Culips Everyday English Podcast

Everyone loves a good party! Every July 4th in the United States, Americans celebrate their Independence Day national holiday with fireworks, family gatherings, and good food. Hear what hosts Andrew and Kassy have to say about Canadian and American national holiday festivities in this episode of Simplified Speech. Simplified Speech is a series in which native English speakers discuss topics using easy English for everyone to follow along. In this episode, you will hear interesting expressions like shenanigans, foreign concept, and to kick up a fuss. Fun facts There is a very popular action movie called National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage, in which a secret map is written on the back of the American Declaration of Independence. While the movie is not historically accurate, you might enjoy the action scenes! Expressions included in the study guide * New on the block * Shenanigans * Foreign concept * Inclusive * To kick up a fuss * To face [one’s] history Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Stephanie McCabe (Unsplash.com)

With a heavy heart, Andrew announces that frequent cohost Jeremy is leaving the Culips team. However, it’s a great time to introduce the new Culips host, Anna! She is from the United Kingdom and currently lives in Spain. Anna is a teacher and even has her own podcast. We hope you follow her new Culips journey with us! Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners. The conversations feature natural, unedited speech between native English speakers. Give it a listen! Fun facts In the Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck. The rain predicts a long, happy marriage because a wet knot is difficult to untie. Expressions included in the study guide * Bittersweet * Heavy heart * To step back * Residential * Eyesore * To stumble into [something] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Andrew Bates

Here comes the bride! Andrew’s bride, that is! In this episode, Andrew shares the story of his wedding day with Kassy and our listeners. In our Simplified Speech series, native English speakers have clear and natural conversations on common topics. These episodes are designed to boost your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. On occasion, our hosts share their personal stories, making it easy to listen to these English audio lessons. Fun facts In the Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck. The rain predicts a long, happy marriage because a wet knot is difficult to untie. Expressions included in the study guide * To be floored * Don’t take it personally * Little did you know * Disaster struck * MC and DJ * To kill it Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Andrew Bates

Have you ever tried making a reservation at a restaurant and it just didn’t go as smoothly as you would have liked? Then tune in to this Real Talk episode where Andrew and Kassy teach you all the questions, answers, and expressions you need to know to make a reservation at a restaurant in perfect English. The Culips Real Talk series is great for high-beginner and low-intermediate English learners. By studying with Real Talk, you’ll learn the English expressions you need to know for everyday, real-world situations. Fun facts Some restaurants have reservation lists that are beyond the imagination. One such restaurant is owned and run by chef Damon Baehrel. This chef is unique, because he runs his restaurant out of his home and he goes through every process of the food prep from growing his own produce, to preparing it, cooking it, serving it, and even cleaning the dishes. He prepares a 20+ course meal for each guest and the dining experience is said to take between 5-7 hours! At one point, chef Baehrel had a 6 year wait-list of customers dying to eat at his restaurant. Expressions included in the study guide * I’d like to make a reservation for [number] this [day] * A party of[number] * Under whose name are you making the reservation? * To push [something] up * To squeeze [someone] in * A ballpark [something] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Jason Leung and K8  (Unsplash)

These days, there are so many different sources to use when studying language. That’s both good and bad. There are pros and cons when you study with movies, TV, the internet, or any other kind of listening material. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy dive deep into the positives and negatives of these different ways of studying. Chatterbox is a series for higher-level learners to follow the natural speech of Culips hosts. The hosts share expressions such as without further ado, to sulk, and auditory. Give a listen to hear how the hosts use these expressions and what they sound like. Fun facts Despite the development of study materials on the internet and in the media, the textbook industry still makes a lot of money. In 2019, the publishing industry made $8.38 billion US selling textbooks! Expressions included in the study guide * Without further ado * Auditory * To sulk * To avoid a trap * To be pushing [a number] * To be represented Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: JESHOOTS.COM & Erik Mclean (Unsplash)

Are you clumsy and uncoordinated? You’re not alone! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach us two ways to talk about being clumsy and share stories where they broke things by accident. Culips’ Catch Word series teaches you idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions that help improve your English listening and speaking skills. Our online English grammar episodes are the best way to learn English. With Catch Word, you learn common phrases used by native English speakers while listening to a casual, natural conversation. You’ll even learn new ways to refer to clumsy actions! Fun facts According to a 2007 study from the University of Delaware, clumsiness is something we’re born with. They quizzed 1500 student athletes and found that those with the slowest mental reaction times and processing speeds were the most likely to get injured. If you’re a naturally clumsy person, doctors suggest slowing down and taking in your surroundings before you act—that will help reduce the number of accidents. Expressions included in the study guide * Butterfingers * Klutz * Pump [someone] up * Deets * Lighten the mood * Umbrella term Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Maria Bobrova & Sung Jin Cho (Unsplash)

In today’s Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce two really useful phrases for talking about emotions and feelings. Sharing the thoughts buried deep in your heart isn’t an easy thing to do, especially in a foreign language. By listening to this episode, you can make those difficult emotional conversations feel a little less stressful. Our Catch Word series is perfect for intermediate learners looking to boost their English listening fluency to the next level. Tune in to learn two common idiomatic expressions about feelings and emotions, to have a heart-to-heart and to get [something] off [one’s] chest. Fun facts Did you know a woman’s heart typically beats faster than a man’s? An adult woman has an average heartbeat of 78 beats per minute, while men hover around 70 beats per minute. Newborns have an even faster heartbeat than adults averaging somewhere between 70 and 190 beats per minute. Expressions included in the study guide * To have a heart-to-heart * Cut the crap * To iron [something] out * To make up * To shift gears * To get [something] off [one’s] chest Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Maria Bobrova & Sung Jin Cho (Unsplash)

Do you have a Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube Premium subscription? All three? In this interesting Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Suzanne chat about monthly subscription services. Tune in to hear about different types of subscriptions services that are available and which ones Andrew and Suzanne subscribe to. Chatterbox episodes are perfect for high-intermediate and advanced English language learners. Listen to completely natural English conversations spoken at normal speeds and chock-full of everyday phrases and colloquialisms. This episode focuses on phrases related to the subscription economy—buying things that are billed your account every cycle, whether that be weekly, monthly, or yearly. Fun facts According to an article from Business Wire, subscription services have increased over 350% in the last 8 years. More and more people are moving from buying physical products to buying access to digital services for a moderate monthly fee. Gone are the days of buying CDs, DVDs, and cable TV. Now people flock towards subscription-based digital services to listen to their favourite music and watch their favourite movies and TV shows with just the click of a button. Expressions included in the study guide * To nail it on the head * A good fit * The good stuff * To get you * Voila * To pique one’s interest

Some people can’t get enough of jigsaw puzzles. They like connecting the dots and the challenge of piecing everything together. In the end, it’s always important to pay attention to the bigger picture. In this Catch Word episode, that’s exactly what hosts Andrew and Jeremy are talking about. Their two main expressions are to connect the dots and to piece together [something]. They explore the similarities between these two expressions and how to use them. Give it a listen! Fun facts Did you know that there is an annual puzzle competition called the World Puzzle Championship? It features several different puzzles where competitors must connect the dots and piece together logical information as best as they can. Expressions included in the study guide * To connect the dots * To piece together [something] * The whole picture * To funnel money * I never would have guessed * To be up to no good Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Maria Bobrova & Sung Jin Cho (Unsplash)

The way we communicate includes more than what we actually say. Sometimes there are hidden meanings! In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne explain two phrases that mean to look past the obvious for the truth. Catch Word episodes define idioms, phrases, and slang so you can sound like a native speaker. Listen as two English speakers have a natural conversation so you can improve your vocabulary and listening skills. You will also learn new ways to talk about finding the hidden meaning! Fun facts The expression read between the lines comes from cryptography—using codes to protect information. In one code, reading every second line of a message gives a different meaning from that of the entire text. Expressions included in the study guide * Read between the lines * To take a hint * To break down [something] * Face value * Body language * Keep an eye out Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Pawel Czerwinski (Unsplash)

In today’s Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy are back with another catch-up session. In today’s episode, Kassy talks about her spring break trip and Andrew updates us on his adventures in obtaining his driver’s licence. Simplified Speech is a great series for intermediate learners. Tune in to hear natural English conversation spoken at a slightly slower speed than our Chatterbox series. Fun facts In Canada, about 27 million people, or 73% of the population, have a driver’s licence. In South Korea, about 32 million people, or 62% of the population, have one. This fact makes sense since South Korea is much more densely populated and connected by more robust modes of transportation than Canada. Expressions included in the study guide * Tourist trap * Fast friends * The highlights * To take something to heart * On your end * Discombobulated Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: iscilla Du Preez (Unsplash)

Have you ever felt like you don’t really belong? Or perhaps that, somehow, you’ve fooled people into believing that you’re more successful or intelligent than you really are? That’s called imposter syndrome. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy explain imposter syndrome and share their experiences dealing with it. In this Chatterbox episode, you’ll hear two native English speakers discuss a common issue that many people face. Chatterbox episodes help you become fluent in English. The natural, conversational language is designed for intermediate to advanced learners so that you can improve your vocabulary and listening skills. While you listen, you might even discover tips on how to deal with your own imposter syndrome! Fun facts The term imposter syndrome was first used by Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s. These psychologists wanted to explain a feeling experienced by many high-achieving women in the workforce. Expressions included in the study guide * Imposter syndrome * Work out * [One’s] cohort * Black sheep * Fake it till you make it * [Something] is key Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Luís Perdigão (Unsplash)

Going to the bank can be a stressful experience. Going to a bank using a second language can be ever more stressful! In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy take you through the normal steps to open a bank account and the English expressions you will need to know. In this episode, our hosts explore what it means to have unlimited transaction, the difference between a chequing account and a savings account, and what different forms of identification you will need. Give a listen to this helpful episode! Fun facts Financial transactions have existed since the beginning of civilization. However, modern-style banking started in Renaissance Italy, around the 14th century. Back then, most banks were family-owned businesses. Expressions included in the study guide * Teller * Transaction * To bank * Forms of ID * To inquire * A whole other kettle of fish Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Luís Perdigão (Unsplash)

Spinach, love it or hate it? In this scrumptious Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about controversial foods, foods that some people are dying to eat while others wrinkle their noses in disgust just thinking about them. This Simplified Speech episode on controversial foods is perfect for intermediate learners of English. Today’s episode is chock-full of fun words and phrases about foods that are sure to boost your English listening skills to the next level. Bon appétit! Fun facts There are several foods that cause division around the world. People either love them or hate them. Such foods include black licorice, cilantro, olives, blue cheese, mint chocolate ice cream, and oysters. So what’s your opinion on these contentious foods? Do you love them or hate them? Expressions included in the study guide * Hater * Control freak * Squeamish * To go out of [one’s] way * Upscale * Go-to Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Luís Perdigão (Unsplash)

Everyone has a skincare routine, whether it’s moisturizing occasionally or sticking to a daily regime. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne share their skincare routines. They also talk about how different cultures view skin care. In this episode, two native English speakers discuss their skincare routine. Chatterbox is designed for intermediate to advanced learners and features natural conversations about interesting topics. These conversations improve your vocabulary and listening skills. They help you become fluent in English! Plus, you might hear a few tips to keep your skin healthy. Fun facts Your skin is the largest organ on your body. It’s about 22 square feet in size and plays a large role in regulating body temperature. Take care of your skin to help you look good AND feel good! Expressions included in the study guide * Stash * Lackadaisical * By any chance * An inside job * To go ham on [something] * Breakout Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Photo Credit: Luís Perdigão (Unsplash)