Avsnitt
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In this episode, Andrew talks about his summer vacation to Kelowna, British Columbia, his hometown. He describes his adventurous flight on a small plane through stormy weather, his experiences staying at his brother's place near the beach, and family activities like mini-golfing. Plus he shares a story about a fun linguistic surprise at a sushi restaurant!
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening practice: You'll hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his travel experiences and family reunions. This improves your understanding of spoken English.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to air travel, weather conditions, recreational activities, and family gatherings.
Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "par for the course," "white knuckling it," "show someone a thing or two," and "hit the spot" in a real-life context.
Canadian culture: Learn about popular summer activities in a Canadian town, family recreation spots, and the issue of forest fires in Western Canada.
Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words, place names, and activity-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself.
Travel English: Learn vocabulary and expressions useful for describing travel experiences, weather conditions, and leisure activities.
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 Culips episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about audiobooks. They discuss how audiobooks have become more popular in recent years. Andrew shares his experience of listening to audiobooks while running, and Kassy talks about why she has limited experience with them. They also talk about the good and bad points of audiobooks compared to reading regular books.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening practice: You'll hear two native English speakers have a natural conversation about audiobooks. This will help you get better at understanding spoken English.
New vocabulary: Learn words and expressions related to books and technology.
Everyday expressions: Hear common English idioms and expressions used in context, such as "Cringeworthy" and "Make it or break it."
Cultural knowledge: Learn about how people in English-speaking countries enjoy books in different ways.
Pronunciation: Listen to clear English pronunciation, which you can practice repeating.
Conversation skills: Talk about this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server and speaking classes.
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!
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Canada, focusing on his visit to Victoria, British Columbia. He describes his journey from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry, a whale-watching adventure with his wife and an old friend, and a barbecue party with his former bandmates. Andrew shares details about seeing orca and humpback whales, visiting Race Rocks to observe sea lions and seals, and an unexpected change of plans due to COVID-19.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening practice: You'll get to hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his travel experiences and reunions with friends. This helps improve your understanding of spoken English, especially in story form.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to travel, marine life, and social gatherings.
Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms and colloquialisms such as "hightail it," "spitting fire," "give someone their flowers," and "call it a night" in context.
Canadian culture: Learn about popular tourist activities in British Columbia, Canadian wildlife, and social customs like summer barbecues.
Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words, place names, and wildlife-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself.
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 of Catch Word, Andrew and Suzanne explore two strong English expressions that you can use when you want to say, "absolutely not!" or when something is completely impossible. They are "Over my dead body" and "When hell freezes over." These expressions are used to show firm refusal or to say that something will never happen.
What you will learn in this episode:
Understanding idioms: Learn how to use the expressions "Over my dead body" and "When hell freezes over" to show strong disagreement or to describe something that is impossible.
Vocabulary in context: Learn the different contexts in which these expressions can be used, including both serious and playful situations.
Cultural tips: Learn how these expressions are used in everyday conversations and when it is appropriate to use them.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and practice using new expressions that will help you sound more natural and fluent in English.
Improve your listening: Build your skills so you can understand and follow native speakers discussing real-life situations.
Boost your confidence: Feel more confident using strong language in English to express your opinions or stand your ground in conversations.
Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
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.
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode, Andrew tells a story about camping in British Columbia, Canada. He went with his brother and talks about their journey on logging roads, setting up camp in the rain, and enjoying a natural hot spring. Andrew also talks about an incident with his stolen sandals, describes the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, and explains why this trip was so special to him.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening practice: You'll get to hear a native English speaker tell a detailed story about his outdoor experience. This helps improve your understanding of spoken English.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to camping, nature, and travel, like "logging road," "raging river," and "hot spring."
Useful expressions: Understand common English idioms such as "better safe than sorry," "stone's throw away," and "slept like a baby" in context.
Canadian culture: Learn about outdoor activities in Canada, small-town experiences, and popular natural attractions.
Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of everyday English words and nature-related vocabulary, which you can practice yourself.
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 Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy help you learn how to talk about being unemployed in an optimistic way. They teach you how to discuss your job status in a way that’s both positive and professional. You’ll learn how to have conversations about finding a new job or changing career with their helpful explanations!
What you will learn in this episode:
Positive talk: Learn how to talk about being unemployed in a positive way.
Useful expressions: Discover useful expressions like “I’m in between jobs” and “I’m at a career crossroads.”
Real-Life examples: Hear simple conversations that show how to use these phrases in everyday situations.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
New vocabulary: Build your English vocabulary with useful words and expressions for discussing unemployment.
Better communication: Gain confidence in talking about your job status without feeling awkward or negative.
Fluency in context: Practice using these expressions to make your English sound more fluent and natural in real-life conversations.
Practice speaking English: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
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.
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
Episode description:
In this episode, Andrew recaps his recent 48-hour trip to Osaka, Japan. He shares his experiences from the first-ever Culips meetup, his shopping adventures for running shoes and vinyl records, and his nighttime run around Osaka Castle. Andrew also describes his encounters with local cuisine, an exceptional coffee shop, and the challenges of exercising in Japan's summer heat.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he gives a detailed account of his travel experiences.
Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, shopping, and running, such as "layover," "hustle and bustle," "tax-free plan," and "running crews."
Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like "put some faces to the community," "all set for," and "it is what it is" used in context.
Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own.
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 of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna explore the topics of overtourism and tourist shaming. They share their thoughts on a recent protest in Barcelona where demonstrators used water guns to express their frustration with the high number of tourists. Andrew and Anna also compare different cities’ approaches to managing tourism and discuss the impact of tourism on local communities.
What you will learn about in this episode:
Overtourism: Find out what overtourism is and how it causes problems in cities like Barcelona, impacting the lives of local residents.
Tourist shaming: Learn about tourist shaming and its effects on both visitors and locals.
How you will improve your English with this episode
Build your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to tourism and social issues.
Strengthen your listening skills: Strengthen your ability to follow and understand natural conversations between native speakers.
Refine your pronunciation: Listen to and mimic native speaker pronunciation to sound more natural.
Increase your cultural knowledge: Learn about cultural and social issues that will help you communicate more effectively in English.
Practice speaking English: 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 Catch Word, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions for describing situations where you are left alone without support: "Left to your own devices" and "High and dry." With several helpful example conversations, they discuss the meaning and nuance of these expressions and provide easy-to-understand explanations to help you know how to use them in different real-life situations.
What You Will Learn
Key expressions: Learn the meaning of "Left to your own devices" and "High and dry."
How to speak like a native: Learn about different situations where these expressions are commonly used.
Cultural tips: Hear about popular songs that use these expressions and the maritime origins of “High and dry.”
Practical examples: Listen to conversations that show you how to use these expressions naturally.
How This Episode Will Help You
Expand Vocabulary: Add new idiomatic expressions to your English vocabulary.
Improve Comprehension: Understand how and when to use these expressions in real-life situations.
Cultural Knowledge: Learn about cultural references and popular music that feature these expressions.
Listening Practice: Upgrade your listening skills with clear and easy-to-understand examples.
The best way to learn with this lesson
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!
Members can access the ad-free version here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. -
Andrew is away this week visiting family and friends in Canada, so we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit a classic bonus episode from 2022, titled ‘A Sweet Mystery.’ This episode quickly became a Culips fan favorite for its interesting story. In the episode, Andrew talks about a mystery he has discovered in his neighborhood and about visiting a Christmas market in Seoul. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to not hold water. Enjoy!
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 Real Talk, Andrew and Kassy teach you how to handle misunderstandings in English conversations. They focus on common situations where people might get confused, such as unclear pronunciation or vague statements. Through practical examples, you'll learn how to ask for clarification and how to correct yourself politely when you've been misunderstood.
What you will learn in this episode:
Clarification expressions: Learn useful expressions to help you handle misunderstandings easily.
Practical examples: Listen to two real-life conversations that show how to use these expressions in different situations.
Pronunciation tips: Understand the difference between similar-sounding numbers, like 15 and 50, to avoid confusion.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
Better vocabulary: Build your English vocabulary with new expressions for handling misunderstandings.
Improved understanding: Improve your listening skills so you can understand and solve unclear statements or pronunciation issues.
Fluency and confidence: Practice using these expressions in real-life situations to sound more fluent and confident in English.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
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.
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
In this episode, Andrew shares a story about crossing an item off his bucket list. He talks about his long-standing goal to cook a dish that would genuinely impress his wife. Andrew describes his experience preparing miyeokguk, a traditional Korean seaweed soup, for his wife's birthday. He talks about searching for a great recipe, cooking the dish, and his wife's reaction to the meal.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he shares a personal story and explains cultural customs.
Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to cooking, cultural practices, and personal goals, such as "bucket list," "reconstituting," and "customary food."
Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like "kick the bucket," "whip up," and "blow you out of the water" used in a natural context.
Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own.
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 Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about the topic of “decluttering” – in other words, removing and tidying up disorganized objects in your home. They discuss different methods of decluttering, including the concept of Swedish death cleaning, and share their own experiences with organizing their homes and lives. On a scale of 1 to 10, how organized do you think Andrew and Indiana’s workspaces are? Listen and find out!
What you will learn
Decluttering techniques: Discover different methods of decluttering, including the unique concept of Swedish death cleaning.
Personal experiences: Hear Andrew and Indiana share their personal stories and challenges with decluttering.
Practical tips: Learn practical tips and strategies to help you organize your own space and minimize clutter.
How this episode will improve your English
Vocabulary building: Learn key words and expressions related to decluttering and organization.
Listening skills: Improve your listening by hearing native English speakers talk in a natural, conversational setting.
Real-life learning: Understand how to use the new vocabulary and expressions in real-life situations and conversations.
Cultural Insights: Learn about what Canadians and Americans think about decluttering and organization.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking and communication 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 talks about his upcoming trip to Osaka, Japan. He discusses the top three things he's looking forward to: the first-ever Culips meetup, shopping, and exploring Osaka through running. Andrew also looks back on his previous visits to Osaka and his travel style, focusing on personal interests rather than typical tourist activities.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker as he talks about real-life experiences and plans.
Vocabulary building: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, shopping, and running, such as "layover," "dire need," "abusing," and "want list."
Idioms: Understand and learn useful English idioms like "been there, done that," "talking into the void," and "hit up" used in context.
Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of everyday English, which you can then practice on your own.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Participate in the Osaka meetup on July 30th!
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only) -
Have you ever thought about how different cultures and generations handle child discipline at home? In this episode, Andrew and Alina discuss the kinds of punishments they experienced as children and explore how these methods have changed over time. They share personal stories and reflect on what worked, what didn't, and the impact these punishments had on their lives.
What you will learn about in this episode:
Types of punishments: Learn about the different kinds of punishments children receive at home across various cultures, particularly in Canada and Russia.
Effectiveness and impact: Understand how the hosts reflect on the long-term impact of different kinds of punishments they received growing up.
Personal stories: Hear personal stories about childhood punishments and their effects.
Current trends: Learn about current trends in child discipline and how they differ from past generations.
How you will improve your English with this episode
Build your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to child discipline and punishment.
Better understanding: Improve your understanding of English by using the context and usage of new vocabulary through real-life examples.
Natural conversation skills: Listen to a natural conversation, which will help you speak more like a native.
Cultural insight: Learn about cultural differences in child-rearing practices, improving your skills to communicate with people from different cultures.
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 shares his excitement about an upcoming trip to his home country, Canada. He discusses three main things he's looking forward to: reuniting with old friends in Victoria, enjoying lake swimming in his hometown of Kelowna, and visiting Banff in the Rocky Mountains. He also shares personal stories about Canadian summer activities and the beauty of the country.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing personal experiences and future plans in detail.
Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to travel, outdoor activities, and Canadian geography, such as "swimmable," "high dive," and "scenic spot."
Idioms and expressions: Learn helpful English expressions like "crack my list," "don't get me wrong," and "I'm all over that" used in context.
Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, including place names and casual speech patterns, which you can then practice on your own.
Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of Canadian geography, summer activities, and cultural events, providing context for future conversations about travel and leisure.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Participate in the Osaka meetup on July 30th!
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Special Offer: Save 20% on Culips Memberships!
For one week only, until July 22nd, we're offering a 20% discount on yearly Culips memberships! Get access to helpful study guides, interactive transcripts, ad-free episodes, member-only series, weekly speaking classes, and more. Sign up now and reach your English goals with Culips!
If you’re a current member, you can take advantage of the sale by renewing your membership at the discounted price.
Sign up now and save 20% until July 22nd. -
Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of bike lanes in cities? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne discuss the topic of bike lanes, sharing their personal experiences and opinions on cycling infrastructure. They talk about the pros and cons of bike lanes, how different cities approach cycling, and the impact on pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
What you will learn in this episode:
Bike lane basics: Understand what bike lanes are and their purpose in city infrastructure.
Different perspectives: Hear from both a casual cyclist and a more experienced cycling hobbyist about their views on bike lanes.
City comparisons: Discover how bike infrastructure varies between cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Seoul.
Cycling culture: Learn about cycling culture and how it influences city planning and transportation.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
Grow your vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to cycling and city infrastructure.
Listening practice: Improve your listening skills with natural, engaging conversations.
Fluent conversation skills: Practice understanding and using English in discussions about everyday topics like transportation and safety
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Expressions included in the study guide
You gotta do what you gotta do
Don’t get me started
To push one’s luck
Not all [noun] are created equal
To hog
A me thing -
In this episode, Andrew talks about the pros and cons of running’s growing popularity. He highlights the challenges runners face, especially the difficulty of finding good running shoes due to high demand. Andrew shares a personal story about trying to save money by purchasing discounted shoes online, only to discover they were counterfeits. Listen to hear about his experience with these fake shoes, the frustrations of marathon sign-ups, and other downsides of the running boom.
This episode will help you improve your English in the following ways:
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing real-life situations in detail.
Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to running and fitness, such as "endurance," "training cycle," "counterfeit," and "foam cushioning."
Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like "a grain of salt," "touch grass," and "missed the boat" used in context.
Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own.
Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of the running culture and fitness trends in different parts of the world, especially in Seoul.
English speaking practice: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server for additional speaking practice.
Important links:
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)
Osaka meet-up registration -
Do you sometimes feel anxious without knowing why? In this Chatterbox English learning podcast, Andrew and Anna dive deep into the topic of anxiety. They explain what anxiety means, how it affects people, and share their personal experiences. From nervous feelings before a presentation to intense panic attacks, this episode covers it all. If you want to improve your English while learning about mental health, this episode is perfect for you!
What you will learn:
Understanding Anxiety: Learn what anxiety is and its different forms.
Personal Experiences: Hear Andrew and Anna share their own anxiety stories.
Practical Tips: Discover effective ways to manage and reduce anxiety in daily life.
How you will improve your English with this episode:
New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases about emotions and mental health.
Listening Practice: Improve your skills by following a natural English conversation.
Contextual Learning: Understand how to use new words in real situations.
Speaking Practice: Discuss the episode with other learners on the Culips Discord Server.
What’s included in the study guide:
Interactive transcript
In-depth explanations and examples of the key expressions
Vocabulary quiz
Comprehension quiz
Speaking and writing practice questions
The best way to learn with this lesson:
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.
Members can access the ad-free version here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. -
In this episode, Andrew discusses the recent lovebug outbreak in Seoul. He describes these insects, explains their unusual name, and talks about his experience dealing with them this summer. Andrew also explores the bigger topic of how people approach killing insects, and shares his own opinion about this issue.
This episode will help improve your English in the following ways:
Listening comprehension: Practice understanding a native English speaker discussing a real-life situation in detail.
Vocabulary expansion: Learn new words and expressions related to insects and pest control, such as "proliferating," "symbiotic relationship," "keep in check,” and "creepy crawly."
Idioms: Learn helpful English idioms like "out of the blue," "attached at the hip," and "it's on" used in context.
Pronunciation: Listen to the correct pronunciation of spoken English, which you can then practice on your own.
Cultural insights: Improve your understanding of how people in different cultures deal with household pests.
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)
Episode notes:
The scientific name of the lovebug is plecia nearctica.
Contrary to what Andrew mentions, a centipede can have between 15 pairs to 191 pairs of legs and a millipede can have between 40 and 1,306 pairs of legs. - Visa fler
