In this episode, Alina recaps the Culips meetup that happened in July, introduces the next Culips meetup, and tells you all about the September challenge!
September Challenge: Let’s talk about work
Theme: Work-related English (interviews, dress codes, workplace situations)
How it works:
New tasks every other day throughout September
Answer work-related questions and scenarios
Great chance to review skills from previous challenges
Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate
It's completely free and perfect for practicing professional English skills 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
Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.
Access the September Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the September Challenge (available from September 2nd).
Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!
The 2025 Culips Meetup in Prague.
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9:13
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9:13
Catch Word #287 – Off the rails
In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English idioms: to go off the rails and to get out of hand. These are common expressions that English speakers use to describe situations that become chaotic, unmanageable, or out of control. You’ll hear Andrew and Indiana explain the meaning, give background, and share many everyday examples. They also act out short conversations to show how these expressions are used naturally in real life.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
How to use “go off the rails” to describe events or people behaving in extreme, chaotic ways
When to say “get out of hand” for situations that are becoming difficult to manage
The differences in strength and tone between the two expressions
Real-life examples of when to use these idioms naturally in conversations
This episode is perfect for:
Intermediate and advanced English learners who want to expand their vocabulary
Anyone looking to describe stressful or messy situations in natural English
Students preparing for work, travel, or everyday conversations in English-speaking environments
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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25:07
Bonus episode #155 – Visiting Sapporo
In this episode, Andrew talks about his recent trip to Sapporo, Japan. He tells you about exploring the Susukino district, visiting the coastal town of Otaru, and discovering beer and sake festivals throughout the city. You'll also hear about many of his other adventures including witnessing a car accident and navigating the city without Google Maps for an extra challenge!
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who are ready to take it to the next level with their English fluency. Andrew's storytelling is clear, understandable, and designed to help you build your vocabulary, comprehension, cultural knowledge, and communicative fluency.
Make sure to check out the free interactive transcript and vocabulary glossary to get the most out of this episode.
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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31:35
Chatterbox #338 – Common sense
Why do some people do foolish things even though they’re smart? And why do some things that are obvious to you seem difficult for others to understand? In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of “common sense.” They discuss what it means, where it comes from, and why people sometimes seem to lack it. As they chat, Andrew and Anna share funny real-life stories from their lives and compare “common sense” with “book smarts.”
This episode is best for upper-intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about common sense, decision-making, and how people think in everyday life.
What you’ll learn with this episode:
How to explain the meaning of common sense in clear English
Natural ways to use everyday expressions like clueless, ditzy, all over the place, and book smarts
How to talk about practical knowledge, life experience, and problem-solving skills in everyday English
How culture, age, and personal experience can affect what we think is “obvious”
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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31:36
Bonus episode #154 – Back in Osaka
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
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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