Culips Everyday English Podcast

In this episode, Andrew and Indiana get honest with each other about everyday things that annoy people. They talk about habits that “get on their nerves,” such as loud chewing, people using their phones while talking, overused clichés, bad driving habits, and even dog owners who don’t follow the rules. Along the way, your hosts explain useful expressions like “gets on my nerves,” and “grinds my gears,” so you can understand and use them the next time you want to complain to a friend! [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1-1.png]https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/SS229_Things_that_get_on_our_nerves_SG_AF.pdf [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1.png]https://esl.culips.com/1000/10/17589/ What you’ll learn with this episode: * How to use natural English expressions for talking about annoying habits and situations * Real-life examples of common, idiomatic ways to complain in English * Vocabulary for describing irritation, such as annoying, irritating, and rude This episode is perfect for: * Intermediate English learners who want to practice real conversational English * Students who want to expand their vocabulary for everyday situations * Anyone who wants to sound more natural when talking to friends about small problems and annoyances 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 [http://culips.co]. * Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. [https://esl.culips.com/1000/10/17589/] * Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.  [https://discord.gg/Bpxa85CFuc]

In this episode, Andrew and Alina share updates about what’s new at Culips! You’ll learn about the second European meetup happening in Hamburg, Germany on October 18th. They also introduce the October challenge, which is focused on linking words that will help you create better-connected sentences. [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1-1.png]https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/CCU_October2025.pdf European Meetup #2 – Hamburg, Germany * Date: Saturday, October 18th * Time: 4:00 PM * Location: People’s Place Cafe [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ygAJAQBTH96oQrL9], Hamburg * Cost: Free! * Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required * RSVP: Fill out the form here: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScElGj95Q6a43oP5GT1BxMa6Lpr-Pp5F1Bk0B_PWEsVTJw0uQ/viewform] Join fellow English learners for a relaxed, friendly chat in a welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels! October Challenge: Connecting Words Theme: Linking words and connectors to create longer, more natural sentences How it works: * New tasks every other day throughout October * Complete skeleton sentences using connecting words like “therefore,” “despite,” “besides,” and “nevertheless” * Practice making your speech flow more naturally and confidently * Finish all the tasks to earn a completion certificate It’s completely free and perfect for learning to express complex ideas while connecting with other learners! How to Join the Culips Discord Server and Participate in the Challenge 1. Create a Discord Account: Sign up for free at Discord [https://discord.com/]. 2. Download the App: Install Discord on your phone or computer for easy access. 3. Join the Culips Server: Click this link to join the Culips English Podcast Discord server: Join Here [YOUR_INVITE_LINK_HERE]. 4. 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. 5. Access the October Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the October Challenge (available from October 2nd). Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community! October Challenge: Linking Words & Discourse Markers calendar [https://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/october-challenge.png] https://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/october-challenge.png

In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two very useful English expressions: “cut someone some slack” and “give someone the benefit of the doubt.” These are common phrases that English speakers use to ask for understanding, forgiveness, or trust when someone is under pressure or when we are unsure about their actions. [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1-1.png]https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/CW288_The_benefit_of_the_doubt_SG_AF.pdf [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1.png]https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/17578/ What you’ll learn with this episode: * How to use “cut someone some slack” to ask for extra patience or forgiveness * When to use “give someone the benefit of the doubt” to choose trust over suspicion * The grammar pattern both expressions share * Vocabulary like slack, taut, to be swamped, and to cover for someone * Real-life examples from work, home, and friendship situations This episode is perfect for: * Intermediate to advanced English learners who want to sound more natural * Anyone looking to build vocabulary for work, school, and social life * Learners preparing for conversations with native speakers where trust and understanding are important 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 [http://culips.co]. * Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. [https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/17578/] * Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.  [https://discord.gg/Bpxa85CFuc]

What if you could speak with anyone, in any language, in real time? In this bonus episode, Andrew explores that idea with a clear, step-by-step look at live translation. He reads a news article and explains the key ideas and terms in easy to understand English, showing how Apple, Google, and Meta are pursuing the “universal translator” and what it could mean for travel, work, and daily life. What you’ll learn * Meanings of “universal translator,” “seamlessly,” “coherent,” and “simultaneously” * Tech vocabulary like “selling point,” “battleground,” “purpose built,” and “friction” * Useful expressions such as “usher in,” “spurred by,” “paired with,” and “home field advantage” How it will improve your English * You expand your vocabulary with clear definitions and natural examples from the article * You understand complex sentences because Andrew pauses to explain key lines in plain English * You can review and reinforce with the interactive transcript and glossary, and members can take a short quiz [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1-1.png]https://esl.culips.com/lipservice/B157_Transcript_Regular.pdf [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1.png]https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/17573/ Important links: * Become a Culips member [http://culips.com] * Study with the interactive transcript [https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/17573/] * Join the Culips Discord server [https://discord.gg/Bpxa85CFuc] * Small-group speaking class schedule [https://esl.culips.com/culips-class-schedule/] * Apple, Google and Meta are trying to perfect a science fiction gadget: The universal translator [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/12/apple-google-meta-universal-translator.html]

In this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about street smarts: the practical skills and awareness people should have in order to stay safe and confident in cities. They share personal stories about living in places like Madrid, London, Seoul, and Canada, and explain how experiences such as pickpocketing or mugging can change the way people think about safety. The hosts also compare life in big cities to life in smaller towns or the countryside, showing how different environments require different kinds of common sense. [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1-1.png]https://esl.culips.com/Lipservice-prtd/CB339_Street_Smarts_SG_AF.pdf [http://esl.culips.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dw1.png]https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/17568/ This episode is great for upper-intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday English conversations about real-life situations, build up vocabulary related to safety and street crime, and practice listening to natural storytelling from native speakers. What you’ll learn in this episode: * Vocabulary: Useful English words and expressions about safety, danger, and daily life in cities, such as dodgy, pickpocket, mugging, and shady character. * Listening: Improve your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers sharing real experiences. * Speaking: Learn how to tell your own stories about travel, street smarts, and staying safe using natural English phrases. * Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about safety in cities and compare experiences from Canada, Spain, Korea, and the UK. * Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you understand natural speech and respond more quickly in English. 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 [http://culips.co]. * Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here. [https://esl.culips.com/1000/09/17568/] * Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.  [https://discord.gg/Bpxa85CFuc]