Culips Everyday English Podcast

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)

Welcome to another Simplified Speech episode where hosts Andrew and Kassy catch up on recent news. They always have a lot to share with each other, so give it a listen! It’s Kassy’s birthday in a couple of days! Happy birthday, Kassy! Of course, by the time you listen to this episode, it will have already happened. In that case, you can say, “Happy belated birthday, Kassy!” Also in this episode, you will hear about Andrew’s wedding plans and how inundated he is with preparations. As always, he’s so busy! But he’s not too busy to have a nice chat with cohost Kassy once again. Fun facts In this episode, Kassy talks about her upcoming birthday. Did you know that on any given day, about 20 million people throughout the world will be celebrating a birthday? Expressions included in the study guide * Happy belated [something] * To uphold [something] * To be inundated * To give it [one’s] all * To belt [something] out * A bad look 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)

Animal lovers gather around! Whether you have a fur baby of your own or just love pets, you’ll enjoy listening to Andrew and Kassy talk about Pinky, Andrew’s new dog. In this episode, two native English speakers talk about owning a pet. This English audio lesson is designed to help you improve your vocabulary with everyday words and conversations. It’s the best way to learn English, so you can become fluent in English. And you might just want to adopt a pet of your own! Fun facts It’s believed that dogs can tell time, especially if you have developed a set routine. Dogs will know when it’s time to go for a walk or when you’ll get home from work, which is why you’ll find them waiting for you at the door! Expressions included in the study guide * To come up in conversation * To get the wheels spinning in [one’s] head * The beginning of the end * Foster failure * Pet baby * Zoo 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)

Hmm, what’s today’s topic? Oh, that’s right! In today’s useful Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy will teach you some helpful phrases to use when talking about memory and remembering something. So, before you forget, click that play button and get listening! Listening to the Culips Catch Word series is a perfect way to learn new English phrases used in common English conversations. Tune in to boost your English skills to the next level by listening to example dialogues chock-full of helpful phrases about remembering things you’ve forgotten. Fun facts Have you ever wished you had a better memory? Then you should research the memory palace technique. The memory palace technique has been used for thousands of years to store vast amounts of information inside the mind. To build a memory palace, think of a place that is very familiar to you. As you mentally walk through that place, add details that you don’t want to forget to the surroundings. For example, if you want to remember that your mother’s birthday is on December 16th, 1957, then imagine that one room in your memory palace has a calendar of the year 1957 with your mom’s picture on it; the calendar is turned to the December page and the 16th is circled in red ink. There you have it! Every time you mentally visit that room in your memory palace, you will see that calendar and recall your mother’s birthday. Expressions included in the study guide * It rings a bell * To run into [someone] * A beast at [something] * To come back to [someone] * To jog [someone]’s memory * To rub [something] in [someone]’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: Luís Perdigão (Unsplash)

Grab your popcorn and get comfortable. Listen as Andrew and Kassy talk about a few of the movies that changed how people think and that inspired a whole generation. In this episode, you’ll hear how two native English speakers talk about the movies. Listening to conversations about everyday topics is one of the best ways to learn English. You’ll improve your grammar and language skills and be entertained at the same time. How cool! This episode is perfect for intermediate level English learners who want to be fluent. Fun facts The average person goes to the cinema about five times a year (according to UNESCO data from 2015). And, recent statistics from Netflix show that people watch on average two hours of streaming video content – like movies – per day. Expressions included in the study guide * Housekeeping * Valley girl * Out of sight, out of mind * To put [oneself] in [someone else’s] shoes * To be open [about something] * To scratch 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:Sean Benesh and Krists Luhaers (Unsplash)

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy decide to catch up and share recent news about their personal lives. Andrew is on his way to getting his Korean driver’s licence, and Kassy is going to supervise the SATs—an exam she took not too long ago—as a teacher! In this episode, our hosts discuss the importance of pulling it together during moments of stress, of keeping at a task until you succeed, and of reading as many books as you can. Join Andrew and Kassy as they chew the fat! Fun facts In this episode, Kassy says she will soon supervise the SAT for Korean students. Have you heard of this exam? Have you taken it? The SAT is a standardized test used in the United States to assess how ready high school students are for college. It is very influential. Every year, more than 2.19 million high school graduates choose to take this exam! Expressions included in the study guide * To catch up with [someone] * To chew the fat * A big ask * To have [something] in the bag * Third time’s a charm * To pull it together Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Have you ever thought about what your favourite word is in the English language? In this interesting Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their favourite and least favourite English words. Tune in to find out what they are. This episode is full of interesting English phrases and slang words that are sure to boost your English speaking fluency. Our Simplified Speech series is perfect for intermediate English language learners looking to take their speaking and listening skills to the next level. Fun facts In 2016, Oxford University Press ran a survey to find the most hated word in the English language. More than 10,000 people were surveyed, and the word moist was voted the least-liked English word in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Expressions included in the study guide * Onomatopoeia * Bookworm * Zany/wacky * To make a comeback * A bunch of malarkey * Noob Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Life is full of important decisions, and some of them cannot be undone. You have to carefully navigate the world of decisions. In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Jeremy discuss expressions that revolve around the major choices we make. In this episode, our hosts talk about life-altering decisions, like marriage and when to change jobs, as well as those really uncomfortable ones, like euthanizing an animal. So get ready to take the plunge and work your butt off while studying with us! Fun facts To bite the bullet is one of the expressions studied in this episode. Andrew’s description of the visual image in his head is pretty close to the original imagery of the expression. The expression was coined by Rudyard Kipling in his novel The Light That Failed, and it describes someone having to bite down on an ammunitions cartridge to help deal with the pain of a difficult medical procedure. Expressions included in the study guide * To take the plunge * To take [something] lightly * To pop the question * To put [an animal] down * To bite the bullet * To work [one’s] butt off Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Be careful where you step! If you’re injury-prone, you might just twist an ankle. In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Jeremy talk about their worst injuries. In this episode, you’ll hear how native English speakers talk about accidents and injuries. Along the way, you’ll hear useful idiomatic expressions used when talking about physically painful experiences. This episode is perfect for intermediate level English learners who want to improve their English and become fluent. their listening and speaking fluency. Without further ado, let’s get crackin’ on this episode! Fun facts One of the key words our hosts frequently use in this episode is prone. Prone comes from the Latin word pronus, which means physically bent forward or inclined to. So when someone is injury-prone, they’re inclined to be injured! Expressions included in the study guide * To be prone to * To mangle * To shove [something] back into place * To draw out * To come back from Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Here’s another brand-new Catch Word episode for our listeners! Tune in with Andrew and Jeremy to learn some useful English phrases you can use when you want to hurry up and do something quickly. There’s no better way to improve your English than learning English phrases encountered in natural conversations. This episode is perfect for advanced beginners or intermediate learners looking to improve their listening and speaking fluency. Without further ado, let’s get crackin’ on this episode! Fun facts One of the key phrases we will talk about in this episode is get the show on the road. The exact origin of this phrase is unknown, but people say it refers to travelling circuses and fairs as far back as the early 1900s. Back then, circuses and fairs travelled from city to city, entertaining people along the way. Each time the entertainers packed up their gear and prepared to travel to the next destination, they would literally be getting the show on the road—transporting the show to its next location. Expressions included in the study guide * Get the show on the road * Or what? * To bicker * Get crackin’ * Fired up * Suck it up Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Brrrriiinggg! There goes the school bell. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy look back on their high school days to talk about all of the interesting high school electives available in their schools in Canada and the U.S. This episode is chock-full of natural English expressions to boost your English fluency to the next level. Tune in to not only improve your English listening skills, but also to learn about some of the interesting classes available in Canadian and U.S. school systems. Fun facts High school electives, classes that students choose outside their core curriculum, help students find hidden talents or passions that might otherwise have gone undiscovered. Being able to choose which classes they want to take gives students more autonomy over their learning, making them more motivated to succeed in the classroom and more interested in the class material. Electives offer students the ability to seek out interests that will help them decide what career goals they want to pursue after graduation.. Expressions included in the study guide * The sky’s the limit * Packed * Well-rounded * To set foot in * Girlygirl * Gifted * To run [something] by [someone] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar