August Challenge – Vocabulary Boost!
In this episode, Andrew and Alina introduce the August Challenge, happening on our Discord server. This month, you'll focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning and using 15 advanced adjectives that have been featured in Culips episodes. It's a great way to make your English sound more colorful, expressive, and natural like a native speaker.
The challenge runs every second day throughout August, giving you time to really understand each adjective and practice using it in your own stories, example sentences, or voice messages. These include words like “remiss,” “palpable,” “low-key,” and “fancy schmancy” – words that native speakers use regularly but English learners often skip over when listening.
Andrew and Alina also chat about Alina's new hobby: chess! She recently learned to play at age 31 and has been winning games at her local expat board game meetup in Ireland.
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 August Challenge: Click the pin icon at the top of the Monthly Challenge channel to view the August Challenge (available from August 2nd).
Complete all the tasks to earn a certificate. Join in and start improving your English with the community!
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Simplified Speech #225 – Musical education
This episode is all about musical education! Andrew and Indiana share stories about learning instruments as kids, their music classes at school, and how they feel about playing musical instruments today. You'll hear Andrew talk about jamming on his drum set in his basement, Indiana's experiences in school chorus, and whether they think parents should push their kids to take music lessons.
This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to pick up natural vocabulary and expressions about music, school, and hobbies while listening to a real conversation between native speakers.
In this lesson, you’ll work on:
Vocabulary: Learn natural English words and phrases about music, school, and hobbies.
Listening: Build your listening with this clear and easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers.
Speaking: Improve your speaking skills by chatting about your own experiences with music education during one of our weekly conversation classes or by talking with other Culips listeners on our Discord server.
Culture: Discover what music education is like in Canada and the U.S., and why it’s important in schools.
Fluency: Listening to real conversations and stories helps you think in English and speak more confidently.
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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Bonus episode #153 – The mushroom murder verdict
How can a homemade lunch end in tragedy, mystery, and a murder trial that shocks the world? Join Andrew as he revisits the infamous mushroom murder case in Australia and guides you through the dramatic courtroom outcome. In this episode, you’ll read along with a real news article and learn important vocabulary that helps you understand the story. You’ll learn legal words like “jury” and “plead”, and more advanced terms like “deception” and "estranged.” Andrew explains everything clearly so you can follow the story and improve your English at the same time.
What you’ll learn:
Useful legal vocabulary and how it’s used in real news stories
Natural expressions for describing crime, trials, and serious events
How native speakers explain complex topics in simple, conversational ways
Perfect for intermediate learners who:
Want to build vocabulary for understanding news and serious topics
Enjoy true stories that are dramatic, mysterious, and real
Like learning English through current events and real conversations
Important links:
Become a Culips member
Study with the interactive transcript
Watch the YouTube version of this episode
Join the Culips Discord server
Small-group speaking class schedule
Listen to the original mushroom mystery episode
Read the original article from CBC news
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Catch Word #286 – Tone it down
Have you ever been in a situation where someone was being too loud, too intense, or acting like they're better than everyone else? In today's episode, Andrew and Indiana teach you two essential expressions that native English speakers use all the time to ask someone to change their behavior.
What You'll Learn:
How to use "tone it down" when someone needs to be quieter or calmer
When to say "get off your high horse" to someone who's acting superior
The difference between being polite and being too direct with these expressions
This episode is perfect for:
Intermediate to advanced English learners
Anyone who wants to sound more natural in conversations
Students preparing for everyday situations in English-speaking countries
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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Bonus episode #152 – The Blue House
What happens when a country's most secretive presidential residence suddenly opens its doors to the public? Join Andrew as he takes you on a fascinating tour of Seoul's famous Blue House, the presidential residence that was recently opened to the public! In this episode, Andrew shares his incredible experience exploring the beautiful grounds where Korean presidents once lived, complete with amazing architecture, an ancient Buddha statue, and breathtaking city views. You'll learn about the mysterious legends surrounding this location. Is it blessed or cursed? Plus, discover why this might be your only chance to visit before it closes!
What you'll learn:
Essential vocabulary for describing locations, architecture, and sightseeing experiences
Natural expressions for talking about summer weather, crowds, and making reservations
How native speakers share stories with vivid details and personal opinions
Perfect for intermediate learners who:
Want to sound more natural when describing places and experiences
Love learning through fun, real-life stories
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.
Canada - english