Episodes
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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:
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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:
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Episodes manquant?
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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:
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Study with the interactive transcript
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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.
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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:
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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:
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Trying playing Connections
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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. -
In this week's bonus episode, Andrew tells a funny yet unfortunate tale about some bad luck that he and his wife both experienced with their favorite gadgets at almost the same time! You'll hear about exactly what happened, the lessons they learned, and how they dealt with it all.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening practice: Follow a real-life story filled with natural speech. Practice understanding a longer, detailed narrative about everyday challenges.
Vocabulary building: Learn useful tech and household vocabulary like “frequency,” “static,” “routine,” and “vicinity.” Master words you might encounter in conversations about gadgets and home life.
Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural expressions like “pump up,” “crime of opportunity,” and “a baddie.” Learn how English speakers talk about responsibility, accidents, and routines in casual language.
Speaking skills: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
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Study with the interactive transcript
Simplified Speech 201 - Audiobooks
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In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew talks with Indiana about her recent trip to Germany. Indiana shares exciting stories about meeting her family in Germany for the first time, seeing amazing castles, and trying new foods. They also talk about the challenges of speaking another language and what it was like to see her family’s culture up close. This episode gives interesting insights into German culture and tips for feeling more comfortable in a foreign country.
What you will learn:
Vocabulary for discussing travel, family reunions, and cultural experiences.
Interesting aspects of German culture and history, including food, language, and traditions.
How this episode will improve your English:
Expand your travel and cultural vocabulary with real-life expressions.
Improve your listening comprehension through listening to a natural conversation between native speakers.
Build confidence using English to talk about travel, culture, and family experiences.
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 the story of what happened after he hurt his knee during a marathon. He talks about his trip to the doctor, getting different treatments, and what it was like walking around with a leg brace.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening practice: Follow a natural story about visiting the doctor and dealing with an injury. Practice understanding a longer narrative with real-life details.
Vocabulary building: Learn essential medical and health vocabulary like "orthopedic," "administering," "brace," and "treatment." Master words you might need at the doctor's office.
Idioms and expressions: Pick up natural expressions like "a godsend," "put weight on," and "eye-opening." Learn how English speakers talk about health and recovery.
Speaking skills: Learn how to explain symptoms, describe pain, and talk about medical experiences in natural English.
Real-life English: Get comfortable with doctor-patient conversations and medical situations in English.
Grammar in context: Notice how English speakers tell stories in the past tense and use sequence words to explain events.
English speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
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Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew is joined by Indiana to talk about her recent trip to Iceland. They discuss the stunning landscapes, the unique Icelandic culture, and how she decided to travel to Iceland to go on a nature expedition cruise. Indiana also shares interesting facts about Iceland's history, local traditions, and the memorable experiences she had while traveling to that special island. If you dream of visiting Iceland or just want to improve your English, this episode is for you! It features a natural conversation that will help you practice listening, build your vocabulary, and increase your fluency.
If you’d like to learn more about Indiana, click here to listen to her interview with Andrew from last year.
What you will learn:
Icelandic geography: Learn about the natural beauty of Iceland, from its famous waterfalls to its volcanic landscapes.
Cultural insights: Discover Icelandic traditions, such as the use of unique surnames and the importance of public pools.
Travel experiences: Hear about Indiana's firsthand experiences visiting Reykjavik, exploring the Arctic Circle, and spending ten nights on a tiny cruise ship.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening skills: Improve your ability to follow natural conversations between native speakers.
Vocabulary expansion: Learn useful travel-related words and phrases that will build your English vocabulary.
Cultural understanding: Increase your knowledge of Icelandic culture and history, making it easier to discuss these topics in English.
Engaging storytelling: Listening to real-life stories will help you stay focused and learn English more effectively.
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 talks about his trip to Gyeongju, South Korea where he participated in the 2024 Gyeongju Marathon. From his pre-race planning and road trip with his friend Jimmy, to the excitement of race day morning, you'll hear all the details of his marathon experience. Andrew shares what it's like to be one of the few international runners at the event, introduces us to the traditional Korean music that welcomed runners at the start line, and opens up about dealing with an unexpected knee injury during the race. Despite the challenges, Andrew stays positive and already has his sights set on his next marathon.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening practice: Improve your English by following along as Andrew tells a personal story about preparing for and running a marathon in Korea.
Vocabulary building: Learn useful sports and fitness terms like "carb loading," "dialed in" "hit your pace," and "acting up."
Idioms and expressions: Learn everyday idioms like "wasn't in the cards," "to be iffy," "TMI," and "empty the tank." See how these common expressions are used naturally in conversation.
English speaking practice: 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, Andrew and Anna continue their chat about the challenges and joys of using humor in different languages. They share stories of failed jokes, moments when humor brought people together, and discuss how different cultures approach comedy. They also share their favorite types of comedy and talk about why some people seem naturally funny while others aren’t.
What you will learn:
Vocabulary and expressions related to humor and comedy.
Why some people might be naturally funnier than others.
How language learners can become more comfortable using humor, even when it's difficult.
How you will improve your English with this episode
Grow your understanding of cultural and linguistic differences in humor.
Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native speakers.
Learn to recognize different types of humor, such as deadpan and self-deprecating.
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 week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the highs and lows of preparing for his next race in Gyeongju, South Korea. Along the way, he reflects on how running has impacted his life, and he discusses trying to overcome challenges like injuries and tough weather conditions.
What you'll learn:
Listening practice: Improve your English by following along as Andrew talks about his passion for running.
Vocabulary building: Learn useful terms related to fitness and running, like "training block," "runner’s knee," and "PR" (personal record).
Idioms and expressions: Learn new idioms such as “hit a wall” and “tough it out,” and see how they’re used in real-life situations.
English speaking practice: 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) - Montre plus
