The podcast discusses the challenges of renovating a small house, focusing on incorporating the oven into the kitchen cabinets. The speaker shares their experience and relief after fixing the oven and reflects on cultural customs. They also talk about receiving gifts, meeting new neighbors, and announce upcoming episodes and a vocabulary lesson on 'to butt heads'.

Do you ever feel exhausted and overwhelmed with work or other aspects of your life? If so, you're not alone. Burnout is a common experience that can happen to anyone. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore what burnout is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent it. Chatterbox is a series for intermediate and advanced English learners that features native English speakers having natural conversations on interesting topics. Studying with this series will help you build your fluency, sharpen your listening skills, and expand your vocabulary. Fun facts Did you know that during the pandemic, a new term “Zoom fatigue” started being used to describe the tiredness and burnout caused by overuse of video conferencing? Many people have experienced higher levels of stress and burnout as a result of remote work, social isolation, and the constant use of video conferencing platforms like Zoom. Expressions included in the study guide To go the extra mile To [one’s] detriment Dread To grit and bear it Ins and outs To grind it into the ground Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Cup of Couple [pexels.com]

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a unique dinner party he had with his friends over the weekend. Along the way, he teaches you about some interesting expressions like: to tip your hat to somebody, to let something slide, and to be shouldered with something Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here. Check out Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy here:

Table manners are an important part of many different cultures. Something that may be considered rude in one country may actually be polite in another. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what is generally considered polite in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., their personal opinions on table manners, and a few horror stories about some really uncomfortable eating situations. Fun facts If you have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at a fancy restaurant in the U.S., here’s an etiquette tip that will help you and your waiter. When leaving your seat for a short period of time, leave your napkin on your chair to indicate that you haven’t finished your meal yet. When you’re ready to leave the restaurant and you want to signal to the waitstaff that you’re finished, place your napkin on top of the table. Expressions included in the study guide In the zone Spic and span Doesn’t fly To be glued to [something] To show [someone] the ropes To cut [something] out Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: fauxels [pexels.com]

The podcast explores the speaker's experience with public transportation in Canada and Seoul, comparing bus etiquette and likelihood of striking up conversations. They share an interesting conversation with a stranger on a Canadian bus, discussing their jobs and experiences in Kelowna. The speaker reflects on meaningful interactions and introduces new projects at Culips, including improving communication features on their website and the creation of the Culips Conversation Club. They also explore the expression 'to play favorites' and relate it to giving preferential treatment in various contexts.

Have you ever considered living in a micro apartment or tiny home? In this episode, Andrew and Anna discuss the rising trend of micro apartments in the real estate and housing industry. They explore why tiny living is becoming more popular and share their opinions on the matter. Chatterbox is a series designed for intermediate and advanced English learners where you can listen to native English speakers having natural conversations on fascinating topics. Learning with our Chatterbox series will help you improve your English listening and speaking skills and expand your vocabulary. Fun facts The tiniest house ever made is only 1 square metre. It was created by architect Van Bo Le-Mentzel. It’s a do-it-yourself house that costs around €250 to build and includes a bed, a desk, a chair, and a small shelf. Expressions included in the study guide To be partial to [something] To sacrifice [something] for [something] To do with A cliché To get a foothold into [something] Biased Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Patrick Perkins (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a shocking event his wife witnessed this week. He also gives you some Culips updates, and teaches you about the idiomatic expression to rub someone the wrong way. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.

Applying for a part-time job can be stressful, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared before you walk into a store and ask for an application. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy teach you some of the common phrases and etiquette involved with applying for a part-time job in person. The example conversation presented by our hosts is applicable to many different kinds of part-time jobs, including food service, retail, or hospitality. If you’re unsure what to say or ask when trying to get an interview, then this is the episode for you! Fun facts These days, many large franchises or chains will not allow you to apply for a job in person – they require you to fill out an online application and submit your resume on their website. However, if you’d like to make a good impression, you can try following up on the status of your application in person after you’ve applied online! Many of the expressions featured in this episode can be used in this situation as well. Expressions included in the study guide Can I speak to the manager? Do you have any experience? What’s your availability? Valid form of ID / government issued ID Does [time] work for you? Thank you for the opportunity Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Eric Prouzet (Unsplash.com)

In this week’s bonus episode, Andrew talks about a cool aspect of big city life and shares some stories about what he did last week. Along the way, he teaches you some useful English vocabulary like to congregate, to pass the baton, and to be taken aback. Support Culips and take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips Member. To sign up, visit Culips.com. Study with the interactive transcript here.:

We all have stories about our teenage years – some funny, some awkward. In this episode, Andrew and Kassy take a look back at their teenage selves and share their personal stories. Tune in to find out more! Simplified Speech is the Culips series designed for beginner and intermediate English language learners. The series features natural, easy-to-understand conversations between two native speakers. By following along, you'll increase your vocabulary and improve your listening skills in English. Fun facts Did you know that just like humans, animals go through a rebellious phase during their teenage years as well? Elephants and monkeys have been observed showing similar behaviors as human teenagers, such as disobeying their parents, showing aggression, and being more adventurous. Expressions included in the study guide Angsty Slob To go [your] own way To blossom into Social butterfly Make it up as [you] goes along Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free Image: Cottonbro Studio (Unsplash.com)