Episodes

  • Bonus episode #127 – Special delivery

    Bonus episode #127 – Special delivery
    Nov 25 2024
    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)
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    25 mins
  • Catch Word #281 – Just the ticket

    Catch Word #281 – Just the ticket
    Nov 21 2024
    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.
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    24 mins
  • Bonus episode #126 – Time trap

    Bonus episode #126 – Time trap
    Nov 17 2024
    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)
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    22 mins
  • Simplified Speech #205 – Learning to scuba with Luke

    Simplified Speech #205 – Learning to scuba with Luke
    Nov 14 2024
    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.
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    35 mins
  • Bonus episode #125 – The perfect crime

    Bonus episode #125 – The perfect crime
    Nov 10 2024
    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: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Simplified Speech 201 - Audiobooks Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
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    30 mins
  • Simplified Speech #204 – Exploring Germany

    Simplified Speech #204 – Exploring Germany
    Nov 7 2024
    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.
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    32 mins
  • Bonus episode #124 – Pushing past pain

    Bonus episode #124 – Pushing past pain
    Nov 3 2024
    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: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
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    26 mins
  • Simplified Speech #203 – Iceland adventures with Indiana

    Simplified Speech #203 – Iceland adventures with Indiana
    Oct 31 2024
    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.
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    31 mins