Culips Everyday English Podcast show

Culips Everyday English Podcast

Summary: Learning English is tough stuff, but we're here to help every step of the way. This podcast is for English language learners who want to improve their lives by becoming fluent in English. Our high-quality lessons are free, fun and taught by our expert hosts. Listening to Culips is like sitting in on an interesting chat between good friends. Your fluency, listening skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation will improve naturally as you get to know our hosts and learn about interesting topics and trends in Canada and around the world. Get awesome at English, with Culips!

Join Now to Subscribe to this Podcast

Podcasts:

 Simplified Speech #126 – Do you know your family history? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:52

Have you ever wondered more about your family history? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their family trees and different ways to learn more about your family history. They also discuss DNA test kits and their effects on society. This Simplified Speech episode is perfect for intermediate English learners looking to hear natural English conversations at a slightly slower pace. Tune in to hear this interesting conversation about genealogy. Fun facts The six degrees of separation theory states that everyone on the planet is connected to one another by six or fewer social connections. This does not mean that you are genetically related to someone by six degrees of separation, but you could be the friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of a person who lives halfway across the planet from yourself. Pretty cool to think about, right? Expressions included in the study guide * Family tree * A good chunk of [something] * Little did I know * Way back when * [One’s] roots * The other side of the coin 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: niko photos on Unsplash

 Simplified Speech #125 – Summer Olympics | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:55

The Summer Olympics! They happen every four years… well, almost. The global pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but hopefully cheering on our national athletes with be good entertainment for us all. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne share their thoughts on the Olympics. Which events do you think they prefer? Football, swimming, track and field? Give it a listen, find out! Fun facts Did you know that athletes in Ancient Greece used to compete in the nude during the Olympic Games? Expressions included in the study guide * [Someone] do their thing * A [something] background * To give credit * Backing * The crème de la crème * A [something] investment 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: Kyle Dias on Unsplash

 Real Talk #050 – How to check into a hotel | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 27:10

Everyone deserves a nice vacation from time to time. If you are not comfortable checking in to a hotel speaking English, don’t worry. In this Real Talk episode, you will learn useful expressions you can use at the check-in counter. Real Talk is a series designed to teach you practical real-life English. In this episode, we teach you how to check in to a hotel and how to respond to the most common questions receptionists ask. Fun facts Checking into a hotel should be easy, right? How about checking in to the First World Hotel & Plaza in Malaysia, which has a world record 7,351 rooms? After listening to this episode, you’ll have no problems at all. Expressions included in the study guide * Under the name * To pull up [something] * Make and model * To be all set * Complimentary * Enjoy your stay 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: The Anam and Brandon Hooper on Unsplash

 Catch Word #247 – Spread too thin | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:36

Are your days so busy you find you don’t have any time for yourself? English has many ways to express this crazy busy state you’re in. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy explain two key phrases so that you can let people know you’re too busy. Culips’ Catch Word series teaches idioms, phrasal verbs and expressions so you can improve your English vocabulary. This audio English lesson features a natural conversation between two native English speakers. While you improve your listening skills, you’ll also learn new ways to express just how busy you are every day. Fun facts One of the expression studies in this episode is to run around like a headless chicken. Did you know there was a famous case of a chicken that continued to live for 18 months after it had its head chopped off? Expressions included in the study guide * To spread [oneself] too thin * To run around like a headless chicken * Time’s running out * Rite of passage * Fam * Downtime 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: STIL on Unsplash

 Simplified Speech #124 – What’s new with Kassy and Andrew | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:57

Ever wonder what life is like for our podcast hosts when they’re away from the mic? Well, you’re in luck! In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy catch up and swap tales of the exciting things that have recently happened in their lives. Simplified Speech episodes are designed to help you improve your English listening and speaking skills. Two native English speakers will have a natural conversation using clear and easy to understand language. Fun facts Studies have shown that catching up with your friends is good for your mental health. Adults with strong social support are less likely to have significant health problem and are likely to live longer. Expressions included in the study guide * Amigos/amigas * Run-down * Creature comforts * To jump through hoops * Ballpark * Connections 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: Priscilla De Preez (Unsplash.com)

 Simplified Speech #123 – Independence Day in the USA | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:41

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)

 Chatterbox #271 – Meet Anna, the new Culips cohost! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:09

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

 Simplified Speech #122 – Andrew’s wedding | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:52

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

 Real Talk #049 – How to make a reservation at a restaurant | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:44

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)

 Chatterbox #270 – The pros and cons of studying with videos | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:51

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)

 Catch Word #246 – Butterfingers | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:56

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)

 Catch Word #245 – Heart-to-heart | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:59

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)

 Chatterbox #269 – The subscription economy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:39

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

 Catch Word #244 – Connect the dots | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:25

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)

 Catch Word #243 – Read between the lines | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 29:29

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)

Comments

Login or signup comment.