In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the July Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you’ll practice how to share your opinion politely while discussing 14 different controversial topics. It’s a great way to improve your communication skills and learn how to disagree respectfully in English.
They also share exciting news about the first-ever Culips meetup in Europe, happening on July 26 in Prague. You’re invited to join us for a free, in-person event where you can meet other Culips listeners, make new friends, and feel part of the Culips community. And of course, there’ll be lots of chances to practice speaking English in a fun, relaxed setting. Click here to sign up for the meetup!
Later in the episode, you’ll hear a message from Editke, a Culips listener, who shares how joining the community helped her build real speaking confidence, improve her English skills, and make new friends. Over time, she became more comfortable speaking and now feels like Culips is her second family.
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 May Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the May Challenge (available from May 1st).
Join in and start improving your English with the community!
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
Join us for the Culips meetup in Prague on July 26th
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22:25
Simplified Speech #223 – How we’re spending summer
What are you looking forward to this summer? In this episode, Andrew and Indiana share their summer plans, from music festivals and dream concerts to chill bike rides and travel ideas. You'll get to hear a fun and natural conversation that helps you build real English skills for everyday life.
This episode is great for improving your English listening skills. You will hear a natural, clear conversation between native speakers. It’s perfect if you want to understand real spoken English more easily. You will also learn useful vocabulary and expressions for talking about your summer plans, vacations, and events.
How this episode will improve your English:
Vocabulary: Learn words and expressions related to travel, concerts, weather, and daily life.
Listening: Train your ears to understand natural English used in real conversations.
Speaking: Use what you hear to talk about your own summer experiences in our speaking classes or on our Discord server.
Culture: Discover what summer activities are popular in North America and South Korea, from music festivals to fun outdoor plans.
Fluency: Build your confidence by listening to stories that feel personal and relatable.
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.
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28:53
Bonus episode #150 – Rage quitting
Have you ever tried to buy something online and everything went completely wrong? That's exactly what happened to Andrew when he tried to book a simple plane ticket online! In this episode, Andrew tells you two funny stories: one about his epic battle with credit card verification systems that led to a complete "rage quit," and another about a confusing elevator situation that made him question basic social manners.
These stories are full of natural English expressions and vocabulary that you'll hear native speakers use when they're frustrated, telling personal stories, or discussing everyday social situations.
What you'll learn:
Essential travel vocabulary like "stopover," "verification," "overseas purchase," and "budget airline" that you'll need for real trips
How to express frustration naturally with phrases like "at my wit's end," "blood boiling," and "back to square one"
The meaning of "rage quit" and other modern slang that native speakers use every day
Natural conversation flow - notice how Andrew tells stories, asks questions, and shares his thoughts just like in real conversations
Practical expressions for describing technical problems and discussing social situations
Perfect for you if:
You want to understand how native speakers share personal experiences and ask for opinions
You're building confidence with travel, technology, and social vocabulary
You love learning through entertaining, relatable stories instead of boring textbook lessons
You want to sound more natural when expressing frustration or discussing everyday problems in English
You're ready for real English that doesn't feel like studying
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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26:30
Real Talk #065 – How to call the non-emergency line
Do you know what to say if you need to report something important but not urgent? In today’s episode, you’ll learn exactly how to handle this type of situation in English.
Join Andrew and Kassy as they break down two realistic phone conversations where someone calls the police or fire department’s non-emergency line. You’ll learn the key expressions native speakers use to describe situations that are a little concerning but not emergencies.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Start a phone call in a polite and clear way
Use softening language like “might,” “maybe,” and “a little worried”
Explain situations without sounding too dramatic
Understand what the phrases “check in on someone” and “wellness check” mean
This is a must-listen for anyone living in an English-speaking country—or planning to! By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident calling for help in everyday situations.
Listen now and be ready for anything—no stress, no panic. Just the right English when you need it.
The Best Way to Learn with This Episode:
Get the study guide, which comes with an interactive transcript, vocabulary explanations with examples, a quiz, and practice questions. Join Culips to get full access.
Already a member? Get the ad free version and study materials here.
Want to connect with other listeners and practice what you learned? Join our Culips Discord community today Click here to join the community!
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26:22
Bonus episode #149 – An eye-opening experience
Have you ever had one of those moments where a simple activity turns into a total disaster? That's exactly what happened to Andrew during what should have been a routine evening run! In this episode, you'll follow Andrew through his unexpected adventure with tiny flying bugs, bloodshot eyes, and his first-ever visit to an eye doctor. But here's the thing - this isn't just a funny story. It's packed with real English that you'll actually use when talking about health problems, describing symptoms, and sharing your own mishaps with friends.
What you'll learn:
Essential medical vocabulary like "bloodshot," "prescription," "irritated," and "artificial tears" that you'll need in real situations
The difference between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians (even native speakers get confused!)
Natural speaking flow - notice how Andrew corrects himself, adds details, and changes topics just like in real conversations
Practical expressions for describing symptoms and explaining problems to doctors
The idiom "keep an eye out" and exactly when to use it in everyday English
Perfect for you if:
You want to understand how native speakers tell personal stories and share experiences
You're building confidence with medical and health-related vocabulary
You love learning through entertaining, relatable stories instead of boring textbook lessons
You want to sound more natural when describing problems or mishaps in English
You're ready for real English that doesn't feel like studying
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
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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