In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very common and useful English expressions for making comparisons: “apples to oranges” and “night and day.” These idioms help you describe situations where things are so different that it’s not fair or even possible to compare them. You’ll hear realistic examples, like comparing homemade food to the gorgeous dishes shared by influencers, or an old, outdated phone to a brand new one.






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to use “apples to oranges” when two things are too different to compare
* How to use “night and day” to describe a major, positive change
* The difference in meaning and usage between the two expressions
* Real-life examples from conversations about jobs, health, technology, and daily life

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate English learners who want to use idiomatic expressions to talk about comparisons
* Learners trying to sound more fluent and confident in real conversations, at work, school, or in social 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: Click here.
* Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

What do you do when your favorite jacket starts to smell really bad? In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about two expensive jackets that developed a terrible musty odor after being stored under his bed for the summer. He talks about trying different solutions, like leaving them in the sun, putting them in the freezer, and spraying them with fabric spray and even vodka. Listen as Andrew shares his experience and teaches you natural English expressions you can use in real life.








Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help make your English sound more natural and fluent.

Important links:

* Become a Culips member
* Study with the interactive transcript
* Join the Culips Discord server
* Small-group speaking class schedule

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew catches up with Kassy, who returns to share exciting updates about her life. She talks about finishing her master’s degree, taking a long trip across the United States with her baby, moving to a new city in Korea, and adjusting to work after maternity leave. Kassy also shares her experience planning her son’s first birthday and explains a special Korean tradition called Doljanchi, where a baby chooses an item that predicts their future.

You’ll learn how to talk about life changes, travel experiences, and family traditions in clear, natural English. Andrew and Kassy also highlight useful vocabulary like caravan, strew, and mat leave, explaining how each one is used in everyday conversations.






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to describe life updates and big transitions using natural English phrases
* Vocabulary for talking about travel, family, and moving to a new home
* The meaning of cultural terms like Doljanchi and maternity leave
* How native speakers share personal stories and connect emotionally in conversation

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday conversations
* Anyone interested in modern Korean culture and family life
* Listeners who want to improve their vocabulary and fluency for storytelling and daily English conversations

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 Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about algorithms, the hidden digital systems that shape what we see online. They discuss how these tools affect what we buy, what we believe, and even how we feel. If you’ve ever wondered why the same ads seem to follow you everywhere, or you’re curious about Andrew’s story of being flooded with hair transplant ads, you’ll enjoy this one.

If you’re an upper-intermediate English learner who wants to sound more natural when talking about technology and modern life, this episode is for you. You’ll learn useful vocabulary through a real conversation between Andrew and Anna, while building listening confidence along the way.






What you’ll learn in this episode:

* Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions and terms related to technology and online behavior, such as echo chamber, rage bait, and
* Listening: Understand how algorithms work and how they influence what we see online with an interesting and easy-to-follow discussion.
* Speaking: Share your own experiences with algorithms in our speaking classes and on our Discord server.
* Fluency: Listening to natural English conversations helps train your brain to think in English, a key skill for fluent speaking. You'll also pick up natural expressions and speech patterns, and get comfortable with how native speakers discuss technology and digital culture.

The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:

* Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. 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. 

What's the best way to give money as a gift? In this episode, Andrew tells a story about hosting his wife’s family for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday. You'll hear him talk about preparing a huge meal, fitting eight people into a small space, and turning gift-giving into fun games with cash prizes.








Listen along to supercharge your listening skills. Don't forget to check out the FREE interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help your English become more natural.

Important links:

* Become a Culips member
* Study with the interactive transcript
* Join the Culips Discord server
* Small-group speaking class schedule
* RSVP for the Culips Hamburg Meet-up on October 18th

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about retirement. They chat about what it means, how it looks in different countries, and what people dream of doing after they stop working. You’ll hear them share real examples from the United States, Canada, and Korea and discuss ideas like second careers, semi-retirement, and common lifestyles for retirees. They also teach several useful English expressions connected to retirement, such as golden years, twilight years, nest egg, empty nester, and living the good life.






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to use expressions like golden years and living the good life to describe retirement in a positive way
* What nest egg and empty nester mean and how they relate to family and financial life
* The difference between golden years and twilight years
* How people in the U.S., Canada, and Korea view and prepare for retirement
* How to describe retirement dreams, second careers, and semi-retirement naturally in English

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary with real-life topics
* Listeners interested in cultural differences between countries
* Anyone preparing for discussions about work, lifestyle, or aging 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. 

Have you ever had a day that started off terribly but somehow became unforgettable? In this episode, Andrew shares the story of a rainy half marathon that began in total chaos and ended with a sweet surprise.

You’ll hear real, everyday English as he talks about staying motivated, finding focus, and turning frustration into pride. You’ll also learn natural expressions that native speakers use, like “gong show,” “clock’s ticking,” “to blow by someone,” and “to steal someone’s thunder.”

Join our friendly community on Discord to share your own story about overcoming setbacks, and check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to get even more from this episode.








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 Indiana get honest with each other about everyday things that annoy people. They talk about habits that “get on their nerves,” such as loud chewing, people using their phones while talking, overused clichés, bad driving habits, and even dog owners who don’t follow the rules. Along the way, your hosts explain useful expressions like “gets on my nerves,” and “grinds my gears,” so you can understand and use them the next time you want to complain to a friend!






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to use natural English expressions for talking about annoying habits and situations
* Real-life examples of common, idiomatic ways to complain in English
* Vocabulary for describing irritation, such as annoying, irritating, and rude

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate English learners who want to practice real conversational English
* Students who want to expand their vocabulary for everyday situations
* Anyone who wants to sound more natural when talking to friends about small problems and annoyances

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 about what's new at Culips! You'll learn about the second European meetup happening in Hamburg, Germany on October 18th. They also introduce the October challenge, which is focused on linking words that will help you create better-connected sentences.







European Meetup #2 - Hamburg, Germany

* Date: Saturday, October 18th
* Time: 4:00 PM
* Location: People's Place Cafe, Hamburg
* Cost: Free!
* Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required
* RSVP: Fill out the form here:

Join fellow English learners for a relaxed, friendly chat in a welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels!

October Challenge: Connecting Words

Theme: Linking words and connectors to create longer, more natural sentences

How it works:

* New tasks every other day throughout October
* Complete skeleton sentences using connecting words like "therefore," "despite," "besides," and "nevertheless"
* Practice making your speech flow more naturally and confidently
* Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate

It's completely free and perfect for learning to express complex ideas 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 tab.
* Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu.


* Access the October Challenge:
Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the October Challenge (available from October 2nd).

Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English expressions: “cut someone some slack” and “give someone the benefit of the doubt.” These are common phrases that English speakers use to ask for understanding, forgiveness, or trust when someone is under pressure or when we are unsure about their actions.






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to use “cut someone some slack” to ask for extra patience or forgiveness
* When to use “give someone the benefit of the doubt” to choose trust over suspicion
* The grammar pattern both expressions share
* Vocabulary like slack, taut, to be swamped, and to cover for someone
* Real-life examples from work, home, and friendship situations

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate to advanced English learners who want to sound more natural
* Anyone looking to build vocabulary for work, school, and social life
* Learners preparing for conversations with native speakers where trust and understanding are important

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. 

What if you could speak with anyone, in any language, in real time? In this bonus episode, Andrew explores that idea with a clear, step-by-step look at live translation. He reads a news article and explains the key ideas and terms in easy to understand English, showing how Apple, Google, and Meta are pursuing the “universal translator” and what it could mean for travel, work, and daily life.

What you’ll learn

* Meanings of “universal translator,” “seamlessly,” “coherent,” and “simultaneously”
* Tech vocabulary like “selling point,” “battleground,” “purpose built,” and “friction”
* Useful expressions such as “usher in,” “spurred by,” “paired with,” and “home field advantage”

How it will improve your English

* You expand your vocabulary with clear definitions and natural examples from the article
* You understand complex sentences because Andrew pauses to explain key lines in plain English
* You can review and reinforce with the interactive transcript and glossary, and members can take a short quiz









Important links:

* Become a Culips member
* Study with the interactive transcript
* Join the Culips Discord server
* Small-group speaking class schedule
* Apple, Google and Meta are trying to perfect a science fiction gadget: The universal translator

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about street smarts: the practical skills and awareness people should have in order to stay safe and confident in cities. They share personal stories about living in places like Madrid, London, Seoul, and Canada, and explain how experiences such as pickpocketing or mugging can change the way people think about safety. The hosts also compare life in big cities to life in smaller towns or the countryside, showing how different environments require different kinds of common sense.






This episode is great for upper-intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday English conversations about real-life situations, build up vocabulary related to safety and street crime, and practice listening to natural storytelling from native speakers.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

* Vocabulary: Useful English words and expressions about safety, danger, and daily life in cities, such as dodgy, pickpocket, mugging, and shady character.
* Listening: Improve your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers sharing real experiences.
* Speaking: Learn how to tell your own stories about travel, street smarts, and staying safe using natural English phrases.
* Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about safety in cities and compare experiences from Canada, Spain, Korea, and the UK.
* Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you understand natural speech and respond more quickly 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. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. 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 Indiana continue their fun conversation about things that are overrated or underrated. They share their opinions on topics like walking 10,000 steps a day, biohacking, pineapple on pizza, vinyl records, and even the idea of being famous. They compare their different views, tell stories, and explain why some things deserve more love while others are praised too much.

Try iTalki to improve your English speaking skills! Use promo code **CULIPS** to get $15 in lessons for only $10.
- Web:
- App:






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to use the words “overrated” and “underrated” to share your opinion
* Real-life examples of these expressions in conversations about health, music, food, and culture
* Helpful phrases to agree or disagree politely and naturally
* Extra vocabulary you can use when discussing popular trends and everyday topics

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate English learners who want to improve their speaking and listening skills
* Anyone interested in learning how to sound more natural when sharing opinions
* Students looking for fun vocabulary and examples to use in conversations about everyday topics

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. 

Do bad things really come in threes? In this episode, Andrew tells you four mini stories from his week that will make you wonder about this old superstition. From unexpected moments during his evening run to tech troubles that tested his patience, you'll hear authentic English storytelling that takes you from frustrating lows to feel-good highs.

* You'll improve your listening skills by hearing how Andrew tells stories in natural, everyday English.
* You'll learn common expressions that native speakers use, like "holding back," "buying into something," "fiddle around with," and "clear sailing."
* You'll discover interesting things about English-speaking culture, including superstitions and childhood experiences.
* You can practice your English on our Discord server by telling other learners about your own week and what happened to you.

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

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about Indiana’s recent trip to Colorado. She shares stories about all of the activities she enjoyed during her time there, such as attending a wedding, spotting mountain goats on a hike, and adjusting to the thin air of “the Mile High City.” Indiana also tells Andrew about trying local craft beers and visiting the surreal art installation called Meow Wolf.

If you’re an intermediate English learner who wants to improve your listening skills while hearing a natural conversation about travel, culture, and the different landscapes of the United States, then this episode is for you!






What you’ll learn with this episode:


* Vocabulary: Learn everyday words and expressions for travel, landscapes, wildlife, art, and cultural experiences.
* Listening: Build your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native speakers about fun topics like traveling and hiking.
* Speaking: Practice talking about your own trips, weddings, cultural outings, and travel highlights in our Discord community and speaking classes.
* Culture: Learn more about how North Americans describe places, family friends, and special events like weddings.
* Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you feel more confident and natural when sharing your own stories.

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, 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.

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. 

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

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!

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