Culips Everyday English Podcast

Are you a fan of music festivals? In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the ins and outs of a typical musical festival. Tune in to learn about music festival culture and useful tips to make your music festival experience more enjoyable, all while practicing your English listening skills. Culips’ Chatterbox series is great for high-intermediate and advanced English learners. This episode is chock-full of interesting phrases and vocabulary related to music festivals and festivals in general. Hit the play button and enjoy! Fun facts Festivals have been around for thousands of years. Festivals were especially popular in ancient Greece and ancient Rome, with competitions and performances in athletics and the performing arts being the most popular. Expressions included in the study guide * Skill set * A staple of [something] * A trooper * Luck of the draw * Out-of-body experience * Lead-up/buildup 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: Tony Pham (Unsplash.com)

Hitting the road with friends or family, for a week-long adventure is a time-honoured tradition–especially in North America. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what makes a great road trip and share their favourite road trip memories. This is Culips’ Simplified Speech series. It features clear, natural and easy to understand English conversations about interesting topics, like road trips. By listening to native English speakers speak naturally, you’ll improve your English listening skills and increase your vocabulary. Tune in to today’s adventurous English audio lesson to learn something new. Fun facts The world’s first recorded road trip took place in Germany, in 1888. Bertha Benz, wife of the first car inventor, Karl Benz, travelled from Mannheim to Pforzheim with her sons. They travelled 106 km (66 mi) in the third experimental Benz car, which had a maximum speed of 16 km/h (10 m/h). She even took this trip without her husband’s consent or knowledge! Expressions included in the study guide * Location hopping * Fluid * Fly by the seat of your pants * Twist [one’s] arm * Gnarly * Quota 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: Dino Reichmuth (Unsplash.com)

Have you ever wanted to travel to space? A few well-known billionaires definitely have! In fact, they have restarted the Space Race and their companies are racing into infinity and beyond. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the new Space Race and what it means for the future of space travel. Chatterbox is a series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Podcasts and audio lessons are a great way to improve your English listening skills. Culips’ Chatterbox episodes feature natural, unedited conversations between native speakers, so you can build your English fluency. And this time, you will learn about the latest in space travel. Fun facts The original Space Race started in the 1950s. In 1957, the USSR launched the first satellite into space called Sputnik. In 1961, they launched the first person into space. There were many developments over the years, most notably in 1969 when the United States landed the first humans on the moon. The Space Race ended after the collapse of the USSR. After that, countries from both sides of the former Cold War have worked together. Expressions included in the study guide * In a heartbeat * Pet project * To beat [someone] to the post * Low-key * Nerves of steel * To get a lot of flack 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: SpaceX (Unsplash.com)

We’re back with another Catch Word episode! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you some idiomatic expressions or phrases to use when talking about something that improves or gets better. Tune in to improve your English listening skills by leaps and bounds! Catch Word is a great series that focuses on key vocabulary and phrases used in all sorts of common everyday English conversations. While this episode focuses on phrases that you might use when talking about making progress, improving, or getting better at something, it is also chock-full of other useful expressions highlighted in the study guide. Fun facts There are thousands of books and articles out in the world telling people how to improve their mental health, sleep patterns, exercise habits, study habits, financial literacy, and much more. What’s interesting is that these articles and books all say the exact same thing to a certain degree. Most self-improvement or self-help books tend to agree that the #1 way to make significant improvements in anything you set out to achieve is to make small, concise goals and then a routine or plan to achieve those goals, and to consistently execute that plan each and every day. Expressions included in the study guide * By leaps and bounds * To bomb [something] * Out and about * On the up and up * To be in the moment * To branch off 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: Kid Circus (Unsplash.com)

Many have cherished memories of their grandparents, from listening to their stories to feeling loved and supported throughout childhood. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their grandparents. Today’s conversation might tug on your heartstrings! The Simplified Speech series features clear, easy to understand conversations between native English speakers. This helps improve your English listening skills and, by listening, helps you speak English naturally. The topics covered are relevant to everyday life, so you can use what you learn right away. Fun facts The Simplified Speech series features clear, easy to understand conversations between native English speakers. This helps improve your English listening skills and, by listening, helps you speak English naturally. The topics covered are relevant to everyday life, so you can use what you learn right away. Expressions included in the study guide * The name stuck * Reckon * My heart burst * Tug on [one’s] heartstrings * Waterworks * Hop on the [adjective] train 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: Christian Bowen (Unsplash.com)

Have you ever noticed a well-dressed, friendly person working in the hotel lobby? This person is often helping guests with taxis or telling them about the best restaurants in town. Many hotels employ a person called a concierge. Their job is to help you with all your needs, big or small. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about the various ways a hotel concierge can help you during your visit. Real Talk is a Culips series where we help you with real-life English in real-life situations. In this episode, our hosts talk about the hotel concierge. This person helps you with directions, restaurant suggestions, transportation tips, and reservations for whichever city you’re visiting. Fun facts In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about hotel concierges and the services they provide in most hotels. However, it is possible to hire the services of a luxury personal concierge. For a price, this person can show you the high life of any location, from yachts to high-class parties to the most exclusive restaurants! Expressions included in the study guide * Concierge * Correct me if I’m wrong * Must-see * Don’t be afraid to ask * To get a sense of [someone] * To pass on [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: Christiann Koepke and Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka (Unsplash.com)

Have you missed hearing Jeremy’s voice on the podcast? Then tune in to this episode, which was recorded last year while Jeremy was still on the team. This Chatterbox episode is full of useful tips and resources for finding great listening materials for learning English. Culips’ Chatterbox series is perfect for upper-intermediate or advanced English learners to practise their English listening skills. The hosts talk in everyday English at an ordinary speed. If you’re looking for English listening materials where the hosts talk at the same level as native speakers, then this is the series for you. Enjoy! Fun facts Radio has been around for awhile, but radio stations first started popping up around the globe in the early 1920s. One of the first radio stations in the United States started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It first aired on November 2, 1920, broadcasting the returns of the presidential election between Harding and Cox. Expressions included in the study guide * Off to the races * Geeky * Fleeting * Crystal clear * To cut [someone] off * On the surface 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: insung yoon (Unsplash.com)

It’s always fun to compliment a friend (and to receive a compliment, too). Luckily, the English language has many expressions you can use to tell people how good they look! Today, Andrew and Kassy define two such expressions: to look like a million bucks and a sight for sore eyes. The Culips Catch Word series explains idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions used in everyday life. Listening to our Catch Word audio lessons helps improve your English listening and speaking skills. In the process, you’ll even learn a few new ways to compliment your friends! Fun facts Research shows that giving and receiving compliments is good for your health, confidence, and overall happiness! Compliments motivate people, inspire them, and, of course, make them happy. Expressions included in the study guide * To look like a million bucks * A sight for sore eyes * Got this [thing] beat * To clean up pretty nice/well * Rhetorical question * To put a smile on [one’s] face 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: Tim Mossholder (Unsplash.com)

Can you talk to animals? In this Simplified Speech episode, Suzanne tells Andrew an interesting story about her dog and an animal communicator. She says this animal communicator communicated with her dog and found out the problems in his life. Even if you are skeptical, it’s worth a listen! In Simplified Speech episodes, two native English speakers have natural conversations using clear and easy to understand language. In this episode, you will learn expressions like sixth sense, to be skeptical, debriefing, and high maintenance. Fun facts There is a long history of people who claim to talk to animals. In English, many people use the word whisperer to refer to people who can talk to animals. The American actor Robert Redford starred in a popular 1998 movie called The Horse Whisperer. After that movie came out, it became common for people to joke about being a dog whisperer or a cat whisperer because they say they understand their pets’ thoughts and feelings very well. Expressions included in the study guide * Sixth sense * To be skeptical * -phone * To sprain * Debriefing * High maintenance 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: Eric Ward (Unsplash.com)

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone over the past year and a half. So what does this mean for the economy? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss the pandemic economy, how it’s changing, and what this could mean for the future. Culips’ Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learning. All Chatterbox episodes feature natural conversations between two native English speakers. Listening to these audio lessons helps improve your grammar, vocabulary, and listening skills so that you can become fluent. You’ll be able to speak English naturally with Culips, and you might just learn something interesting along the way. Fun facts During the pandemic, there is one restaurant service that has done really well: pizza. Pizzerias, and other restaurants that deliver pizzas, saw a 40% increase in sales just a few months into the pandemic. Expressions included in the study guide * Uptick * Skyrocket * Ups and downs * Come to a dead halt * Sell like hotcakes * Left-leaning 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: Eric Ward (Unsplash.com)

Would you like to receive a slap in the face? Probably not! However, the expression a slap in the face isn’t a physical thing, it’s more of an insult. In this Catch Word episode, you’ll learn all about it as Andrew and Suzanne talk about the various ways of using the expressions a slap in the face and a slap on the wrist. Take a listen and learn how to use these two natural English expressions. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series. By studying with Catch Word, you will be able to grow your English vocabulary and learn idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that will make you sound like an English native speaker. In this episode, you will learn what a slap in the face and a slap on the wrist mean. Additionally, you will learn the meaning of to ghost [someone] and to get riled up. Fun facts In this episode, our hosts talk about an example where one friend leaves dinner without paying for their food. If both of them did that, the situation would be called a dine and dash. Have you ever heard of that? A dine and dash is when you eat your food and then dash, or run, out of the restaurant without paying. Expressions included in the study guide * A slap in the face * A slap on the wrist * To ghost [someone] * To get riled up * A grant * A phase 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 Le on Unsplash

Nice beaches, beautiful architecture, and warm weather: these are some of the things people most associate with Spain. But since cohost Anna lives in Spain, she can tell us a lot more about the country. Join Anna and Andrew as they talk about living in Spain in this Chatterbox episode. Chatterbox is a series designed to present listeners with natural conversation between native English speakers. In this episode, they talk about Spanish climate and weather, food, and daily life. Fun facts Many people outside of Spain think that paella is the national dish. However, Spaniards see it differently. Locals see paella as a regional dish, from Valencia. Expressions included in the study guide * To associate [something] with [something] * Climate * The last thing you want to do * To make [one’s] blood boil * Bob’s your uncle * To stand the test of time 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: Jorge Fernández Salas and alevision.co on Unsplash

Since you’re listening to Culips, that means you’re learning a language! Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to teach one? Today, Anna and Andrew chat about their experiences as both language teachers and language learners. Chatterbox is a Culips audio series for intermediate and advanced English learners. It features natural, unedited conversations between native English speakers about what’s going on in the world today. Tune in today to practice your English listening skills and expand your English vocabulary while also getting an inside look at what it’s like to teach a new language. Fun facts Almost half of the world’s population is bilingual! 43% of the world is fluent in two languages. 40% only speak one, 13% speak three, 3% speak four, and 1% can speak five or more languages fluently. Expressions included in the study guide * The blind leading the blind * Wallflower * Go through the motions * Put in the time * Bring to the table * Fire [someone] up 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: Leonardo Toshiro Okubo on Unsplash

In this interesting Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy will teach you some useful expressions to use when talking about things you don’t want to do. Catch Word is a great series that focuses on key vocabulary and phrases used in all sorts of common everyday English conversations. This episode focuses on phrases that you might use when talking about things you don’t want to do or places you don’t want to go. Tune in to learn these new phrases and boost your English fluency to the next level! Fun facts Life is too short to waste time doing things you really don’t want to do, so the next time your friend invites you to a party that you don’t want to go to or begs you to join a club that really doesn’t hold your interest, just say NO! The relief of skipping these events will far outweigh the potential awkwardness or disappointment of saying no to your friend. Expressions included in the study guide * Thanks, but no thanks * To give off a weird vibe * Suit yourself * To rag on [someone] * Wouldn’t be caught dead * Rather die than [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: Daniel Herron n on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered what life is like in the UK? Turns out, it is a bit different from Canada or the US! Andrew speaks with UK native Anna to find out exactly what life was like in this English-speaking country. Tune in for a new episode of Chatterbox, the Culips podcast series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Today’s natural, unedited conversation between two native speakers will help improve your English listening skills while also giving you an inside look at life in another country. Fun facts Watch any show about or in the UK and you’ll notice that the characters drink a lot of tea. This isn’t just a stereotype! Since the 18th century, the UK has been one of the world’s largest tea consumers, with over 100,000,000 cups enjoyed per day! Expressions included in the study guide * Minefield * A [something] streak * If I say so myself * To pan out * Posh * Out of this world 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: Darya Tryfanava on Unsplash