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. 

In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about algorithms, the hidden digital systems that shape what we see online. They discuss how these tools affect what we buy, what we believe, and even how we feel. If you’ve ever wondered why the same ads seem to follow you everywhere, or you’re curious about Andrew’s story of being flooded with hair transplant ads, you’ll enjoy this one.

If you’re an upper-intermediate English learner who wants to sound more natural when talking about technology and modern life, this episode is for you. You’ll learn useful vocabulary through a real conversation between Andrew and Anna, while building listening confidence along the way.






What you’ll learn in this episode:

* Vocabulary: Learn useful expressions and terms related to technology and online behavior, such as echo chamber, rage bait, and
* Listening: Understand how algorithms work and how they influence what we see online with an interesting and easy-to-follow discussion.
* Speaking: Share your own experiences with algorithms in our speaking classes and on our Discord server.
* Fluency: Listening to natural English conversations helps train your brain to think in English, a key skill for fluent speaking. You'll also pick up natural expressions and speech patterns, and get comfortable with how native speakers discuss technology and digital culture.

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 here: Click here.
* Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. 

What's the best way to give money as a gift? In this episode, Andrew tells a story about hosting his wife’s family for Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday. You'll hear him talk about preparing a huge meal, fitting eight people into a small space, and turning gift-giving into fun games with cash prizes.








Listen along to supercharge your listening skills. 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 your English become more natural.

Important links:

* Become a Culips member
* Study with the interactive transcript
* Join the Culips Discord server
* Small-group speaking class schedule
* RSVP for the Culips Hamburg Meet-up on October 18th

In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Indiana talk about retirement. They chat about what it means, how it looks in different countries, and what people dream of doing after they stop working. You’ll hear them share real examples from the United States, Canada, and Korea and discuss ideas like second careers, semi-retirement, and common lifestyles for retirees. They also teach several useful English expressions connected to retirement, such as golden years, twilight years, nest egg, empty nester, and living the good life.






What you’ll learn with this episode:

* How to use expressions like golden years and living the good life to describe retirement in a positive way
* What nest egg and empty nester mean and how they relate to family and financial life
* The difference between golden years and twilight years
* How people in the U.S., Canada, and Korea view and prepare for retirement
* How to describe retirement dreams, second careers, and semi-retirement naturally in English

This episode is perfect for:

* Intermediate English learners who want to expand their vocabulary with real-life topics
* Listeners interested in cultural differences between countries
* Anyone preparing for discussions about work, lifestyle, or aging 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. 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. 

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

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.