Culips Everyday English Podcast

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and share updates about their lives. Kassy talks about taking short trips with her baby to nearby cities in Korea. She describes visiting a busy flower festival and returning to a town just to eat her favorite vegetable bread. She also talks about her upcoming move and her hope to make her new place feel more like home. Andrew talks about how voting by mail works in Canada and the recent Canadian election. He also shares a funny story about planting trees and decorating his front yard with his wife. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions that native speakers use when talking about daily life, moving, elections, and hobbies like gardening. Listening: Improve your listening skills by following a clear and natural conversation between native speakers. Speaking: Share your own life updates on our Discord server or in our Culips small-group speaking classes. Culture: Hear about real-life topics like voting in Canada, Korean flower festivals, and home projects. 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. 

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share the latest Culips community news for May 2025! They read a kind review from a Culips member, announce the winner of the March challenge, and introduce the new challenge for May. This month, the challenge will help you master one of the trickiest parts of English grammar: the difference between the present perfect and past simple tenses. Everyone is welcome to join the free challenge on our Discord server. You will get a video lesson from Andrew, lots of practice activities, and a chance to win a Culips swag bag! Improve your grammar and become part of our fun and friendly community. Join us today! 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 April Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the April Challenge (available from May 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about how they watch movies, both at the theater and at home. They discuss their personal movie habits, like sneaking snacks into the cinema, watching movies alone, and breaking long movies into smaller parts. You’ll also hear about movie traditions in different countries, how theater experiences are changing, and the pros and cons of enjoying films with friends, family, or just by yourself. How this episode will help you improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn common expressions and everyday words like matinee, concession, installments, and immersive. These are useful for talking about entertainment, culture, and daily habits. Listening: Practice understanding natural English with clear speech, casual conversation, and real opinions from native speaker movie fans. Speaking: Get better at sharing your own thoughts by hearing how Andrew and Indiana express likes, dislikes, and personal routines with enjoying films and series. Culture: Discover movie-watching habits and movie theater experiences from around the world, including Canada, the U.S., and Korea. Learn how movie culture is different depending on where you live. Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to a friendly conversation full of opinions, everyday grammar, and common slang. 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 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

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. 

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

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. 

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

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy talk all about vegetables \. They compare shopping at local markets with going to big grocery stores. Kassy shares her experience getting fresh produce from a local market near her house and tells us about a fun new vegetable subscription box she signed up for. Andrew talks about the kinds of vegetables he misses from back home and why he sometimes grows his own herbs and veggies. You’ll also hear about the benefits of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and trying farm-to-table food. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful words and expressions about food, markets, and money, like “produce,” “haul,” and “stretch your dollar.” Listening: Practice understanding real, natural English as Andrew and Kassy have a fun and friendly conversation. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes by practicing how to talk about shopping and growing vegetables. Culture: Discover cultural differences in food shopping habits and learn about the farm-to-table movement. Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you think in English and express yourself more easily. 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 from the Culips community and introduce the April challenge. They read a thoughtful comment from a listener, announce the February challenge winner, and talk about a helpful new feature that will make learning English with Culips even better for you. 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 April Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the April Challenge (available from April 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about textures and the way things feel when we touch them. They share interesting and personal stories about their favorite and least favorite textures, from soft cashmere to slimy foods and scratchy sweaters. They also discuss how touch is important in human relationships and how it’s different in cultures around the world. You’ll learn useful English expressions and vocabulary to talk about touch, feelings, and personal preferences. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions like soft, firm, fluffy, scratchy, and touchy-feely that will help you talk about textures and feelings. Listening: Train your ears with real, natural English as Andrew and Anna share fun, friendly stories and opinions. Speaking: Boost your speaking skills by practicing how to describe your personal likes and dislikes with textures and materials. Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about touch in daily life and social situations. Fluency: Improve your overall English by listening to a full conversation with clear examples, real emotions, and natural grammar. 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 shares a couple more stories from his recent trip to Hawaii and reflects on some unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences he and his wife had during their travels. Listening to authentic, natural English from a native speaker is one of the best ways to improve your English skills and become fluent faster. So tune in to hear about their everyday adventures, unexpected moments, and the interesting experiences they had along the way! How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Build your listening comprehension by following a native speaker share personal stories in authentic, everyday English. New vocabulary: Learn useful and natural expressions related to travel, daily life, and surprise experiences. Idioms and expressions: Pick up real-life idioms and phrasal verbs that native speakers use in casual conversations. Pronunciation: Improve your pronunciation, flow, and intonation through shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice. 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

Have you ever felt like a kid again while doing something fun? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how we all have a child inside us. They share stories about playful moments in their lives and discuss why keeping a sense of fun and wonder is important, even as adults. Andrew and Kassy also talk about how staying connected to your inner child can reduce stress and improve mental health. They share fun ways to bring more playfulness into your daily life, including hobbies, sports, and creative activities. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions related to childhood, creativity, and fun activities. Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about memories, hobbies, and fun activities. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes and practicing how to talk about your own childhood experiences in English. Culture: Discover how different cultures value play, creativity, and reconnecting with childhood joy. Fluency: Spending time with real English conversations will train your brain to think in English and help you speak more naturally. 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 shares his plans for the upcoming Seoul Marathon. He discusses his preparation struggles due to recent illness, travel, and limited training time. You'll hear about his plans with his running buddy, Jimmy, his strategy to enjoy the marathon without stressing about his personal record, and his thoughts about dealing with challenging weather conditions on race day. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Practice your listening skills by hearing Andrew naturally discuss his marathon preparations and expectations. New vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary with useful words and phrases like "booked up," "bout," "ramping up," "stagger," and "smash a PR," to clearly express yourself about personal challenges or achievements. Idioms and expressions: Learn everyday expressions like "pump someone's tires," "the Goldilocks zone," and "it all boils down to," to sound more natural when speaking English. Pronunciation: Improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation through shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice using Andrew's natural speech. 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

Waiting is a part of everyday life. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, waiting for a job offer, or standing in line at the store, waiting can feel frustrating. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the psychology of waiting, discussing why some waiting feels harder than others and how cultural differences affect our patience. They also share personal stories about waiting, including long lines at government offices and waiting for language skills to improve. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful North American and UK English expressions such as "queuing," “standing in line,” "pushing in," and “cutting in line,” to talk about waiting and patience. Listening: Improve your understanding by hearing natural conversations about real-life situations. Speaking: Get ideas for how to express frustration, share opinions, and describe your experiences with waiting. Culture: Understand how different countries view waiting, from fast-paced city life to slow-moving rural areas. Fluency: Listening to real conversations between native speakers helps you think in English and express yourself more naturally. 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 shares stories from his recent trip to Hawaii. He talks about visiting famous places like Waikiki Beach, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, and hiking up Diamond Head. Along the way, he reflects on fun moments with his wife, the excitement of exploring new places, and even a few surprises. You’ll feel like you’re right there with him as he brings his Hawaiian adventure to life. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Improve your listening skills by hearing Andrew talk naturally about his travel experiences in Hawaii. New vocabulary: Build your vocabulary with useful words and phrases like whirlwind trip, propel, vital, and to be wiped out, so you can express yourself clearly when speaking about travel or daily life. Idioms and expressions: Understand and practice expressions such as hit the ground running, check the boxes, and get off the beaten path, helping you sound natural when talking with native speakers. Pronunciation: Use this episode for shadowing or listen-and-repeat practice to improve your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. 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

In this episode, you’ll hear Andrew and Indiana talk about Indiana’s recent surgery and recovery. They use real-life English to discuss medical vocabulary, including words like “cartilage” and “labrum,” and explain how to describe pain and injuries. Indiana shares her experience of getting a diagnosis, deciding on surgery, and going through recovery. This is a great opportunity for you to learn medical terms in context, improve your listening skills, and hear how native speakers talk about health and personal experiences. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful medical terms like cartilage, anesthesia, and physical therapy to talk about injuries and treatments. Listening: Train your ears to understand natural English as Andrew and Indiana discuss healthcare, pain management, and exercise. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes by practicing how to talk about personal experiences, ask about someone’s health, and describe medical issues. Culture: Compare different healthcare systems and understand how medical treatments work in different countries. Fluency: Exposure to real conversations will help you think in English and express yourself more easily. 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. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube.

In this episode, Andrew shares the exciting conclusion of his hiking trip in South Korea with his best friend, Luke. After a chaotic morning rushing to catch a bus, they finally arrive in Taebaek, a small mountain town. Their adventure continues with beautiful snowy trails, a surprise trail closure, and an unexpected challenge at the top of the mountain. As always, you’ll hear natural English and pick up useful vocabulary, expressions, and cultural insights. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Get better at understanding natural English by following along with a fun and engaging real-life story. New vocabulary: Pick up useful words and phrases like spur of the moment, groggy, and to keep an eye on something. Idioms and expressions: Hear common expressions in action, such as a rude awakening, hoof it, and clued in, and learn how to use them naturally. Pronunciation: Listen to how Andrew changes his speed and tone to create suspense and keep the story interesting. 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 Learn more about Taebaeksan

In this episode of Catch Word, Andrew and Indiana teach you two useful English expressions: "knee jerk reaction" and "off the cuff." These expressions describe spontaneous reactions, one for quick emotional responses and the other for acting without preparation. Through fun conversations and clear examples, you'll learn how to use these expressions naturally in daily life! How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn how to naturally and correctly use common everyday English expressions like "knee jerk reaction" " (a quick, emotional response without thinking) and "off the cuff” (speaking or acting without preparation). Listening: Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation between native speakers, featuring real-life examples and clear explanations of these phrases. Culture: Learn how English speakers use these phrases in daily life, from workplace discussions to casual chats. Fluency: Training your ear with real English will help you think and speak more confidently. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! 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 the Culips community. They talk about the fun activities happening recently including small-group speaking classes and monthly challenges. They read a nice review from a listener named Coco, who joined the classes and loved them. They also spin a prize wheel to pick a winner from the January challenge. Alina introduces the new March challenge, which will help learners understand and use the tricky verb “get.” Finally, they talk about the schedule for upcoming speaking classes. Even though both Andrew and Alina are feeling a little sick, they power through the episode to bring all the latest news from Culips! 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 March Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the March Challenge (available from March 1st). Join in and start improving your English with the community! 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 Anna explore the impact of sound on our daily lives. From the noises that wake us up in the morning to the background sounds that shape our work, relaxation, and social interactions, they discuss how these sounds affect our mood, focus, and overall well-being. Tune in to learn how sound impacts daily life and boost your English skills at the same time! How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like "placebo effect," "to gab away," and "to make one's blood boil" to describe reactions, conversations, and strong emotions. Listening: Improve your listening skills with a natural conversation about how sounds affect our daily lives, sleep, and focus. Speaking: Gain confidence by discussing your own experiences with sound and how it influences your mood and routines. Culture: Discover how different cultures react to noise, from quiet train cars in Korea to lively restaurant terraces in Spain. Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to real conversations that help train your ears and mind to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! 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 shares a funny but stressful story about how a hiking trip almost went wrong before it even started. He talks about losing his wallet, missing a subway, and rushing to catch a bus just in time. This real-life story is easy to understand and will help you improve your English while enjoying an exciting adventure. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural English as Andrew describes a real-life story with excitement and detail. Pay attention to how he tells the story and expresses emotions. New vocabulary: Learn useful words and phrases related to travel, problem-solving, and making quick decisions, like get the wheels in motion and rifling through. Idioms and expressions: Discover expressions like go with the flow and in the midst of and see how they make storytelling more engaging. Pronunciation: Listen to how Andrew changes his speed and tone to create suspense and keep the story interesting. Speaking: Join our Culips Discord community and share a time when you had to deal with an unexpected situation. Practice using the 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 discussion class schedule (member only)

In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their latest travels. Kassy talks about her trip to Thailand with her four-month-old son. She explains what it was like to ride a speedboat and go through airport security with a baby. Andrew describes his plan to visit Taebaek, the small Korean city where he first lived. He looks forward to hiking the local mountain and seeing how much the city has changed. Listen to learn useful English words and phrases about travel, family, and exploring new places! How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn new words and expressions about traveling, flying with a baby, and planning a holiday trip. Listening: Practice understanding natural, easy-to-follow English conversations about everyday life and travel. Speaking: Gain confidence by discussing your own travel stories with friends or in Culips small-group English classes. Culture: Hear about what it’s like to visit Thailand with a baby and learn about local food and customs in Korea. Fluency: Improve your overall English skills by listening to real conversations that help train your ears and mind to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! 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.

Episode description: In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Indiana talk about winter and how it can make people feel sad or tired. They share their own winter experiences from places like Korea and the United States. Andrew and Indiana explain why winter can be hard and give simple tips to feel better, such as getting enough sunlight, exercising, and staying warm. They also talk about fun winter activities and ways to stay happy during the cold months. Listen to improve your English and learn how to beat the winter blues and enjoy the season! How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions like "down in the dumps," "no pain, no gain," and "there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Listening: Practice understanding natural English conversations about dealing with the winter blues and staying motivated during cold months. Speaking: Build confidence by joining small-group English classes to discuss topics from this episode. Culture: Discover how different countries, like Canada and the United States, experience winter and the traditions they have during the season. Fluency: Listening to real English conversations will help you understand how the language works and train your brain to think in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Sign up and become a Culips member now! 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 talks about going to his nephew’s elementary school graduation and realizing the power of celebrating small wins. He shares how a simple ceremony can bring families closer, boost confidence, and lead to bigger successes. He also explains why supporting each other’s achievements, even when they seem small, can make a big difference. This real-life story will help you improve your English skills and become a better communicator. How this episode will improve your English: Listening: Hear natural, everyday English as Andrew describes his day at the graduation and how it changed his perspective on small victories. New Vocabulary: Learn words and phrases related to school ceremonies, encouragement, and showing support to loved ones. Idioms and Expressions: Discover helpful English expressions like “no easy feat,” “to miss by just a hair,” and “in the whole scheme of things,” and see how they are used in real conversations. Pronunciation: Listen for how Andrew clearly pronounces words, stresses important syllables, and connects phrases. Then practice repeating short parts of the episode to develop your pronunciation skills and speak more clearly. Speaking: Join discussions with other listeners on the Culips Discord server, share your own surprise stories, and practice using new vocabulary in casual conversations. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group discussion class schedule (member only)