

All Ears English Podcast
Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Are you looking for a new and fun way to learn American English? Come hang out with Lindsay and Michelle from Boston and New York City and have fun while you improve your English listening skills! We are an English as a Second Language (ESL) podcast for intermediate to advanced English learners around the world. We will show you how to use everyday English vocabulary and natural idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs and how to make small talk in American English. We will also give you special tips on American culture, customs, etiquette, and how to speak with Americans as well as conversation and commentary on study tips, business English, life in America and Boston and New York, how to apply to university in the US, dating, travel, food and more. You'll get TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC help also from The Examiner of Excellence, Jessica Beck. This podcast is for adult students who are professionals and university students as well as ESL teachers. Join the community to learn to speak American English like a native! Connection NOT Perfection!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2025 • 19min
AEE: You Will be Connecting with These Phrases Before You Know it
Explore how our perception of time changes with age, creating poignant connections in language learning. Discover practical phrases like 'in no time' and 'in the blink of an eye,' enhancing communication about timing. Dive into reflections on future expressions and cultural views on speed, peppered with humor and personal anecdotes. The conversation emphasizes the swift passage of time and the value of meaningful connections in our lives.

36 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2449: Take the Plunge into Enthusiastic English
Dive into the excitement of learning English! Discover how to conquer hesitation and fully embrace your language journey. Laugh along as the hosts share quirky summer footwear tales, debating the pros and cons of sandals. Explore the playful side of commitment with anecdotes about 'cold feet' and 'hot feet.' Learn about going 'full force' in your career and relationships, emphasizing bold choices and shared experiences. Join in on a lighthearted ride that encourages you to take risks and forge deeper connections!

75 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2448: Weird and Wonky Weather in English
Unusual weather is a great conversation starter, and the hosts dive into how it can spark engaging discussions. They share personal stories about unpredictable weather and explore the emotional ties between weather and relationships. Lists of quirky phrases and expressions help listeners express surprise at unexpected weather. They also discuss how weather affects moods, illustrating the emotional journeys tied to different conditions. Additionally, they examine how geographic preferences for temperatures can deepen connections in conversations.

38 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2447: Is Your Sense of Humor Offbeat?
Discover how humor can enhance language skills and social connections through comedy. The hosts dive into the nuances of dry wit and its role in British humor. Learn about diverse comedic styles, from offbeat to blue comedy, and how personal tastes shape our appreciation for jokes. They share personal anecdotes, illustrating the complexities of delivering humor effectively. Join in on the fun as the speakers discuss the importance of laughter in building relationships and invite listeners to share their own humorous experiences.

77 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2446: Why You Shouldn’t Be a One-upper
Dive into the intriguing behavior of 'one-upping' in conversations. Discover how this habit undermines genuine connections. The hosts share personal stories about the perils of self-centered dialogue. Learn the art of asking thoughtful questions to foster deeper interactions. Celebrate others' achievements instead of outshining them. Explore how simple changes in communication can enhance relationships and create more meaningful exchanges.

79 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 22min
AEE: Why Slow Down in English? Part 2: Give Space for Emphasis
Discover the magic of slowing down in English communication to enhance connections and clarity. Explore storytelling techniques, including comic timing, that elevate your conversational skills. Learn how strategic pauses can boost understanding and emphasize emotion. Gain insights into pacing to avoid misunderstandings, especially with complex words. Additionally, uncover how physical presence impacts confidence and clarity in speech. Get ready to engage your audience like never before!

42 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2445: Why Slow Down in English? Part 1: Pause for Punctuation
Pacing is crucial in English communication, impacting clarity and connection. Nervousness often leads to rapid speech, so slowing down is key for effective dialogue. The podcast highlights the art of intentional pauses, enhancing storytelling and listener engagement. Personal anecdotes illustrate common challenges in finding the right speed while speaking. As we navigate digital writing tools, the conversation emphasizes the balance between technology and traditional methods for improved cognitive function. Embrace pauses for better communication and confidence!

26 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2444: Grammar That Breaks the Rules Part 1: Adjectives That End in “LY”
Explore the fascinating world of English adjectives that end in 'LY' and uncover the common misconception that they are all adverbs. Discover trendy slang terms like 'chill,' 'sick,' and 'dead,' revealing how context shapes their meanings. Learn about intriguing adjectives such as 'deadly' and 'live,' while tackling the confusing distinctions between adjectives and adverbs. Engage with relatable anecdotes that highlight the challenges of mastering these nuances, and test your English skills with a fun quiz!

27 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2443: Spy Movie Vocabulary in English
Explore the intriguing world of spy movie vocabulary, diving into terms like 'tapped' and 'hot' that enhance the viewing experience. Listen to humorous travel tales about theft while learning language nuances. Discover alternative words for suspicion and legality, enriching your language skills. Engage in playful role play, connecting famous films with real-life espionage events. Ultimately, enhance your communication with practical vocabulary, making every conversation a mission in fluency and connection.

68 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2442: Avoid the Wall of Formality With This Future Grammar
Dive into the nuances of future tenses in English and their role in confidence-building for fluent speakers. Discover the differences between future simple, progressive, and present tenses, along with practical examples to clear up confusion. Learn how casual language, especially the present progressive, fosters rapport in conversations. The discussion highlights the tension between formal and informal communication, emphasizing how verb choices impact relationships and engagement. Enhance your conversational skills while navigating grammar with ease!