Culips English Podcast: Practical English Learning Made Fun Learn and Explore: Join Culips for an exciting English learning journey. Our podcast focuses on teaching English idioms, slang, and phrasal verbs through fun and engaging conversations. Each episode helps you master English for real-life situations. Unique Learning Experience: Culips stands out by blending language skills with cultural insights. Our diverse hosts make learning relatable, covering a variety of everyday topics. You’ll pick up practical language skills and gain cultural understanding, enhancing your English fluency in an enjoyable way. Your Path to Fluency: As your ideal learning partner, Culips provides easy-to-understand lessons on daily English usage. Learn from native speakers and immerse in different cultures, making your English learning journey rewarding and effective.
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In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English idioms: to go off the rails and to get out of hand. These are common expressions that English speakers use to describe situations that become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control. You’ll hear Andrew and Indiana explain the meaning, give background, and share many everyday examples. They also act out short conversations to show how these expressions are used naturally in real life. What you’ll learn with this epi...
In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Sapporo, Japan. He tells you about exploring the Susukino district, visiting the coastal town of Otaru, and discovering beer and sake festivals throughout the city. You’ll also hear about many of his other adventures including witnessing a car accident and navigating the city without Google Maps for an extra challenge! This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who are ready to take it to the next level with their English flue...
This episode delves into the concept of common sense, defining it as sound practical judgment and examining how it develops through experience and observation rather than being purely innate. Andrew and Anna recount their own funny moments of lacking common sense, discuss its role in avoiding scams, and explore different generational and cultural perspectives. They conclude by contrasting common sense with "book smarts," highlighting the importance of practical knowledge for navigating daily life.
In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his quick one-day visit to Osaka. You’ll hear about his record shopping plans, an unexpected tsunami alert, and how he had to make some tough decisions about his travel plans. This is perfect for English learners because you’ll hear natural storytelling with everyday vocabulary and expressions. Andrew speaks clearly and shares real experiences, which helps you understand how native speakers actually talk. This episode is highly recommended for intermedi...
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana explore a topic everyone can relate to – the things we’re bad at. They share funny and honest stories about their struggles with tasks like assembling IKEA furniture, drawing, handling insects, recalling movie details, parking while chatting, and even stretching. Through your hosts’ lighthearted conversation, you’ll hear how these challenges show up in daily life and how they react to each other’s skills (or lack of them). This episode is per...
Do you ever get a feeling that something is right or wrong, even if you can’t explain why? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of the sixth sense, also known as intuition. They talk about what it means, how it works, and when they’ve relied on it in real life. You’ll hear personal stories, learn common expressions, and improve your listening skills while enjoying a fun, natural conversation between native speakers. This episode is great for upper intermediate to advanced...
August Challenge – Vocabulary Boost! In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the August Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you’ll focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning and using 15 advanced adjectives that have been featured in Culips episodes. It’s a great way to make your English sound more colorful, expressive, and natural like a native speaker. The challenge runs every second day throughout August, giving you time to really understand each adjective and prac...
This episode is all about musical education! Andrew and Indiana share stories about learning instruments as kids, their music classes at school, and how they feel about playing musical instruments today. You’ll hear Andrew talk about jamming on his drum set in his basement, Indiana’s experiences in school chorus, and whether they think parents should push their kids to take music lessons. This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to pick up natural vocabulary and express...
How can a homemade lunch end in tragedy, mystery, and a murder trial that shocks the world? Join Andrew as he revisits the infamous mushroom murder case in Australia and guides you through the dramatic courtroom outcome. In this episode, you’ll read along with a real news article and learn important vocabulary that helps you understand the story. You’ll learn legal words like “jury” and “plead”, and more advanced terms like “deception” and “estranged.” Andrew explains everything clearly so you c...
Have you ever been in a situation where someone was being too loud, too intense, or acting like they’re better than everyone else? In today’s episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two essential expressions that native English speakers use all the time to ask someone to change their behavior. What You’ll Learn: How to use “tone it down” when someone needs to be quieter or calmer When to say “get off your high horse” to someone who’s acting superior The difference between being polite and being to...
What happens when a country’s most secretive presidential residence suddenly opens its doors to the public? Join Andrew as he takes you on a fascinating tour of Seoul’s famous Blue House, the presidential residence that was recently opened to the public! In this episode, Andrew shares his incredible experience exploring the beautiful grounds where Korean presidents once lived, complete with amazing architecture, an ancient Buddha statue, and breathtaking city views. You’ll learn about the myster...
Do you rely on your eyes more than your other senses? In this episode, you’ll hear a real conversation between Andrew and Anna about vision, eyesight, and learning styles. You’ll find out why Andrew wears an eye mask at night, what Anna would do in a zombie apocalypse without her contact lenses, and whether either of them would get laser eye surgery. If you’re at the upper intermediate level, this is the perfect episode to build your English confidence. You’ll learn natural ways to describe habi...
Have you ever worked hard to create something beautiful, only to have uninvited guests show up and ruin it? That’s exactly what happened to Andrew when he transformed his little Seoul yard into an urban paradise! In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about some unexpected “burglars” who discovered his secret garden. You’ll discover who these mysterious visitors are and why they’ve been “terrorizing” his home all week! Along the way, you’ll learn over 15 useful expressions that will make y...
In this engaging episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana play "Overrated or Underrated," sharing their candid opinions on various popular topics. They delve into vegan cheeses, the efficiency of meal prepping, the value of self-help books, and the utility of vision boards and affirmations. Listeners will not only learn natural English expressions for sharing opinions but also gain insights into how to use "overrated" and "underrated" effectively.
Andrew and Alina discuss Alina's travels in Hungary, visiting fellow community member Aditka. They share Aditka's heartwarming audio review about her positive experience with Culips and the community. The hosts then announce the upcoming Culips meetup in Prague on July 26th and introduce the July Discord Challenge, focusing on practicing sharing opinions politely on controversial topics.
Andrew and Indiana share their diverse summer plans, from attending music festivals and dream concerts in Japan and Korea to a wedding and family visit in Colorado. They also discuss hopes for a relaxing, low-key summer and a unique biking adventure with a new family member.
Have you ever tried to buy something online and everything went completely wrong? That’s exactly what happened to Andrew when he tried to book a simple plane ticket online! In this episode, Andrew tells you two funny stories: one about his epic battle with credit card verification systems that led to a complete “rage quit,” and another about a confusing elevator situation that made him question basic social manners. These stories are full of natural English expressions and vocabulary that you’ll...
Do you know what to say if you need to report something important but not urgent? In today’s episode, you’ll learn exactly how to handle this type of situation in English. Join Andrew and Kassy as they break down two realistic phone conversations where someone calls the police or fire department’s non-emergency line. You’ll learn the key expressions native speakers use to describe situations that are a little concerning but not emergencies . In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Start a phone ca...
Have you ever had one of those moments where a simple activity turns into a total disaster? That’s exactly what happened to Andrew during what should have been a routine evening run! In this episode, you’ll follow Andrew through his unexpected adventure with tiny flying bugs, bloodshot eyes, and his first-ever visit to an eye doctor. But here’s the thing – this isn’t just a funny story. It’s packed with real English that you’ll actually use when talking about health problems, describing symptoms...
Andrew and Kassy discuss "chugumi," a Korean trend among Gen Z involving emulating an ideal style, lifestyle, or vibe. They explore different types like style, lifestyle, and mood chugumi, relating them to English concepts like inspiration and role models. The episode also touches on how social media influences these trends and the potential concern of being seen as a "poser" or "tryhard."
Andrew reveals the detailed process of producing a Culips English podcast episode, explaining each step from initial topic brainstorming and scheduling with co-hosts around the world to recording natural conversations, light audio editing, and the rigorous human-checked transcription and study guide creation. He also touches upon the final steps of uploading the episode and engaging with members in speaking classes, illustrating the team's dedication and effort involved in delivering quality content.
Learn how to use the English word endings and expressions "-phile", "-head", and "buff" to describe someone who is a big fan or very knowledgeable about a specific topic. The hosts explain the nuances of each term, provide common examples like cinephile, gearhead, and history buff, and offer advice on using them naturally. Discover how these terms often relate to specific interests, from high-level arts to counterculture scenes.
In this community update, Andrew and Alina announce the June Challenge focused on mastering 15 high-frequency phrasal verbs using existing Culips study guides. They explain how to join the free challenge on Discord and highlight its benefits for listening and speaking. Additionally, they share details about the first-ever Culips European meetup happening in Prague on Saturday, July 26th, and how interested listeners can express their potential attendance.
What happens when you visit a dog shelter and find the perfect pet? In this episode, Andrew tells the story of adopting his new dog, O’Wall. Listen as he explains how he and his wife chose their new pet, went through the adoption process, and helped their dog settle into her new home. You’ll hear about visiting shelters, picking the perfect name, and why O’Wall is the luckiest dog around! How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build fluency by hearing natural storytelling with re...
In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how friendship changes as we grow older, especially when life gets busy with work, relationships, and family. They discuss how marriage and parenthood can shift friendship dynamics, how the media creates unrealistic ideas about friendship, and what real connection looks like today. Listen to this episode to hear a natural conversation about adult relationships while building your fluency and learning new vocabulary about friendship, connection, and mo...
Have you ever experienced a week so busy and memorable it felt like a whole month? In this episode, Andrew shares two stories from one incredibly eventful week in his life. Listen in as Andrew talks about special celebrations, cultural traditions in Korea, and thoughtful surprises from loved ones. There’s even a mystery gift involved… but you’ll have to tune in to find out exactly what it was! How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build your listening comprehension through Andre...
Andrew and Anna delve into the concept of taste, discussing both the physical sense and personal preferences. They share personal stories about how their tastes in food, drinks, music, movies, and fashion have evolved over time, including acquired tastes like coffee and beer, and unique cultural foods like Marmite and maple syrup. The conversation explores whether similar tastes are essential for friendships and what our preferences might reveal about our personalities.
In this episode, Andrew talks about how he spends his free time and shares his top three YouTube channels. You’ll hear about a Dutch YouTuber exploring Seoul, a British marathon runner living in Tokyo, and a Canadian couple building a quiet life in the Japanese countryside. Andrew explains why he enjoys each channel and how they fit into his daily routine. How this episode will improve your English: Listening : Improve your listening skills by spending time with Andrew and following clear, real-...
Andrew and Indiana discuss weddings, with Indiana recounting her experience at a Jewish semi-destination wedding in Miami, highlighting unique traditions like the chuppah and the hora. They compare wedding customs in Canada, the US, and Korea, focusing on receptions, cakes, and gift-giving. The episode also touches on the evolving nature of wedding traditions and cultural differences in celebrations.
Andrew talks about a fascinating and sad news story involving three deaths from eating poisonous mushrooms. Accident or crime? Listen to and decide for yourself! In the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn about the phrasal verb to feel for (someone) . Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript: Click here. Join the Culips Discord server: Click here. Read the news article about the mushroom my...
