everything’s gone south.” These phrases are helpful for expressing when things aren’t going well. By listening to this episode, you’ll learn what they mean, how to use them, and where they come from. Join Andrew and Suzanne to master these expressions and boost your English skills! What You Will Learn What “To hit the fan” and “Everything’s gone south” mean. How these expressions are used in everyday conversations, especially at work or in personal situations. Discover why English speakers use these expressions and how they reflect everyday experiences. Get advice on using these expressions correctly in your own English conversations. How This Episode Will Help You Add useful expressions to your English vocabulary. Practice using these idioms naturally, making your English sound more fluent. Understand the cultural context behind these expressions, helping you connect better with English speakers. Practice talking about these topics with our community on Discord. Use the study guide to learn even more related expressions, test your knowledge with a quiz, and practice using the new vocabulary in various contexts. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew is interviewed about his life in South Korea by Alastair Budge, host of the English for Curious Minds podcast. Andrew discusses his journey from Canada to Korea, his initial experiences teaching English in a small mountain city, and how he handled cultural differences and embraced the unpredictability of life abroad. As you listen to Andrew’s interview, you’ll gain insights into South Korean culture and the challenges and rewards of living in a foreign country. This episode will help you improve your English in several ways: Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to interviews, cultural experiences, and teaching abroad. Listening comprehension: Practice understanding spoken English in a natural, conversational setting. Cultural insight: Gain a deeper understanding of South Korean culture and the life of a foreigner who lives there. Pronunciation and intonation: Improve your pronunciation by listening to Andrew’s natural speech patterns. Interactive learning: Discuss the episode with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for speaking practice. Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member: Bonus episode 54: Click here. Listen to the full interview on Alastair’s Youtube channel:

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna are trying out something new – they’re playing a conversation game! The goal of the game is to make deeper conversations, moving beyond small talk. The hosts go through a range of questions, from light-hearted to deep and thought-provoking, and then discuss each other’s responses. As they answer these questions, they share their personal experiences, memories, and take time to reflect on their lives. Make sure to give this episode a listen to find out more and improve your communication skills! What You Will Learn: How to discuss hypothetical situations using conditional sentences. How to effectively participate in a conversation, ask follow-up questions, and express your opinions respectfully. How to make your speech more engaging by using descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and figurative language. How This Episode Will Help You: Grow your vocabulary with vocabulary related to conversation, communication, and relationships. Build your listening skills by following a natural conversation between native English speakers. Learn idiomatic expressions like “think on your feet” and “Goldilocks.” Gain a deeper understanding of British and Canadian cultures. Use the study guide and join the member community on Discord to practice asking and answering similar open-ended questions. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew shares a story about going on a picnic with his wife to the Han River Park in Seoul, South Korea. He describes their preparation process, the convenient amenities available at the park, and the awesome time they shared together. As you listen to Andrew’s story, you’ll learn new vocabulary related to picnics, outdoor activities, and more. Plus, you’ll also improve your listening skills and ability to follow a long-form story in English. This episode will help you improve your English in several ways: Vocabulary: You’ll learn new words and phrases about picnics, adventures, and outdoor experiences. This will help you discuss these topics more effectively in English. Listening: By focusing on Andrew’s story, you’ll practice understanding spoken English and following the main points of a narrative. Speaking: Andrew’s picnic experience might inspire you to share your own stories about enjoying outdoor activities with friends and family. You can also practice your English by discussing this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server. Pronunciation: Listening to Andrew’s natural English will help you improve your own pronunciation and intonation, as you become more familiar with the rhythm and flow of the language. Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member:

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy will teach you two fun expressions to make your English even better: “spruce up” and “deck out.” You will learn how English speakers use these expressions to talk about making something look or work better. For example, you might spruce up your clothes for spring or deck out a game room with cool new gadgets. Get ready to “spruce up” your English and “deck out” your vocabulary with this fun and informative episode! What You Will Learn: The meaning of “spruce up” and “deck out” How to use these expressions in real life Where these expressions come from and why we use them Tips for using “spruce up” and “deck out” in your own English conversations How This Episode Will Help You: Learn two new expressions to make your English more natural Become more fluent by using expressions English speakers use every day Discover how people in the U.S. and Canada “deck out” their houses with lots of lights and decorations for holidays like Halloween and Christmas Practice talking about these topics with our community on Discord Use the study guide to learn even more related expressions, test your knowledge with a quiz, and practice using the new vocabulary in various contexts The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

Episode description: In this episode, Andrew interviews Jesús Florez, a Culips listener originally from Colombia. Jesús talks about his journey of becoming a highly proficient English speaker with an American-like accent. He discusses his background story of meeting his wife online and moving from Colombia to the United States. He tells Andrew all about the intensive work he did to improve his pronunciation and the resources he used to achieve fluency, plus he shares some valuable tips with English learners! If you want to know how to become a fluent English speaker and perfect your pronunciation, this episode is for you! What you’ll learn in this episode: Effective strategies for mastering an American-like accent. The importance of input (listening) in working on pronunciation. Helpful tips for improving pronunciation in a foreign language. Benefits of learning from both native and non-native English teachers. The importance of the visual aspect of pronunciation. How this episode will help improve your English: Expand your vocabulary related to language learning Improve listening skills by following a natural unscripted conversation. Learn useful expressions like “get [something] off the ground” and “take precedence”. Improve speaking by discussing your own language learning journey using the study guide questions. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

Episode description In this very special episode, we celebrate hitting the 100-episode milestone of the bonus series. And we do so by flipping the script. Instead of hearing Andrew share a story with you, you’ll get to listen to stories sent in by Culips listeners from around the world. Tune in to hear them share funny moments, discuss their English study routines, and talk about how they’ve leveled up their language skills with Culips. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the creation of this episode. Without our amazing community, Culips wouldn’t exist. We hope you enjoy this special edition of the bonus series, and here’s to many more episodes to come! Study with the interactive transcript: Click here. Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member: Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction – Andrew explains the special 100th bonus episode [00:05:51] Story from Sodam about moving to the U.S. [00:06:51] Story from Sandra about an extraordinary experience at the Musée d’Orsay [00:08:09] Story from Ray about learning English through Pokémon and practicing shadowing [00:10:04] Story from Jin about discovering Culips and using the interactive transcript [00:12:54] Story from Shun about the power of shadowing [00:17:16] Story from Mery about a trip to London with her boyfriend [00:20:44] Story from Edit about sleep talking [00:25:23] Story from Pijon about why pronunciation is important [00:27:41] Story from Navid about improving his English after immigrating to Canada [00:30:44] Story from Suhavi about being forced to listen to Culips by her mom [00:35:07] Story from WangJae about becoming a father [00:37:58] Story from Grimes about learning English with Culips [00:39:29] Story from Kalléu about improving English skills through Culips [00:39:29] Story from Dominika about a Czech tradition [00:42:53] Story from Jiwoo and Chloe about their mom’s passion for Culips [00:44:33] Story from Sarah comparing school life in two different countries [00:46:50] Story from Usako about decluttering and playing table tennis [00:48:52] Story from Kelvin about his English learning journey [00:50:24] Story from Mina about returning to work after maternity leave [00:52:33] Story from Sergey about Culips in his daily routine [00:53:38] Story from Muhammed about learning with Culips [00:54:32] Story from Anthony about improving his English for business [00:58:04] Story from Zahra about finding Culips during the pandemic [00:58:56] Story from Diana about mistaking chrysanthemum tubers for ginger [01:02:51] Story from Darkhan about a blessing in disguise [01:04:19] Story from Thea Yang about learning languages every day  

Episode description: In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy share their experiences attending live sporting events in various countries, including Canada, the USA, Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. They discuss the exciting atmosphere, food options, ticket prices, and cultural differences between watching sports in different parts of the world. By listening to this episode, you will gain a better understanding of how to talk about sports and live events in English. You’ll also pick up new vocabulary words and learn about cultural differences in an engaging and easy-to-follow discussion. Join Andrew and Kassy as they share their passion for sports and help you improve your English skills along the way! What you will learn Vocabulary related to sports and live events, such as “seeded,” “concession,” and “jumbotron” Insights into the sports culture and fan experiences in different countries Comparisons between the cost and availability of food and drinks at stadiums around the world Opinions on watching sports on TV versus attending live events How you will improve your English with this episode Expand your vocabulary with sports-related terms and expressions Learn to discuss and compare cultural experiences using clear language Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers Improve your communication skills by discussing this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew talks about running a trail race in Jangsu, a small village in South Korea. He describes the challenges of running on mountain paths, the beautiful scenery he saw, and the great feeling of finishing the race. As you listen to Andrew’s story, you’ll learn new vocabulary about running, nature, and facing difficulties. You’ll also improve your listening skills and ability to understand a story in English. Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server: Get the comprehension quiz:

Episode description: In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the concept of digital modesty – the idea of being mindful about how much personal information you share online. They explore the benefits and drawbacks of sharing on social media and the importance of setting boundaries to protect your privacy. What you’ll learn in this episode: The meaning of digital modesty and why it’s an important topic Different perspectives on sharing personal information online The potential risks of oversharing on social media The importance of setting personal boundaries and limits for online sharing How cultural differences can influence what is considered modest or acceptable to share How this episode will improve your English: Expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to online behavior and social media, such as: digital modesty, non-negotiables,off-putting, oversharing, and boundaries. Improve your listening comprehension by following a natural, unscripted conversation between native English speakers. Learn idiomatic expressions like strike a chord and play devil’s advocate. Gain insight into cultural differences and how they can impact online behavior Improve your speaking and communication skills by using the study guide and connecting with the member community to practice speaking about digital modesty in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Episode references: Mary Harrington interviewed on the Modern Wisdom podcast: Click here. The geography game Andrew mentioned, GeoGuesser: Click here. The story of the missing van lifer: Click here. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Kaique Rocha (pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew shares a simple yet powerful change he made to his daily routine that has left him feeling more rested, productive, and less stressed. He explains how keeping his phone away from his bed at night and reading a book first thing in the morning has made a big difference to his well-being. Andrew also talks about the Korean book he’s currently reading and the inspiring journey of its translator. This episode will help improve your English communication skills in several ways: You’ll get great practice listening to and understanding natural, conversational English as Andrew shares a personal story. You’ll learn useful vocabulary related to daily routines, reading habits, sleep, productivity, and language learning. By listening to Andrew’s story, you’ll build your ability to understand spoken English and grasp main ideas. The topic of making positive changes might inspire you to think about your own habits and discuss them with others in English. Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server: Try the comprehension quiz:

Episode description: Join Andrew and Kassy as they talk about their upcoming milestone birthdays. Kassy is turning 30, and Andrew is turning 40! They’ll chat about their favorite ways to celebrate birthdays, common birthday traditions in the United States and Canada, and the customary foods enjoyed on birthdays in South Korea. This episode is perfect for English learners who want to improve their listening skills and expand their cultural knowledge. What you will learn: Birthday celebrations: Discover how people in North America typically celebrate their birthdays. Cultural traditions: Learn about birthday customs and traditions in the United States, Canada, and South Korea. Personal experiences: Hear Andrew and Kassy share their own birthday memories and preferences. Milestone birthdays: Understand the significance of turning 30 and 40 in Western culture. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary building: Learn essential words and phrases related to birthdays and celebrations. Listening skills: Improve your ability to understand native English speakers in a natural, conversational setting. Cultural awareness: Gain insights into birthday celebrations and traditions in different countries. Relatable content: Connect with the hosts’ personal stories and experiences, which can help you retain the language more effectively. Speaking practice: Use the study guide and connect with the member community to practice discussing birthday-related topics in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Thirdman (pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew shares about his experience binge-watching the new Netflix sci-fi series “The Three-Body Problem.” He discusses the show’s interesting premise, engaging storyline, and characters. By listening to this episode, you’ll learn vocabulary related to TV shows, books, and the phenomenon of binge-watching. This episode will help improve your English communication skills in several ways: You’ll hear natural, casual English spoken at a conversational pace as Andrew discusses the show’s premise, characters, and his overall impressions. You’ll expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to TV/movie plots, acting, adaptations from books, and giving opinions. By listening to Andrew’s story, you’ll get practice understanding spoken English and comprehending someone’s thoughts and viewpoints. The topic of a popular sci-fi series provides cultural insight into this entertainment genre loved by many English speakers. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member:

Learn about what it’s like to be an only child in this interesting episode of the Culips Everyday English Podcast. Andrew and Kassy will share their personal experiences growing up with siblings. They will also talk about their thoughts on not having any brothers or sisters. This is a great episode for listeners who want to understand more about family life in the United States and Canada. What You Will Learn Family Experiences: Hear different stories about growing up with siblings versus being an only child. Cultural Views: Understand how people in North America view families without brothers or sisters. Personal Stories: Listen to personal stories from Andrew and Kassy about their childhoods and family lives. Family Relationships: Learn about the special challenges, benefits, and relationships in families with only one child. How This Episode Will Improve Your English New Vocabulary: Learn common words and expressions related to family in a conversational way. Listening Skills: Practice understanding how people really speak in casual conversations. Cultural Understanding: Learn the cultural views on family structures in North America. Relatable Content: Become motivated by hearing real personal stories and experiences you can relate to. Speaking Practice: Use the study guide and join the member community to practice speaking about family topics. The best way to learn with this lesson Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Vitaly Gariev (pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew shares stories designed to help you build your English fluency, increase your cultural knowledge, grow your vocabulary, and become a better communicator. Andrew shares about a perfect day out he had with his wife, exploring a historic neighborhood in Seoul. He talks about uncovering the city’s history, observing its architecture, and their lunch at a traditional Korean restaurant where they enjoyed boiled pork with kimchi and rice wine. Andrew also shares a funny incident involving the rice wine and concludes the story with their quest for a café on a busy Sunday. Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member: Submit an audio story for bonus episode #100:

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were feeling excited and enthusiastic, only for someone to say something that made you feel bad? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce several useful expressions that you can use to describe these situations. They provide detailed explanations, different usage scenarios, and offer advice on when to avoid using these phrases. You’ll also hear four example conversations featuring these new expressions, which will help you learn how to use them naturally and sound more like a native speaker. What you will learn New Expressions: Learn expressions that communicate the feeling of someone making you less happy or excited. Usage and Context: Understand how and when to use these expressions through detailed explanations. Practical Examples: Listen to four dialogues that use these new expressions, teaching you to apply them in real-life situations. Do’s and Don’ts: Learn important advice on situations where these phrases might not be appropriate. How you will improve your English with this episode Bigger vocabulary: Add expressions and phrases to your English vocabulary. Improved understanding: Learn about subtle emotional nuances in English conversations. Natural conversation skills: Practice these expressions through examples, making your English sound more fluent and native-like. The best way to learn with this lesson Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

In this episode, Andrew shares about his experience running the Seoul Marathon. He talks about his preparation, the race day, and achieving his goal of finishing under 3 hours. Andrew describes the atmosphere, his emotions before and during the race, and celebrating afterwards with his friend Jimmy. You will learn useful running and exercise vocabulary as well as common English expressions and phrasal verbs related to challenges, determination, and perseverance. By studying with this episode, you can improve your listening comprehension, English fluency, and understanding of casual, authentic English speech. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

In this episode, Andrew and Anna continue exploring trend predictions. This time, they’re looking into five trend predictions coming out of America. They talk about all the details and share their own opinions and attitudes towards these trends. By studying with this audio lesson, you can improve your listening skills and learn vocabulary related to trends, personal well-being, technology advancements, chatbots, consumerism and second-hand shopping. For Culips members, an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio are available to improve your learning experience. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Sign up for a Culips membership: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. What you will learn: Vocabulary related to consumer trends, personal well-being, technology, shopping habits, and more. Words like “neo-hedonism”, “augmented reality”, “secondhand”, etc. Useful expressions and idioms like “the writing is on the wall”, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”, etc. Perspectives on societal shifts and changing consumer behaviors in the Western world. The hosts’ personal experiences with things like smart watches, online shopping, and prioritizing sleep/health. How it will improve your English: Listening practice with two native speakers having a natural conversation using casual language. Exposure to different accents – one Canadian and one British. Comprehending reasons/opinions from contextual clues when new vocabulary is used. Learning common phrasal verbs like “chime in”, “harp on”, “deep dive into”, etc. used in discussions. Noting differences in vocabulary between American/British English like “thrift store” vs “charity shop”. Overall, by listening attentively, you will improve your vocabulary, idiom knowledge, listening comprehension of casual speech, and understanding of Western societal/consumer trends – all while being immersed in a natural conversation between two native speakers. For Culips members, an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio are available to improve your learning experience.

Join Andrew as he gets ready for the Seoul Marathon. He shares his feelings of excitement and nervousness as he prepares for this big race. You’ll hear all about Andrew’s training – the hard workouts he has been doing to get ready. He talks about meeting up with his running buddy, Jimmy, and about his goals for the marathon, like trying to run it in under 3 hours. Andrew also tells some funny stories, like his struggle over whether to buy expensive new “super shoes” that are supposed to help runners go faster. Listening to his stories will keep you entertained while exposing you to real English conversation. You’ll learn useful vocabulary related to running, racing, and other athletic activities. This episode provides an immersive English listening comprehension Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

Join Andrew and Kassy for a fun and fascinating conversation about spas, saunas, and bathhouses. In this episode for intermediate-level English learners, our hosts will discuss their experiences visiting these relaxing places around the world. You’ll learn useful vocabulary and expressions for describing spa treatments, facilities, and the overall experience. The natural conversation style will help improve your English listening comprehension, conversational fluency, and vocabulary building. Immerse yourself in real English as Andrew and Kassy share stories, compare cultural traditions, and chat about the benefits of a good sauna session. Learn tips on how to talk about visiting spas, saunas, and bathhouses in your daily English conversations. For Culips members, an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio are available to improve your learning experience. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Sign up for a Culips membership: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. Fun facts Tampere, Finland is the sauna capital of the world. It is a city of 250,000 people with over 60 public saunas. The whole country of Finland is estimated to have more than 3 million saunas! Expressions included in the study guide All-inclusive To sweat [something] out To be pampered To be catered towards Fancy-schmancy A shock to one’s system Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: The Anam (unsplash.com)

In this episode, join Andrew as he takes you on a journey through Singapore, sharing his adventures and misadventures in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and diverse destinations. Learn useful English vocabulary and expressions related to travel, sightseeing, food, and cultural experiences while improving your listening comprehension with his interesting stories from Singapore. Andrew’s stories are interesting, easy to understand, and packed with everyday English vocabulary and expressions. Listening is like hanging out with a native English speaking friend. With the bonus episodes, you’ll be able to: Improve your ability to hear and understand authentic English conversations. Build your vocabulary with useful everyday words and expressions. Learning interesting facts about English-speaking cultures. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

Improve your English listening comprehension and communication skills with Culips. In this special episode, Andrew interviews Matthew Skidmore. Matthew shares his experiences growing up in Dudley, England, and his opinions about British food and music. He discusses his background in acting and drama school and his decision to move to Korea. He also reflects on his time in Korea and the memories he made there. He then talks about his unique hobbies that include dancing, tabletop gaming, and exercising, and the benefits they bring to his life. By listening to this episode, you’ll learn English vocabulary related to accents, music, food, hobbies, education, life abroad and cultural differences. If you’re looking to improve you English speaking skills and learn more about different cultures, this episode is for you! Fun facts In this episode, Andrew and Matthew discuss various accents throughout the UK. Did you know that there are about 40 distinct regional accents across the country? Black Country dialect is spoken in the area where Matthew is from. Expressions included in the study guide That’s a tough one To crunch the numbers Rose-colored glasses To take a leap of faith To have it all figured out To blow [one’s] own trumpet Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Culips

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about one of the highlights of his time in Melbourne: a visit to the State Library Victoria. He then tells a funny story about a disagreement with his wife regarding eSIMs. Finally, he shares his opinion regarding travel-style compatibility and why it’s important to consider when going on a trip with other people. Andrew’s stories are interesting, easy to understand, and packed with everyday English vocabulary and expressions. Listening is like hanging out with a native English speaking friend. With the bonus episodes, you’ll be able to: Improve your ability to hear and understand authentic English speech. Build your vocabulary with useful everyday words and expressions. Learning interesting facts about English-speaking cultures. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

Andrew and Kassy are back with another one of their famous catch-up chats. Kassy talks about how she’s been spending some of her free time doing something she never imagined herself doing. And Andrew shares a story about a new purchase he is very excited about unboxing. Listen to hear all the details and to improve your English communication skills with these real-life stories! Fun facts Catching up with friends or coworkers over coffee dates back to coffee houses in the Middle East in the 15th century. They were called “Schools of the Wise” because people had lively conversations and shared ideas while they were there. These gatherings were the start of today’s coffee culture, where cafés are popular places to hang out and chat. This tradition shows how important it is for people to connect and talk, even in simple ways like catching up over coffee. Expressions included in the study guide To sync up Stigma A slog Standoffish To stick to [oneself] To put [something] behind you Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Culips

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Australia. He shares stories from his time in Melbourne and about some wildlife encounters he experienced on Phillip Island. He also talks about returning to a snowstorm back home in Seoul. Andrew’s stories are fun, easy to follow, and full of everyday English words and expressions. Listening to them is like hanging out with an English-speaking friend. It will help you: Hear and understand English as it’s really spoken Learn new words used in everyday life Discover fun facts about English-speaking cultures Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

In this episode of Simplified Speech, join Andrew as he warmly welcomes back Suzanne, who has been away from the podcast for some time. Andrew talks with Suzanne about her recent wedding in France and becoming a Canadian citizen. She shares the challenges of planning a wedding from abroad and the process of gaining dual citizenship, including a Zoom citizenship ceremony. By listening to this conversation, you can learn English vocabulary related to weddings, travel, and citizenship. This episode is great for improving your listening skills and learning about different cultures! Fun facts As of 2024, the most powerful passports in the world are from Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. People holding these passports can enjoy visa-free travel to 194 places around the world, out of 227 destinations in total. Expressions included in the study guide To go down There’s something to be said for To put [someone] on the spot To throw in [something] Take-home (message) How’s life treating you? Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Jaimie Harmsen (Unsplash.com)

In this episode, Andrew takes you on an adventure through Sydney, Australia! Discover the famous Sydney Opera House through Andrew’s eyes as he talks about his experience watching a live opera performance. Lace up your running shoes and go with him across Sydney’s scenic routes, including the Seven Bridges Run and the popular trails of Centennial Park. Hear about Andrew’s visit to the Sydney Fish Market and the funny challenges he faced while eating seafood with curious birds. In addition to these stories, Andrew shares about more exciting activities he did in Sydney, and talks about what’s to come from his time in Melbourne next. Listening to this episode is a great way to build your English skills. As you listen to Andrew’s stories, you’ll pick up new expressions and vocabulary, and improve your English communication in a fun and entertaining way. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

Embark on a deeper exploration of Irish culture with Part 2 of our engaging interview series, tailored for English learners on the Culips English Podcast. After our insightful conversation with Alina in Part 1, we’re thrilled to introduce David, Alina’s husband and our first Irish native speaker guest. This episode is packed with unique insights into Irish history, sports, and music, designed to enrich your English study experience. As you join Andrew and David, you’ll not only dive into Ireland’s captivating cultural heritage but also enhance your English learning with practical idioms and slang from both Canada and Ireland. This special episode is crafted to improve your understanding of English nuances, boost your vocabulary, and introduce you to authentic expressions, making your learning journey both educational and enjoyable. Listen to Chatterbox #314 – Interview with Alina Morozova Join the Culips Discord server: click here Fun facts There are many stereotypes about Ireland out there, and a lot of them aren’t true. For example, many people associate the Irish with red hair but, in reality, only 10% of the Irish population has red hair, as it is the rarest natural hair colour in the world. Expressions included in the study guide To give [someone] a heads-up To be on the brink of [something] To look down on [someone] To punch above [one’s] weight To do well for [oneself] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: David Flynn

In this episode, Andrew shares stories from his trip to Sydney, Australia. He talks about his first impressions of the city and how he fell in love with it. Andrew also discusses his swimming adventures, including his wife’s swimming lessons and their visits to the hotel pool and various beaches. He highlights their experience at the Bondi Icebergs Pool and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. By listening to his stories, you can improve your English communication skills, learn idiomatic expressions and vocabulary, and immerse in English-speaking culture, all while exploring one of Australia’s most iconic cities. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Become a Culips member: click here

Kassy and Andrew are having company over! No, the companies they work for aren’t coming to their houses—“having company” means having guests such as friends and family come and visit your home. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew talk about how they prepare their homes when they have company over. They discuss cooking, cleaning, sleeping accommodations, and an attempt of Kassy’s to make a homemade air freshener that went horribly wrong. Listen and find out what happened! Fun facts Although the first thing that may pop into your head when you hear the word “company” is your workplace, there are many idioms that use the word “company” to mean “being with other people.” For instance, have you ever heard the old saying “misery loves company”? This means that people who are unhappy get comfort in spending time and talking to other people who are unhappy. Expressions included in the study guide To have company [over] To stroke [someone’s] ego To overstay [one’s] welcome To couch surf To impose Your mileage may vary (YMMV) Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: fauxels (pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew tells you all about his latest trip. He’s in a country that has great weather, a relaxed vibe, and a high cost of living. Can you guess where he is? Listen in to find out the answer and improve your English fluency. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Listen to bonus episode 38: click here Become a Culips member: click here

In your opinion, which player is the cream of the crop on your favourite sports team? Who would you say is the poster child of success in the business world? If you’re not quite sure how to answer, Andrew and Kassy will help you understand the meanings and usages of these idioms in this Catch Word episode. They explain the origins of these helpful expressions and provide many example scenarios and synonyms. Fun facts One synonym for “cream of the crop” is “crème de la crème,” a saying that has been borrowed from French and means “the cream of the cream.” It’s similar to saying “the best of the best.” You can use this pattern to emphasize other adjectives, too. For instance, a really suave actor might be described as “the coolest of the cool” or a trillionaire could be called “the richest of the rich.” Try playing around with this structure and coming up with some creative ways to express superlative adjectives! Expressions included in the study guide Cream of the crop Poster child To cover for [someone] Stacked First-rate Politically incorrect Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: RDNE Stock project (pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew talks about his heartwarming and occasionally challenging adventures in dog sitting Gabby Girl, a dog he and his wife unexpectedly agreed to care for. Tune in to hear about their unique experiences and grow your English fluency along the way! Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Listen to bonus episode 81: click here Become a Culips member: click here

In this episode, you’ll be introduced to Culips Discord moderator and study guide writer Alina Morozova! She shares the story of how she became fluent in English, how she met her husband and moved to Ireland, and her personal tips and recommendations for learning English. Fun facts Alina’s hometown, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, used to be a part of China during its last imperial dynasty (the Qing dynasty). It was ceded to Russia in 1858. Expressions included in the study guide To throw shade To click (with/for) To light a fire under [somebody] Aha moment To have egg on [one’s] face With [one’s] eyes closed Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: Alina

In this episode, Andrew shares a story about his podcasting and personal lives colliding. He describes a lunch meeting that highlights the smallness of our world. Listen, learn, and improve your English fluency with this real-life story. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Were you a good student in school, or a badly behaved one? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss ways to discipline and punish school students. They share stories from their own school days and their time as teachers. They also discuss how punishment in schools has changed over time. Listen to learn more and improve your English fluency. Fun facts Interestingly, in the past, one form of punishment involved students memorizing and repeating lengthy texts and lists containing irrelevant and impractical data. Most people would agree that studying random information without context and practical examples indeed sounds like a punishment! Expressions included in the study guide To goof off To rough up To burst into To be frowned upon To mock Eye-opening Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: Monstera Production (Pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a physical challenge he completed with his friend Jimmy to start off the new year. He shares all the details, including how a planning mistake made the challenge more difficult than expected. Listen, learn, and improve your English fluency with this real-life story. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Andrew and Anna discuss trend predictions for 2024 in South Korea.They share their thoughts and talk about if these trends might apply to other parts of the world as well. Join in to practice your listening skills, improve your vocabulary, and learn something new along the way! Fun facts Have you ever heard about fads? Unlike a trend, a fad is something that’s very fashionable and popular, but only for a short period of time. For example, fidget spinners: they were so big about 10 years ago, but then everyone just forgot about them. Check out our Chatterbox episode #139 – Fads and trends to learn a bit more about fads! Articles referenced in this episode: Key consumer trends for 2024 Trend Korea 2024 Expressions included in the study guide My take on it To make the most of [something] Each to their own To take off A foot in the door Don’t quote me on that Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: Mikael Blomkvist (Pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew talks about how a surprise change in his plans led him to a wonderful discovery. He explains how sometimes, when things don’t go as expected, it can turn out to be a good thing. Join Andrew to improve your English fluency with this real-life story. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here

In this episode of Catch Word, hosts Andrew and Kassy explore the idioms “to cave” and “to fold.” In short, “to cave” means to give in to pressure and “to fold” means to give up when you feel defeated. They sound pretty alike, right? Using several example scenarios and dialogues, Andrew and Kassy explain the differences between these two similar verbs, so you don’t mix them up! Fun facts The verb “to fold” originates from the popular card game poker. There are actually a lot of other expressions that originate in this classic game! For instance, “poker face” – this refers to a facial expression that doesn’t reveal any emotion or reaction. Similarly, “calling one’s bluff” means deciding that the cards someone has aren’t as good as they’re pretending. In everyday use, when you “call someone’s bluff,” it means you suspect they are not being honest or exaggerating something, and you confront them to prove if what they’re saying is true or not. Essentially, it’s like saying, “I don’t believe you. Prove it!” Expressions included in the study guide To cave To fold To guilt trip [someone] To call [someone] out To cut one’s losses To throw in the towel Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: Kohji Asakawa (Pixabay.com)

In this episode, Andrew talks about his New Year’s experiences. He shares stories about the holidays, a big snowfall, and fun moments with his wife. Andrew also describes their New Year’s Eve celebration at home with music and dancing. Listen to this episode to enjoy a holiday story and improve your English fluency! Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here

In this special episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy reflect on the highlights of 2023 and share their exciting plans for 2024. Plus, they talk about some of the exciting new things happening at Culips in the new year. Join them for a heartfelt and forward-looking conversation as they say goodbye to 2023 and look ahead to a promising 2024. Happy new year, everyone! Fun facts Did you know that New Year’s resolutions date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon? The Babylonians would make promises to the gods at the start of each year, hoping to earn favor for the year ahead. So, if you’re making resolutions for the New Year, you’re continuing a tradition that’s been going strong for millennia! Expressions included in the study guide To put out feelers To get a competitive edge To throw a number out there To be stuck in the groove Cup of tea To brave [something] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: Mikael Blomkvist (Pixabay.com)

Do you like ballet? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about this unique style of dancing. They discuss its origins and characteristics, and explain some specific vocabulary along the way. Suzanne, a former professional dancer, shares her own story and what ballet means to her. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Become a Culips member: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Fun facts In this episode, Suzanne mentions breaking new ballet shoes. The process can include soaking them in water, pounding them with a hammer, and shaving the sole with a razor. However, despite all the effort, ballet shoes don’t last long before they need to be replaced: they lose their shape and wear out within a few weeks or sometimes even days! Expressions included in the study guide Intricate To eat, breathe, and sleep [something] To get sucked into [something] I’ll tell you what To break in [something] To dig deep

Christmas is coming! In this festive episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss Christmas preparations and traditions. Join our hosts as they share their childhood memories, discuss gifts, and explore how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. Get into the Christmas spirit and take your English fluency to the next level! Fun facts In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about Christmas lights. Interesting fact: the world record for the most lights on a house was set on November 28, 2014. This happened in LaGrangeville, New York, USA. A family – Tim, Grace, Emily, Daniel, and John Gay – decorated their home with 601,736 lights. That’s a lot of Christmas spirit! Expressions included in the study guide To get into the spirit Is that the case? To follow in [someone’s] footsteps To stick with [something] Decked out To go hard Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Photo: Brett Sayles (Pexels.com)

In this episode, Andrew tells a story about receiving a sudden and mysterious DM on Instagram, which led to him and his wife agreeing to watch a dog named Gabby for five days. Listen in to hear all the details while improving your English fluency in a fun and effective way! Study with the interactive transcript: click here Become a Culips member: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here December live stream: click here

Have you ever had to ask for a recommendation letter? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you many useful expressions that are helpful not only in that situation but also in many other everyday scenarios. This episode is designed to improve your vocabulary and boost your confidence in English. You don’t want to miss it! Fun facts Did you know that recommendation letters have been around for a long time? In ancient Rome, people used recommendation letters to obtain jobs or positions of influence. During the Renaissance era, students began using these letters for admission to universities or higher education institutions. Even today, the purpose of recommendation letters remains the same, providing a personal endorsement of someone’s skills and character, just as it did hundreds of years ago. Expressions included in the study guide Are you available to talk one on one? Undecided To major in [something] What extracurriculars are you involved in? Is there a deadline? With a fine-tooth comb Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free

Join Andrew as he talks about unseasonably warm weather, the challenge of running down stairs, overheating, a chaotic Christmas market, Glühwein, and a winning hockey team! Improve your English fluency with these entertaining stories. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Become a Culips member: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Bonus 31 – A sweet mystery: click here

Have you ever heard the term “gaslighting”? The verb “to gaslight” has become a very popular word over the past several years. Gaslighting is a manipulation tactic where someone makes another person doubt their own experiences and memories. In this episode, Andrew and Anna have a thought-provoking discussion about this concept. They introduce the definition of the term, its history, and their personal thoughts and experiences with gaslighting in their own lives. It’s a great episode for Culips listeners who are interested in psychology! Fun facts The word has become so popular that online dictionary Merriam-Webster announced that “gaslighting” was its word of the year in 2022! According to its search data, searches for the term “gaslighting” increased 1,740% from the year before. Expressions included in the study guide A dark place To take credit for [something] More than [adjective] to To go back on [something] To second-guess oneself To butter [somebody] up Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Photo by RDNE Stock project

In this bonus episode, Andrew tells two stories about coincidences. He talks about buying a Nintendo, meeting one of his favorite podcast hosts, cold winds, closed stores, Hongdae cults, and meeting a Culips listener. Listen for fun and surprising tales! Study with the interactive transcript: click here Become a Culips member: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Chatterbox 251 – Interview with Jonson Lee: click here Simplified Speech 185 – Nintendo power: click here