Podcast
Chatterbox | Culips English Podcast
Hosted by Culips English Podcast · EN
Learn English for everyday use
13episodes
Episodes
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Chatterbox #346 – The psychology of spending money
2w ago00:32:20Tap to summarizeWhy does paying with cash feel different from tapping your phone? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the psychology of spending money. They share what they happily pay extra for, what they refuse to spend on, and the small tricks companies use to get more money out of our wallets. Along the way, they look at why we sometimes feel like we got a great deal even when we just spent five times what we intended. Listening to many natural responses is one of the best ways to build your everyday listening skills 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. References: Dan Ariely TED Talk, Are we in control of our own decisions? — Watch here: American Psychological Association, The psychology of spending* — Read here: 🔑 Key expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To recoil Hit or miss To break a bill Couldn’t give a toss To be averse to To game The post Chatterbox #346 – The psychology of spending money first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #345 – Interview with Michael Lavers
4w ago00:36:21Tap to summarizeFrom Cornwall to Bangkok: Cycling, Podcasting, and Pop Culture with Michael Lavers Would you leave England to start a new life in Bangkok? Would you plan a cycling trip across an entire country? In this episode, Andrew interviews Michael Lavers from the Level Up English Podcast, a British podcaster who is doing exactly that. They chat about growing up in Cornwall, moving to Thailand, cycling adventures, and the challenges of learning Thai. Andrew ends the conversation with some quick questions about British pop culture that surprise even Michael! Listening to long conversations like this one is a fantastic way to improve your listening skills and pick up natural English expressions in context. 📚 Study Materials The interactive transcript, study guide, and quizzes for this episode are 100% free for everyone. No membership is needed! Become a Culips Member: Get study materials for every episode, plus live speaking classes, ad-free audio, member-only perks, and more. Join Our Discord Community: Connect with other learners and get real-time English practice. Check out Michael’s podcast: Level Up English Podcast 🔑 Key Expressions Keep an ear out for these phrases during the episode: To put someone through the wringer A scholar and a gentleman Murky Not one’s cup of tea To be foiled To chuck something The post Chatterbox #345 – Interview with Michael Lavers first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #344 – The Ick
Apr 300:33:30Tap to summarizeHave you ever been on a great date, only to suddenly feel completely turned off by something small and unexpected? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about “the ick,” that sudden feeling of disgust toward someone you’re dating. They share their own icks, from almond milk to vocal fry, and look at why these reactions happen. Are they silly snap judgments, or could they actually be rooted in something deeper, like evolution or personal values? Practice using the expressions from this episode in your own conversations, and you’ll sound more natural in no time. – Andrew references articles from Time and Psychology Today: in the episode. 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: The post Chatterbox #344 – The Ick first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #343 – Goodbye 2025
Dec 2700:50:42Tap to summarizeIn the last Chatterbox episode of 2025, you’ll listen to Andrew and Anna look back on the year with 15 fun reflection questions. You will hear them talk about surprising news, happy moments, new habits, travel stories, things they bought, and upcoming goals for 2026. Their conversation is relaxed and full of real, everyday English, so you can learn how native speakers look back on the past year and share personal experiences. What you will learn in this episode: How to talk about your year in English, including highs, lows, and things you did not expect Useful phrases for giving opinions, agreeing, and reacting with surprise or humor Natural ways to talk about habits, goals, and plans for the new year This episode is perfect for you if: You want to learn natural ways to talk about goals and habits, including routines that fell apart and new habits you want to keep You want to practice English for small talk topics that come up a lot, like travel, food, buying things, trends, and social media You want ideas and language you can use as inspiration to talk about your own 2025 and your plans for 2026 with friends or coworkers 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: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Chatterbox #343 – Goodbye 2025 first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #342 – Talking about curiosity
Nov 2800:35:17Tap to summarizeIn this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about what curiosity is, why you feel it, and how it can help or hurt you in everyday life. You will hear real stories about things they have been curious about lately, how curiosity can help you discover new ideas, and how it can sometimes distract you. They also explain the different types of curiosity (diversive curiosity and specific curiosity) and share useful idioms related to curiosity like “curiosity killed the cat.” What you will learn in this episode: Natural English phrases to describe what you want to learn, what interests you, and what catches your attention. Common words and idioms connected to curiosity, such as “childlike curiosity,” “healthy curiosity,” and “my curiosity got the better of me.” How Andrew and Anna talk about what interests them, respond to each other’s stories, and describe curiosity in clear, everyday English. This episode is perfect for you if: You want to think in English more easily when talking about what interests you You want to sound natural and confident when sharing your own stories and questions You want to learn clear, useful expressions to describe curiosity in everyday life 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: Click here. Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join. The post Chatterbox #342 – Talking about curiosity first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #341 – Talking about frustration
Nov 1500:38:43Tap to summarizeDo 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. The post Chatterbox #341 – Talking about frustration first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #340 – How algorithms affect us
Oct 1700:28:19Tap to summarizeIn 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. The post Chatterbox #340 – How algorithms affect us first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #339 – Street smarts
Sep 1900:25:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Chatterbox, Andrew and Anna talk about street smarts: the practical skills and awareness people should have in order to stay safe and confident in cities. They share personal stories about living in places like Madrid, London, Seoul, and Canada, and explain how experiences such as pickpocketing or mugging can change the way people think about safety. The hosts also compare life in big cities to life in smaller towns or the countryside, showing how different environments require different kinds of common sense. This episode is great for upper-intermediate English learners who want to understand everyday English conversations about real-life situations, build up vocabulary related to safety and street crime, and practice listening to natural storytelling from native speakers. What you’ll learn in this episode: Vocabulary: Useful English words and expressions about safety, danger, and daily life in cities, such as dodgy, pickpocket, mugging, and shady character. Listening: Improve your listening skills by following an easy-to-understand conversation between two native speakers sharing real experiences. Speaking: Learn how to tell your own stories about travel, street smarts, and staying safe using natural English phrases. Culture: Discover how people from different countries think about safety in cities and compare experiences from Canada, Spain, Korea, and the UK. Fluency: Listening to real conversations will help you understand natural speech and respond more quickly 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. 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. The post Chatterbox #339 – Street smarts first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #338 – Common sense
Aug 1500:31:36Tap to summarizeWhy do some people do foolish things even though they’re smart? And why do some things that are obvious to you seem difficult for others to understand? In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of “common sense.” They discuss what it means, where it comes from, and why people sometimes seem to lack it. As they chat, Andrew and Anna share funny real-life stories from their lives and compare “common sense” with “book smarts.” This episode is best for upper-intermediate English learners who want to speak more fluently about common sense, decision-making, and how people think in everyday life. What you’ll learn with this episode: How to explain the meaning of common sense in clear English Natural ways to use everyday expressions like clueless, ditzy, all over the place, and book smarts How to talk about practical knowledge, life experience, and problem-solving skills in everyday English How culture, age, and personal experience can affect what we think is “obvious” 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! The post Chatterbox #338 – Common sense first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
Transcribe →Chatterbox #337 – Our sixth sense
Aug 100:31:14Tap to summarizeDo you ever get a feeling that something is right or wrong, even if you can’t explain why? In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna explore the idea of the sixth sense, also known as intuition. They talk about what it means, how it works, and when they’ve relied on it in real life. You’ll hear personal stories, learn common expressions, and improve your listening skills while enjoying a fun, natural conversation between native speakers. This episode is great for upper intermediate to advanced English learners who want to talk more confidently about thoughts, gut feelings, and intuitive decision-making in English. In this lesson, you’ll learn: What the sixth sense is and how to describe it in English Natural phrases like gut feeling, bad vibe, and ulterior motives About Andrew and Anna’s experiences using their sixth sense The difference between using logic and feelings when making choices 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! The post Chatterbox #337 – Our sixth sense first appeared on Culips English Podcast.
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