Self-care is a term that has been around for a long time. However, it has become more popular recently because people are paying more attention to taking care of their physical and mental health in a fast-paced world. In this Simplified Speech episode, Andrew and Kassy chat about their personal self-care routines and some tips for listeners. If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, then this is a great episode to check out! Simplified Speech is a Culips series that features easy to understand conversations that help beginner and intermediate English learners improve their listening skills. We have quality study guides and transcripts available for all Culips members. Fun facts It can be very difficult to practice self-care when you’re stressed out. The next time you want to relax and calm down, try this grounding technique that uses all of your senses: Notice and name five things you can see Notice and name four things you can feel Notice and name three things you can hear Notice and name two things you can smell Notice and name one thing you can touch   This simple exercise can help you disconnect from your stress and pay more attention to your body and environment. Try it out! You just might feel a little bit calmer afterwards. Expressions included in the study guide To take a toll on To squeeze in To go out on a limb Love-hate relationship To take full advantage of Band-aid Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com Image: Lesly Juarez and madison lavern (Unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about a mystery he has discovered in his neighborhood and about visiting a Christmas market in Seoul. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression to not hold water. 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.

Are you the type of person who gets work done quickly and easily? Sometimes we may work on a task for a long time but still not make a lot of progress on it. In this episode, Kassy and Andrew teach two expressions you can use in situations where you’re stuck or not making progress. These expressions are to not make a dent in something and to go round in circles. Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their English fluency. You’ll learn idioms and useful expressions to help you have more natural-sounding conversations. Fun facts The tallest rollercoaster in the world is Six Flags’ Kingda Ka rollercoaster. It first opened in 2005 and is 456 feet tall (almost 139 metres) at its highest point. Expressions included in the study guide To not make a dent in (something) To go round in circles To be tapped To feel (someone’s) pain To take over a contract To come to a consensus Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Opening music from Pixabay.com Image: Ran Berkovich (Unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the music he listened to this year. Plus, he teaches you about a useful English expression, to reign supreme. 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.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss personal finance, including their own experiences and habits. They share tips on saving money, overcoming emotional spending, and the satisfaction of saving. They highlight the importance of having a financial cushion and the peace of mind it provides, but also acknowledge that not everyone is able to save due to financial constraints.

In this bonus episode, Andrew shares the story about how his half marathon went last week. He also talks about the World Cup and who he’s cheering for. Plus in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you the expression slim to none. 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.

Most children in the U.S. and Canada have had at least a few experiences visiting amusement parks. In this Simplified speech episode, Andrew and Kassy describe their childhood experiences going to amusement parks and theme parks. They discuss their opinions on them and offer several tips on getting the most fun out of your visit. Listen to the episode and decide for yourself whether you think these classic summertime destinations sound like fun! Simplified Speech is the Culips series that features easy to understand conversations that help beginner and intermediate English learners improve their communication skills. We have quality study guides and transcripts available for all Culips members. Study with the interactive transcript here. Fun facts The tallest rollercoaster in the world is Six Flags’ Kingda Ka rollercoaster. It first opened in 2005 and is 456 feet tall (almost 139 metres) at its highest point. Expressions included in the study guide To not be a fan of [something] To pay off Claim to fame To get butterflies To date [oneself] Once in a lifetime Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Image: Matt Bowden (unsplash.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about a decision he made in the past that has come back to haunt him. He also shares a story about a website that helped him to relive some childhood memories. Plus, in the vocabulary lesson, he teaches you about the expression to pay the price. 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.

It is always a great time picking up a new hobby! In this episode, Kassy talks with Andrew about some new hobbies of hers. Listen in to find out what they are! Simplified Speech is a Culips series where native speakers have natural conversations about everyday topics using clear and easy to understand language. These episodes are designed to help beginner and intermediate English language learners improve their listening skills. Study with the interactive transcript here. Fun facts In this episode, Andrew mentions Alex Honnold, a famous free solo climber. In 2017, he climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a 3000 feet tall rock formation, without ropes or any other protective equipment. The climb took him 3 hours and 56 minutes. Expressions included in the study guide If I recall correctly To get where [someone] is coming from To have a hard time [doing something] To blow [one’s] socks off Notorious To be on the verge of [something] Copyright: Culips.com For more information about this episode, visit culips.com. Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar Image: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels.com)

In this bonus episode, Andrew talks about the drama that’s unfolding at Twitter. Plus, he gives you some behind the scenes updates about some new things happening at Culips and teaches you a funny idiomatic expression: a dumpster fire. 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.