In this episode, Andrew shares a mix of real-life updates and personal stories, from sleeping alone in a queen-size bed to trying to fix a podcast recording disaster. He also talks about replacing social media habits with Japanese reading practice and learning how to do DIY home repairs like caulking the shower. It’s a relaxed and personal episode where Andrew talks about real-life moments, challenges, and habits in clear, natural English.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Improve your listening by following a natural, unscripted story told in clear, easy-to-understand English.
New vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to language learning, technology mistakes, and home improvement.
Idioms and expressions: Hear everyday English expressions like “work your magic,” “wasn’t meant to be,” “doom scrolling,” “DIY,” and “know a thing or two.”
Pronunciation: Listening to real spoken English helps you get used to natural sounds and rhythm. This makes it easier for you to speak clearly and with better pronunciation.
Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
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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20:27
Catch Word #284 – A dead ringer
Have you ever seen someone who looks exactly like someone else? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy teach two fun English expressions: “A dead ringer” and “A spitting image.” You’ll hear clear examples, learn the difference between the two, and understand when and how to use each one.
This episode is great for learning real English expressions used by native speakers. Andrew and Kassy break everything down in a way that’s easy to follow, and they include example conversations that make the meaning of each expression clear. They also share personal stories, cultural tips, and bonus expressions like “two peas in a pod,” “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and “doppelganger.”
How this episode will improve your English:
Vocabulary: Learn natural English phrases to talk about people and things that look very similar.
Listening: Practice understanding clear and natural English through real conversation.
Speaking: Use the expressions you learn to describe lookalikes and practice talking about your own family in Culips small-group English classes.
Culture: Discover how these expressions are used in everyday life and where they come from.
Fluency: Get more confident by hearing repeated examples and practicing with our study guide.
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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24:47
Bonus episode #143 – The race I’ll never forget
In this episode, Andrew recaps his experience running the 2025 Seoul Marathon. He shares the fun and challenges of race weekend, from eating lots of carbs before the race to jumping over a bike left on the road. He also talks about what it was like to run with thousands of people and even spot someone from a Korean TV show. This story is full of exciting moments, personal thoughts, and useful English.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Improve your listening by hearing a real story told in clear, natural English.
New vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases about running, eating, weather, and daily life.
Idioms and expressions: Hear everyday English expressions like “recap,” “soak up the atmosphere,” “guilty pleasure,” “full send,” and “double take.”
Pronunciation: When you listen to clear and natural English, your ears get used to the sounds. This helps you speak more clearly too. If you can hear how native speakers talk, it becomes easier to copy them and have a better accent.
Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
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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33:58
Real Talk #064 – How to ask for help in a store
Have you ever wandered through a store for a long time and still couldn’t find what you needed? In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you how to ask for help in English when you’re shopping. You’ll learn useful phrases and polite expressions that native English speakers use when they can’t find a product in a supermarket or department store. The episode includes example conversations and clear explanations to help you understand and use the language with confidence.
How this episode will improve your English:
Vocabulary: Learn common phrases like “I’m having trouble finding…” and “Do you know if you carry…?”
Listening: Train your ears to understand natural, clear English conversations in retail settings like grocery stores or shopping malls.
Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes and practicing how to use polite and useful phrases for real-world shopping situations.
Culture: Understand how people ask for help in North American shopping culture.
Fluency: Spending time with real English conversations will improve your ability to respond naturally and politely in everyday 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 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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21:49
Bonus episode #142 – The best and worst of times in Japan
In this episode, Andrew tells the story of his recent trip to Japan, where he experienced both the best and worst parts of travel. From enjoying delicious local food and relaxing in traditional hot springs to unexpectedly getting sick in Tokyo, Andrew shares the real ups and downs of his adventure. Listening to natural English through personal stories like this is a great way to improve your fluency and build confidence. Tune in to hear about culture, food, travel tips, and an unforgettable ending to the trip.
How this episode will improve your English:
Listening: Build your listening comprehension by hearing a native speaker tell a real story using clear and natural English.
New vocabulary: Learn practical and useful expressions related to travel, food, feeling sick, and daily experiences.
Idioms and expressions: Pick up common idioms and casual phrases that English speakers use in everyday conversations.
Pronunciation: Improve your speaking and rhythm by shadowing or repeating after Andrew.
Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and practice using new words and expressions in your own sentences!
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
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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