Culips Everyday English Podcast

Hello everyone, this is Jeremy and you’re listening to Jeremy’s English Tips, a series by the Culips English Podcast where I teach you interesting expressions or share language learning tips.Welcome back to another episode of the Culips English Podcast series called Jeremy’s English Tips. In this episode, I’m going to answer a common question that I get from language learners all over the world. And that question is, how can I know if I’m improving? Have you ever wondered this yourself? I know that I certainly have. And it can be a frustrating question because what if you’re not improving? So in this episode, I’ll tell you about a few things that I have done to check and see if I am improving. Key points covered in this episode * You can check to see if you are improving by keeping a repetitive listening habit for a long time and listening back to audio files you used in the past * You can check on your progress by looking back at old grammar books you used to use to study * You can know that you are improving by looking back at study notes from the past. * You know you have improved when certain tasks are easier to accomplish in your target language. * You can know that you have improved when certain idioms or grammatical forms are easier for you to use now than they used to be. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you had made a couple of different choices along the way? In this interesting Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy reflect on their lives and how things might have turned out differently if they hadn’t started down the path they are on now. Listen in and take a trip down the rabbit hole… Fun facts “Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you’ve made. If you want a different result, make a different choice.” This anonymous quote helps to show how reflecting on past decisions is a great way to see how you’ve grown as a person and what you can do to reach new goals in the future. Expressions included in the study guide * Down the rabbit hole * A hot minute * Pipe dream * STEM * To rake in [something] * To noodle around Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

This is a Real Talk episode. Real Talk is the series where we teach you the English that you need to know for everyday, real-world situations. Occasionally, someone will come to you with bad news. How should you respond? In this Real Talk episode, hosts Andrew and Kassy discuss the different ways you can be a good friend when responding to bad news. We’re going to listen to a conversation between two friends. And, unfortunately, one of the friends has some bad news to share, because he just failed his driver’s licence test. So we’ll listen to that conversation. And then after we do, Kassy and I will break down that conversation and we’ll take a close look at the expressions that you need to know in order to be able to respond to hearing bad news like this in a very natural way. Fun facts The example dialogue in this episode revolves around a driver’s licence test. Although the legal driving age in most countries is 18, there are jurisdictions in Canada and the United States where you can start driving at the age of 14 with parental supervision. Expressions included in the study guide * That’s too bad * I’m sorry to hear that * Don’t beat yourself up over it * [Something] isn’t the end of the world * To be bummed out * What a bummer * Don’t stress it * To kill it Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

In this episode, I am going to teach you about the difference between these three words: but, though, and although. These three words technically mean the same thing, but the way that they are used is different. And they have some very subtle differences. Subtle differences are very small, hard to notice differences. So, I will do my best in this episode to explain those to you and then to give you some examples. All right, so let’s start with “but.” Now, the word “but” is a word we use to negate something. “Negate” is a rather difficult word, but it is related to the word “negative.” So, to negate something means to put an X on it, to cancel out that other thing, or to say the opposite. For example, “I like apples, but I don’t eat them often.” Notice in this example, that the word “but” is in the middle of the sentence, and it comes after a verbal pause. “I like apples – pause – but I don’t eat them often.” This verbal pause shows up in writing as a comma.  So if you are a Culips premium member, and you are following along right now with the study guide, you will see the comma on the page there.  So the word “but” we can say means “complete negation”. Key points covered in this episode * “But”, “though”, and “although” are three words that mean something very similar in English but have some subtle differences. * “But” indicates a complete negation and is usually used after a comma, in the middle of a sentence. * “Though” is usually used at the end of a sentence and indicates a partial negation. * “Although” is used at the beginning of the sentences and has the same meaning as “though” * In speech, “but” and “though” can be used at the beginning of a sentence Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.

What’s the difference between a hike, a trek, and a climb? Andrew and Jeremy answer a listener’s question and explain the nuances between the three words in this episode of Culips. We also share some stories about experiences we’ve had doing these activities. This is a fun episode and I think you’ll find it entertaining and educational. This is Simplified Speech. If you’re unfamiliar with what that is, let me explain. Simplified Speech is our series featuring clear, natural, and easy to understand English conversations. And today, we are going to talk about hiking, trekking, and climbing. Fun facts Hiking, trekking, and climbing aren’t the only words used to describe a walk in the woods. In the United Kingdom, it’s called rambling. In Australia, it’s called bushwhacking. In New Zealand, it’s called tramping. Expressions included in the study guide * Hike [something] up * Trek * Hiked in/out * Bonding * Clue in * Make the rounds Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

In this Catch Word episode, Jeremy and I teach you two idiomatic English expressions about freedom and by learning them, you’ll be able to make your English sound more natural when speaking and also make English more understandable when listening to movies or TV or even having conversations with English speakers. But before we get to that, I just wanted to thank you for pressing play on this episode. What you’re doing right now is what you need to keep doing to get awesome at English. By spending lots of time listening, reading, and watching content in English, you’ll get closer and closer to reaching your goals with the language. So, congrats for tuning in today and make sure to keep up the good work. I know it’s not always easy, but you’re doing a great job. If one of your goals for 2021 is to improve your English, then I highly recommend becoming a Culips member. Studying English becomes easy when you’re a Culips Member because we give you all the tools you need, and you can find them in one place. Just log onto to your Culips Member dashboard and you’ll be able to get the transcripts, study guides, and quizzes for all our episodes. It’s really awesome and it’s something I wish I had for my own language study, to be honest with you. If you don’t know what Catch Word is, well, let me explain. It is the series where we teach you awesome English vocabulary, like idioms, phrasal verbs, or expressions that will help improve your English listening and speaking. And today, I’m joined by my cohost, Jeremy. OK, let’s get started with the episode now. Enjoy and happy English learning! Fun facts Every country has different traditions for the turning of the new year. In South Korea, many people hike a local mountain in the middle of the night just to have a beautiful and memorable view of the first sunrise of the year. Expressions included in the study guide * Left to your own devices * To fend for [oneself] * No holds barred * To get to the bottom of [something] * To not hold [one’s] breath * Shady Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Happy New Year! At the end of each calendar year, most people take time to think of the past year and look forward to the next. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy reflect upon 2020 and discuss their goals for 2021.  I just wanted to thank you all for studying English with Culips throughout 2020. There are a lot of ways that you can study English these days, but we’re so happy that you’ve chosen to make Culips a part of your English studies. And we’ve got such an awesome community of people around the world learning English with Culips and the whole Culips team and I are so happy and honoured, really, that we get to be a part of it. So everyone, please keep learning and studying with us during 2021. If your goal is to keep improving your English this year, then of course we’re here to help and support you. We’re going to keep trying our best to bring you educational, motivational, and fun episodes and English lessons that will help you reach your English fluency goals. And here at Culips, we’ve got a lot of big plans and we’re all really excited for what 2021 will bring! And everyone, please keep your messages, emails, comments, episode suggestions, 5-star ratings and nice reviews, coming! Even if we don’t get back to you right away, we read everything that you send our way and all the success stories and nice comments that you share inspire us to keep working hard to make Culips better and better. Fun facts Every country has different traditions for the turning of the new year. In South Korea, many people hike a local mountain in the middle of the night just to have a beautiful and memorable view of the first sunrise of the year. Expressions included in the study guide * To stack up against [something] * To get fired up * To cross [something] off [one’s] list * To feed off [something] * To have a rhythm going * In store Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Homesickness is a familiar feeling for everyone, whether you’re away for a few days or you moved to a totally new country! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how they deal with homesickness. Fun facts Homesickness isn’t new. It has been around since ancient times. It is mentioned in the Christian bible’s Old Testament, specifically Exodus and Psalms, and in Homer’s Odyssey. Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, believed that bile in the blood caused homesickness. Expressions included in the study guide * To butcher [something] * All the comforts of home * Throw into the mix * Eat like a bird * Sink or swim * Pep talk Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

In this seasonal Culips episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about what they do to prepare for Christmas and the holiday season. Christmas isn’t simply a one-day affair, it’s a month long celebration of winter, family, and good cheer. Fun facts Christmas might be the most widely known December holiday in Western culture, but there are several other religious holidays that occur at the end of the year, such as Hanukkah, Rohatsu, Kwanzaa, and St. Nicholas Day, to name a few. Expressions included in the study guide * Countdown * A grinch * Heirloom * Last minute * Dated * Cheesy Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

There are many ways to say, “It’s OK” and reassure someone. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew cover ways you can calm people down or make them feel better. Fun facts Everyone reacts differently to stress. In general, women tend to think, talk, and reach out to others. Men tend to use distraction, like physical activity. Expressions included in the study guide * Don’t sweat the small stuff * Let [something] slide off you * Big picture * On that note * No biggie * On island time Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Do you get scared when you cross a black cat at night? Do you change your behaviour when you notice the day is Friday the 13th? Join hosts Andrew and Kassy in this Simplified Speech episode as they share their stories and opinions on the topic of superstitions. Fun facts Superstition is the main topic of this episode. Did you know that it is also the title of an amazing Stevie Wonder song? Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 74th on their list of the 500 greatest songs ever. Expressions included in the study guide * To work your butt off * To be predestined * That’s beside the point * To cause a scene * To cringe * To be fitting Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

Everyone has to visit the dentist sometime. And everyone can agree that it’s a bit scary! In this episode, Andrew and Kassy share their dental stories and why they’re afraid of the dentist. Fun facts In the United States alone, more than 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased each year. Yet only 30% of Americans report actually flossing each day! Expressions included in the study guide * Every man for themselves * In the back of [one’s] mind * Religiously * Torture * Go for it * In good hands Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar

In this episode of Fluency Files, Andrew tells a story about a unique experience he had recently, catching a bouquet at a wedding! Listen, learn, and become a better English speaker. What is the Fluency Files? The Fluency Files is our special series for Culips Members. Each episode features a short audio story and comes with a transcript and study guide. The Fluency Files is perfect for deep studying and intensive English learning. We recommend it to anyone who wants to make big breakthroughs with their English skills. To get access to the entire Fluency Files library, sign up and become a Culips Member on culips.com. Or check out this page to learn more about the Culips Fluency Files. Introduction transcript Andrew: Hello there, everyone. My name is Andrew and you’re listening to the Culips English Podcast. Hey, all! How is it going? How are you doing? I’m, of course, doing really well. Have you ever heard of the Culips Fluency Files series, it’s our bonus series that we make exclusively for Culips members. However, today, we’re going to share an episode of The Fluency Files with everyone. But before we do that, let’s talk quickly about what the Fluency Files series is, and how you can learn English with it. Well, the Fluency Files series features short audio stories that are designed for intensive English learning and it’s fantastic to help you develop your English listening, speaking pronunciation and comprehension skills in a fun, efficient, and effective way. Each episode is short, usually only around three to six minutes, and features a story from my life. I might share my current thoughts and talk about what’s on my mind. Or maybe I share an update on what’s going on in my life right now. Or I might even tell a funny or crazy story from my past. The Fluency Files is kind of like my audio diary that you get to listen into. Now let’s talk about how you can study with the Fluency Files. Of course, these are only suggestions and you can study with the series any way you want. Each learner is different. And one of the awesome things about the Fluency Files series is that you can study with it in the way that works best for you. But to get you started, I’m going to share six tips, six suggestions, six ways that you can study with the Fluency Files. So here we go. Step number one is listen. The first step that you need to do is simply just listen to the Fluency Files episode. If you don’t understand everything, that’s fine. Try just to grab the general meaning and get the gist of the story and what I’m talking about. You might have to listen several times, but hey, that’s totally fine. In fact, the more times you listen, the better. Step two. Okay, now it’s time to grab the study guide. Each Fluency File episode comes with a study guide that includes a transcript, a glossary, definitions and example sentences of two key expressions from the episode and also fill in the blanks listening exercise. So after doing your initial listening to the episode, you are ready to deconstruct the episode by studying with the guide. So, what should you do? Well, you can listen while following along with the transcript. Read the transcript, break it down, and check out the glossary and key expression definitions to help you understand what the difficult vocabulary is. At this point, guys, you really want to use the transcript to your advantage to make sure you can understand as much as possible.

Episode description In today’s episode, I’d like to answer a common question that I get from language learners all over the world. And that question is, am I studying English correctly? How do I know I’m on the right path? Now, another related question I also get is, how do I know I’m on the right path? Key points covered in this episode * If you are asking the question am I on the right path?, then you are most likely doing well. * You can listen to other episodes of Jeremy’s English Tips to help you find some good study methods. * As long as you are making progress, you are on the right path. * In the end, language learning is a lifelong task. * Enjoy the process and don’t worry so much about getting to the destination. Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.

In this week’s Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Kassy discuss an important topic: internet privacy. We now live in a world where so much of our personal information can be found and manipulated with just a few clicks of the mouse. Tune in to hear what Andrew and Kassy have to say about this topic. Fun facts Read the fine print! Anytime you sign up for a new service or buy a new device, there’s usually a Terms and Conditions page that one must read and agree to before using the service or device. However, most people simply scroll to the bottom of the page, click the Agree button, and move on without even glancing at the long lines of tiny print. This is not advisable, however, because you could have unknowingly given your permission for that service or company to sell your data to the highest bidder. Expressions included in the study guide * Spur of the moment * To take off * An influx of [something] * Legalese * To blow the whistle * Flagged Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar