Culips Everyday English Podcast

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Simplified Speech #222 – Exploring the chugumi trend Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever followed a fashion trend, copied someone’s lifestyle, or tried to match a certain vibe? In Korea, there’s a popular word for that: chugumi. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy break down this buzzword, explain what it means, and show you how to talk about similar ideas in English. You’ll hear real examples, learn useful vocabulary, and get tips for sounding natural when talking about style, identity, and social media trends. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about culture, inspiration, and personal expression. In this lesson, you’ll learn: What the word chugumi really means and why it matters How to talk about style, lifestyle, and vibe in clear, natural English Common expressions like role model, poser, and try hard Why this trend is about more than just looks

Bonus episode #148 – From A to Z Jun 08, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite English podcast? In this episode, Andrew gives you an exclusive peek into the Culips production process while teaching you natural English expressions and vocabulary along the way. You'll learn useful phrases like "behind the scenes," "put the pedal to the metal," and "down to the wire" as Andrew walks you through each step of creating an episode. This is perfect practice for intermediate to advanced learners who want to improve their listening skills while satisfying their curiosity about how quality English content really gets made! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. What you'll learn: 10+ useful expressions like "behind the scenes," "put the pedal to the metal," and "down to the wire" - phrases you'll hear in movies, at work, and in daily conversations English vocabulary that's actually useful: "brainstorming," "transcribe," "proofreader," and "on the fly" How to sound more natural when you explain processes or tell stories about your work Real pronunciation - hear how native speakers actually talk (with pauses, corrections, and natural flow) Confidence boost - follow along with a real English story and feel proud when you understand it all Speaking: Discuss this episode with other Culips listeners in our Discord community! Perfect for you if: You want to understand English podcasts and videos without subtitles You're preparing for work or study in English You love learning through interesting stories (not boring textbook lessons!) You want to sound more natural when speaking English Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Catch Word #285 – Cinephile, gearhead, history buff Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever hear native speakers use expressions like “movie buff,” “gearhead,” or “shopaholic” and feel confused? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana break it all down for you. You’ll learn how to sound more natural and expressive when talking about your own passions or anyone else’s. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. This episode is great for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to build their vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. In this lesson, you’ll learn: ✅ How to use useful, advanced vocabulary like cinephile, metalhead, and audiophile ✅ The difference between -phile, -head, buff, -holic, and fiend ✅ How to avoid sounding unnatural or overdoing it when using slang ✅ Why these expressions show up in pop culture, podcasts, and movies

Culips Community Update – June 2025 May 30, 2025

Show notes

Ready to finally master phrasal verbs? In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the Culips June Challenge, designed to help you learn and use 15 high-frequency phrasal verbs in real conversations. You’ll hear how to join the free challenge on Discord, how it works, and why it’s a great way to stay consistent and motivated with your English. They also share details about the first-ever Culips meetup in Europe, happening this July in Prague. If you want to connect with other learners, speak more naturally, and have fun while you study, this episode is for you. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from June 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Watch the video version of this episode Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Bonus episode #147 – We hit the jackpot May 25, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you visit a dog shelter and find the perfect pet? In this episode, Andrew tells the story of adopting his new dog, O'Wall. Listen as he explains how he and his wife chose their new pet, went through the adoption process, and helped their dog settle into her new home. You'll hear about visiting shelters, picking the perfect name, and why O'Wall is the luckiest dog around! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build fluency by hearing natural storytelling with real pauses, word corrections, and the flow of everyday conversation. Vocabulary: Learn practical words like "agnostic," "shed," "puppy mill," and "hand-me-down" through Andrew's personal story. Expressions: Pick up natural phrases like "hit the jackpot," "rock paper scissors," and "tuckered out" that English speakers use daily. Pronunciation: Hear how English sounds when spoken naturally, including how words connect together in fast speech. Speaking: Share your own pet stories and discuss this episode with other Culips listeners in our Discord community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Simplified Speech #221 – Adult Friendships May 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how friendship changes as we grow older, especially when life gets busy with work, relationships, and family. They discuss how marriage and parenthood can shift friendship dynamics, how the media creates unrealistic ideas about friendship, and what real connection looks like today. Listen to this episode to hear a natural conversation about adult relationships while building your fluency and learning new vocabulary about friendship, connection, and modern life. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like “on the fence” (not sure about something) and “long-lost friend” (a friend you haven’t seen in a long time). Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about everyday life topics like making and maintaining friendships. Speaking: Build your fluency by joining Culips’ small-group speaking classes to talk about your own friendships and experiences. Culture: Discover how adult friendships work in different countries and what influences them. Fluency: Listening to real conversations helps train your brain to think in English and use English more naturally.

Bonus episode #146 – A month in a week May 18, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever experienced a week so busy and memorable it felt like a whole month? In this episode, Andrew shares two stories from one incredibly eventful week in his life. Listen in as Andrew talks about special celebrations, cultural traditions in Korea, and thoughtful surprises from loved ones. There’s even a mystery gift involved… but you'll have to tune in to find out exactly what it was! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build your listening comprehension through Andrew’s natural and engaging storytelling about everyday life. Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary with practical terms related to birthdays, celebrations, and thoughtful gift ideas. Expressions: Learn authentic English expressions like "the cherry on top," "in hot water," and "make a long story short." Pronunciation: Familiarize yourself with the intonation and rhythm of casual spoken English through clear, conversational speech. Speaking: Practice new vocabulary and expressions by joining conversations with learners from around the world in the Culips Discord community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Chatterbox #335 – Let’s talk taste May 16, 2025

Show notes

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about taste. They discuss how our preferences for food and drinks develop from childhood to adulthood, sharing personal stories about acquired tastes and interesting foods from their home countries. The conversation then shifts to personal preferences in music, fashion, films, and coffee, with both hosts talking about how their tastes have evolved over time. They end by questioning if having similar tastes is important for friendships and what our preferences reveal about who we are. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful adjectives to describe taste preferences like "refined," "sophisticated," "impeccable," "gaudy," "questionable," and "tacky." Listening: Build your listening skills by following a natural, friendly conversation about physical taste and personal preferences. Speaking: Discuss your own taste in food, music, movies, and fashion on our Discord server and in our weekly speaking classes. Culture: Discover how taste differs across cultures and how it connects to identity and personality. Fluency: Level up your English through acquisition, with support from our helpful study guide with an interactive transcript, quiz, and practice exercises.

Bonus episode #145 – My favorite YouTubers May 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Andrew talks about how he spends his free time and shares his top three YouTube channels. You'll hear about a Dutch YouTuber exploring Seoul, a British marathon runner living in Tokyo, and a Canadian couple building a quiet life in the Japanese countryside. Andrew explains why he enjoys each channel and how they fit into his daily routine. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Improve your listening skills by spending time with Andrew and following clear, real-life English. Vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases about daily life, hobbies, travel, and online content. Expressions: Learn everyday English expressions like “recharge your batteries,” “walk the walk,” and “on the edge of your seat.” Pronunciation: Get used to the sound and rhythm of natural spoken English to build better speaking habits. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule YouTube channels mentioned by Andrew: iGoBart Ran to Japan Maigomika

Simplified Speech #220 – Semi-destination wedding May 09, 2025

Show notes

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana catch up and talk all about weddings. Indiana shares her recent experience traveling to Florida for her husband’s cousin’s wedding, which was held in Miami. She explains what a Jewish wedding is like and describes some unique traditions, such as the chuppah, the ketubah, the breaking of a glass, and the fun dance called the hora. Andrew and Indiana also compare weddings in Canada, the United States, and Korea, talking about receptions, wedding cakes, group photos, and gift-giving traditions. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful words and expressions related to weddings, travel, and cultural traditions. Listening: Develop your listening skills by following a natural, friendly, and unscripted conversation between native English speakers. Speaking: Talk about wedding customs in your country on our Discord server or in a Culips small-group speaking class. Culture: Learn about real-life wedding experiences in different countries and cultures. Fluency: Level up your fluency by spending time with real, everyday English that native speakers use in daily life, with support from the study guide to help you practice. 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.

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