In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his quick one-day visit to Osaka. You'll hear about his record shopping plans, an unexpected tsunami alert, and how he had to make some tough decisions about his travel plans.
This is perfect for English learners because you'll hear natural storytelling with everyday vocabulary and expressions. Andrew speaks clearly and shares real experiences, which helps you understand how native speakers actually talk.
This episode is highly recommended for intermediate learners who are looking to hit the next level with their English fluency.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
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25:10
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25:10
Simplified Speech #226 – What we’re bad at
In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana explore a topic everyone can relate to – the things we’re bad at. They share funny and honest stories about their struggles with tasks like assembling IKEA furniture, drawing, handling insects, recalling movie details, parking while chatting, and even stretching. Through your hosts’ lighthearted conversation, you’ll hear how these challenges show up in daily life and how they react to each other’s skills (or lack of them).
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to build everyday vocabulary, improve listening skills, and gain confidence talking about personal experiences in a natural way.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
Vocabulary: Learn everyday English words and expressions for talking about skills, weaknesses, and funny life situations.
Listening: Build your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers.
Speaking: Practice sharing your own stories and experiences about things you’re not very good at.
Culture: Discover how Canadians and Americans talk about their strengths and weaknesses in a casual and humorous way.
Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you respond more quickly and naturally 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.
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28:32
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28:32
Chatterbox #338 – Our sixth sense
Do you ever get a feeling that something is right or wrong, even if you can’t explain why? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of the sixth sense, also known as intuition. They talk about what it means, how it works, and when they’ve relied on it in real life. You’ll hear personal stories, learn common expressions, and improve your listening skills while enjoying a fun, natural conversation between native speakers.
This episode is great for upper intermediate to advanced English learners who want to talk more confidently about thoughts, gut feelings, and intuitive decision-making in English.
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
What the sixth sense is and how to describe it in English
Natural phrases like gut feeling, bad vibe, and ulterior motives
About Andrew and Anna’s experiences using their sixth sense
The difference between using logic and feelings when making choices
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
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31:14
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31:14
Culips Community Update – August 2025
August Challenge – Vocabulary Boost!
In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the August Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you'll focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning and using 15 advanced adjectives that have been featured in Culips episodes. It's a great way to make your English sound more colorful, expressive, and natural like a native speaker.
The challenge runs every second day throughout August, giving you time to really understand each adjective and practice using it in your own stories, example sentences, or voice messages. These include words like “remiss,” “palpable,” “low-key,” and “fancy schmancy” – words that native speakers use regularly but English learners often skip over when listening.
Andrew and Alina also chat about Alina's new hobby: chess! She recently learned to play at age 31 and has been winning games at her local expat board game meetup in Ireland.
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 August Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the August Challenge (available from August 2nd).
Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!
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20:50
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20:50
Simplified Speech #225 – Musical education
This episode is all about musical education! Andrew and Indiana share stories about learning instruments as kids, their music classes at school, and how they feel about playing musical instruments today. You'll hear Andrew talk about jamming on his drum set in his basement, Indiana's experiences in school chorus, and whether they think parents should push their kids to take music lessons.
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to pick up natural vocabulary and expressions about music, school, and hobbies while listening to a real conversation between native speakers.
In this lesson, you’ll work on:
Vocabulary: Learn natural English words and phrases about music, school, and hobbies.
Listening: Build your listening with this clear and easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers.
Speaking: Improve your speaking skills by chatting about your own experiences with music education during one of our weekly conversation classes or by talking with other Culips listeners on our Discord server.
Culture: Discover what music education is like in Canada and the U.S., and why it’s important in schools.
Fluency: Listening to real conversations and stories helps you think in English and speak more confidently.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
Culips English Podcast: Practical English Learning Made Fun Learn and Explore: Join Culips for an exciting English learning journey. Our podcast focuses on teaching English idioms, slang, and phrasal verbs through fun and engaging conversations. Each episode helps you master English for real-life situations. Unique Learning Experience: Culips stands out by blending language skills with cultural insights. Our diverse hosts make learning relatable, covering a variety of everyday topics. You’ll pick up practical language skills and gain cultural understanding, enhancing your English fluency in an enjoyable way. Your Path to Fluency: As your ideal learning partner, Culips provides easy-to-understand lessons on daily English usage. Learn from native speakers and immerse in different cultures, making your English learning journey rewarding and effective.
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