Learning English is tough stuff, but we’re here to help every step of the way. This podcast is for English language learners who want to improve their lives by becoming fluent in English. Our high-quality lessons are free, fun and taught by our expert hosts. Listening to Culips is like sitting in on an interesting chat between good friends. Your fluency, listening skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation will improve naturally as you get to know our hosts and learn about interesting topics and trends in Canada and around the world. Get awesome at English, with Culips!
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)
Bonus episode #070 - A real nice surprise Episode description In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a surprise visit from an old friend. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiom not your first rodeo. Become a Culips member: click here Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here
Andrew and Kassy discuss how to handle noisy neighbours in this Real Talk episode. Dealing with noisy neighbours can be challenging, but with the right approach you might be able to solve the problem without losing your cool. This episode features several useful expressions for bringing up topics that aren’t easy to discuss and for addressing conflict. Fun facts There are often local laws called noise ordinances. These limit how much noise you are allowed to make at certain times of day, such as between 10 PM and 7 AM. You should always try to communicate with your neighbours and solve noise problems among yourselves first. However, in extreme cases, you may be able to file a complaint that your neighbour is violating your area’s noise ordinance. Expressions included in the study guide To bother [someone] I wanted to talk to you about something What’s on your mind? To wind down To appreciate [something] Don’t hesitate to [verb] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Pablo de Haro (pexels.com)
Bonus episode #069 - Goodbye King Pinky Episode description In this episode, Andrew talks about saying goodbye to his pet dog, Pinky. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to set off your alarm bells. Become a Culips member: click here Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: click here Bonus episode 57: click here Culips Instagram: click here
In this episode, Kassy and Andrew talk about Kassy’s trip to Europe. Kassy shares her adventures in Sweden, Italy, and Scotland. During this trip, she visited her family, went hiking, stayed in a 15th-century castle, and volunteered at an Eco Lodge. Listen to this Simplified Speech episode to hear all the exciting details! Fun facts Did you know that around 80% of Scandinavians speak English fluently? English is prioritized in their education, starting from a young age. But there’s something else: instead of dubbing movies and TV shows, as is common in many other countries, Scandinavians use subtitles. This means that even as children, they get to hear the original English dialogue. This practice improves their listening skills and helps them develop authentic English pronunciation and intonation from an early age. Expressions included in the study guide To buckle up A red-eye (flight) An acquired taste To fill [someone] in on [something] Hit-or-miss To hit [someone] up Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Ali Elliott (Unsplash.com)
Bonus episode #068 - The sixth spot Episode description The bonus series is back! Join Andrew as he shares a story about his recent adventure down south in Gwangju, where he caught up with friends and tackled a challenging half marathon along a scenic forest road. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, Andrew will teach you a useful English idiom: "To snore your head off." Study with the interactive transcript here: Listen to the interview with Indiana here: Join the Culips Discord server here: Details about the Culips course:
In our modern world, technology is changing our lives all the time, and mostly, it’s making things better. But there are some tech innovations that can be a little worrying, even scary. In this episode, Andrew and Anna dive into the world of deepfakes. They explore their pros and cons and discuss how they might affect our future. If you’re interested in the world of modern technology and its hidden dangers, this episode is for you! References in this episode: Savages by Alltta: click here Miles Fisher: click here Pentagon attack deep fake: click here South Korean documentary, Meeting You: click here Fun facts In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore both the dangers and the positive aspects of deepfakes. An interesting example of deepfake entertainment takes place at the Dalí Museum in Florida, where visitors can virtually meet the famous surrealist painter, interact and take selfies with him. Expressions included in the study guide To have got [something] down In the limelight To reap the benefits To an extent A hard sell To take [something] with a pinch of salt Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Sander Sammy (Unsplash.com)
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed someone to wait patiently while you handled something? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two expressions you can use in such situations: bear with me and hang tight. Catch Word is a Culips series that teaches you idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. With Catch Word, you learn common phrases used by native English speakers while listening to casual, natural conversations. Fun facts Did you know that waiting can be quite stressful for our bodies? Studies have shown that while waiting, our heart rate can increase, stress and anxiety levels go up, muscles get tense, and our perception of time changes. On the bright side, if we’re waiting for something exciting, our bodies releases endorphins, which make us feel happy. Expressions included in the study guide Bear with me Hang tight To line up [something] To come across as To get [something] across Can’t bear [something] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Ben White (Unsplash.com)
Bonus episode #067 - Early in the morning Episode description Andrew talks about a new app that he’s become addicted to and how he used that app to make an early morning purchase. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson he teaches you how to use the idiomatic expression to put words in [someone’s] mouth. Study with the interactive transcript here: Listen to the interview with Indiana here: Join the Culips Discord server here: Details about the Culips course:
In this episode, Andrew interviews one of Culips’ study guide writers, Indiana! He asks her about how she got interested in languages, how she became an English teacher, and what her hobbies are. Plus, Andrew and Indiana share an exciting piece of news – a free Culips course that starts in October! Listen to this episode to find out more about this exciting English learning opportunity. Join our first live course to study Simplified Speech episodes with a native English-speaking teacher for free! Click here for more details. Fun facts Indiana mentions that she lives in New York State, but not New York City. The State of New York has a total area of 54,555 square miles. Meanwhile, NYC only consists of 472 square miles! Expressions included in the study guide The floor is yours Drip Beta To drop in To cap [something] at To pat oneself on the back Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Indiana
Bonus Episode #066 - Let’s clear the air Episode description Andrew shares a story about a miscommunication, meeting up for lunch with his brother-in-law, a funny thing that happened at the Apple store, and more in this edition of the bonus episode. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiom to clear the air. Study with the interactive transcript here: Join the Culips Discord server here:
How often do you go to museums and art galleries? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about the different kinds of art exhibits they enjoy visiting. They also talk about some of the reasons they do not always enjoy spending time at art galleries, including anxiety and the behaviour of other gallery-goers. Join the Culips Discord server here: Fun facts Did you know that there is a special word in the United States to refer to museum tour guides? Individuals who lead guided tours through art or science museums are sometimes called docents (pronounced doe-sents). Expressions included in the study guide Poser To be bogged down Can’t help but [verb] To lose [one’s] cool Over the top To touch base with Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Snow White (pexels.com)
Bonus Episode #65 - Sandwich day Episode description Andrew talks about forest fires raging in his hometown, marathon training, gifts from his mother-in-law, and more. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, you’ll learn about the phrasal verb: to ramp up. 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 here: Join the Culips Discord server here: Check out the cake quest and marathon test episode here: Check out the mushroom mystery episode here:
