Culips Everyday English Podcast

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)

Episode description
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

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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)

Episode description
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.

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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.

Bonus episode #095 - I did it!
Episode description
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.

Bonus episode #094 - What I’ve been dreaming of
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #093 - Singapore Stories
Episode description
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

Bonus episode #092 - Exploring Melbourne
Episode description
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

Bonus episode #091 - Little penguins
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #090 - Afternoon at the opera
Episode description
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

Bonus episode #089 - Sunshine and Swims in Sydney
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #088 - On the road… again
Episode description
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

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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)

Making a dental appointment, finding the time to go, and paying for dental insurance can all be quite the hassle. But of course, the main part of the whole experience is talking with your dentist about dental health. In this Real Talk episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy help you with the English you can expect to hear in the dentist chair.

In this episode, our hosts go over how to respond to the doctor’s polite requests. They also help you with some dental vocabulary, such as molar, canine, incisor, and gum tenderness. We hope you don’t have to use these expressions too regularly, but it’s always good to be prepared before your visit!









Fun facts
Do you have dental insurance? In the United States, only about 50% of adults aged 18 to 64 have coverage. That number goes up to around 65% in Canada.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Why don’t you
* Tenderness
* I’ll just get you to
* If you could just
* Molar, canine, incisor
* To fill a cavity
* To be covered by insurance
* To go a long way
* To brighten [one’s] smile
* Two-way street



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Atikah Akhtar(Unsplash.com)

In this episode, Suzanne tells us about her experience of flying internationally during the pandemic, which didn’t go as smoothly as planned. If you are thinking about taking a trip abroad, listen to this episode to get some useful tips on how to avoid problems at the airport.

The Simplified Speech series is the perfect way to learn from native speakers who use easy-to-understand English. In this study guide, there are detailed expressions to explain the more difficult words and phrases you hear, with examples to improve your understanding.









Fun facts
Did you know that there is a rule to make sure that pilots and their copilots don’t eat the same meal before a flight? This is so that if one of the pilots were to become ill due to food poisoning, the other could take over.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Travel bug
* To scratch an itch
* Gee
* Hours on end
* Hubbub
* A piece of cake



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Ross Parmly(Unsplash.com)

Podcasts are evolving. From the technology used to the companies producing them and everything in between, the podcasting industry is seeing a lot of new, exciting changes. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the changes they’ve seen, and discuss what it might mean for the future of podcasting.

The Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Podcasts and audio lessons are a great way to improve your English listening skills. Culips’ Chatterbox episodes feature natural, unedited conversations between native speakers, so you can build your English skills and learn something new at the same time.









Fun facts
As of November 2021, there are over two million podcasts available in the world, with over 48 million episodes total. The average podcast listener listens to between five and seven different shows per week.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Come on [one’s] radar
* The Wild West
* Hedge [one’s] bets
* Saturate
* Raise the bar
* Walled garden



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: CoWomen(Unsplash.com)

Have you ever wished there was another way to describe how friendly you are with certain people? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy share a couple ways native English speakers refer to their relationships with others.

The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Listening to our Catch Word audio lessons helps improve your English listening and speaking skills while also giving you new, fun ways to talk about how well you get along with your friends.









Fun facts
Studies show that animals, like chimpanzees, baboons, horses, hyenas, elephants, bats, turtles, and dolphins, to name a few, recognize and befriend individuals that aren’t from their species. (So your pet thinks of you as a good friend, too!)



Expressions included in the study guide



* To click
* To gel
* Working relationship
* Break in the action
* Chemistry



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Colton Sturgeon (Unsplash.com)
Link to talk with Dr. Naomi Barron
Article we summarized in the episode

In this episode, Andrew and Anna debate the pros and cons of reading paper books and digital e-books. They also discuss their experiences with reading online and talk about the daily distractions that prevent them from reading properly.

Our Chatterbox series is the perfect way to learn English with our Culips hosts who discuss interesting and contemporary topics using everyday English. If you want to learn how to talk like a native speaker, then this is the podcast series for you!









Fun facts
The first e-book was published way back in 1971. Michael Stern Hart was a technologist who decided to transcribe the US Declaration of Independence onto his computer and make it available to other users on the network. However, the first physical e-book invented was the Rocketbook in 1997.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Mindless
* On the surface
* To go by the wayside
* To catch oneself
* Clueless
* Workaround



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Colton Sturgeon (Unsplash.com)
Link to talk with Dr. Naomi Barron
Article we summarized in the episode

Would you like to have a bombshell dropped on you? That sounds pretty bad, but don’t worry, our hosts Andrew and Suzanne are here to explain expressions you can use when you’re shocked at hearing big news. In this Catch Word episode, the two main expressions are to drop a bombshell and a rude awakening. Do you think you know what they mean? Give the episode a listen and find out!

With the Catch Word series, Culips works hard to provide intermediate and advanced English language learners with fun and interesting content so they can improve their English fluency.









Fun facts
One of the main expressions from this episode is a rude awakening. Although unrelated to this expression, you might want to check out the Academy Award–nominated 1990 movie called Awakenings, starring Robert De Niro and Robert Williams. It’s a touching movie about a doctor’s relationships while helping his catatonic patients. If you see it, tell us what you think!



Expressions included in the study guide



* To drop a bombshell
* To be set for life
* Across town
* A rude awakening
* A hard pill to swallow
* Out of [one’s] league



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Colton Sturgeon (Unsplash.com)

Are you the type of person who loves food and wishes your plate would never go empty? Going to a buffet restaurant means you can eat as much as you want. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne give us their opinions on buffets.

The Simplified Speech series helps you to learn English naturally with easy-to-understand conversations on current topics. Make sure you’ve eaten before listening to this episode, as it might make you hungry!









Fun facts
How do buffet restaurants make money if people can eat as much as they want? What you might not know is that these restaurants have strategies to stop customers from eating more expensive foods. For example, they might put cheaper and more filling foods like pasta and potatoes at the front of the buffet line. They also tend to have bigger spoons for these dishes, to encourage you to take more.



Expressions included in the study guide



* To bring out the worst in [someone]
* To get your money’s worth
* Eyes bigger than your stomach
* Go all out
* At your own peril
* Trade-off



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: S Migaj (Unsplash.com)

To calm down, hang out, relax, be easygoing: native English speakers use the word chill in many ways. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy explain how to use this versatile word in four different situations.

The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Listening to our Catch Word audio lessons helps improve your English listening and speaking skills. So, get ready to chill out as you listen to this natural conversation between two native English speakers.









Fun facts
Chill was first used as slang to mean something other than cold in 1980. Most of the definitions in this episode come from the idea that, when it’s cold, we move more slowly; when we’re calm or relaxed, we also tend to move more slowly. Also, anger, anxiety, sadness, and agitation all tend to be hot emotions—our body temperatures rise. Chill refers to the lower emotional temperature that comes with being calm.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Chill (out)!
* Chill (out) with [someone]
* Chillin’
* Chill
* Road rage
* Wait it out



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: S Migaj (Unsplash.com)

Have you ever lived or thought about living in a foreign country? If so, hit play and listen to Andrew and Suzanne’s perspectives about living in a foreign country. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about the ups and downs of living in a foreign country. Tune in to hear this interesting conversation full of natural English expressions and vocab









Fun facts
An expat is someone who does not live in the country they hold citizenship in. Expats make up a little over 3% of the world’s population! The Expat Insider conducted a survey this year in which 12,420 expats around the globe participated to determine the best and worst expat destinations. Taiwan, Mexico, and Costa Rica made up the top three best expat destinations.



Expressions included in the study guide



* To bring [someone] up to speed
* Label
* All walks of life
* To tie up one’s point
* A tall task
* To have blinders on one’s eyes



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: S Migaj (Unsplash.com)

What? Another grey hair? If we’re fortunate enough to grow old, finding grey hairs will be a common occurrence for sure. In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Anna talk about their relationship with grey hairs and a surprising new study on the topic. Apparently, your grey hairs can grow back to their natural colour. Imagine that!

Chatterbox is a series for intermediate to advanced English language learners. Our hosts speak in an easy-to-understand and natural way about a topic chosen to keep you interested.









Fun facts
Did you know that the average human has about 100,000 hair follicles on their head? What might also be surprising is that people with blonde hair have about 150,000 hair follicles, on average.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Groundbreaking
* Beacon of hope
* To take [something] in stride
* To pay dividends
* To reverse the clock
* Realm of possibilities



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: JJ Jordan (Unsplash.com)

Do you know how to describe rich people and companies in English? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two idiomatic English expressions that you can use to do just that. Upgrade your vocabulary and make your English sound more natural by learning with this lesson.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English language learners. In each episode, you’ll learn expressions, idioms, slang, phrasal verbs, and more that will help you become a better English listener and speaker.










Fun facts
With an estimated net worth of $177 billion, Jeff Bezos is rolling in it and is the richest person on Earth. Meanwhile, his company Amazon made nearly $400 billion in profits last year. It’s safe to say that Amazon must have very deep pockets.


Expressions included in the study guide



* To be rolling in it
* To be tight with [your money]
* Crypto
* To sell off
* To have deep pockets
* Jet set



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Alexander Mils (Unsplash.com)

Kassy has joined the Culips wedding club! Many of the Culips hosts and listeners have gotten married these past few years, and Kassy is engaged to become the next! Listen to this Simplified Speech episode where Kassy talks about the events leading up to her engagement to her boyfriend.

Simplified Speech is a series where you can follow Culips hosts speaking in an easy-to-understand way. Also, we have a transcript and study guide designed to help you follow along with each episode.









Fun facts
Andrew, and soon Kassy, is in an international marriage in South Korea. There has been a rise in international marriages in South Korea in the past few years, but it looks like the COVID-19 pandemic has changed some things. In 2019, international weddings accounted for 9.8% of all weddings in South Korea. However, that number plummeted to 7.1% in 2020, the first year of the pandemic.


Expressions included in the study guide



* In [one’s] world
* Ta-da
* The whole shebang
* To play ball
* Out of [one’s] element
* To lose its lustre



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Kassy White

Have you noticed your usual grocery items are smaller than they used to be, but cost the same? You may not have heard of shrinkflation before, but it’s something that’s affecting everyone and people aren’t happy about it!

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the issue of shrinkflation. Culips’ Chatterbox series helps you learn English from native speakers, with detailed expressions you can add to your own vocabulary that will surely impress your English-speaking friends!









Fun facts
You may get excited when your favourite cereal is re-branded with fancy new packaging, but this is actually one of the smart ways companies disguise reduced contents. Coca Cola did this in 2019, reducing their bottles from 2 litres to 1.75 litres.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Evil twin
* Perfect storm
* At the heart of [something]
* To get laid off
* To fall victim to [something/someone]
* To vote with your pocketbook



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Jonas Augustin (Unsplash.com)

Squid Game on Netflix is a Korean show that has become extremely popular around the world. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the show, sharing their thoughts on the plot, story, and characters. If you liked Squid Game or are thinking about watching it, you shouldn’t miss this Simplified Speech episode!

Simplified Speech episodes feature two native English speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations about interesting topics, like popular TV shows. This helps improve your English listening skills and, by listening, helps you speak English naturally.









Fun facts
The oversized doll from the first episode of the show is real. It now resides in Jincheon County, 3 hours north of Seoul, where it guards the entrance of a horse carriage museum called Macha Land. There is even a smaller, 10-foot replica in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Spoilers
* To be invested in [someone]
* Take the world by storm
* Zero-sum game
* Late-stage capitalism
* To have [one’s] moment



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Jonas Augustin (Unsplash.com)

Not everyone enjoys going to the dentist’s office. However, there are certainly many people who fear making an appointment over the phone more than the dentist’s drill! Fear not. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy help you with the vocabulary and expressions you’ll need to make a dentist’s appointment.
Real Talk is a series designed to help you in real life situations. Although this episode focuses on making an appointment to see the dentist, you can use what you’ll learn in this episode to make many different kinds of appointments.









Fun facts
Even though you may be apprehensive to visit the dentist, dentistry has come a long way from its early days. Anaesthetics and precision tools have made going to the dentist a much safer and more pleasant experience. Just take a look at medieval paintings showing what dentists did centuries ago and you’ll agree!



Expressions included in the study guide



* To work for [someone]
* The sooner, the better
* To fit [someone] in
* After next
* To double-check
* Walk-in
* Cavity
* Scaling



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Caroline LM (Unsplash.com)

We love catching up with friends. In fact, before every Culips episode, our hosts spend some time doing just that. Today you get to listen in as Andrew and Kassy catch up on the latest news in their lives – from Andrew’s new hobby to Kassy’s big purchase!

Simplified Speech features clear, natural, and easy to understand English conversations between native speakers. By studying with this Simplified Speech episode, you’ll improve your English listening skills, increase your vocabulary, and find out how to talk about new events happening in your life.










Fun facts
According to a 2013 study, people spend 60 percent of their conversations talking about themselves. And 80 percent of conversations consist of gossip, according to Dr. Nicholas Emler, a British psychologist.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Welcome to the club
* There's no turning back
* Out of whack
* Fender bender
* New-to-me
* To crash



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Danielle MacInnes (Unsplash.com)

Are you a fan of music festivals? In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the ins and outs of a typical musical festival. Tune in to learn about music festival culture and useful tips to make your music festival experience more enjoyable, all while practicing your English listening skills.

Culips’ Chatterbox series is great for high-intermediate and advanced English learners. This episode is chock-full of interesting phrases and vocabulary related to music festivals and festivals in general. Hit the play button and enjoy!









Fun facts
Festivals have been around for thousands of years. Festivals were especially popular in ancient Greece and ancient Rome, with competitions and performances in athletics and the performing arts being the most popular.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Skill set
* A staple of [something]
* A trooper
* Luck of the draw
* Out-of-body experience
* Lead-up/buildup



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Tony Pham (Unsplash.com)

Hitting the road with friends or family, for a week-long adventure is a time-honoured tradition–especially in North America. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what makes a great road trip and share their favourite road trip memories.
This is Culips’ Simplified Speech series. It features clear, natural and easy to understand English conversations about interesting topics, like road trips. By listening to native English speakers speak naturally, you’ll improve your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. Tune in to today’s adventurous English audio lesson to learn something new.









Fun facts
The world's first recorded road trip took place in Germany, in 1888. Bertha Benz, wife of the first car inventor, Karl Benz, travelled from Mannheim to Pforzheim with her sons. They travelled 106 km (66 mi) in the third experimental Benz car, which had a maximum speed of 16 km/h (10 m/h). She even took this trip without her husband’s consent or knowledge!



Expressions included in the study guide



* Location hopping
* Fluid
* Fly by the seat of your pants
* Twist [one’s] arm
* Gnarly
* Quota



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Dino Reichmuth (Unsplash.com)

Have you ever wanted to travel to space? A few well-known billionaires definitely have! In fact, they have restarted the Space Race and their companies are racing into infinity and beyond. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the new Space Race and what it means for the future of space travel.

Chatterbox is a series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Podcasts and audio lessons are a great way to improve your English listening skills. Culips’ Chatterbox episodes feature natural, unedited conversations between native speakers, so you can build your English fluency. And this time, you will learn about the latest in space travel.









Fun facts
The original Space Race started in the 1950s. In 1957, the USSR launched the first satellite into space called Sputnik. In 1961, they launched the first person into space.

There were many developments over the years, most notably in 1969 when the United States landed the first humans on the moon. The Space Race ended after the collapse of the USSR. After that, countries from both sides of the former Cold War have worked together.



Expressions included in the study guide



* In a heartbeat
* Pet project
* To beat [someone] to the post
* Low-key
* Nerves of steel
* To get a lot of flack



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: SpaceX (Unsplash.com)

We’re back with another Catch Word episode! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you some idiomatic expressions or phrases to use when talking about something that improves or gets better. Tune in to improve your English listening skills by leaps and bounds!

Catch Word is a great series that focuses on key vocabulary and phrases used in all sorts of common everyday English conversations. While this episode focuses on phrases that you might use when talking about making progress, improving, or getting better at something, it is also chock-full of other useful expressions highlighted in the study guide.









Fun facts
There are thousands of books and articles out in the world telling people how to improve their mental health, sleep patterns, exercise habits, study habits, financial literacy, and much more. What’s interesting is that these articles and books all say the exact same thing to a certain degree. Most self-improvement or self-help books tend to agree that the #1 way to make significant improvements in anything you set out to achieve is to make small, concise goals and then a routine or plan to achieve those goals, and to consistently execute that plan each and every day.



Expressions included in the study guide



* By leaps and bounds
* To bomb [something]
* Out and about
* On the up and up
* To be in the moment
* To branch off



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Kid Circus (Unsplash.com)

Many have cherished memories of their grandparents, from listening to their stories to feeling loved and supported throughout childhood. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their grandparents. Today’s conversation might tug on your heartstrings!

The Simplified Speech series features clear, easy to understand conversations between native English speakers. This helps improve your English listening skills and, by listening, helps you speak English naturally. The topics covered are relevant to everyday life, so you can use what you learn right away.









Fun facts
The Simplified Speech series features clear, easy to understand conversations between native English speakers. This helps improve your English listening skills and, by listening, helps you speak English naturally. The topics covered are relevant to everyday life, so you can use what you learn right away.



Expressions included in the study guide



* The name stuck
* Reckon
* My heart burst
* Tug on [one’s] heartstrings
* Waterworks
* Hop on the [adjective] train



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Christian Bowen (Unsplash.com)

Have you ever noticed a well-dressed, friendly person working in the hotel lobby? This person is often helping guests with taxis or telling them about the best restaurants in town. Many hotels employ a person called a concierge. Their job is to help you with all your needs, big or small. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the various ways a hotel concierge can help you during your visit.

Real Talk is a Culips series where we help you with real-life English in real-life situations. In this episode, our hosts talk about the hotel concierge. This person helps you with directions, restaurant suggestions, transportation tips, and reservations for whichever city you’re visiting.









Fun facts
In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about hotel concierges and the services they provide in most hotels. However, it is possible to hire the services of a luxury personal concierge. For a price, this person can show you the high life of any location, from yachts to high-class parties to the most exclusive restaurants!


Expressions included in the study guide



* Concierge
* Correct me if I’m wrong
* Must-see
* Don’t be afraid to ask
* To get a sense of [someone]
* To pass on [something]



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Christiann Koepke and Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka (Unsplash.com)

Have you missed hearing Jeremy’s voice on the podcast? Then tune in to this episode, which was recorded last year while Jeremy was still on the team. This Chatterbox episode is full of useful tips and resources for finding great listening materials for learning English.

Culips’ Chatterbox series is perfect for upper-intermediate or advanced English learners to practise their English listening skills. The hosts talk in everyday English at an ordinary speed. If you’re looking for English listening materials where the hosts talk at the same level as native speakers, then this is the series for you. Enjoy!









Fun facts
Radio has been around for awhile, but radio stations first started popping up around the globe in the early 1920s. One of the first radio stations in the United States started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It first aired on November 2, 1920, broadcasting the returns of the presidential election between Harding and Cox.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Off to the races
* Geeky
* Fleeting
* Crystal clear
* To cut [someone] off
* On the surface



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: insung yoon (Unsplash.com)

It’s always fun to compliment a friend (and to receive a compliment, too). Luckily, the English language has many expressions you can use to tell people how good they look! Today, Andrew and Kassy define two such expressions: to look like a million bucks and a sight for sore eyes.
The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Listening to our Catch Word audio lessons helps improve your English listening and speaking skills. In the process, you’ll even learn a few new ways to compliment your friends!










Fun facts
Research shows that giving and receiving compliments is good for your health, confidence, and overall happiness! Compliments motivate people, inspire them, and, of course, make them happy.


Expressions included in the study guide



* To look like a million bucks
* A sight for sore eyes
* Got this [thing] beat
* To clean up pretty nice/well
* Rhetorical question
* To put a smile on [one’s] face



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder (Unsplash.com)

Can you talk to animals? In this Simplified Speech episode, Suzanne tells Andrew an interesting story about her dog and an animal communicator. She says this animal communicator communicated with her dog and found out the problems in his life. Even if you are skeptical, it’s worth a listen!

In Simplified Speech episodes, two native English speakers have natural conversations using clear and easy to understand language. In this episode, you will learn expressions like sixth sense, to be skeptical, debriefing, and high maintenance.









Fun facts
There is a long history of people who claim to talk to animals. In English, many people use the word whisperer to refer to people who can talk to animals. The American actor Robert Redford starred in a popular 1998 movie called The Horse Whisperer. After that movie came out, it became common for people to joke about being a dog whisperer or a cat whisperer because they say they understand their pets’ thoughts and feelings very well.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Sixth sense
* To be skeptical
* -phone
* To sprain
* Debriefing
* High maintenance



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Eric Ward (Unsplash.com)

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone over the past year and a half. So what does this mean for the economy? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss the pandemic economy, how it’s changing, and what this could mean for the future.

Culips’ Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learning. All Chatterbox episodes feature natural conversations between two native English speakers. Listening to these audio lessons helps improve your grammar, vocabulary, and listening skills so that you can become fluent. You’ll be able to speak English naturally with Culips, and you might just learn something interesting along the way.









Fun facts
During the pandemic, there is one restaurant service that has done really well: pizza. Pizzerias, and other restaurants that deliver pizzas, saw a 40% increase in sales just a few months into the pandemic.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Uptick
* Skyrocket
* Ups and downs
* Come to a dead halt
* Sell like hotcakes
* Left-leaning



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Eric Ward (Unsplash.com)

Would you like to receive a slap in the face? Probably not! However, the expression a slap in the face isn’t a physical thing, it’s more of an insult. In this Catch Word episode, you’ll learn all about it as Andrew and Suzanne talk about the various ways of using the expressions a slap in the face and a slap on the wrist. Take a listen and learn how to use these two natural English expressions.

Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series. By studying with Catch Word, you will be able to grow your English vocabulary and learn idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that will make you sound like an English native speaker. In this episode, you will learn what a slap in the face and a slap on the wrist mean. Additionally, you will learn the meaning of to ghost [someone] and to get riled up.









Fun facts
In this episode, our hosts talk about an example where one friend leaves dinner without paying for their food. If both of them did that, the situation would be called a dine and dash. Have you ever heard of that? A dine and dash is when you eat your food and then dash, or run, out of the restaurant without paying.


Expressions included in the study guide



* A slap in the face
* A slap on the wrist
* To ghost [someone]
* To get riled up
* A grant
* A phase



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Andrew Le on Unsplash

Bonus episode #087 - Dog days
Episode description
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

Bonus episode #086 - Worlds collide
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #085 - Bonked and zonked
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #084 - Random rules
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #083 - New year, new you
Episode description
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)

[Classic Bonus] Simplified Speech #168 - The ballet
Episode description
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)

Bonus episode #081 - Gabby Girl
Episode description
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

Bonus episode #080 - Christmas market chaos
Episode description
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

Bonus episode #079 - Life is weird
Episode description
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

Today, we're sharing a special episode from our Fluency Files series, which is usually for Culips members only. In this one, Andrew talks about the 5 ways he boosts his mood to feel better when he’s tired or stressed.

Culips members get a study guide for this episode which includes an interactive transcript, vocabulary glossary, detailed vocabulary explanations with example sentences, listening comprehension questions, and prompts for speaking and writing practice.

Click here to sign up and become a Culips member.

Click here to join our Discord community for free to practice your English speaking with our community:

This episode includes a performance by the Musicians from Marlboro (string quartet), originally published by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The clip has been edited for this episode. This work is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License. To view a copy of this license, click here.









What is the Fluency Files?
The Fluency Files is our special series for Culips Members. Each episode features a short audio story and comes with a transcript and study guide. The Fluency Files is perfect for deep studying and intensive English learning. We recommend it to anyone who wants to make big breakthroughs with their English skills. To get access to the entire Fluency Files library, sign up and become a Culips Member on culips.com. Or check out this page to learn more about the Culips Fluency Files.

Bonus episode #078 - Home alone
Episode description
In this bonus episode, Andrew shares his experience of spending a week alone at home while his wife was away in Japan. He also discusses their reunion and the amazing gifts she brought back for him. Tune in to hear all the details!

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Become a Culips member: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

In this fun episode, Kassy and Andrew share their love of video games with each other. They mostly talk about games from the Nintendo franchise, which is famous for characters like Mario and Pikachu. Kassy chats about the cooperative game she has been playing with her husband on her Nintendo Switch recently and Andrew mentions his desire to buy a Switch himself. If you have nostalgia for classic Nintendo games, then this is the episode for you!








Fun facts
Nintendo did not start out as a video game company – in fact, it was founded in 1889 as a producer of playing cards. Its first at-home console was called the Color TV-Game and it was first released in 1977.



Expressions included in the study guide



* toss-up
* to mull something over
* to drop the ball
* one’s jam
* to trash talk / trash talker
* in one’s wheelhouse



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image:  Alvarordesign (Unsplash.com)

Bonus episode #077 - The spontaneous chef
Episode description
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about finding the perfect sofa for his living room. He talks about the challenges of finding

In this bonus episode, join Andrew as he tells a story about an unplanned cooking adventure. Listen as he talks about deciding to make homemade pizza, sharing his experiences from selecting ingredients to the final delicious outcome. This episode is perfect for improving your English fluency and learning new vocabulary, all while enjoying a lighthearted story about kitchen experiments and culinary surprises.

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Become a Culips member: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the 'Taylor Swift effect,' which refers to Taylor Swift’s influence on her fans and society in general. They discuss the impact of her work, her personality, and the factors contributing to her remarkable success. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan or simply want to learn more about her, give this episode a listen!









Fun facts
Did you know that you can now study Taylor Swift at universities? Some colleges and universities offer classes dedicated to analyzing her songs, influence, and impact on pop culture. Could you picture yourself majoring in the subject of Taylor Swift?



Expressions included in the study guide



* To live under a rock
* To relate to [someone/something]
* The girl/boy next door
* To hit in a different way
* To hold [one’s cards close to [one’s] chest
* To have a bone to pick



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image:  Nickpanek620 (Pixabay.com)

Bonus episode #076 - Daisy’s big day
Episode description
In this episode, Andrew shares his experience of attending a unique wedding at a beer brewery. Tune in for a fun story that will help boost your English fluency.

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Become a Culips member: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Check out Armchair Expert: click here

After a couple of weeks apart, hosts Andrew and Kassy reunite in this episode to catch up! They talk about Kassy's recent trip to South Korea and a health issue that Andrew has been facing. They also share their love for Korean food and discuss the dishes they crave the most when they’re out of the country.









Fun facts
Mudeungsan is a beautiful mountain located in a national park. It provides stunning views of Gwangju city and has many hiking trails to explore. South Korea is home to twenty-two national parks, covering a remarkable 6.6% of the country's total land area!



Expressions included in the study guide



* Someone’s neck of the woods
* To rest up
* To be wiped out
* To clog up
* To compensate for
* A cliffhanger



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image:  Pexels.com

Bonus episode #075 - A sofa story
Episode description
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about finding the perfect sofa for his living room. He talks about the challenges of finding the right size, fabric, and color. Listen to hear all about the ups and downs of his sofa saga and improve your English fluency along the way.

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Become a Culips member: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Are you a bookworm? Do you enjoy reading books? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss how to ask for a book recommendation at a library or a bookstore. They teach you many useful expressions that you can use in this situation and in various other everyday conversations. Make sure to listen to this lesson to improve your vocabulary and boost your speaking confidence!








Fun facts
Did you know that silent reading, which is a common thing today, wasn’t always normal in the history of reading? Back in ancient times, people typically read aloud, and silent reading was considered quite unusual. Traditionally, one reader would read texts out loud to an audience, because not many people could read, and books were rare as well. It’s fascinating how our reading habits have evolved over time!



Expressions included in the study guide



* Can you recommend something?
* I’m open to anything
* To check something out
* It wouldn’t be my first choice
* To catch [one’s] interest
* To be up for [something]
* One of my top [number] reads
* You won’t regret it



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Tima Miroshnichenko (Pexels.com)

Bonus episode #074 - Memories of a marathon
Episode description
In this week's bonus episode, Andrew recounts the story of running in the Gyeongju Marathon. Listen along to hear about the highs and lows of the experience, including getting stuck in a traffic jam, being caught on live TV in an embarrassing moment, smashing a personal record, and feeling too old to celebrate!

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Become a Culips member: click here

Verify your Culips membership: click here

Bonus episode 61: click here

As you can imagine, a country as large as the United States has many regions with their own distinct personalities. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about all of the different regions in the United States. They discuss things like food, culture, accents, natural features, and demographics. If you’d like to learn more about culture in the United States, then this episode is for you!








Fun facts
The United States contains a multitude of dialects. Depending on the resources you’ve taken advantage of in your English learning journey, you may be using a blend of different linguistic styles!



Expressions included in the study guide



* Waspy
* To be built up
* To lump together
* Indigenous
* To push back
* Overrated/underrated



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Raghavendra V. Konkathi (Unsplash.com)

Bonus episode #073 - History lesson
Episode description
In this episode, Andrew talks about the history of Culips from its early days as one of the first English-language education podcasts, to where it’s at today! Plus, he answers a very frequently asked question: What does the word “Culips” mean?

Become a Culips member: click here

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Listen to Confident Business English with Anna: click here

Join Andrew and Kassy as they discuss the timeless debate of Time vs. Money. They share their perspectives, talk about how age changes our views on that matter, and discuss what they prefer to spend money on. Also, they chat about what they would do if there were more than 24 hours in a day in the bonus part of the episode.









Fun facts
Recent studies show that, after the pandemic, more people prefer spending their money on experiences rather than material possessions. According to research by Consumer Reports in 2023, 66% of people between the ages of 25 and 34 would choose experiences over physical items, which is a significant change from the 12% reported in 2021. Respondents claim that memories last longer than material possessions.



Expressions included in the study guide



* At the end of the day
* To beat around the bush
* To work your way up
* Sign me up
* Back to the grind
* Let's put it this way



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels.com)

Bonus episode #072 - Cherry on top
Episode description
In this episode, Andrew discusses a moment of truth and recounts a comical visit to a local clinic in his neighborhood. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression, "the cherry on top."

Become a Culips member: click here

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Nobody likes to do chores, but we all have to do them. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss how they split chores in their households, and chat about cleaning services while sharing some useful cleaning tips and life hacks. Join in to improve your listening and speaking skills while picking up essential vocabulary!









Fun facts
Most of us aren’t fans of doing chores, but there are actually numerous benefits to them. Cleaning can boost your immune system, reduce stress, improve your mood, increase productivity, help burn calories, and even contribute to better heart health. So, the next time you don’t feel like cleaning, just remember all these positive effects!



Expressions included in the study guide



* The bane of my existence
* To jump the gun
* Errand
* To swear by [something]
* TMI
* Day in, day out



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels.com)

Bonus episode #071 - Train to Busan
Episode description
In this episode, Andrew talks about a trip he took over the weekend with his wife to Busan. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression “I’m on dinner duty.”

Become a Culips member: click here

Study with the interactive transcript: click here

Join the Culips Discord server: click here

Visit the Le Meets brunch cafe Instagram: click here

Andrew and Kassy tackle a big topic in this episode – the problem with fast fashion. Fast fashion is when clothes are made quickly and cheaply, so people can buy new styles often and at low prices. Although this sounds like a good thing, it’s bad for the workers who make the clothing and it’s bad for the environment. Give this episode a listen and learn about the topic of fast fashion and Andrew and Kassy’s personal relationships to fashion.








Fun facts
In response to the fast fashion industry, some people have called for a “slow fashion” movement. Slow fashion means making and buying clothes more thoughtfully and carefully. Instead of buying cheap apparel in high quantities, slow fashion is about buying sustainably made clothing that can be reused for a long time.



Expressions included in the study guide



* to be in tune with
* to size someone up
* to catch someone doing something
* fear of missing out (FOMO)
* to fork over
* to get behind something



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: freestocks (unsplash.com)

“I was so nervous. I was sweating bullets!” That might sound a bit strange, but it’s a common English expression. Sweating bullets means to be very stressed or nervous. Does that happen to you sometimes? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two idioms with the word sweat: no sweat and sweating bullets. After this episode, you’ll know how to use these expressions perfectly!

Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series that teaches you idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that are useful in everyday life. Improve your English, grow your word power, get fluent faster with Catch Word!









Fun facts
Do you know that you have anywhere between 2 to 5 million sweat glands in your body? But don’t worry, even though many people don’t like sweating, it is a healthy part of life.



Expressions included in the study guide



* No sweat
* A twist on [something]
* To veg out
* On [its] last legs
* Sweating bullets
* Knock on wood



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao (Unsplash.com)

Do you like the way you look in photos? Considering the huge market for online filters for photographs, there must be a lot of people who prefer embellishing their pictures instead of keeping them natural. Is that a problem? In this Chatterbox episode, hosts Andrew and Anna discuss the pros and cons of online beauty filters.

Chatterbox is a series featuring native English speakers carrying on a natural conversation. This series is designed to help intermediate and advanced English learners improve their English.









Fun facts
According to Lifewire, the most popular Instagram filter in the United States is Clarendon. This filter is used to brighten colours and sharpen contrasts while keeping skin tones warm and natural.


Expressions included in the study guide



* To morph
* Just a touch
* To rag on
* To see [something] firsthand
* Body dysmorphia
* To be bombarded with [something]



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Fausto Sandoval (Unsplash.com)

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy give some updates about what’s going on in their lives these days. Kassy tells us the results of a big math test she took recently and talks about choosing a wedding dress and last-minute wedding planning. Andrew shares about why he started playing drums again and talks about growing herbs at home.

In our Simplified Speech series, native English speakers have natural conversations about interesting topics. These episodes boost your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. On occasion, our hosts share their personal stories, making it easy to listen to these English audio lessons.









Fun facts
Historians and archeologists believe drums and drumming have been a part of human rituals since the dawn of mankind. In fact, the alligator drum is the oldest discovered drum, dating back to as early as 5500 BC in Neolithic China.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Up to speed
* Come on
* To be too hard on [someone]
* Bridezilla
* Chops
* To take [someone] up on [something]



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Matthijs Smit (Unsplash.com)

What are some of your favourite life hacks? That’s the topic of discussion for this Chatterbox episode. Join Andrew and Anna as they share some of their favourite shortcuts for optimizing and organizing their lives and work.

Chatterbox is the Culips series for intermediate and advanced English learners. Each episode features a natural conversation between native speakers about a fascinating topic. By learning English with Chatterbox, you’ll be able to build your fluency, listening skills, and vocabulary.









Fun facts
Andrew and Anna both name drop YouTube channels in this episode. Andrew watches The Bliss Bean for productivity tips and Anna likes The Minimalists. Check out these channels if you’re looking to learn some new life hacks!


Expressions included in the study guide



* To write [someone] off
* Sounds like my kind of [something]
* To be on the same page
* To knock out [something]
* A hoarder
* On hand



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Matthijs Smit (Unsplash.com)

Plant-based meat alternatives have gained in popularity over the past decade. People following vegan and vegetarian diets now enjoy better, tastier fake meats. Today, Andrew and Kassy talk about this new, controversial food trend.

This episode is part of Culips’ Simplified Speech series. It features natural, easy‑to‑understand English conversations about interesting topics, like fake meat. Listening to native English speakers having natural conversations will improve your listening skills and increase your vocabulary. Tune in to today’s English audio lesson to learn something new.









Fun facts
Even though fake meat is plant based, nutritionists say that they are not replacements for vegetables. In fact, plant-based burgers have almost the same nutritional benefits as regular meat. So having a side salad or other vegetable dish with your fake meat is a must!


Expressions included in the study guide



* That’s [someone’s] deal
* See what all the hype is about
* On that front
* On the horizon
* Camp
* Lukewarm



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Grooveland Designs (Unsplash.com)

Are you a big playlist person? That’s the question that Andrew and Suzanne discuss in this Simplified Speech episode. Join them as they chat about the kinds of playlists they make, how they make them, and when they like to listen to them.

Simplified Speech is perfect for intermediate-level English learners who are looking to improve their English fluency. Each episode features clear and natural conversations about an interesting topic. Studying with Simplified Speech will help you to improve your English listening skills, conversation ability, and vocabulary knowledge.









Fun facts
Although there are many different music streaming apps available in North America, Spotify is the most popular. A total of 32% of people who use music-streaming apps say they listen to music through Spotify. Other popular apps include Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.


Expressions included in the study guide



* To tweak [something]
* Pump-up jam
* To taper off
* To lean on
* To be spot on
* No pun intended



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Dee. (Unsplash.com)

Joining a new gym can be intimidating. There are a lot of things you need to think of. You have to ask about their membership fees. You have to ask about the length of their membership contracts. And you also need to see if their environment is a good fit for you. Fortunately, in this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy help you with all those questions and more!

Real Talk is a series designed to help you in real-life, everyday situations. Our hosts break down the type of dialogues you encounter in an English-speaking environment.









Fun facts
The gym industry is big business. In the United States alone, gyms make about $35 billion annually. You would think everyone would be fit, right? But according to the website RunRepeat, about 6.3% of Americans never even use memberships they have already paid for!



Expressions included in the study guide



* Do you need a hand with anything?
* Let me tell you about
* 24/7/365
* Month to month
* To break a contract
* Cancellation fee
* A free trial / trial membership
* A good fit
* Release form



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Sam Moqadam (Unsplash.com)

Have you ever heard of kombucha? For some people, it’s an amazing tea full of health benefits. For others, it’s a weird-tasting beverage that only strange people drink! In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew asks Kassy about her kombucha brewing lifestyle. They talk about the various steps of Kassy’s brewing process.

Simplified Speech is a series that features easy and natural conversation designed for listeners of all levels. In this episode, our hosts Andrew and Kassy talk about the fascinating world of kombucha brewing!









Fun facts
Both through home brewing and commercial sales, kombucha has become a worldwide industry. The international kombucha industry is estimated to be worth $1.7 billion US annually.


Expressions included in the study guide



* To keep regular
* Out of thin air
* Under the assumption
* Room temperature
* To pass out
* To grow sick of [something]



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Tyler Nix and Klara Avsenik (Unsplash.com)

What is your favourite way to say, “I have to leave now, and fast”? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two common English expression that mean to leave quickly: duck out and hightail it out of there.

The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Today’s audio lesson is designed to help you improve your English listening and speaking skills while also giving you new, fun ways to say that you’re leaving.









Fun facts
In 2003, archeologists in Australia’s Mungo National Park discovered footprint fossils left behind by an Aboriginal hunter over 20,000 years ago. The archeologists estimate that these ancient hunters were running at or over 37 kilometres per hour. That’s faster than the current Olympic sprinters!



Expressions included in the study guide



* Duck out
* Hightail it out of there
* Do [one’s] business
* Bolt
* Worst nightmare
* Make [one’s] heart race



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Mitchell Orr (Unsplash.com)

Did you know that every country has their own special wedding traditions? Recently, Suzanne travelled to France to start planning her wedding. In this episode, Suzanne tells Andrew about the wedding traditions she discovered there.

In our Simplified Speech series, native English speakers have natural conversations about common topics. These episodes are designed to boost your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. On occasion, our hosts share their personal stories, making it easy to listen to these English audio lessons.









Fun facts
White-ribbon cutting is an old wedding tradition in France. It isn’t used much anymore, except in small villages. The wedding party travels from the bride’s home to the church. Along the way, children block their path with white ribbons, forcing the bride to cut the ribbons to pass through. The tradition symbolizes the bride overcoming obstacles that married life might bring.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Camp out
* Partner
* Culture clash
* Juxtaposition
* Finger food
* Stand [one’s] ground



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Norbu Gyachung (Unsplash.com)

In many countries, there is a cult of overworking and people are expected to work long hours. In fact, working long hours can be seen as a sign of good moral ethics. However, overworking is also a big problem for workers, as it puts a lot of stress on them. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the cult of overworking and their experiences with this phenomenon.

Chatterbox is a series designed for intermediate and advanced English language learners. This series features conversations between two native English speakers on a variety of interesting topics.









Fun facts
According to a 2017 study, Cambodia was the country that had the longest working hours, with employees putting in an average of 2455.55 hours annually. The lowest out of the 66 countries studied? Germany! They clocked in with an average of 1353.89 hours per employee.


Expressions included in the study guide



* Near and dear to [one’s] heart
* Dependent
* To battle with [something]
* At the whim of [someone]
* Hamster wheel



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Tim Gouw (Unsplash.com)

Have you heard about the newest trend that combines a daily walk or jog with picking up litter? If not, you’re not alone. It’s called plogging, and in this Chatterbox episode Andrew and Anna explain it, how it came to be called plogging, and why it’s becoming a popular activity for many people around the world.

The Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Podcasts and audio lessons are a great way to improve your English listening skills. Culips’ Chatterbox episodes feature natural, unedited conversations between native speakers, so you can build your English vocabulary and learn about the new ways people are cleaning up their neighbourhoods.









Fun facts
Since first appearing in Sweden in 2016, plogging has spread around the world. In 2019, it was estimated that 2 million people plogged daily in over 100 countries.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Fair play
* The [something] circuit
* Fair game
* Free box
* One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
* To clean up [one’s] act



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Edoardo Frezet (Unsplash.com)

Damn! I can’t wait to listen to the new Culips episode. This is just one of the many ways you can use the word damn. You may have heard people say this word in films, TV, and music, but never truly understood all of the many meanings of the word. Listen to this Catch Word episode to learn some of the different definitions and how you can use the word like a native English speaker.

The Culips Catch Word series teaches you how to use everyday expressions, idioms, and slang to improve your speaking and listening skills. Sit back and listen to Kassy and Andrew explain four different ways to use damn in natural conversation.









Fun facts
The word damn originates from the Bible and it means to condemn someone. Therefore, in a religious context, saying this word means that you should be condemned by God to suffer eternal punishment in hell! Of course, we don’t use it to mean the same thing in our everyday conversations.



Expressions included in the study guide



* Damn
* I’ll be damned
* [I] Don’t give a damn
* Damn [adjective]
* To shy away from [something]
* In the slightest



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Icons8 (Unsplash.com)

Trolls. No, we’re not talking about mean mythical creatures who live under bridges. We’re talking about online trolls. They are very real and very mean people who like to anger others by posting nasty and cruel comments online. This has become a big problem associated with social media.

In this Simplified Speech episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy discuss the various ways online trolls operate, and how you can deal with them in your own way









Fun facts
The troll character comes from Scandinavian mythology and has been around for centuries. Online trolls, however, date back to the early beginnings of the internet.



Expressions included in the study guide



* To scratch [one’s] head
* To brush [something] off
* To get a kick out of [something]
* To spew
* Tainted
* To solve [something] overnight



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Headway (Unsplash.com)

Board games are a fun way to spend an evening with friends. In this episode, Kassy talks with Andrew about her board game club and shares how it helps her meet new people, despite the pandemic.

Simplified Speech episodes feature two native English speakers having clear, natural and easy to understand English conversations about interesting topics, like board games with friends. By listening to Andrew and Kassy chat and following along with the transcript and study guide, you can improve your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary









Fun facts
In 2008, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Scrabble, two skydivers in Florida played a short game…13,000 feet in the air! They built a special wooden board with adhesive pieces that stayed on the board while they were in the air.



Expressions included in the study guide



* That’s the right idea
* To dwindle
* Revolving door
* Beast of a [something]
* A renaissance
* To branch out



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Collie Coburn (Unsplash.com)

Happy 2022!! BONUS EPISODE
Episode description
Happy 2022! In this short episode, Andrew and the Culips team pass on the greetings and wishes for the new year.

For some, 2021 was a lot better than 2020. However, that is not the case for everyone. We’re all still dealing with the COVID pandemic. In this episode, the Culips team looks back at some of the highs and lows of the last year.

Simplified Speech is a series meant for intermediate English language learners. This series is designed to help you improve your English skills with interesting and easy to listen to episodes.









Fun facts
The COVID pandemic has disrupted the entire world. Future generations might not fully understand what we went through. On the lighter side, years from now, they might be asking us why the Tokyo 2020 Olympics took place in 2021!



Expressions included in the study guide



* To recentre
* To babble
* A fairy-tale [something]
* Daunting
* A win
* Trouper



Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Photo Credit: Clay Banks (Unsplash.com)
Links Andrew mentions in this episode:
Culips December Live Stream
Anna with 2Ns