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
14 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 18min
AEE: Sore After a Workout? Exercise Your English with these Phrases
Lindsay and Michelle share personal stories of soreness post-workout and explain 'second-day soreness.' They highlight the importance of strength training for women and discuss how workout conversations foster community connections. The hosts clarify the difference between 'tight' and 'sore' muscles and define rest days versus recovery days. They introduce expressive phrases like 'on fire' and role-play post-class soreness chats, showing how everyday topics—like workouts—can spark meaningful English conversations.
84 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2485: Are You Practically Fluent in English?
The hosts dive into the meaning of 'practically' and its interchangeable uses in conversation. They explore how it signifies 'almost' or 'just about,' using relatable examples like summer being 'practically over.' The discussion includes nuances between terms such as 'practically,' 'almost,' 'basically,' and 'virtually,' and they even role-play casual dialogue to showcase these differences in action. Listeners are encouraged to be more aware of its usage in everyday speech.
56 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2484: English Vocabulary Tips You Can Believe In
Discover the nuances between 'believe' and 'believe in' as the hosts explore their meanings and uses. Learn how 'believe' indicates acceptance of truth, while 'believe in' expresses trust and confidence. Engaging role play highlights these phrases in real-life scenarios. The conversation emphasizes the importance of expressing belief in others to strengthen connections. Tune in for practical vocabulary tips that can enhance your English communication!
24 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 21min
AEE 2483: Two L's or One? How to Ask About Spelling in English
Explore the fun of spelling in English as the hosts dive into common confusions like donut vs doughnut and the one vs two L's debate. Discover practical phrases for asking about spelling that can spark friendly connections. Engage in roleplay scenarios that highlight the importance of collaboration in learning. Ultimately, it's all about embracing connections over perfection as we navigate the quirks of the English language!
45 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 15min
AEE 2482: Agreeable Ways to Agree in English
Explore the nuances of the word 'kidding' and its role in English conversations. Discover how affirming recommendations can strengthen social bonds. Enjoy playful role-plays showcasing phrases like 'true story' and 'you called it,' while learning about their context and usage. Each tip aims to enhance your fluency and connection with others.
51 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 19min
AEE: How to Relate But Not Dominate in English Conversations
Discover how to enhance connections in conversations without dominating them. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of oversharing and share a step-by-step framework for meaningful dialogue. Learn practical phrases to express empathy, and hear engaging role-play examples that illustrate the art of listening and responding. This episode is packed with tips for building rapport while keeping conversations balanced.
77 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2481: Truth Be Told, These Idioms Will Improve your English
Explore intriguing truth idioms like 'truth be told' and 'moment of truth.' The hosts delve into how these expressions relate to real-life situations, such as college acceptance. They also discuss the importance of facing harsh realities with terms like 'face the truth' and 'ugly truth.' Listeners can enjoy engaging role plays and a poll that questions the ethics of lying. This lively conversation promises to enhance your English while reflecting on deeper themes!
80 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 15min
AEE 2480: Feel Like English Expressions Can be Frustrating? I’ll Give You That!
Navigating English expressions can be tricky, especially when trying to engage in fluent conversations. The phrase 'I'll give you that' is explored as a tool for acknowledging points while maintaining differing views. Role plays illustrate how to foster empathy and open dialogue. The discussion also covers expressions that validate others’ perspectives and balances agreement and disagreement. Finally, a cinematic debate on movie remakes like 'Pride and Prejudice' highlights the complexities of nostalgia versus modern expectations.
84 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2479: Relationship Talk in English: Close to or Close With?
Dive into the fascinating distinctions between 'close to' and 'close with' in relationships. The hosts share personal anecdotes about family gatherings that highlight communication nuances. Explore how childhood friendships evolve and the impact of physical proximity on connections. Cultural differences in friendship dynamics are discussed, inviting listener engagement through polls. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining friendships amidst life changes and remote work.
51 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2478: Laundry in English Part 1: Don't Shrink Your Clothes
Explore the surprising depth of laundry conversations! The hosts discuss how this everyday task can forge connections and share nostalgic memories of New York laundromats. Gain insights into laundry vocabulary and the challenges of shared living spaces. Discover the nuances of clothing care instructions and the cultural significance of laundromats. Personal anecdotes and light-hearted dialogue create an entertaining exploration of an often-overlooked topic that highlights our daily rituals.
