Have you ever had a day that started off terribly but somehow became unforgettable? In this episode, Andrew shares the story of a rainy half marathon that began in total chaos and ended with a sweet surprise.
You’ll hear real, everyday English as he talks about staying motivated, finding focus, and turning frustration into pride. You’ll also learn natural expressions that native speakers use, like “gong show,” “clock’s ticking,” “to blow by someone,” and “to steal someone’s thunder.”
Join our friendly community on Discord to share your own story about overcoming setbacks, and check out the free interactive transcript and glossary to get even more from this episode.
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
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37:13
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37:13
Simplified Speech #229 – Things that get on our nerves
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!
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.
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.
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22:05
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22:05
Culips Community Update – October 2025
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.
European Meetup #2 - Hamburg, Germany
Date: Saturday, October 18th
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: People's Place Cafe, Hamburg
Cost: Free!
Who can join: Everyone! No Culips membership required
RSVP: Fill out the form here:
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
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 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!
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10:53
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10:53
Catch Word #288 – The benefit of the doubt
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.
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.
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.
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24:49
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24:49
Bonus episode #157 – Universal translator
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
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
Apple, Google and Meta are trying to perfect a science fiction gadget: The universal translator
Culips English Podcast: Practical English Learning Made Fun Learn and Explore: Join Culips for an exciting English learning journey. Our podcast focuses on teaching English idioms, slang, and phrasal verbs through fun and engaging conversations. Each episode helps you master English for real-life situations. Unique Learning Experience: Culips stands out by blending language skills with cultural insights. Our diverse hosts make learning relatable, covering a variety of everyday topics. You’ll pick up practical language skills and gain cultural understanding, enhancing your English fluency in an enjoyable way. Your Path to Fluency: As your ideal learning partner, Culips provides easy-to-understand lessons on daily English usage. Learn from native speakers and immerse in different cultures, making your English learning journey rewarding and effective.
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