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In this bonus episode, Andrew takes one day off at the end of the summer and heads to the beach with his wife. They are only away for 24 hours, but they fit a lot into it. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency.

https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/B181_regular.pdf https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/18079/

The brand new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Study Materials for This Episode

• The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary are free for everyone. No membership needed.
• The comprehension quiz and the PDF study guide download are for Culips members.
• Become a Culips member to get study materials for every episode, live speaking classes, ad-free audio, member-only perks, and more.
• Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.

Keep an ear out for these expressions during the episode:

• The last hurrah
• To be closed off
• A puppy mill
• To take one for the team
• Buoyant
• To zone out
• Not really a thing
• To luck out
• Big ups / props
• Health-maxxing

Hang out with your English-speaking friends, Andrew and Indiana, for a catch-up! Indiana has been growing tomatillos on her patio, and she rode 40 miles along New York’s Empire State Trail on a very hot day, though the ride did not go the way she planned. Andrew went to see a Damien Hirst exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, and he has been letting an AI design his marathon training plan.

https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/SS252_StudyGuide.pdfhttps://esl.culips.com/1000/08/18014/

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode:

• On deck
• To clue in
• Happy-go-lucky
• To put a bad taste in someone’s mouth
• To hit the pavement
• A mishap

In this bonus episode, Andrew tells the story of the most stressful morning he’s had in a long time, and it all started with something small that ended up in a place he couldn’t reach. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency.

https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/B180_regular.pdf https://esl.culips.com/1000/08/18007/

The brand new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Tell us about your own terrible morning! Record a two-minute audio story and Andrew might share it in a future episode: Record your story here.

Study Materials for This Episode

• The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary are free for everyone. No membership needed.
• The comprehension quiz and the PDF study guide download are for Culips members.
• Become a Culips member to get study materials for every episode, live speaking classes, ad-free audio, member-only perks, and more.
• Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice.

Keep an ear out for these expressions during the episode:

• Wiggle room
• Flush
• TMI
• Minuscule
• To fall between the cracks
• To lull someone to sleep
• To emit
• Tongs
• To rig up
• A last ditch effort

What does a heat wave actually do to your day? Andrew and Anna compare their summers from opposite sides of the world. Anna is in Madrid, where a hot day reaches 40 degrees and the blinds stay closed until evening. Andrew is in Seoul, where the rainy season just ended but the humidity stayed. They talk about air conditioning, lost sleep, cold showers, and the wildfires that burned west of Madrid this summer.

Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode:

• Not so fast
• Respite
• Bar none
• To do one’s business
• Bone dry
• To burn to a crisp

Study Materials:

https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/CB352_StudyGuide.pdfhttps://esl.culips.com/1000/08/17999/

Episode link: The 2026 Spain wildfires

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

In this bonus episode, Andrew picks up the story he started last time and tells you what happened next. He heads out to the edge of the city on a hot summer evening and gets home much later than he planned. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency.

https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/B179_regular.pdf https://esl.culips.com/1000/08/17972/

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Expressions

• To set the stage
• To count down the days
• Headlining
• The tail end
• A certain je ne sais quoi
• When all is said and done
• Boy, was I wrong
• Artsy-fartsy
• To rub someone the wrong way
• To write off

How do you get from intermediate English to sounding almost like a native speaker? Jesús Florez did it, and he’s back on the show to tell Andrew how. He explains the years he spent creating his own English immersion at home and names the four shows that finally moved him up to an advanced level. Listen in to hear his story and his advice for taking your own English to the next level.

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/CB351_StudyGuide_Regular.pdfhttps://esl.culips.com/1000/08/17978/

Free Resources and Links

The interactive transcript, study guide, and quizzes for this episode are free for everyone. No membership needed.

• Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
• Jesús’s YouTube channel
• Jesús’s Instagram

Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode:

• A long time in the making
• To shift gears
• Give or take
• To lend itself to (something)
• A cut above (the rest)
• It bears repeating

Have you ever gotten a second chance at something you thought you would only get to do once? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the first Culips meetup in Seoul and then tells the story of trying to see one of his favorite bands play a second time. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and improve your listening fluency.

https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/B178_regular.pdf https://esl.culips.com/1000/08/17972/

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Expressions

• A turnout
• To talk into the void
• To be taken aback
• A high-water mark
• Now or never
• Once-in-a-lifetime
• To shell out
• When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
• Someone’s mind is made up
• To go through

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 “touch grass” can sound like a real insult, and when each one is appropriate to use.

https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/CW294_StudyGuide.pdfhttps://esl.culips.com/1000/07/17963/

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode:

• To touch grass
• Terminally online / Chronically online
• To be cooped up
• To be wrapped up in something
• A break with reality
• To get the last word

Have you ever traveled to a city far from home and felt like you had already been there? The same coffee shops, the same clothing stores, even the same songs playing inside the cafes. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about hyperblanding, the idea that fashion, music, food, and design all over the world are slowly becoming the same. The word comes from a 2026 trend report, and you can read more about it here.

Listen to the full conversation to learn what hyperblanding is, decide if you agree with the idea, and build your English fluency at the same time.

https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/CB350_StudyGuide.pdfhttps://esl.culips.com/1000/07/17956/

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode:

• A myriad of
• To get under someone’s skin
• To regurgitate
• Been there, done that
• To ride the wave
• Variety is the spice of life

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 existence of “middle names” in the U.S. and Canada.

The brand-new Culips app is live!

Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary:
Open this lesson in the Culips app.

To build your fluency, try listening to the episode more than once and saying the new expressions out loud until you feel comfortable using them yourself.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Popular baby name data (U.S. Social Security Administration)
• List of Korean surnames (Wikipedia)

Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode:

• At opposite ends of the spectrum
• A hat tip to (something)
• A copycat
• Claim to fame
• To fit in
• To stand out

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. They talk about all sorts of everyday things, from what they would want to be famous for to how they wake up in the morning, and they use some natural expressions that native speakers say all the time. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Infamous No holds barred To zonk out Dogs Up and at 'em To come full circle

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. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Free study guide: This episode comes with a free study guide for everyone. Download it to review the vocabulary, follow along with the episode, and practice using the new expressions. Resources mentioned in this episode: RSVP for the Culips meetup in Seoul Become a Culips member Join the Culips Discord server

Have you ever asked the internet about a health problem before asking a doctor? In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for health advice, and whether you can really trust them. Andrew shares a small health problem of his own and the answer he got from AI, and together they work out when a chatbot is actually helpful and when it is time to see a real doctor. Along the way they get into how confident these tools sound, who should be responsible when the advice is wrong, and what a visit to the doctor might look like in the future. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. To build your fluency, try listening to the episode more than once and saying the new expressions out loud until you feel comfortable using them yourself. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To get something checked out First port of call To take something with a grain of salt Off you trot Hypochondriac To go through the roof

What do you think is hiding on a 20-year-old iPod that someone forgot in a drawer? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana share three news stories and trends they came across recently. The first is about a woman who buys old iPods and shares the playlists she finds on them, like a small window into strangers' lives. After that, they talk about a new idea for spending less time on your phone, and a surprising change in what makes food popular today. To build your fluency, try listening to the episode more than once and saying the new expressions out loud until you feel comfortable using them yourself. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Stories mentioned in this episode: iPod archaeology (NPR): The analog bag trend: Texture is the new flavor: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To come across someone's desk Time capsule To have dirt on someone To hold something over someone In vogue To have hang-ups

Have you ever loved something your partner just won't try? For years, Andrew's wife said no to baseball. In this bonus episode, he finally gets her to the ballpark and finds out what she really thinks. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Study resources: Become a Culips member: Join the Culips Discord server: Get the interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary here: Glossary expressions: To brush something off To prod To level with someone To put yourself in someone's shoes To come around To look the part To pay through the nose A who's who Nosebleed seats To be priced out

What if there were a copy of you at work, answering emails and joining meetings while you slept? After Anna read a BBC article about people who are building AI versions of themselves, she brought the idea to Andrew, and the two of them talk about what these "digital twins" could mean for the rest of us. They look at the same question from three sides, the worker, the boss, and the business owner, and they keep coming back to one worry. If a company has a copy of you, do they still need you? Read the original BBC article on digital twins here: The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, a 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. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: The bottom line To not sit right with someone Joe Blow The cat's out of the bag M.O. (modus operandi) Dog-eat-dog

Have you started seeing videos that celebrate Chinese culture all over your feed, like someone swapping coffee for green tea? Andrew and Indiana noticed this trend too, and in this episode they teach three pieces of China-related slang and ask why it is all happening now. Their answer touches on the Djo song that went viral on TikTok, the move from TikTok to RedNote, soft power, and Canada's anti-tariff billboards in the US. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. To build your fluency, listen for how the hosts define each expression, then try using one yourself. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, a 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. Links from this episode: End of Beginning by Djo: RedNote: Canada's anti-tariff billboards: 🔑 Key expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Chinamaxxing A baddie You met me at a very Chinese time in my life To age out (of something) A false alarm Soft power

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares some thoughts that have been on his mind lately about time and the way we experience it. He looks back a little, sits with the present moment, and wonders about what's coming. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Links mentioned in this episode: Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis: Click here The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Click here Introducing the Sackbut: Click here Introducing the Anton Walter Fortepiano: Click here Study resources: The interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary for this episode are free for everyone. Get them here: Take the comprehension quiz for this episode:  Join our Discord community to participate in the June monthly challenge: Glossary expressions Crummy To go to a dark place Crafty Shrewd To clue in To give someone goosebumps To morph Crude A cool cat In the blink of an eye

What have you been up to lately? In this Simplified Speech catch-up episode, Andrew and Kassy share stories from the past month. Kassy talks about a family visit to Jeju Island, where rainy weather didn't stop them from hiking Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea, and seeing some of the island's stranger attractions. Andrew shares what happened during his birthday and fifth wedding anniversary, which fell in the same week and involved more cake than one person should eat in seven days. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Links mentioned in this episode: Jeju Island Hallasan Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: to put words in (someone's) mouth niche to call for (rain) (one's) legs are like jelly to get away with (something) to go ham

What's one thing you wish you had known sooner? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew sits down with Michael Lavers from the Level Up English Podcast for an honest conversation about regrets, missed chances, and the things we wish we had figured out earlier. They share stories about money mistakes, bad clothing buys, language learning, and the surprising lessons that come with getting older. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Check Out Michael's Work: Level Up English website: The Level Up English Podcast: Level Up English on YouTube: 🔑 Key expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Tongue-in-cheek No shade Lackadaisical To take the words right out of someone's mouth Building a house on sand A losing battle

Why do we dream? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana share their own theories about what dreams are for, the strangest recurring nightmares they've had, and a uniquely Korean kind of dream that's said to predict pregnancy. They also get into sleepwalking, snoring, and the small habits that can quietly ruin your sleep. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. References: Wikipedia, Conception dreams — Read here: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: Fresh off the dome To ring true Every now and then To build up to The OG Story of my life

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about a weekend trip he took to visit two old friends in another city. They met up to hang out, do a challenging activity, and then enjoy some good times together. Listen along to learn some vocabulary that will help make your English more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. GLOSSARY EXPRESSIONS Get your act together In for a world of pain Talk your ear off Crash out Kaput Rip-off Putter around Lightheaded Toughen up Bounce back

Why does paying with cash feel different from tapping your phone? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the psychology of spending money. They share what they happily pay extra for, what they refuse to spend on, and the small tricks companies use to get more money out of our wallets. Along the way, they look at why we sometimes feel like we got a great deal even when we just spent five times what we intended. Listening to many natural responses is one of the best ways to build your everyday listening skills in 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. References: Dan Ariely TED Talk, Are we in control of our own decisions? — Watch here: Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To recoil Hit or miss To break a bill Couldn't give a toss To be averse to To game

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 what each phrase really means and the situations where you'll hear it. Listening to many natural responses is one of the best ways to build your everyday listening skills in 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. Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To put someone through the wringer A scholar and a gentleman Murky Not one's cup of tea To be foiled To chuck something

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. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. English Expressions featured in this episode FOMO On the ball To full send (it) To throw your hat into the ring To keep your eyes peeled To mull (something) over To hit (someone) like a ton of bricks To snap (yourself) out of (something) In a funk Green thumb

From Cornwall to Bangkok: Cycling, Podcasting, and Pop Culture with Michael Lavers Would you leave England to start a new life in Bangkok? Would you plan a cycling trip across an entire country? In this episode, Andrew interviews Michael Lavers from the Level Up English Podcast, a British podcaster who is doing exactly that. They chat about growing up in Cornwall, moving to Thailand, cycling adventures, and the challenges of learning Thai. Andrew ends the conversation with some quick questions about British pop culture that surprise even Michael! Listening to long conversations like this one is a fantastic way to improve your listening skills and pick up natural English expressions in context. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. 🔑 Key Expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To put someone through the wringer A scholar and a gentleman Murky Not one's cup of tea To be foiled To chuck something

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? Listen to find out, and learn some useful English expressions along the way. Listening to natural English conversations like this one is a great way to improve your fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

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 more natural and to improve your listening fluency. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

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 to finally get over his fear of the stock market. Kassy also mentions an older episode about the GameStop story, which you can hear in Chatterbox 261 - “Meme stocks” The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

Have you ever been on a great date, only to suddenly feel completely turned off by something small and unexpected? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about "the ick," that sudden feeling of disgust toward someone you're dating. They share their own icks, from almond milk to vocal fry, and look at why these reactions happen. Are they silly snap judgments, or could they actually be rooted in something deeper, like evolution or personal values? Practice using the expressions from this episode in your own conversations, and you'll sound more natural in no time. - Andrew references articles from Time and Psychology Today: in the episode. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

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 harder than running 42 kilometers. 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 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 this episode and practice the expressions in the study guide to feel more confident the next time you eat out. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Expressions included in the study guide A severe allergy To make a note of (something) To steer clear of (something) Cross contamination To go the extra mile Lactose intolerant

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 in your personal life? You'll learn some useful expressions along the way and probably finish with a stronger opinion than you started with. Listening to real conversations between native speakers is one of the best ways to build your fluency and feel more confident in 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.

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 a local park that turned into a secret competition with a stranger. Listening to this story will help you improve your English fluency. You will also learn useful, everyday words about travel, shopping, food, and city 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. Important links: Become a Culips member Join the Culips Discord server Mona Hatoum’s “+ and -” at the Fukuoka Art Museum Ohori Park, Fukuoka Homachiame Coffee, Fukuoka

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 a sign of respect while the other is usually considered stubborn. By listening to their conversation, you will learn how to use these idioms naturally in your own everyday speaking.  The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Fan Fact: Many popular English idioms actually come from the world of gambling and card games. For example, the phrase "double down" comes from the game of Blackjack, where a player can double their bet in exchange for one more card. Another common expression mentioned in this episode is "to fold," which comes from Poker. In Poker, if you have a weak hand and don't want to keep betting, you fold your cards and give up on that round. Expression list: to stick to one's guns  to double down  to have one's mind made up  [Even] in the face of  Peer pressure  To back down

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.  They chat about some of the different ways they remember new vocabulary and why spending time with the language every day is so important. Finally, they also share some funny and unusual tips for practicing speaking without feeling embarrassed. Listen to the episode to find out which daily habits might work best for you. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.

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 his plans! You will hear about his experience ice skating high up in the mountains and his trip to watch a local ice hockey game that had a very wild and surprising moment. Listening to this story will help you improve your English fluency. You will also learn useful, everyday words about winter weather, sports, and Canadian culture. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Bonus 166 - Home sweet home

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 this happens. By listening to this conversation, you will learn useful vocabulary to talk about controversy and personal values. This lesson will help you practice listening to natural English conversations and express your own thoughts about famous people who make bad choices. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Fun Fact Did you know that the popular word "canceled" actually comes from a 1991 movie? In the film New Jack City, a gangster gets angry at his girlfriend and tells someone to "cancel" her. Years later, people on social media started using this exact word to say they will stop supporting famous people who make bad choices. It shows how a simple movie line can grow into a word that everyone uses to talk about problematic artists today. Expression list problematic  separate the art from the artists clear-cut  blanket statement  to own up to  boycotting

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 hear about how he tried to finish his trip and his long journey back to South Korea to find a doctor. Listening to this story will help you improve your English fluency. You will also learn useful, everyday words about traveling, being sick, and getting better. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

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. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Fun Fact Andrew mentions being "in a pickle." This is a funny way of saying you are in a difficult situation. While we usually think of pickles as a tasty snack, the phrase comes from the idea of being all mixed up or "stewed," just like vegetables in a jar of vinegar! Expression list To pry [something] out of [someone] To get dragged into To mind [one’s] own business A layoff Resentful To pave the way

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 music makes them feel nostalgic. Finally, they share a list of albums and songs to help you start listening, too. Press play to practice your English and find some great new music! The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Here are the listening recommendations made by Andrew and Indiana: Spacy - Tatsuro Yamashita: Click here Wet Land - Hiroshi Yoshimura: Click here Sugar Babe - Songs: Click here Happy End - Kazamachi Roman: Click here Haruomi Hosono - Hosono House: Click here PONPONPON - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu: Click here Fun Fact Andrew mentions that listening to Japanese electronic music makes him nostalgic for old video games. This is no coincidence! Haruomi Hosono (recommended by both hosts in this episode) was a founder of Yellow Magic Orchestra, a band that pioneered using arcade sounds in pop music. Their 1978 hit "Computer Game" actually sampled sounds from Space Invaders!

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, restaurants, and regular life so you can understand how native speakers use these idioms naturally. 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 “lose your shirt” when someone loses a large amount of money How to use “go belly up” to talk about a business or project that fails Helpful example dialogues that show tone, emotion, and real-life context This episode is perfect for you if: You want to build everyday vocabulary for talking about money and risk You want to understand English used in news reports, business shows, and casual conversations You need practical listening practice with clear examples and friendly explanations You want to feel more confident using idioms that native speakers use when discussing financial problems Fun Fact Did you know that “lose your shirt” comes from old gambling slang in the 1800s, when people sometimes bet so much money that they literally walked home without their clothes? The image was so shocking and memorable that people began using “lose your shirt” to describe losing all your money, even when no clothing was actually involved.

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 a group of strangers. Tune into the story to boost your fluency and pick up some useful expressions for describing everyday challenges and how to overcome them. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Become a Culips member RSVP for the Tokyo Meetup on February 10th, 2026 More details on Discord Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

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 to travel with a baby, catch up with family and old friends, and deal with a little culture shock in cities where you need to use a car in order to go anywhere. This light and adventurous story takes a shocking turn when a lightning strike causes a total disaster at Kassy’s parents’ house. Give this episode a listen and find out what happened! 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 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 Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Andrew also shares his "must-visit" list, including the nostalgic shops and delicious local treats he can't find in Korea. Join Andrew for this everyday English chat to hear about his travel plans and learn useful vocabulary for describing hometowns and hobbies. Important links: Become a Culips member RSVP for the Tokyo Meetup on February 10th, 2026 More details on Discord Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule  

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. Andrew and Indiana also chat about cost, pain, trends, and rules about tattoos at workplaces and onsen in Japan. If you have opinions about tattoos and are interested in hearing more, this episode is perfect for listening practice and vocabulary-building! 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: Useful tattoo vocabulary you can use in real life How to give opinions and reasons politely: how to agree, disagree, and soften your viewpoint Words for trends and style changes over time How to compare cultures and places How to share personal stories in a simple, clear way This episode is perfect for you if: You want listening practice with clear, natural speech and real life topics You want to learn English vocabulary you can use with friends, classmates, or coworkers You like culture, travel, music, and body art, and want words to talk about them in English You are an intermediate ESL learner who wants to sound more natural and confident

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, natural English and learn useful vocabulary for talking about travel, money, and solving problems. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

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. Your hosts will share clear examples from jobs, chores, food, hotels, and office settings so you can understand how these phrases are used naturally. 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 the expression “make short work of something” to talk about finishing tasks very quickly How to use “in short order” to sound polite and professional when talking about quick results How these expressions sound in real conversations at work and in service situations This episode is perfect for you if: You’re trying to build practical vocabulary for everyday and professional English You want to learn alternative options to common expressions like “quickly” or “right away” You’re looking for realistic example dialogues that will help you remember and use new vocabulary

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. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful vocabulary for telling stories about daily life and health. 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.

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 and idioms for talking about your own future goals, changing your daily habits, and making predictions. The brand-new Culips app is live! Study this episode with an interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary: Open this lesson in the Culips app.