Culips Everyday English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Chatterbox #342 – Talking about curiosity Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about what curiosity is, why you feel it, and how it can help or hurt you in everyday life. You will hear real stories about things they have been curious about lately, how curiosity can help you discover new ideas, and how it can sometimes distract you. They also explain the different types of curiosity (diversive curiosity and specific curiosity) and share useful idioms related to curiosity like “curiosity killed the cat.” 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 will learn in this episode: Natural English phrases to describe what you want to learn, what interests you, and what catches your attention. Common words and idioms connected to curiosity, such as “childlike curiosity,” “healthy curiosity,” and “my curiosity got the better of me.” How Andrew and Anna talk about what interests them, respond to each other’s stories, and describe curiosity in clear, everyday English. This episode is perfect for you if: You want to think in English more easily when talking about what interests you You want to sound natural and confident when sharing your own stories and questions You want to learn clear, useful expressions to describe curiosity in everyday life

Simplified Speech #233 – Ethical dilemmas Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about ethical dilemmas. They share everyday tricky situations, like splitting a restaurant bill, switching airplane seats, and seeing someone cheat on a test. You will hear how they think through hard choices, weigh pros and cons, and set healthy boundaries without starting a fight. 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 with this episode: Clear meanings for key words and phrases used to discuss ethics and choices How to give reasons, agree politely, and disagree respectfully in conversations Useful sentence patterns for sharing opinions and asking follow-up questions Real examples of softening language, like “it depends,” “I feel,” and “maybe” This episode is perfect for you if: You want to speak more confidently about real-life problems and choices You need practical phrases for meetings, classes, and daily life You like clear examples you can copy and use in your own English conversations

Bonus episode #161 – The mice will play Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

What makes the perfect bachelor weekend? In this episode, Andrew explains the English proverb "When the cat's away, the mice will play" by sharing what happens when his wife takes a trip to Japan. He talks about his simple list of things he's looking forward to doing alone. Along the way, you'll learn useful idioms and everyday expressions while getting an inside look at Andrew’s wild weekend. Don't forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Chatterbox #341 – Talking about frustration Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever feel frustrated after a bad day at work, a test, or a long commute? In this Chatterbox episode, join Andrew and Anna for a conversation about frustration and how to talk about it clearly in English. In this lesson, you will learn how frustration is different from anger and disappointment, hear real stories you can relate to, and pick up useful expressions like “at the end of my rope,” “bang my head against a wall,” and “it has been one of those days.” You will also train your ear to understand fast, everyday English and get ideas for how to describe your own feelings more accurately. To get the most from this lesson, get the study materials at Culips.com. You can use the interactive transcript, helpful study guide, vocabulary explanations, quizzes, and speaking and writing practice to help take your English to the next level. Members also get ad-free audio, access to our live speaking classes, and our community, where you can ask questions and share your own experiences with frustration. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Simplified Speech #232 – Indiana’s surprise birthday trip Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana chat about Indiana’s surprise 30th birthday trip to Las Vegas. You’ll hear how her husband planned the trip, what Las Vegas is really like, and how she felt when she discovered the big surprise he had prepared for her. Andrew and Indiana also talk about cultural expressions and ideas linked to Las Vegas, like “Sin City” and “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” 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 with this episode: How to talk about milestone birthdays, surprise trips, and travel experiences in natural English Useful expressions and idioms connected to Las Vegas, like Sin City and What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas How native speakers share personal stories, react to surprises, and express excitement naturally This episode is perfect for you if: You want to start thinking in English instead of translating from your first language You want to sound more natural and confident when telling personal stories You want to expand your vocabulary with expressions you can actually use

Catch Word #289 – Apples to oranges Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very common and useful English expressions for making comparisons: “apples to oranges” and “night and day.” These idioms help you describe situations where things are so different that it’s not fair or even possible to compare them. You’ll hear realistic examples, like comparing homemade food to the gorgeous dishes shared by influencers, or an old, outdated phone to a brand new one. 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 with this episode: How to use “apples to oranges” when two things are too different to compare How to use “night and day” to describe a major, positive change The difference in meaning and usage between the two expressions Real-life examples from conversations about jobs, health, technology, and daily life This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to use idiomatic expressions to talk about comparisons Learners trying to sound more fluent and confident in real conversations, at work, school, or in social situations

Bonus episode #160 – My funky jacket Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

What do you do when your favorite jacket starts to smell really bad? In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about two expensive jackets that developed a terrible musty odor after being stored under his bed for the summer. He talks about trying different solutions, like leaving them in the sun, putting them in the freezer, and spraying them with fabric spray and even vodka. Listen as Andrew shares his experience and teaches you natural English expressions you can use in real life. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help make your English sound more natural and fluent. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Simplified Speech #231 – Hanging out with Kassy Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew catches up with Kassy, who returns to share exciting updates about her life. She talks about finishing her master’s degree, taking a long trip across the United States with her baby, moving to a new city in Korea, and adjusting to work after maternity leave. Kassy also shares her experience planning her son’s first birthday and explains a special Korean tradition called Doljanchi, where a baby chooses an item that predicts their future. You’ll learn how to talk about life changes, travel experiences, and family traditions in clear, natural English. Andrew and Kassy also highlight useful vocabulary like caravan, strew, and mat leave, explaining how each one is used in everyday conversations. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to describe life updates and big transitions using natural English phrases Vocabulary for talking about travel, family, and moving to a new home The meaning of cultural terms like Doljanchi and maternity leave How native speakers share personal stories and connect emotionally in conversation This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday conversations Anyone interested in modern Korean culture and family life Listeners who want to improve their vocabulary and fluency for storytelling and daily English conversations 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.

Chatterbox #340 – How algorithms affect us Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about algorithms, the hidden digital systems that shape what we see online. They discuss how these tools affect what we buy, what we believe, and even how we feel. If you’ve ever wondered why the same ads seem to follow you everywhere, or you’re curious about Andrew’s story of being flooded with hair transplant ads, you’ll enjoy this one. If you’re an upper-intermediate English learner who wants to sound more natural when talking about technology and modern life, this episode is for you. You’ll learn useful vocabulary through a real conversation between Andrew and Anna, while building listening confidence along the way. 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 in this episode: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions and terms related to technology and online behavior, such as echo chamber, rage bait, and Listening: Understand how algorithms work and how they influence what we see online with an interesting and easy-to-follow discussion. Speaking: Share your own experiences with algorithms in our speaking classes and on our Discord server. Fluency: Listening to natural English conversations helps train your brain to think in English, a key skill for fluent speaking. You'll also pick up natural expressions and speech patterns, and get comfortable with how native speakers discuss technology and digital culture.

Bonus episode #159 – Full House for Chuseok Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

What's the best way to give money as a gift? In this episode, Andrew tells a story about hosting his wife’s family for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday. You'll hear him talk about preparing a huge meal, fitting eight people into a small space, and turning gift-giving into fun games with cash prizes. Listen along to supercharge your listening skills. Don't forget to check out the FREE interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help your English become more natural. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

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