It feels great to give compliments, but do you know how to do it in English? When done correctly, it can help you create warm connections with others. In this Real Talk episode, Andrew and Kassy guide you through effective and easy-to-understand ways to compliment someone's appearance. By learning these expressions, you'll be able to make your friends feel good and appreciated while also improving your own English fluency and cultural understanding. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to improve your conversational English in a fun and meaningful way! Fun facts A fun and simple expression to remember is “You look like a million bucks!” This is a great way to compliment someone on their makeup, clothes, or hairstyle. Expressions included in the study guide To be pretty [adjective] oneself To make something pop Don’t make me blush To make waves All dolled up To pull something off Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Hiển Nguyễn [pexels.com]

In this week’s bonus episode, talks about celebrating his anniversary and getting ready for his upcoming move. Plus, he teaches you a useful English expression that will improve your listening and speaking, ‘to be in flux.’ Study with the interactive transcript here: Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Listen to Simplified Speech 122 here: Listen to Simplified Speech 171 here:

Have you ever had to move mountains to achieve something? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne teach you two useful idiomatic expressions that mean to work extra hard: to bend over backwards and to move mountains. Give this episode a listen to learn how to use these expressions! Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English language learners. With this series you will learn idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs that will help improve your English listening and speaking skills. Fun facts In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne agree that moving mountains is a nearly impossible task. But hypothetically, what would happen if someone did that? It would very likely result in environmental chaos: disturbed plants and animals, drastic climate change, and natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Expressions included in the study guide To bend over backwards To move mountains In a nutshell It was meant to be That’s the spirit To do/work wonders Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: ervenur Yelkenci (Pexels.com)

In this week's bonus episode, Andrew chats with Alastair Budge. Alastair is the creator of the English for Curious Minds podcast. They discuss an exciting new audio drama that Alastair has created called Pioneers of the Continuum, which features voice actors from the English language podcast community. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Pioneers of the Continuum: English Learning for Curious Minds:

What’s unique about your home? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Suzanne take Culips listeners on an audio tour of their homes. They discuss size, rooms, amenities, renovations, and memories. How do you think a Korean apartment in the middle of Seoul will compare to a duplex in Montreal? Listen and find out! Fun facts If you want to buy an apartment in Seoul, the average cost in 2023 is over one billion won (or over $750,000). Interestingly, the average cost of a detached home is about $25,000 less than that! Expressions included in the study guide To flex Man cave In retrospect To air out Game changer Nothing/not anything to write home about Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Naomi Hébert (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a dead mic, a failed recording session, and a new technology. Plus, he and Kassy teach you two interesting idiomatic expressions, black sheep and dark horse. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Daily life can often feel hectic and stressful. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and focus on your responsibilities and the future. However, it’s also important to slow down once in a while and reflect on the little joys in life. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne do just that—they chat about the small but lovely things they enjoy during daily life, such as the smell of coffee in the morning and gazing at a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Fun facts My Favorite Things is a song about the little joys in life from the classic 1965 musical drama The Sound of Music. Look it up on YouTube and practice your listening comprehension with the help of Julie Andrews’ soothing voice! Expressions included in the study guide To get [something] going To venture into/out into To poke around To slam back In the dark To crack [someone] up Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Everton Vila (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about how he spent the weekend celebrating Children’s Day and Parents’ Day. And in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English expression: R and R. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

In this episode, Andrew and Kassy have a catch-up and share what’s been happening in their lives lately. They talk about reading challenges, useful reading and productivity apps, and Kassy’s recent sports adventures. The Simplified Speech series features native speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations. By studying with this Simplified Speech episode, you’ll improve your English listening skills, increase your vocabulary, and learn how to talk about recent events happening in your life. Fun facts In this episode, Andrew talks about reading in Korean, the language he’s learning. Although reading in a foreign language is often undervalued by many learners, it’s actually a very effective way to improve your language skills. It can help you learn new vocabulary, improve grammar and sentence structure, and understand the cultural nuances better. Expressions included in the study guide And all that jazz To fangirl out Smack dab in the middle To bow out To crave Hooked Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Katerina Holmes (Pexels.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about playing the drums and selling furniture. Plus he talks about the awesome Culips member live stream from last week and teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: to be in the market for something. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Do you like ballet? In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about this unique style of dancing. They discuss its origins and characteristics, and explain some specific vocabulary along the way. Suzanne, a former professional dancer, shares her own story and what ballet means to her. Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features two native English speakers having clear, natural, and easy-to-understand conversations about interesting topics. These episodes are designed to help you improve your English listening and speaking skills in a fun and exciting way. Fun facts In this episode, Suzanne mentions breaking new ballet shoes. The process can include soaking them in water, pounding them with a hammer, and shaving the sole with a razor. However, despite all the effort, ballet shoes don’t last long before they need to be replaced: they lose their shape and wear out within a few weeks or sometimes even days! Expressions included in the study guide Intricate To eat, breathe, and sleep [something] To get sucked into [something] I’ll tell you what To break in [something] To dig deep Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Pixabay (Pexels.com)

Join Andrew as he tells a story about a surprising discovery he found while organizing some files on his hard drive last week. Then after the story, Andrew teaches you a must-know phrasal verb that will improve your English fluency: to get around [something]. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

In this Chatterbox episode, Anna and Andrew talk about online anonymity. They share their own stories about using the internet and discuss the pros and cons of being anonymous online. They discuss how being anonymous can help people talk honestly but can also cause problems like cyberbullying and false information. Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. The series features fascinating conversations between native English speakers, covering a variety of topics such as culture, current events, everyday life, and more. By listening to Chatterbox, you can build your vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, develop your fluency, and gain insights into native speakers' perspectives and experiences. Fun fact Fun facts The online group Anonymous, known for its hacktivist activities, gained international attention in 2008 when they launched a series of cyber attacks against the Church of Scientology. This operation, called Project Chanology, aimed to expose the organization's alleged abuse of its members. Expressions included in the study guide A whistleblower To have your cake and eat it too Yin yang A burner Tribal School of thought Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: pexels.com

Join Andrew as he talks about how a normal day doing some errands with his wife had a surprise ending. Along the way, he’ll also give you some updates about what’s new at Culips and teach you a helpful English idiom, to weigh your options. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Andrew and Suzanne discuss emotional support animals (also known as ESAs). They chat about Suzanne’s process with registering her dog as an ESA for her upcoming travel plans. This is a great episode for listeners interested in learning more about the ESA registration process and practicing pet and air travel vocabulary! Simplified Speech is the Culips series for beginner and intermediate English learners. It includes easy-to-understand conversations between two native speakers, helping you build vocabulary and improve your listening skills in English. Fun facts Service animals have to be trained to perform certain tasks, while ESAs typically do not need any special training. There are an estimated 500,000 service dogs working in the United States, and any breed of dog can be a service animal. Meanwhile, any type of animal can be an ESA in the U.S.! Expressions included in the study guide to put someone through something to vouch for someone to check the boxes to weed out fingers crossed to rest on one’s laurels Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Helena Lopes (pexels.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about the last-moment trip he took to Jeju Island to meet up with one of his oldest and best friends. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the useful English idiom to throw a wrench into [someone’s] plans. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Have you ever been so nervous or stressed about a presentation that you forgot everything you had prepared? Have you ever performed well during sports practice but made mistakes during the big game? There are lots of great idioms to describe these nightmare scenarios in English and, in this episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce listeners to two of the most common ones: to crack under the pressure and can’t take/handle the heat. Fun facts One of the best things you can do with a heavy, stressful workload is to break your responsibilities into manageable tasks. Try the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Work on a task for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this pattern three or four times, and then take a 15-minute break. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done! Expressions included in the study guide To crack under [the] pressure Can’t take/handle the heat [One’s] mind goes blank To egg on Gut feeling To suck the joy out of Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Khwanchai Phanthong (pexels.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew shares two stories about his ongoing house renovation, one that’s funny and one that’s interesting. In the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the idiom to butt heads. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Do you ever feel exhausted and overwhelmed with work or other aspects of your life? If so, you're not alone. Burnout is a common experience that can happen to anyone. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore what burnout is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent it. Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners that features native English speakers having natural conversations on interesting topics. Studying with this series will help you build your fluency, sharpen your listening skills, and expand your vocabulary. Fun facts Did you know that during the pandemic, a new term “Zoom fatigue” started being used to describe the tiredness and burnout caused by overuse of video conferencing? Many people have experienced higher levels of stress and burnout as a result of remote work, social isolation, and the constant use of video conferencing platforms like Zoom. Expressions included in the study guide To go the extra mile To [one’s] detriment Dread To grit and bear it Ins and outs To grind it into the ground Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Cup of Couple [pexels.com]

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a unique dinner party he had with his friends over the weekend. Along the way, he teaches you about some interesting expressions like: to tip your hat to somebody, to let something slide, and to be shouldered with something Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here. Check out Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy here:

Table manners are an important part of many different cultures. Something that may be considered rude in one country may actually be polite in another. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what is generally considered polite in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., their personal opinions on table manners, and a few horror stories about some really uncomfortable eating situations. Fun facts If you have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at a fancy restaurant in the U.S., here’s an etiquette tip that will help you and your waiter. When leaving your seat for a short period of time, leave your napkin on your chair to indicate that you haven’t finished your meal yet. When you’re ready to leave the restaurant and you want to signal to the waitstaff that you’re finished, place your napkin on top of the table. Expressions included in the study guide In the zone Spic and span Doesn’t fly To be glued to [something] To show [someone] the ropes To cut [something] out Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: fauxels [pexels.com]

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about an interesting conversation he had while riding the bus in Canada. He also gives you some exciting updates about some projects were working on at Culips. Along the way, he teaches you the vocabulary: a handful of something, to bite, curt, blunt, and to play favorites. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Have you ever considered living in a micro apartment or tiny home? In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the rising trend of micro apartments in the real estate and housing industry. They explore why tiny living is becoming more popular and share their opinions on the matter. Chatterbox is a series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners where you can listen to native English speakers having natural conversations on fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series will help you improve your English listening and speaking skills and expand your vocabulary. Fun facts The tiniest house ever made is only 1 square metre. It was created by architect Van Bo Le-Mentzel. It’s a do-it-yourself house that costs around €250 to build and includes a bed, a desk, a chair, and a small shelf. Expressions included in the study guide To be partial to [something] To sacrifice [something] for [something] To do with A cliché To get a foothold into [something] Biased Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Patrick Perkins (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a shocking event his wife witnessed this week. He also gives you some Culips updates, and teaches you about the idiomatic expression to rub someone the wrong way. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Applying for a part-time job can be stressful, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared before you walk into a store and ask for an application. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you some of the common phrases and etiquette involved with applying for a part-time job in person. The example conversation presented by our hosts is applicable to many different kinds of part-time jobs, including food service, retail, or hospitality. If you’re unsure what to say or ask when trying to get an interview, then this is the episode for you! Fun facts These days, many large franchises or chains will not allow you to apply for a job in person – they require you to fill out an online application and submit your resume on their website. However, if you’d like to make a good impression, you can try following up on the status of your application in person after you’ve applied online! Many of the expressions featured in this episode can be used in this situation as well. Expressions included in the study guide Can I speak to the manager? Do you have any experience? What’s your availability? Valid form of ID / government issued ID Does [time] work for you? Thank you for the opportunity Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Eric Prouzet (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a cool aspect of big city life and shares some stories about what he did last week. Along the way, he teaches you some useful English vocabulary like to congregate, to pass the baton, and to be taken aback. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.:

We all have stories about our teenage years – some funny, some awkward. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy take a look back at their teenage selves and share their personal stories. Tune in to find out more! Simplified Speech is the Culips series designed for beginner and intermediate English language learners. The series features natural, easy-to-understand conversations between two native speakers. By following along, you'll increase your vocabulary and improve your listening skills in English. Fun facts Did you know that just like humans, animals go through a rebellious phase during their teenage years as well? Elephants and monkeys have been observed showing similar behaviors as human teenagers, such as disobeying their parents, showing aggression, and being more adventurous. Expressions included in the study guide Angsty Slob To go [your] own way To blossom into Social butterfly Make it up as [you] goes along Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Cottonbro Studio (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew lets you know what he’s been up to over the last week and how he’s getting ready for spring. Along the way, he teaches you some interesting vocabulary and expressions, like menial, in the pipeline, and to be on a [something] kick. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.  Listen to “Whistle While you Work”:

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the controversial topic of cancel culture. Cancel culture refers to the recent culture of mass criticism and ostracization of people in power after they have said or done something offensive. Because of social media, word spreads quickly when famous people commit a crime or even simply say something inappropriate. The responses to these behaviours can happen so fast that an actor could go from beloved celebrity to hated figure overnight. But is this culture helping or hurting us? If you’ve got an opinion on this topic, this is the perfect episode for you— listen and see if you agree with Anna and Andrew’s thoughts! Fun facts One of the first notable uses of “cancelled” meaning “to force someone out of a position of power” is in the 1991 Wesley Snipes action movie New Jack City. Since then, the verb “to cancel” gradually grew in popularity, but the term “cancel culture” only became popular in the late 2010s. Expressions included in the study guide Behind the scenes To not sit well with In the spotlight To shut someone out To bounce back To push the limit Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Rodolpho Zanardo (pexels.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about his battle with jet lag and how his house renovation project is going. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression to be thrown out of whack. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Queen Elizabeth II was an important figure both in Britain and around the world. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and died at the age of 96 on September 8th, 2022. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the Queen’s life and her legacy. Tune in to learn more about one of the most famous women in the world! Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners in which native English speakers have natural conversations about interesting topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series will help you improve your English listening and speaking skills and expand your vocabulary. Fun facts Royal funerals are planned out in advance, but did you know that Queen Elisabeth’s funeral had been in preparation since the 1960s? The plan was called “Operation London Bridge”, and the code phrase for the Queen’s death was “London Bridge is down”. Expressions included in the study guide Well-off Fair share By no means The dust settles Top Trumps Down to a T/tee Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Wiki Images (Pixabay.com)

Join Andrew for the thrilling conclusion to his visit to Canada and his journey back to Seoul! He shares some stories about his brother’s birthday party and how he kept himself entertained on the plane. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression to float your boat. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Have you ever gotten together with your coworkers on the weekend? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about their experiences spending time with their colleagues socially. They discuss the kinds of activities they participate in, cultural differences regarding socializing with coworkers, and the idea of drinking alcohol with the boss. What do you think English teachers living abroad do for fun with their colleagues? Give this episode a try and find out! Fun facts While many Americans would feel uncomfortable with the idea of going out to the bars with their boss and coworkers, this is an important part of business culture in both South Korea and Japan. It’s called hoesik in Korean and nomikai in Japanese. Expressions included in the study guide To talk shop Slowly but surely Next level Common ground To not be one’s thing At play Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Jopwell (pexels.com)

Join Andrew for an exciting update on his travels and adventures in this bonus episode! He'll share some stories of his latest adventures, from exploring Vancouver and Victoria, to creating unforgettable memories. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

In this special episode, Kassy and Andrew get the chance to meet and chat in person! Our reunited hosts discuss Kassy’s unexpected three-week trip to South Korea and how she has been spending her time there. Be sure to check this one out if you’d like to hear stories about funny travel mishaps, different kinds of cuisine, and extreme weather conditions. Fun facts Did you know that Incheon International Airport offers live music performances to visitors of the airport in different terminals throughout the day? If you ever have the chance to travel through this airport, check out one of their classical, jazz, or gugak (Korean folk music) performances! Expressions included in the study guide To fall through Everything under the sun For the ages To count on To white-knuckle Coulda woulda shoulda Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Daniel Bernard (unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew gives an update from the road and shares a few stories about what he’s up to during his trip back home to Canada. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Is the metaverse our future reality or just a dystopian fantasy? In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk all about virtual reality and share their opinions on how they see the future of the metaverse. Chatterbox is a Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series features native speakers having natural conversations about fascinating topics that help you improve your English listening and speaking skills. Plus, you might learn something interesting along the way! Fun facts You might think that the concept of the metaverse is recent, but did you know that the idea of virtual reality, or VR, dates all the way back to 1838? That’s when the VR headset of the 19th century—the stereoscope—was invented by an English scientist, Charles Wheatstone. Expressions included in the study guide To attribute [something] to [something/someone] A late adopter/an early adopter Out of the loop To block out To jump/dive headfirst into [something] To change [one’s] tune Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Sound On (Pexels.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about buyers remorse and his regret for buying a phone case. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: To check all your boxes. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Brain drain sounds like a mental health condition, but it actually means the mass migration of educated and skilled people from one place to another. In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna have a discussion about some of the reasons for this phenomenon. The hosts describe some of the brain drain trends they’ve witnessed in Canada, the UK, South Korea, and more. Check out the episode and learn why nurses are moving from Canada to the United States! Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series features native English speakers having natural conversations about fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series is a great way to improve your English listening and speaking skills. Fun facts Some states in the United States that are suffering from the effects of economic emigration are offering remote workers money to relocate there. Two cities in West Virginia are offering up to $20,000! Expressions included in the study guide Greener pastures No brainer To blend in To not do as/so hot Bottom line To put down roots Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Milad Fakurian (Unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares a story about seeing a couple from a reality TV dating show at a coffee shop in his neighbourhood. He also talks about his upcoming trip to Canada. In the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the idiomatic expression to put two and two together. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Do you consider yourself an expressive person? Can you usually tell how someone feels by looking at their face? In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about how people communicate with facial expressions. Simplified Speech is a Culips series designed to help beginner and intermediate English language learners improve their listening skills. In this series, you can listen to native speakers having natural conversations about everyday topics using language that is clear and easy to understand. Fun facts According to the Guinness World Records, Gary Pearlman from the USA set a world record for the largest outdoor free floating soap bubble on July 20, 2015. That bubble had a volume of 96.27 m³! Expressions included in the study guide To be written all over (one’s) face Ticked off Seething RBF (resting bitch face) To save face To suck up to (someone) Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Muhammad-taha Ibrahim (Unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about going ice skating with his wife. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful English idiom: to set the bar high/low. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Nobody likes to be disappointed, but it happens to all of us at some point of our life, so it’s good to know how to talk about it. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you two useful expressions used when talking about disappointing someone. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. With this series you’ll learn common everyday idioms and expressions and improve your listening and speaking skills. Fun facts According to the Guinness World Records, Gary Pearlman from the USA set a world record for the largest outdoor free floating soap bubble on July 20, 2015. That bubble had a volume of 96.27 m³! Expressions included in the study guide To burst [someone’s] bubble To dash [someone’s] hopes Tongue-in-cheek To be left on read To get over [something/someone] Worst-case scenario Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Sebastian Pichler (Unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew looks back on 2022 and talks about his goals and plans for 2023. Are you ready to seriously improve your English in 2023? We’re here to help you reach your goal. Become a Culips member now: Study with the interactive transcript here:

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about going for a health checkup. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you a useful idiomatic expression: a shock to your system. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – it’s Christmas! There are many different traditions and ways to celebrate this holiday around the world. In this episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the way they used to celebrate Christmas in their home countries and how they do it now that they live abroad. Chatterbox is the Culips series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. This series features native English speakers having natural conversations about fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series is a great way to improve your English listening and speaking skills. Fun facts Have you ever seen an upside-down Christmas tree? Hanging Christmas trees from the ceiling is a trend that has been growing in popularity over the last few years. And while the tradition has religious origins, nowadays people do it for a more practical reason: this way a tree takes up less space. Expressions included in the study guide Lead-up To resign [oneself] to [something] For starters To spoil [someone] At the crack of dawn To seep into Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Kevin Bidwell (Pexels.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about what it’s like to attend a funeral in South Korea. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Self-care is a term that has been around for a long time. However, it has become more popular recently because people are paying more attention to taking care of their physical and mental health in a fast-paced world. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about their personal self-care routines and some tips for listeners. If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, then this is a great episode to check out! Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features easy to understand conversations that help beginner and intermediate English learners improve their listening skills. We have quality study guides and transcripts available for all Culips members. Fun facts It can be very difficult to practice self-care when you’re stressed out. The next time you want to relax and calm down, try this grounding technique that uses all of your senses: Notice and name five things you can see Notice and name four things you can feel Notice and name three things you can hear Notice and name two things you can smell Notice and name one thing you can touch   This simple exercise can help you disconnect from your stress and pay more attention to your body and environment. Try it out! You just might feel a little bit calmer afterwards. Expressions included in the study guide To take a toll on To squeeze in To go out on a limb Love-hate relationship To take full advantage of Band-aid Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com Image: Lesly Juarez and madison lavern (Unsplash.com)