Episodit
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In this episode, Andrew tells the story of how he surprised his parents at Christmas. He shares the big reveal, their shocked reactions, and how they spent the holiday. He also talks about what he did during the rest of his visit and how he felt about surprising them. This real-life story will help you improve your English skills and become a better communicator.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a real-life story about surprising his parents at Christmas.
New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about family gatherings, holiday traditions, and making last-minute arrangements during the festive season.
Idioms and Expressions: Learn useful English expressions like “to be taken aback,” “the more the merrier,” and “to break the ice,” and see how they’re used in real conversations.
Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s intonation and rhythm, then practice repeating short clips of the episode to build your fluency and sound more natural.
Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server, share your own surprise stories, and practice using new vocabulary in casual conversations.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
Join Andrew as he talks with Mikael, a special guest from Norway. Mikael shares how he learned English and got interested in programming and making video games. He also tells the story of how he met Culips team member Alina through a pen pal app years ago. If you want to know Mikael’s tips for learning English and learn some cool video game vocabulary, this episode is perfect for you!
How this episode will improve your English:
Build your vocabulary: Learn useful gaming and tech words like “roguelike” and everyday phrases like “head bashing against the wall.”
Improve your pronunciation: Listen to clear and natural English from native and non-native speakers to sound more fluent.
Learn about culture: Discover how Norwegians learn English and how gaming connects people worldwide.
Sharpen your listening skills: Understand real-life English by listening to a fun, engaging conversation.
Practice speaking: Join the speaking classes about this episode (schedule below) to build confidence and improve your conversation skills.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
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.
Speaking classes with this episode:
We’ll be discussing this episode in the following small-group conversation classes. To join the classes, you must be a Culips member.
February 22nd, 2025 with Alina at 11:00 AM Ireland time (GMT +0)
February 27th, 2025 with Andrew at 8:00 PM Korea time (GMT +9)
March 4th, 2025 with Indiana at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time (GMT-5)
All classes happen on Zoom and last for one hour. To see the schedule in your time zone and learn how to join the classes, click here: -
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about his quick trip to Vancouver before heading to his hometown for Christmas. He talks about flying in from Seoul, meeting his best friend Luke, and enjoying Canadian treats like poutine. Andrew also faced some challenges, like rainy weather and lost luggage, but still found time to watch a hockey game and explore the city. As you listen, you’ll learn useful English expressions such as “we go way back” and “caught up with me,” and improve your fluency while having fun with Andrew’s adventure.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a real-life story about traveling to Vancouver, meeting his best friend, and exploring the city.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about traveling, winter activities, and spending time with friends.
Idioms and expressions: Understand common English expressions like “mission accomplished,” “to fend off,” and “to be wiped.”
Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to improve your fluency and confidence.
Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server to practice conversational English and share your own stories.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Listen to Simplified Speech 205 - Learning to Scuba with Luke -
Andrew and Anna talk about modern identity labels that people use in their daily lives. They look at labels for work, relationships, finances, and more. Some examples include WFH (work from home), solopreneur (running a business alone), and dink (double income, no kids). They also discuss terms for different generations, like millennial and zoomer, and relationship labels like situationship. Andrew and Anna explain what these words mean, how people use them, and why these labels have become popular. This episode will help you understand new English vocabulary and learn more about Western culture.
How this episode will improve your English:
Build Vocabulary and Learn Idioms: Expand your English vocabulary with terms like "DINK(Y)" and "situationship," and understand idioms such as "out of touch" to improve your conversational English.
Practice Listening Skills: Improve your listening skills by following native English speakers' natural speech patterns, tone, and rhythm in real-life discussions.
Improve English Pronunciation: Hear and mimic correct pronunciation of challenging words like "Achilles heel" and "mollycoddled" to sound more fluent in English.
Speak English with Confidence: Use new expressions from this episode in your conversations to improve fluency and natural speech. Join our Discord server and participate in our speaking classes to practice these expressions in real-life discussions with other English learners and our teachers.
Learn English Culture Through Language: Explore how cultural trends influence vocabulary and understand phrases related to modern lifestyles, like "empty nester" or "slashie."
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
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.
Speaking classes with this episode:
We’ll be discussing this episode in the following small-group conversation classes. To join the classes, you must be a Culips member.
February 15th, 2025 with Alina at 11:00 AM Ireland time (GMT +0)
February 20th, 2025 with Andrew at 8:00 PM Korea time (GMT +9)
February 25th, 2025 with Indiana at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time (GMT-5)
All classes happen on Zoom and last for one hour. To see the schedule in your time zone and learn how to join the classes, click here: https://esl.culips.com/online-classes-schedule/ -
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about how his New Year’s plans took an unexpected turn. After a fun trip to Canada, he returned to South Korea feeling under the weather. Despite his plans to start the year with a bang, he spent the first few days battling jet lag and coming down with something. Andrew also talks about celebrating New Year’s Eve with his wife and gives us a glimpse of his gift exchange. As you listen, you’ll learn useful English expressions like “coming down with something” and “start with a bang,” while improving your vocabulary, fluency, and listening skills.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew shares a personal story about his New Year’s experience in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about winter, feeling sick, and celebrating holidays.
Idioms and expressions: Understand common expressions like "rest up," "work up an appetite," and "sometimes life throws you a curveball.”
Pronunciation: Listen to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to improve your fluency and confidence.
Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana discuss her recent move to a new house. They talk about the exciting but exhausting process of buying and moving into a home, the challenges of unpacking, and the traditions surrounding moving day. Indiana shares her experience of house hunting for months and finally settling into her new space, while Andrew reflects on his own moving experiences.
How this episode will improve your English:
Learn new vocabulary and expressions: The episode includes everyday expressions like "every waking hour" and "go to town," which you can use in conversations to sound more natural.
Improve listening skills: Listening to real conversations helps you understand how native speakers talk, including their speed, tone, and pronunciation.
Practice pronunciation: By listening carefully, you can hear how words are pronounced and try saying them yourself to match.
Understand everyday topics: The discussion about moving houses teaches useful vocabulary related to daily life, like "house hunting" and "moving truck."
Gain confidence in speaking: Hearing casual conversations can help you feel more confident in using English for similar discussions in your life.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
Happy 2025! In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew gets the new year off to an exciting start by sharing some big plans for the months ahead. As you listen, you’ll pick up practical English expressions, discover useful fluency tips, and hear about a special membership sale you won’t want to miss. Let’s make this a fantastic year of learning and growth together!
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In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy reflect on their most memorable moments from 2024, sharing stories about their personal highlights of the year. From family visits and exciting travel experiences to special moments of growth and achievement, they discuss what made this year truly unforgettable.
How this episode will improve your English:
Improved vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to personal experiences, milestones, and emotions.
Better listening skills: Understand how native speakers use casual language to share stories and reflect on the past.
Practical English: Learn how native speakers talk about their experiences and feelings and learn how to discuss important moments in your own life.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about trying to celebrate his mother-in-law’s birthday. At first, they planned a hike, but heavy snow forced them to change their plans over and over again. In the end, he and his family enjoyed a cozy, indoor party instead. You’ll also hear about a funny surprise about his father-in-law’s new look! As you listen, you will learn useful English expressions and build your fluency.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew tells a personal story in a clear, understandable way.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to family gatherings, food, and cultural traditions.
Idioms and expressions: Learn common English expressions used in real-life situations and understand how to include them in your own conversations.
Pronunciation: Listen carefully to Andrew’s rhythm and intonation, then practice speaking along to sound more confident and fluent.
Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew talks with new-mom, Kassy! She recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and she tells us all about her pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of caring for a newborn. Listen to hear about her daily routine, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the cultural differences that shape her new life as a parent.
What you will learn:
Cultural Insights: Discover how birth and parenting practices differ in Korea, especially in terms of hospital policies and traditions like the "100th day" celebration.
Parenting Vocabulary: Learn helpful English terms related to pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care.
Family Life Challenges: Understand the common struggles of new parents, including diapering, breastfeeding, and adjusting to a new routine.
Personal Stories: Hear Kassy's unique experiences and lessons from her journey into motherhood.
How this episode will improve your English:
Vocabulary Expansion: Learn useful expressions and terms related to parenting, family life, and cultural traditions.
Listening Skills: Improve your ability to follow natural conversations and personal stories between native speakers.
Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into family dynamics and cultural differences, enhancing your ability to understand real-life situations.
Practical Expressions: Pick up everyday phrases that can help you discuss family life and personal experiences in English.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Become a Culips member now: Click here.
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the Oxford Dictionary’s top English words for 2024. Follow along as he breaks down each word, explains how to use it naturally, and shares why these words capture our changing culture. As a special treat, he even introduces a brand-new word he created himself!
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Get better at understanding spoken English as Andrew clearly explains each word’s meaning and usage.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases tied to modern life and culture.
Idioms and expressions: Pick up new expressions and learn how to use them into your own sentences.
Cultural knowledge: Discover how language reflects what people care about today.
Pronunciation: Listen closely to Andrew’s natural speech and copy him to practice sounding more fluent and confident.
Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about some of the best live music shows they’ve ever seen. They share what made these concerts special, from the wild energy of mosh pits to the excitement of finding new bands. This episode is perfect for English learners who love music and want to improve their listening skills and learn about the cultural side of English. And who knows, you might even discover a new band you really like!
How this episode will improve your English:
Grow your English listening skills: Hear a real, everyday English conversation between native speakers about concerts and music.
Learn new music vocabulary: Discover words like “psych rock,” “crowdsurfing,” “moshing,” and “opener” and understand how to use them.
Get cultural insights: Understand concert culture in English-speaking countries and learn about well-known bands, like Talking Heads and Weezer.
Stay motivated with fun topics: Enjoy learning English by listening to stories and experiences about live music shows you’ll find interesting.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
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.
Click here to listen to a playlist of the bands mentioned in this episode! -
In this bonus episode, Andrew shares the rollercoaster of events he experienced this week, from staying glued to the news during a major political moment in South Korea to tackling an important health check-up. With humor and honesty, he reflects on how these moments shaped his week.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening practice: Practice following real-life stories told in clear, natural English.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about health, news, and everyday life, such as “in flux,” “flush my system,” and “the nitty gritty.”
Idioms and expressions: Learn common expressions like “stick your head in the sand,” “doom and gloom,” and “hold up.” Try using them in your own sentences.
Cultural knowledge: Get a look at South Korean culture, healthcare, and how major events impact daily life.
Pronunciation practice: Hear Andrew’s natural intonation and pacing to improve your own English fluency.
Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Listen to bonus episode 33 -
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew is joined by Alina to discuss her recent spontaneous trip to Norway. Alina shares how she made a last-minute decision to visit the country, motivated by her love for Scandinavian coffee and her desire to experience the famous Norwegian sauna. Throughout the episode, Alina also talks about her first impressions of Norway, the challenges of traveling spontaneously, and some cultural surprises she encountered. Join the conversation to hear about Alina’s quick getaway and how sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones you don’t plan!
How this episode will improve your English:
Vocabulary building: Learn expressions related to spontaneous decisions, travel, and cultural experiences.
New expressions: Understand and use useful expressions like "to sleep on it," "a far cry," and "to follow suit" in everyday conversations.
Listening skills: Improve your ability to follow a natural, real-life conversation between two fluent speakers.
Cultural context: Gain a better understanding of how travel experiences and cultural norms can differ between countries, helping you in international discussions.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew takes you on a fun Sunday trip through Jegidong, a neighborhood in Seoul. Follow along as he and his wife find a small, hidden Chinese restaurant and visit a lively local market, buying fresh fruit and enjoying the busy, bustling atmosphere. To top it all off, they relax at a café with a fascinating history as an old movie theater.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening Practice: Get better at understanding English by following Andrew’s interesting and easy-to-follow stories. Hear how native speakers talk in everyday conversations.
New Vocabulary: Learn words about food, markets, and exploring cities. Discover phrases like “hole-in-the-wall,” “bustling,” and “medicinal ingredients.”
Idioms and Expressions: Pick up fun sayings like “chow down,” “go to town,” and “pat yourself on the back.” See how they’re used and try them in your own sentences.
Cultural Knowledge: Learn about life in Korea, the food people love, and what makes local neighborhoods special.
Pronunciation Practice: Listen to Andrew’s clear and natural speech. Copy his way of speaking to sound more fluent and confident in English.
Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna discuss the important topic of office etiquette. They share tips and opinions on workplace culture, including dress codes, handling awkward situations, and maintaining a harmonious office environment. You'll also hear about how cultural differences influence workplace behavior and why certain habits, like strong perfumes or noisy eating, might cause friction in shared spaces.
How this episode will improve your English:
Vocabulary building: Learn key expressions related to workplaces, office culture, and clothing styles.
Listening skills: Improve your ability to follow natural conversations between native speakers.
Cultural context: Learn about workplace expectations and cultural differences, making it easier to connect in international professional settings.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
In this week's bonus episode, Andrew shares his experience receiving a surprise care package from San Francisco. While unpacking delicious American treats with his wife, he reflects on his own journey with homesickness in South Korea and how care packages helped him adjust to life abroad. Listen as Andrew humorously describes his weakness for peanut butter cups and why his wife had to become the official "snack manager" in their house.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening practice: Get better at understanding English by following Andrew's story. Practice understanding natural, conversational English as he shares personal experiences and memories.
Vocabulary building: Learn useful vocabulary related to living abroad like "care package," "homesickness," "non-perishable," "expat," and "self-control." Expand your word bank with terms commonly used when discussing cultural differences and international living.
Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural English expressions like "the odds are," "work up an appetite," "pig out," and "leave someone in the lurch." Understand how these idioms are used in context and add them to your own speech.
Cultural understanding: Learn about care packages, a common practice in Western cultures for showing care to loved ones living far away.
Pronunciation practice: Listen to the correct pronunciation of new words and phrases. Practice copying Andrew's natural speech patterns to improve your own pronunciation and fluency.
Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two useful expressions that describe when something is exactly what you need. These expressions are perfect for situations when you get something that suits you perfectly or brings you comfort. You will learn how to use “exactly what the doctor ordered” and “just the ticket” in real-life conversations, as well as understand how these expressions can help you sound more natural in English.
What you will learn:
New expressions: Learn how to say when something is the perfect solution or exactly what you need in a situation.
Usage and context: Understand how to use “exactly what the doctor ordered” and “just the ticket” in different situations through detailed explanations.
Practical examples: Listen to real-world examples of conversations that use these expressions, teaching you how to apply them in your own conversations.
Do's and don’ts: Learn when and where these expressions are most appropriate to use.
How this episode will improve your English:
Bigger vocabulary: Add expressions to your vocabulary that will help you express when something is just right for you.
Better communication: Use these expressions to sound more fluent and natural when talking about solutions or things that make you feel better.
Real-world application: Understand how to use these expressions in everyday conversations, making your English sound more native-like.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
In this week's bonus episode, Andrew tells a funny story about trying to stop wasting time on his phone and computer. He uses an app to block distracting websites so he can focus better. But instead of staying on track, he discovers a new distraction he didn't expect. Andrew talks about how his plan took an unexpected turn and what he learned from it. He also shares the meaning of the expression, "When God closes a door, he opens a window," and how it fits his experience. Join him to hear about his ironic adventure with technology and staying productive.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening practice: Improve your listening skills by following Andrew's engaging story about battling digital distractions. Practice understanding natural, conversational English as he shares his personal experiences with technology.
Vocabulary building: Learn useful technology and productivity vocabulary like "distractions," "blocker," "addictive," "time suck," and "productivity." Expand your word bank with terms you'll encounter in everyday conversations about apps and staying focused.
Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural English expressions like "have a hunch," "down the rabbit hole," "rack your brain," "no going back," and "scratch that itch." Understand how these idioms are used in context and add them to your own speech.
Understanding sayings: Learn the meaning of the saying "When God closes a door, he opens a window," and see how Andrew applies it to his own situation. This will help you understand common proverbs used in English.
Pronunciation practice: Listen to the correct pronunciation of new words and phrases. Try mimicking Andrew's speech to improve your own pronunciation and fluency in English.
Cultural tips: Learn how people deal with technology and distractions in English-speaking cultures. Understand common challenges and solutions related to productivity.
Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Trying playing Connections
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew is joined by his longtime friend Luke, who recently took up scuba diving! Listen in as Luke shares stories about learning to scuba dive in Bali and the Philippines, including the different kinds of dives he experienced and all the training he went through. Andrew and Luke discuss Luke’s diving adventures and the different sights he saw in the ocean – such as a World War II shipwreck! If you're interested in scuba diving or just want to enjoy a natural conversation between two native speakers, then this episode is an excellent way to improve your English skills!
What you will learn:
Vocabulary related to scuba diving, like "buoyancy," "wetsuit," and "oxygen tank"
Information about scuba diving training and essential safety tips
How to talk about personal experiences and new hobbies in English
How this episode will improve your English:
Expand your vocabulary with common words used to talk about sports and adventure activities
Improve your listening skills by following a friendly conversation between native speakers
Learn how native speakers discuss experiences and hobbies, making it easier to talk about your own interests in the future
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Listen to Chatterbox 152: An interview with Luke from 2015!
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. - Näytä enemmän
