Episodes

  • Chatterbox #319 – Interview with Jesús Florez

    Chatterbox #319 – Interview with Jesús Florez
    May 5 2024
    Episode description: In this episode, Andrew interviews Jesús Florez, a Culips listener originally from Colombia. Jesús talks about his journey of becoming a highly proficient English speaker with an American-like accent. He discusses his background story of meeting his wife online and moving from Colombia to the United States. He tells Andrew all about the intensive work he did to improve his pronunciation and the resources he used to achieve fluency, plus he shares some valuable tips with English learners! If you want to know how to become a fluent English speaker and perfect your pronunciation, this episode is for you! What you'll learn in this episode: Effective strategies for mastering an American-like accent. The importance of input (listening) in working on pronunciation. Helpful tips for improving pronunciation in a foreign language. Benefits of learning from both native and non-native English teachers. The importance of the visual aspect of pronunciation. How this episode will help improve your English: Expand your vocabulary related to language learning Improve listening skills by following a natural unscripted conversation. Learn useful expressions like "get [something] off the ground" and "take precedence". Improve speaking by discussing your own language learning journey using the study guide questions. The best way to learn with this lesson: 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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    37 mins
  • Bonus episode #100 – Your stories

    Bonus episode #100 – Your stories
    Apr 28 2024
    Episode description In this very special episode, we celebrate hitting the 100-episode milestone of the bonus series. And we do so by flipping the script. Instead of hearing Andrew share a story with you, you'll get to listen to stories sent in by Culips listeners from around the world. Tune in to hear them share funny moments, discuss their English study routines, and talk about how they've leveled up their language skills with Culips. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the creation of this episode. Without our amazing community, Culips wouldn't exist. We hope you enjoy this special edition of the bonus series, and here's to many more episodes to come! Study with the interactive transcript: Click here. Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member: Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction - Andrew explains the special 100th bonus episode [00:05:51] Story from Sodam about moving to the U.S. [00:06:51] Story from Sandra about an extraordinary experience at the Musée d'Orsay [00:08:09] Story from Ray about learning English through Pokémon and practicing shadowing [00:10:04] Story from Jin about discovering Culips and using the interactive transcript [00:12:54] Story from Shun about the power of shadowing [00:17:16] Story from Mery about a trip to London with her boyfriend [00:20:44] Story from Edit about sleep talking [00:25:23] Story from Pijon about why pronunciation is important [00:27:41] Story from Navid about improving his English after immigrating to Canada [00:30:44] Story from Suhavi about being forced to listen to Culips by her mom [00:35:07] Story from WangJae about becoming a father [00:37:58] Story from Grimes about learning English with Culips [00:39:29] Story from Kalléu about improving English skills through Culips [00:39:29] Story from Dominika about a Czech tradition [00:42:53] Story from Jiwoo and Chloe about their mom's passion for Culips [00:44:33] Story from Sarah comparing school life in two different countries [00:46:50] Story from Usako about decluttering and playing table tennis [00:48:52] Story from Kelvin about his English learning journey [00:50:24] Story from Mina about returning to work after maternity leave [00:52:33] Story from Sergey about Culips in his daily routine [00:53:38] Story from Muhammed about learning with Culips [00:54:32] Story from Anthony about improving his English for business [00:58:04] Story from Zahra about finding Culips during the pandemic [00:58:56] Story from Diana about mistaking chrysanthemum tubers for ginger [01:02:51] Story from Darkhan about a blessing in disguise [01:04:19] Story from Thea Yang about learning languages every day
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Simplified Speech #195 – Live sports

    Simplified Speech #195 – Live sports
    Apr 26 2024
    Episode description: In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy share their experiences attending live sporting events in various countries, including Canada, the USA, Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. They discuss the exciting atmosphere, food options, ticket prices, and cultural differences between watching sports in different parts of the world. By listening to this episode, you will gain a better understanding of how to talk about sports and live events in English. You'll also pick up new vocabulary words and learn about cultural differences in an engaging and easy-to-follow discussion. Join Andrew and Kassy as they share their passion for sports and help you improve your English skills along the way! What you will learn Vocabulary related to sports and live events, such as "seeded," "concession," and "jumbotron" Insights into the sports culture and fan experiences in different countries Comparisons between the cost and availability of food and drinks at stadiums around the world Opinions on watching sports on TV versus attending live events How you will improve your English with this episode Expand your vocabulary with sports-related terms and expressions Learn to discuss and compare cultural experiences using clear language Improve your listening skills by following a natural conversation between two native English speakers Improve your communication skills by discussing this episode with other Culips listeners on our Discord server The best way to learn with this lesson: 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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    30 mins
  • Bonus episode #099 – Trail talk

    Bonus episode #099 – Trail talk
    Apr 21 2024
    In this episode, Andrew talks about running a trail race in Jangsu, a small village in South Korea. He describes the challenges of running on mountain paths, the beautiful scenery he saw, and the great feeling of finishing the race. As you listen to Andrew's story, you'll learn new vocabulary about running, nature, and facing difficulties. You'll also improve your listening skills and ability to understand a story in English. Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server: Get the comprehension quiz:
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    34 mins
  • Chatterbox #318 – Digital modesty

    Chatterbox #318 – Digital modesty
    Apr 19 2024
    Episode description: In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the concept of digital modesty – the idea of being mindful about how much personal information you share online. They explore the benefits and drawbacks of sharing on social media and the importance of setting boundaries to protect your privacy. What you'll learn in this episode: The meaning of digital modesty and why it's an important topic Different perspectives on sharing personal information online The potential risks of oversharing on social media The importance of setting personal boundaries and limits for online sharing How cultural differences can influence what is considered modest or acceptable to share How this episode will improve your English: Expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to online behavior and social media, such as: digital modesty, non-negotiables,off-putting, oversharing, and boundaries. Improve your listening comprehension by following a natural, unscripted conversation between native English speakers. Learn idiomatic expressions like strike a chord and play devil's advocate. Gain insight into cultural differences and how they can impact online behavior Improve your speaking and communication skills by using the study guide and connecting with the member community to practice speaking about digital modesty in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: 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. Episode references: Mary Harrington interviewed on the Modern Wisdom podcast: Click here. The geography game Andrew mentioned, GeoGuesser: Click here. The story of the missing van lifer: Click here. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Kaique Rocha (pexels.com)
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    33 mins
  • Bonus episode #098 – Lifestyle change

    Bonus episode #098 – Lifestyle change
    Apr 14 2024
    In this episode, Andrew shares a simple yet powerful change he made to his daily routine that has left him feeling more rested, productive, and less stressed. He explains how keeping his phone away from his bed at night and reading a book first thing in the morning has made a big difference to his well-being. Andrew also talks about the Korean book he's currently reading and the inspiring journey of its translator. This episode will help improve your English communication skills in several ways: You'll get great practice listening to and understanding natural, conversational English as Andrew shares a personal story. You'll learn useful vocabulary related to daily routines, reading habits, sleep, productivity, and language learning. By listening to Andrew’s story, you'll build your ability to understand spoken English and grasp main ideas. The topic of making positive changes might inspire you to think about your own habits and discuss them with others in English. Study with the interactive transcript: Join the Culips Discord server: Try the comprehension quiz:
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    27 mins
  • Simplified Speech #194 – Double birthday bash

    Simplified Speech #194 – Double birthday bash
    Apr 12 2024
    Episode description: Join Andrew and Kassy as they talk about their upcoming milestone birthdays. Kassy is turning 30, and Andrew is turning 40! They'll chat about their favorite ways to celebrate birthdays, common birthday traditions in the United States and Canada, and the customary foods enjoyed on birthdays in South Korea. This episode is perfect for English learners who want to improve their listening skills and expand their cultural knowledge. What you will learn: Birthday celebrations: Discover how people in North America typically celebrate their birthdays. Cultural traditions: Learn about birthday customs and traditions in the United States, Canada, and South Korea. Personal experiences: Hear Andrew and Kassy share their own birthday memories and preferences. Milestone birthdays: Understand the significance of turning 30 and 40 in Western culture. How this episode will improve your English: Vocabulary building: Learn essential words and phrases related to birthdays and celebrations. Listening skills: Improve your ability to understand native English speakers in a natural, conversational setting. Cultural awareness: Gain insights into birthday celebrations and traditions in different countries. Relatable content: Connect with the hosts' personal stories and experiences, which can help you retain the language more effectively. Speaking practice: Use the study guide and connect with the member community to practice discussing birthday-related topics in English. The best way to learn with this lesson: 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. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Thirdman (pexels.com)
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    26 mins
  • Bonus episode #097 – Binge-watching

    Bonus episode #097 – Binge-watching
    Apr 7 2024
    In this episode, Andrew shares about his experience binge-watching the new Netflix sci-fi series "The Three-Body Problem." He discusses the show's interesting premise, engaging storyline, and characters. By listening to this episode, you'll learn vocabulary related to TV shows, books, and the phenomenon of binge-watching. This episode will help improve your English communication skills in several ways: You'll hear natural, casual English spoken at a conversational pace as Andrew discusses the show's premise, characters, and his overall impressions. You'll expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to TV/movie plots, acting, adaptations from books, and giving opinions. By listening to Andrew's story, you'll get practice understanding spoken English and comprehending someone's thoughts and viewpoints. The topic of a popular sci-fi series provides cultural insight into this entertainment genre loved by many English speakers. Study with the interactive transcript: click here Join the Culips Discord server: Become a Culips member:
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    20 mins