Culips ESL Podcast - Learn English naturally

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about tattoos. They share personal stories, why some people choose tattoos, why others do not, and how tattoo culture looks in Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. You will hear clear examples of common tattoo words like sleeve, stick and poke, hand poked, lettering, script, blackout, and tribal. Andrew and Indiana also chat about cost, pain, trends, and rules about tattoos at workplaces and onsen in Japan. If you have opinions about tattoos and are interested in hearing more, this episode is perfect for listening practice and vocabulary-building! What you’ll learn with this episode: Useful tattoo vocabulary you can use in real life How to give opinions and reasons politely: how to agree, disagree, and soften your viewpoint Words for trends and style changes over time How to compare cultures and places How to share personal stories in a simple, clear way This episode is perfect for you if: You want listening practice with clear, natural speech and real life topics You want to learn English vocabulary you can use with friends, classmates, or coworkers You like culture, travel, music, and body art, and want words to talk about them in English You are an intermediate ESL learner who wants to sound more natural and confident The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

Do you find travel planning stressful? In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about his upcoming trip to Canada. He shares the ups and downs of booking flights, including a mistake that forced him to change his plans. He also shares exciting news about a Culips meetup in Tokyo. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and learn useful vocabulary for talking about travel, money, and solving problems. Important links: Become a Culips member RSVP for the Tokyo Meetup on February 10th, 2026 RSVP here More details on Discord Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this episode of Catch Word, you will learn two common English idioms used to talk about speed and fast results. Andrew and Indiana explain what it means “to make short work of something” and to do something “in short order”, showing you how native speakers use these expressions in workplace and service industry situations. Your hosts will share clear examples from jobs, chores, food, hotels, and office settings so you can understand how these phrases are used naturally. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use the expression “make short work of something” to talk about finishing tasks very quickly How to use “in short order” to sound polite and professional when talking about quick results How these expressions sound in real conversations at work and in service situations This episode is perfect for you if: You’re trying to build practical vocabulary for everyday and professional English You want to learn alternative options to common expressions like “quickly” or “right away” You’re looking for realistic example dialogues that will help you remember and use new vocabulary The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.

When was the last time something unexpected happened to you? In this episode, Andrew shares a story about a normal bike ride that turned into a surprise encounter with a YouTuber. He also talks about a tough week at home after his wife caught the flu and he had to take care of the house. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful vocabulary for telling stories about daily life and health. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. Save 25% off a yearly Culips membership, renewal, or extension! Become a Culips member now. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule The exercise YouTube channel Andrew mentioned

Happy New Year! For our first Simplified Speech episode of 2026, Andrew and Indiana answer some rapid-fire questions about their plans for this year. From home renovations to fashion predictions, you’ll hear them discuss exactly what they hope to achieve in the new year. Save 25% off a yearly Culips membership renewal or extension! Become a Culips member now. By listening to this conversation, you will learn natural vocabulary and idioms for talking about your own future goals, changing your daily habits, and making predictions. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript and helpful study guide Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Have you ever made a funny bet with your family? In this episode, Andrew talks about his Christmas in Seoul. He explores a beautiful neighborhood, eats delicious food, and challenges his wife to an exciting arcade game. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful expressions and storytelling language that can help you understand English more easily and speak it more smoothly. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. Save 25% off a yearly Culips membership, renewal, or extension! Become a Culips member now. Important links: Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In the last Chatterbox episode of 2025, you’ll listen to Andrew and Anna look back on the year with 15 fun reflection questions. You will hear them talk about surprising news, happy moments, new habits, travel stories, things they bought, and upcoming goals for 2026. Their conversation is relaxed and full of real, everyday English, so you can learn how native speakers look back on the past year and share personal experiences. What you will learn in this episode: How to talk about your year in English, including highs, lows, and things you did not expect Useful phrases for giving opinions, agreeing, and reacting with surprise or humor Natural ways to talk about habits, goals, and plans for the new year This episode is perfect for you if: You want to learn natural ways to talk about goals and habits, including routines that fell apart and new habits you want to keep You want to practice English for small talk topics that come up a lot, like travel, food, buying things, trends, and social media You want ideas and language you can use as inspiration to talk about your own 2025 and your plans for 2026 with friends or coworkers The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this Culips episode, Andrew and his friend Luke talk about the Winter Olympics and why they are such a big deal in Canada. They chat about Olympic ice hockey, the return of pro NHL players, and the excitement and controversy around the next Games in Italy. You also hear them share their favorite winter sports, talk about strange Olympic events, and play a fun memory game where they try to name past Winter Olympic host cities. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to understand and use common conversation words like “chatter,” “lineup,” “controversy,” and “rivalry” How to follow a natural back-and-forth discussion about sports, history, and culture How English speakers react in the moment with expressions like “holy moly” and “it’s escaping me” How to give opinions and make predictions in English This episode is perfect for you if: You want listening practice with real, casual English conversation You want to build your speaking skills for everyday topics like sports, travel, and culture You want to learn useful vocabulary that helps you sound more natural and confident in English conversations The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.  Fact check: Ice Dancing vs. Figure Skating Jumps The Claim: Luke mentions knowing the names of maneuvers like the “triple Lutz” and “triple Salchow” because his mom watched Ice Dancing. The Fact: Those are Figure Skating jumps. In competitive Ice Dancing, athletes are actually forbidden from performing these types of multi-rotation jumps. It is a common mix-up, but the two are separate disciplines! Surfing as a “One-Off” Showcase The Claim: Andrew thought Surfing was a one-time showcase sport for the Summer Olympics, similar to breakdancing. The Fact: Unlike breakdancing (which was only for Paris 2024), Surfing is a permanent Olympic sport. It debuted in Tokyo 2020, appeared in Paris 2024, and is already confirmed for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The History of Ski Jumping The Claim: Luke suggested that ski jumping started at the Calgary 1988 Olympics with Eddie the Eagle. The Fact: Ski jumping is actually one of the original Winter Olympic sports. It has been in every Winter Games since the very first one in 1924 (Chamonix, France)—64 years before the Calgary Games. When the Games “Staggered” (The 2-Year Gap) The Claim: Andrew and Luke discussed the Games being “staggered” (Summer and Winter in different years) starting after 1988. The Fact: The change actually happened after 1992. Both the Summer and Winter Games were held in 1992 (Albertville and Barcelona). The first time the Winter Olympics were held in their own separate year was Lillehammer 1994. Canada’s 2010 Gold Medal Record The Claim: Luke estimated that Canada won about 10 gold medals in Vancouver 2010. The Fact: Canada actually won 14 gold medals in 2010. At the time, this set a world record for the most gold medals ever won by a single country at any Winter Olympics.

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about harmful chemicals in household products and how they try to reduce exposure to these chemicals in their daily lives. You will hear them discuss common household cleaners, beauty items, plastic food storage containers, and some simple choices that they make to try and stay safe and healthy at home. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to talk about cleaners, beauty products, and everyday items in natural English Useful words and expressions related to safety, health, ingredients, and household routines How native speakers share personal stories, give examples, and explain their lifestyle choices Simple ways people try to avoid strong smells, heavy-duty cleaners, and unclear ingredients This episode is perfect for you if: You are interested in learning how to avoid unsafe chemicals in the daily products that you use You want to talk about everyday health and safety in clear, natural English You want to learn useful words for cleaners, beauty products, and daily routines The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

Have you ever had a moment where you thought, “OK, time for revenge”? In this episode, Andrew takes you to the streets of Seoul to talk about participating in the 2025 JTBC Marathon. As you listen, you will hear clear, natural English and pick up useful expressions and storytelling language that can help you understand English more easily and speak it more smoothly. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule Andrew’s Gyeongju Marathon story

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about what curiosity is, why you feel it, and how it can help or hurt you in everyday life. You will hear real stories about things they have been curious about lately, how curiosity can help you discover new ideas, and how it can sometimes distract you. They also explain the different types of curiosity (diversive curiosity and specific curiosity) and share useful idioms related to curiosity like “curiosity killed the cat.” What you will learn in this episode: Natural English phrases to describe what you want to learn, what interests you, and what catches your attention. Common words and idioms connected to curiosity, such as “childlike curiosity,” “healthy curiosity,” and “my curiosity got the better of me.” How Andrew and Anna talk about what interests them, respond to each other’s stories, and describe curiosity in clear, everyday English. This episode is perfect for you if: You want to think in English more easily when talking about what interests you You want to sound natural and confident when sharing your own stories and questions You want to learn clear, useful expressions to describe curiosity in everyday life The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share a Culips Community Update and introduce the final monthly challenge of 2025. They chat about their personal highlights from the year, then invite you to join the December 2025 Challenge on the Culips English Podcast Discord server. This month’s theme is reflecting on 2025, sharing your wins, celebrating community, and looking ahead to realistic English goals for 2026. December 2025 Challenge: Year End Reflection Theme: Reflect on your year, your English journey, and your connections in the Culips community  How it works: New tasks every other day throughout December Answer questions about your 2025 highlights, goals you achieved, and what you learned Share your favorite Culips episode of 2025 Tag and thank someone on the server who supported you or who you have practiced with Seasonal prompts about Christmas, end of year traditions, and setting realistic English goals for the new year Finish all the tasks to earn a festive completion certificate created by Alina It’s completely free, and it’s a fun way to practice English while connecting with learners from all over the world. How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here. Enable the Monthly Challenge Channel: From the menu, select Channels and Roles. Go to the Browse Channels tab. Under the English Learning category, select Monthly Challenge to add it to your menu. Access the December Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the December Challenge (available from December 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about what curiosity is, why you feel it, and how it can help or hurt you in everyday life. You will hear real stories about things they have been curious about lately, how curiosity can help you discover new ideas, and how it can sometimes distract you. They also explain the different types of curiosity (diversive curiosity and specific curiosity) and share useful idioms related to curiosity like “curiosity killed the cat.” What you will learn in this episode: Natural English phrases to describe what you want to learn, what interests you, and what catches your attention. Common words and idioms connected to curiosity, such as “childlike curiosity,” “healthy curiosity,” and “my curiosity got the better of me.” How Andrew and Anna talk about what interests them, respond to each other’s stories, and describe curiosity in clear, everyday English. This episode is perfect for you if: You want to think in English more easily when talking about what interests you You want to sound natural and confident when sharing your own stories and questions You want to learn clear, useful expressions to describe curiosity in everyday life The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. These tools will help you review new words, check your understanding, and build confidence in speaking and listening. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about ethical dilemmas. They share everyday tricky situations, like splitting a restaurant bill, switching airplane seats, and seeing someone cheat on a test. You will hear how they think through hard choices, weigh pros and cons, and set healthy boundaries without starting a fight. What you’ll learn with this episode: Clear meanings for key words and phrases used to discuss ethics and choices How to give reasons, agree politely, and disagree respectfully in conversations Useful sentence patterns for sharing opinions and asking follow-up questions Real examples of softening language, like “it depends,” “I feel,” and “maybe” This episode is perfect for you if: You want to speak more confidently about real-life problems and choices You need practical phrases for meetings, classes, and daily life You like clear examples you can copy and use in your own English conversations The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

What makes the perfect bachelor weekend? In this episode, Andrew explains the English proverb “When the cat’s away, the mice will play” by sharing what happens when his wife takes a trip to Japan. He talks about his simple list of things he’s looking forward to doing alone. Along the way, you’ll learn useful idioms and everyday expressions while getting an inside look at Andrew’s wild weekend. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary Andrew uses in this episode that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

Do you ever feel frustrated after a bad day at work, a test, or a long commute? In this Chatterbox episode, join Andrew and Anna for a conversation about frustration and how to talk about it clearly in English. In this lesson, you will learn how frustration is different from anger and disappointment, hear real stories you can relate to, and pick up useful expressions like “at the end of my rope,” “bang my head against a wall,” and “it has been one of those days.” You will also train your ear to understand fast, everyday English and get ideas for how to describe your own feelings more accurately. To get the most from this lesson, get the study materials at Culips.com. You can use the interactive transcript, helpful study guide, vocabulary explanations, quizzes, and speaking and writing practice to help take your English to the next level. Members also get ad-free audio, access to our live speaking classes, and our community, where you can ask questions and share your own experiences with frustration. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana chat about Indiana’s surprise 30th birthday trip to Las Vegas. You’ll hear how her husband planned the trip, what Las Vegas is really like, and how she felt when she discovered the big surprise he had prepared for her.  Andrew and Indiana also talk about cultural expressions and ideas linked to Las Vegas, like “Sin City” and “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” What you’ll learn with this episode: How to talk about milestone birthdays, surprise trips, and travel experiences in natural English Useful expressions and idioms connected to Las Vegas, like Sin City and What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas How native speakers share personal stories, react to surprises, and express excitement naturally This episode is perfect for you if: You want to start thinking in English instead of translating from your first language You want to sound more natural and confident when telling personal stories You want to expand your vocabulary with expressions you can actually use The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very common and useful English expressions for making comparisons: “apples to oranges” and “night and day.” These idioms help you describe situations where things are so different that it’s not fair or even possible to compare them. You’ll hear realistic examples, like comparing homemade food to the gorgeous dishes shared by influencers, or an old, outdated phone to a brand new one. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to use “apples to oranges” when two things are too different to compare How to use “night and day” to describe a major, positive change The difference in meaning and usage between the two expressions Real-life examples from conversations about jobs, health, technology, and daily life This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to use idiomatic expressions to talk about comparisons Learners trying to sound more fluent and confident in real conversations, at work, school, or in social situations The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

What do you do when your favorite jacket starts to smell really bad? In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about two expensive jackets that developed a terrible musty odor after being stored under his bed for the summer. He talks about trying different solutions, like leaving them in the sun, putting them in the freezer, and spraying them with fabric spray and even vodka. Listen as Andrew shares his experience and teaches you natural English expressions you can use in real life. Don’t forget to check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to learn the idioms and expressions Andrew uses in this episode that will help make your English sound more natural and fluent. Important links: Become a Culips member Study with the interactive transcript Join the Culips Discord server Small-group speaking class schedule

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew catches up with Kassy, who returns to share exciting updates about her life. She talks about finishing her master’s degree, taking a long trip across the United States with her baby, moving to a new city in Korea, and adjusting to work after maternity leave. Kassy also shares her experience planning her son’s first birthday and explains a special Korean tradition called Doljanchi, where a baby chooses an item that predicts their future. You’ll learn how to talk about life changes, travel experiences, and family traditions in clear, natural English. Andrew and Kassy also highlight useful vocabulary like caravan, strew, and mat leave, explaining how each one is used in everyday conversations. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to describe life updates and big transitions using natural English phrases Vocabulary for talking about travel, family, and moving to a new home The meaning of cultural terms like Doljanchi and maternity leave How native speakers share personal stories and connect emotionally in conversation This episode is perfect for: Intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday conversations Anyone interested in modern Korean culture and family life Listeners who want to improve their vocabulary and fluency for storytelling and daily English conversations The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, and ad-free audio for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member. Become a Culips member now: Click here. Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.