Culips English Podcast

Simplified Speech #246 – Never have I ever

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:27:12 +0000

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 Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #246 – Never have I ever first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #172 – Spring Stories

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:08:30 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #172 – Spring Stories first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #245 – Robots and fantasy investing

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:02:29 +0000

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 Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #245 – Robots and fantasy investing first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Chatterbox #344 – The Ick

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:58:02 +0000

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 Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here:

Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.

Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join:

The post Chatterbox #344 – The Ick first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #171 – March Madness

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:59:25 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #171 – March Madness first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Real Talk # 66 – How to tell your server you have food allergies

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:09:14 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.

Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join:

The post Real Talk # 66 – How to tell your server you have food allergies first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #244 – Using AI for personal messages

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:46:11 +0000

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 Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here:
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join:

The post Simplified Speech #244 – Using AI for personal messages first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #170 – Four days in Fukuoka

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:35:25 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #170 – Four days in Fukuoka first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Catch Word #292 – Stick to your guns

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:39:50 +0000

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 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.

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

The post Catch Word #292 – Stick to your guns first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #243 – How we learn our second languages

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:25:54 +0000

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 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 versio: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #243 – How we learn our second languages first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #169 – Stories from Canada

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:48:35 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #169 – Stories from Canada first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech # 242 – Separating the art from the artist

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:08:00 +0000

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 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.

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

The post Simplified Speech # 242 – Separating the art from the artist first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #168 – Sick as a dog

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:36:51 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #168 – Sick as a dog first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #241 – Keeping secrets

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:24:52 +0000

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 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.

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

The post Simplified Speech #241 – Keeping secrets first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #240 – Japanese music

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:49:46 +0000

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 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.

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!

The post Simplified Speech #240 – Japanese music first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Catch Word #291 – English Idiom: What Does ‘Belly Up’ Mean?

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:50:23 +0000

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.

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

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.

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.

The post Catch Word #291 – English Idiom: What Does ‘Belly Up’ Mean? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #167 – Airplane tales

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:51:25 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #167 – Airplane tales first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #239 – Kassy goes coast to coast

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:05:16 +0000

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 Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #239 – Kassy goes coast to coast first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #166 – Home sweet home

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:30:24 +0000

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.

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:

The post Bonus episode #166 – Home sweet home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #238 – Would you get a tattoo?

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:46:56 +0000

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!

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #238 – Would you get a tattoo? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #165 – Nickel and dime

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 23:30:25 +0000

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.

Important links:

Become a Culips member
RSVP for the Tokyo Meetup on February 10th, 2026
- RSVP here
- More details on Discord
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule

The post Bonus episode #165 – Nickel and dime first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Catch Word #290 – Make short work of it

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:52:30 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Catch Word #290 – Make short work of it first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #164 – Stopped by a stranger

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:05:53 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #164 – Stopped by a stranger first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #237 – Hello 2026

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:03:46 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Simplified Speech #237 – Hello 2026 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #163 – High-stakes holiday

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:16:29 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #163 – High-stakes holiday first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Chatterbox #343 – Goodbye 2025

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 01:52:47 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Chatterbox #343 – Goodbye 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #236 – Previewing the Winter Olympics

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:03:28 +0000

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.

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

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.

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.

The post Simplified Speech #236 – Previewing the Winter Olympics first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #235 – Talking about chemicals

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:40:23 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #235 – Talking about chemicals first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #162 – Time for revenge

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:15:45 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #162 – Time for revenge first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #234 – The Holidays 2025

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:15:19 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #234 – The Holidays 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Culips Community Update – December 2025

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:37:15 +0000

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!

The post Culips Community Update – December 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Chatterbox #342 – Talking about curiosity

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 21:45:37 +0000

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.”

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Chatterbox #342 – Talking about curiosity first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #233 – Ethical dilemmas

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:22:04 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #233 – Ethical dilemmas first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #161 – The mice will play

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 23:44:45 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #161 – The mice will play first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Chatterbox #341 – Talking about frustration

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 03:24:03 +0000

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 Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Chatterbox #341 – Talking about frustration first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #232 – Indiana’s surprise birthday trip

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 04:45:37 +0000

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.”

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #232 – Indiana’s surprise birthday trip first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Catch Word #289 – Apples to oranges

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 20:44:21 +0000

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.

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

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Catch Word #289 – Apples to oranges first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #160 – My funky jacket

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 18:35:01 +0000

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.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #160 – My funky jacket first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #231 – Hanging out with Kassy

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:12:18 +0000

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.

The post Simplified Speech #231 – Hanging out with Kassy first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Chatterbox #340 – How algorithms affect us

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:57:43 +0000

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.

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.

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Chatterbox #340 – How algorithms affect us first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #159 – Full House for Chuseok

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:12:12 +0000

What’s the best way to give money as a gift? In this episode, Andrew tells a story about hosting his wife’s family for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday. You’ll hear him talk about preparing a huge meal, fitting eight people into a small space, and turning gift-giving into fun games with cash prizes.

Listen along to supercharge your listening skills. Don’t forget to check out the FREE interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help your English become more natural.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #159 – Full House for Chuseok first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #230 – The golden years and how people spend them

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:20:08 +0000

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about retirement. They chat about what it means, how it looks in different countries, and what people dream of doing after they stop working. You’ll hear them share real examples from the United States, Canada, and Korea and discuss ideas like second careers, semi-retirement, and common lifestyles for retirees. They also teach several useful English expressions connected to retirement, such as golden years, twilight years, nest egg, empty nester, and living the good life.

What you’ll learn with this episode:

How to use expressions like golden years and living the good life to describe retirement in a positive way
What nest egg and empty nester mean and how they relate to family and financial life
The difference between golden years and twilight years
How people in the U.S., Canada, and Korea view and prepare for retirement
How to describe retirement dreams, second careers, and semi-retirement naturally in English

This episode is perfect for:

Intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary with real-life topics
Listeners interested in cultural differences between countries
Anyone preparing for discussions about work, lifestyle, or aging in English

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #230 – The golden years and how people spend them first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #158 – The rain stole my thunder

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:57:53 +0000

Have you ever had a day that started off terribly but somehow became unforgettable? In this episode, Andrew shares the story of a rainy half marathon that began in total chaos and ended with a sweet surprise.

You’ll hear real, everyday English as he talks about staying motivated, finding focus, and turning frustration into pride. You’ll also learn natural expressions that native speakers use, like “gong show,” “clock’s ticking,” “to blow by someone,” and “to steal someone’s thunder.”

Join our friendly community on Discord to share your own story about overcoming setbacks, and check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to get even more from this episode.

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #158 – The rain stole my thunder first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #229 – Things that get on our nerves

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:04:19 +0000

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana get honest with each other about everyday things that annoy people. They talk about habits that “get on their nerves,” such as loud chewing, people using their phones while talking, overused clichés, bad driving habits, and even dog owners who don’t follow the rules. Along the way, your hosts explain useful expressions like “gets on my nerves,” and “grinds my gears,” so you can understand and use them the next time you want to complain to a friend!

What you’ll learn with this episode:

How to use natural English expressions for talking about annoying habits and situations
Real-life examples of common, idiomatic ways to complain in English
Vocabulary for describing irritation, such as annoying, irritating, and rude

This episode is perfect for:

Intermediate English learners who want to practice real conversational English
Students who want to expand their vocabulary for everyday situations
Anyone who wants to sound more natural when talking to friends about small problems and annoyances

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #229 – Things that get on our nerves first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Culips Community Update – October 2025

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:13:51 +0000

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about what’s new at Culips! You’ll learn about the second European meetup happening in Hamburg, Germany on October 18th. They also introduce the October challenge, which is focused on linking words that will help you create better-connected sentences.

European Meetup #2 – Hamburg, Germany

Date: Saturday, October 18th
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: People’s Place Cafe, Hamburg
Cost: Free!
Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required
RSVP: Fill out the form here:

Join fellow English learners for a relaxed, friendly chat in a welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels!

October Challenge: Connecting Words

Theme: Linking words and connectors to create longer, more natural sentences

How it works:

New tasks every other day throughout October
Complete skeleton sentences using connecting words like “therefore,” “despite,” “besides,” and “nevertheless”
Practice making your speech flow more naturally and confidently
Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate

It’s completely free and perfect for learning to express complex ideas while connecting with other learners!

How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge

Create a Discord Account:
Sign up for free at
Discord.
Download the App:
Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access.
Join the Culips Server:
Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server:
Join Here.
Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel:
- From the menu, select Channels and Roles.
- Go to the Browse Channels tab.
- Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
Access the October Challenge:
Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the October Challenge (available from October 2nd).

Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

The post Culips Community Update – October 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Catch Word #288 – The benefit of the doubt

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:31:24 +0000

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English expressions: “cut someone some slack” and “give someone the benefit of the doubt.” These are common phrases that English speakers use to ask for understanding, forgiveness, or trust when someone is under pressure or when we are unsure about their actions.

What you’ll learn with this episode:

How to use “cut someone some slack” to ask for extra patience or forgiveness
When to use “give someone the benefit of the doubt” to choose trust over suspicion
The grammar pattern both expressions share
Vocabulary like slack, taut, to be swamped, and to cover for someone
Real-life examples from work, home, and friendship situations

This episode is perfect for:

Intermediate to advanced English learners who want to sound more natural
Anyone looking to build vocabulary for work, school, and social life
Learners preparing for conversations with native speakers where trust and understanding are important

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Catch Word #288 – The benefit of the doubt first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #157 – Universal translator

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 17:24:19 +0000

What if you could speak with anyone, in any language, in real time? In this bonus episode, Andrew explores that idea with a clear, step-by-step look at live translation. He reads a news article and explains the key ideas and terms in easy to understand English, showing how Apple, Google, and Meta are pursuing the “universal translator” and what it could mean for travel, work, and daily life.

What you’ll learn

Meanings of “universal translator,” “seamlessly,” “coherent,” and “simultaneously”
Tech vocabulary like “selling point,” “battleground,” “purpose built,” and “friction”
Useful expressions such as “usher in,” “spurred by,” “paired with,” and “home field advantage”

How it will improve your English

You expand your vocabulary with clear definitions and natural examples from the article
You understand complex sentences because Andrew pauses to explain key lines in plain English
You can review and reinforce with the interactive transcript and glossary, and members can take a short quiz

Important links:

The post Bonus episode #157 – Universal translator first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Chatterbox #339 – Street smarts

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:07:35 +0000

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about street smarts: the practical skills and awareness people should have in order to stay safe and confident in cities. They share personal stories about living in places like Madrid, London, Seoul, and Canada, and explain how experiences such as pickpocketing or mugging can change the way people think about safety. The hosts also compare life in big cities to life in smaller towns or the countryside, showing how different environments require different kinds of common sense.

This episode is great for upper-intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday English conversations about real-life situations, build up vocabulary related to safety and street crime, and practice listening to natural storytelling from native speakers.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Vocabulary: Useful English words and expressions about safety, danger, and daily life in cities, such as dodgy, pickpocket, mugging, and shady character.
Listening: Improve your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers sharing real experiences.
Speaking: Learn how to tell your own stories about travel, street smarts, and staying safe using natural English phrases.
Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about safety in cities and compare experiences from Canada, Spain, Korea, and the UK.
Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you understand natural speech and respond more quickly in English.

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Chatterbox #339 – Street smarts first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Simplified Speech #228 – Overrated or Underrated? Fun English Expressions Explained

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:52:12 +0000

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana continue their fun conversation about things that are overrated or underrated. They share their opinions on topics like walking 10,000 steps a day, biohacking, pineapple on pizza, vinyl records, and even the idea of being famous. They compare their different views, tell stories, and explain why some things deserve more love while others are praised too much.

👉 Try iTalki to improve your English speaking skills! Use promo code **CULIPS** to get $15 in lessons for only $10.

Click here to book a lesson via the website

Click here to book a lesson via the app

What you’ll learn with this episode:

How to use the words “overrated” and “underrated” to share your opinion
Real-life examples of these expressions in conversations about health, music, food, and culture
Helpful phrases to agree or disagree politely and naturally
Extra vocabulary you can use when discussing popular trends and everyday topics

This episode is perfect for:

Intermediate English learners who want to improve their speaking and listening skills
Anyone interested in learning how to sound more natural when sharing opinions
Students looking for fun vocabulary and examples to use in conversations about everyday topics

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.Become a Culips member now: Click here.

Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.

Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

The post Simplified Speech #228 – Overrated or Underrated? Fun English Expressions Explained first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Bonus episode #156 – Bad things come in threes

contact@culips.com (Culips Team) — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:00:35 +0000

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.

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The post Bonus episode #156 – Bad things come in threes first appeared on Culips English Podcast.