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!

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

Do you rely on your eyes more than your other senses? In this episode, you’ll hear a real conversation between Andrew and Anna about vision, eyesight, and learning styles. You’ll find out why Andrew wears an eye mask at night, what Anna would do in a zombie apocalypse without her contact lenses, and whether either of them would get laser eye surgery. If you’re at the upper intermediate level, this is the perfect episode to build your English confidence. You’ll learn natural ways to describe habits, talk about effort, and express strong opinions, all with real vocabulary that native speakers use every day. In this episode, you will learn: Learn six natural expressions and idioms, including break the bank, seep through, and hardwired to, with clear context and usage. Hear a real conversation about eyesight, contact lenses, and laser surgery to build vocabulary related to health and the senses. Understand how to describe learning preferences, especially visual learning, using everyday English. Discover how to talk about memory techniques like the “memory palace” and share opinions about study habits. Practice listening to spontaneous, fluent English with common sentence patterns, filler words, and real-life storytelling. The Best Way to Learn with This Episode: Don’t forget: Download the study guide to get the interactive transcript, quiz, and vocabulary explanations and examples. 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!

Have you ever worked hard to create something beautiful, only to have uninvited guests show up and ruin it? That's exactly what happened to Andrew when he transformed his little Seoul yard into an urban paradise! In this episode, Andrew shares a funny story about some unexpected "burglars" who discovered his secret garden. You'll discover who these mysterious visitors are and why they've been "terrorizing" his home all week! Along the way, you'll learn over 15 useful expressions that will make your English sound more natural and native-like, all included in the FREE vocabulary glossary. What you'll learn: Essential home and garden vocabulary you'll actually use in real conversations Natural expressions for describing progress and changes over time How native speakers tell personal stories with humor and suspense Vocabulary for talking about nature and wildlife Perfect for intermediate learners who: Want to sound more natural when sharing personal experiences Love learning through entertaining, real-life stories 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 play a game called Overrated or Underrated, where they share what they think about popular things. They talk about everyday items like vegan cheese, meal prepping, self-help books, and vision boards. You'll learn what the adjectives "overrated" and "underrated" mean, and how to use them naturally when sharing what you think. This is a great lesson for learning natural English and speaking like a native speaker. You'll hear real conversations and pick up expressions that English speakers use every day. In this episode, you will learn: How to use the words overrated and underrated correctly Natural ways to share your opinions about different topics Common expressions for agreeing and disagreeing politely Useful vocabulary for talking about lifestyle and popular trends 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!

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

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.

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

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!

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