Culips English Podcast

Have you ever looked up from your phone and realized that an hour just disappeared? In this Catch Word lesson, Andrew and Indiana teach you how to tell someone to “touch grass” and how to describe a person as “terminally online” or “chronically online.” They explain the difference in tone between these expressions, why “touchRead More The post Catch Word #294 – Touch Grass first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

What does a name really say about a person? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about baby names and the stories behind them. They chat about how naming has changed in North America since the 1950s. You’ll also hear about old-fashioned virtue names, why so many parents today want something different, and the existenceRead More The post Simplified Speech #251 – Popular baby names first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

How do you like your eggs? It sounds like a small question, but the answer can tell you a lot about a person. In this episode, Andrew surprises his co-host Kassy with a list of weird, wacky, and random questions. She hasn’t seen them before, so you get to hear her real, unplanned answers. TheyRead More The post Simplified Speech #250 – Weird and wacky questions first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a few quick updates from behind the scenes at Culips and tells a story about following the World Cup as a fan with more than one team to cheer for. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and improve your listening fluency.Read More The post Bonus Episode #177 – Three Horses in the Race first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

How do you answer the question, “How are you?” It sounds simple, but native English speakers actually use a wide variety of answers. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy share more than 30 common replies, including standard answers, sarcastic ones, and phrases people use on a busy or tough day. They explain whatRead More The post Real Talk #67 – How to answer the question ‘how are you?’ first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Have you ever felt the fear of missing out on something exciting? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about FOMO, finding yourself in a funk, exercising your green thumb, and growing your own food. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. TheRead More The post Bonus episode #173 – A Tale of FOMO first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Have you ever returned food at a restaurant? Fired a real gun? Used a fake ID to buy alcohol? Andrew and Indiana play Never Have I Ever in this episode, a popular North American game where players share the surprising things they have or have not done in their lives. Who has done more? ListenRead More The post Simplified Speech #246 – Never have I ever first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a couple of stories about what he’s been up to so far this spring, including a hike up a mountain in Seoul to see some spring flowers and doing a big deep clean of his house. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English moreRead More The post Bonus episode #172 – Spring Stories first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Are robots about to take over our houses? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and share what’s new in their lives. Kassy talks about the new robotics program at her school and the family members coming to visit her in Korea, and Andrew explains the strange little experiment he tried toRead More The post Simplified Speech #245 – Robots and fantasy investing first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this episode, Andrew looks back on March. He ran the Seoul Marathon for the third year in a row after a rough winter of injuries and almost no training. He also tells you about the construction project he and his wife tackled in their yard, and why two weekends of mixing cement felt harderRead More The post Bonus episode #171 – March Madness first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

What would you say if you sat down at a restaurant and needed to tell your server about a food allergy? In this episode of Real Talk, Andrew and Indiana teach you practical phrases and expressions for talking about food allergies, food safety, and common menu abbreviations you’ll see in English-speaking countries. Listen to thisRead More The post Real Talk # 66 – How to tell your server you have food allergies first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Would you use AI to write a birthday message to your best friend? What about a condolence note when someone loses a parent? Inspired by this Guardian article, Andrew and Indiana share their honest opinions on a question a lot of people are asking: is it ever OK to let AI speak for you inRead More The post Simplified Speech #244 – Using AI for personal messages first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

What is it like to travel to Japan for a quick getaway? In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares stories from his recent 4-day trip to Fukuoka, Japan with his wife. They explored record stores, enjoyed incredible food, and visited a beautiful art museum. Andrew also tells you about an unexpected running adventure at aRead More The post Bonus episode #170 – Four days in Fukuoka first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this Catch Word lesson, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English idioms: “stick to your guns” and “double down.” Both expressions describe a person who refuses to change their mind, even when they face pressure or criticism. They discuss the small differences between these idioms, explaining why one is often seen as aRead More The post Catch Word #292 – Stick to your guns first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana share their personal experiences as language learners. Even though they are English teachers, they also study second languages themselves. They talk about their history with languages like Japanese, German, and Korean, and discuss their favorite study methods and give advice on how to improve your skills. Read More The post Simplified Speech #243 – How we learn our second languages first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Canada is famous for its cold winters, but what is it really like to visit in January? In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares stories about his recent trip back to his hometown in Canada. He traveled there to enjoy the snow and do some classic winter activities. However, the weather didn’t exactly match hisRead More The post Bonus episode #169 – Stories from Canada first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana discuss a difficult question: Can you separate the art from the artist? Sometimes, famous singers, writers, or actors do bad things or share opinions that hurt other people. Andrew and Indiana talk about if it is OK to still enjoy their music, books, or movies when thisRead More The post Simplified Speech # 242 – Separating the art from the artist first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Traveling abroad is usually a fun adventure, but what happens when you get sick in a different country? In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about his recent trip to Tokyo. He traveled there to see a concert and meet Culips listeners. However, a sudden illness almost ruined his plans. You will hearRead More The post Bonus episode #168 – Sick as a dog first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Can you keep a secret? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the difference between being an “open book” and a “closed book.” They discuss their own habits for keeping things private, share funny stories about childhood crushes, and debate whether it is harder to keep good news or bad news a secret. TheRead More The post Simplified Speech #241 – Keeping secrets first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Join Andrew and Indiana for a conversation about their love for J-Pop. In this episode, the hosts discuss how they originally found this genre and why it has become so famous globally. They talk about the “City Pop” trend, the unexpected ways they stumbled upon their favorite bands, and why listening to 90s Japanese musicRead More The post Simplified Speech #240 – Japanese music first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this Catch Word episode, you will learn two useful English idioms that describe financial failure. Andrew and Indiana explain what it means “to lose your shirt” and “to go belly up.” These expressions are common in news stories, business conversations, and everyday talk about money problems. Your hosts share clear examples from investing, gambling,Read More The post Catch Word #291 – English Idiom: What Does ‘Belly Up’ Mean? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

How do you usually react when your plans suddenly fall apart? In this bonus episode, Andrew tells a story about his recent trip to Canada where a few small errors led to some big inconveniences. He describes how he coped with a lack of entertainment and how he navigated a socially awkward moment with aRead More The post Bonus episode #167 – Airplane tales first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this episode, you get to hang out with Andrew and Kassy as they look back on Kassy’s huge cross-country trip in the United States. You’ll follow Kassy’s trip from Oregon to Arizona, then on to Pennsylvania, and finally down to the beach in North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll hear what it’s like toRead More The post Simplified Speech #239 – Kassy goes coast to coast first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

What are the things you miss most when you are away from home? In this episode, Andrew shares his excitement about his upcoming solo trip back to Canada. He talks about the challenges of traveling in the winter and a specific outdoor adventure he hopes the weather will allow him to do. The brand-new CulipsRead More The post Bonus episode #166 – Home sweet home first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about tattoos. They share personal stories, why some people choose tattoos, why others do not, and how tattoo culture looks in Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. You will hear clear examples of common tattoo words like sleeve, stick and poke, hand poked, lettering, script, blackout, and tribal.Read More The post Simplified Speech #238 – Would you get a tattoo? first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Do you find travel planning stressful? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about his upcoming trip to Canada. He shares the ups and downs of booking flights, including a mistake that forced him to change his plans. He also shares exciting news about a Culips meetup in Tokyo. As you listen, you will hear clear,Read More The post Bonus episode #165 – Nickel and dime first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this episode of Catch Word, you will learn two common English idioms used to talk about speed and fast results. Andrew and Indiana explain what it means “to make short work of something” and to do something “in short order”, showing you how native speakers use these expressions in workplace and service industry situations.Read More The post Catch Word #290 – Make short work of it first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

When was the last time something unexpected happened to you? In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a normal bike ride that turned into a surprise encounter with a YouTuber. He also talks about a tough week at home after his wife caught the flu and he had to take care of the house.Read More The post Bonus episode #164 – Stopped by a stranger first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Happy New Year! For our first Simplified Speech episode of 2026, Andrew and Indiana answer some rapid-fire questions about their plans for this year. From home renovations to fashion predictions, you’ll hear them discuss exactly what they hope to achieve in the new year. By listening to this conversation, you will learn natural vocabulary andRead More The post Simplified Speech #237 – Hello 2026 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Have you ever made a funny bet with your family? In this episode, Andrew talks about his Christmas in Seoul. He explores a beautiful neighborhood, eats delicious food, and challenges his wife to an exciting arcade game. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful expressions and storytelling language thatRead More The post Bonus episode #163 – High-stakes holiday first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this Culips episode, Andrew and his friend Luke talk about the Winter Olympics and why they are such a big deal in Canada. They chat about Olympic ice hockey, the return of pro NHL players, and the excitement and controversy around the next Games in Italy. You also hear them share their favorite winterRead More The post Simplified Speech #236 – Previewing the Winter Olympics first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about harmful chemicals in household products and how they try to reduce exposure to these chemicals in their daily lives. You will hear them discuss common household cleaners, beauty items, plastic food storage containers, and some simple choices that they make to try and stay safeRead More The post Simplified Speech #235 – Talking about chemicals first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

Have you ever had a moment where you thought, “OK, time for revenge”? In this episode, Andrew takes you to the streets of Seoul to talk about participating in the 2025 JTBC Marathon. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful expressions and storytelling language that can help you understandRead More The post Bonus episode #162 – Time for revenge first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana chat about the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Indiana shares how she hosted a vegetarian Thanksgiving potluck, talks about classic U.S. traditions like turkey, parades, football, and turkey trots, and compares them with Canadian Thanksgiving. Then Andrew and Indiana discuss Christmas: when the Christmas season reallyRead More The post Simplified Speech #234 – The Holidays 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share a Culips Community Update and introduce the final monthly challenge of 2025. They chat about their personal highlights from the year, then invite you to join the December 2025 Challenge on the Culips English Podcast Discord server. This month’s theme is reflecting on 2025, sharing your wins, celebratingRead More The post Culips Community Update – December 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

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. What you’llRead More The post Simplified Speech #233 – Ethical dilemmas first appeared on Culips English Podcast.

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. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

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.” 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 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: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

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. 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 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: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

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. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

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. 

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. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule RSVP for the Culips Hamburg Meet-up on October 18th

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about retirement. They chat about what it means, how it looks in different countries, and what people dream of doing after they stop working. You’ll hear them share real examples from the United States, Canada, and Korea and discuss ideas like second careers, semi-retirement, and common lifestyles for retirees. They also teach several useful English expressions connected to retirement, such as golden years, twilight years, nest egg, empty nester, and living the good life. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use expressions like golden years and living the good life to describe retirement in a positive way What nest egg and empty nester mean and how they relate to family and financial life The difference between golden years and twilight years How people in the U.S., Canada, and Korea view and prepare for retirement How to describe retirement dreams, second careers, and semi-retirement naturally in English This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary with real-life topics Listeners interested in cultural differences between countries Anyone preparing for discussions about work, lifestyle, or aging 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. 

Have you ever had a day that started off terribly but somehow became unforgettable? In this episode, Andrew shares the story of a rainy half marathon that began in total chaos and ended with a sweet surprise. You’ll hear real, everyday English as he talks about staying motivated, finding focus, and turning frustration into pride. You’ll also learn natural expressions that native speakers use, like “gong show,” “clock’s ticking,” “to blow by someone,” and “to steal someone’s thunder.” Join our friendly community on Discord to share your own story about overcoming setbacks, and check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to get even more from this episode. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana get honest with each other about everyday things that annoy people. They talk about habits that “get on their nerves,” such as loud chewing, people using their phones while talking, overused clichés, bad driving habits, and even dog owners who don’t follow the rules. Along the way, your hosts explain useful expressions like “gets on my nerves,” and “grinds my gears,” so you can understand and use them the next time you want to complain to a friend! What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use natural English expressions for talking about annoying habits and situations Real-life examples of common, idiomatic ways to complain in English Vocabulary for describing irritation, such as annoying, irritating, and rude This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to practice real conversational English Students who want to expand their vocabulary for everyday situations Anyone who wants to sound more natural when talking to friends about small problems and annoyances 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 episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about what’s new at Culips! You’ll learn about the second European meetup happening in Hamburg, Germany on October 18th. They also introduce the October challenge, which is focused on linking words that will help you create better-connected sentences. European Meetup #2 – Hamburg, Germany Date: Saturday, October 18th Time: 4:00 PM Location: People’s Place Cafe, Hamburg Cost: Free! Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required RSVP: Fill out the form here: Join fellow English learners for a relaxed, friendly chat in a welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels! October Challenge: Connecting Words Theme: Linking words and connectors to create longer, more natural sentences How it works: New tasks every other day throughout October Complete skeleton sentences using connecting words like “therefore,” “despite,” “besides,” and “nevertheless” Practice making your speech flow more naturally and confidently Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate It’s completely free and perfect for learning to express complex ideas while connecting with other learners! 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 October Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the October Challenge (available from October 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English expressions: “cut someone some slack” and “give someone the benefit of the doubt.” These are common phrases that English speakers use to ask for understanding, forgiveness, or trust when someone is under pressure or when we are unsure about their actions. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use “cut someone some slack” to ask for extra patience or forgiveness When to use “give someone the benefit of the doubt” to choose trust over suspicion The grammar pattern both expressions share Vocabulary like slack, taut, to be swamped, and to cover for someone Real-life examples from work, home, and friendship situations This episode is perfect for: Intermediate to advanced English learners who want to sound more natural Anyone looking to build vocabulary for work, school, and social life Learners preparing for conversations with native speakers where trust and understanding are important 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. 

What if you could speak with anyone, in any language, in real time? In this bonus episode, Andrew explores that idea with a clear, step-by-step look at live translation. He reads a news article and explains the key ideas and terms in easy to understand English, showing how Apple, Google, and Meta are pursuing the “universal translator” and what it could mean for travel, work, and daily life. What you’ll learn Meanings of “universal translator,” “seamlessly,” “coherent,” and “simultaneously” Tech vocabulary like “selling point,” “battleground,” “purpose built,” and “friction” Useful expressions such as “usher in,” “spurred by,” “paired with,” and “home field advantage” How it will improve your English You expand your vocabulary with clear definitions and natural examples from the article You understand complex sentences because Andrew pauses to explain key lines in plain English You can review and reinforce with the interactive transcript and glossary, and members can take a short quiz Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Apple, Google and Meta are trying to perfect a science fiction gadget: The universal translator