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
23 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 17min
AEE: Would You Want to Split Something? How to Ask to Share at a Restaurant
The hosts dive into the etiquette of sharing meals at restaurants, emphasizing when it’s appropriate, like with friends or partners. They discuss the benefits of splitting dishes, from saving money to deepening relationships. Listeners will learn practical phrases for suggesting to share and how to navigate diverse tastes, using pizza as a fun example. The conversation even covers how to gracefully decline sharing when you prefer your own plate. It's a light-hearted exploration of food, connection, and communication!
27 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2489: Stick to or Stick With in English?
Ever wondered about the difference between 'stick to' and 'stick with'? The hosts dive into these phrases, explaining 'stick to' as a commitment to routines and rules. In contrast, 'stick with' embodies loyalty and encouragement towards others. They spice things up with role play at a dance class, providing lively examples for better understanding. Tune in to sharpen your English and grasp these subtle distinctions!
24 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2488: Lady or Miss? How to Refer to Strangers in English
Explore the nuanced world of addressing strangers in English. Discover why calling a woman 'lady' can come off as harsh or sarcastic. Learn the differences between 'miss' and 'ma'am,' and when to use 'sir' or 'gentlemen' for men. The hosts share a role play scenario for real-life context and highlight the importance of a friendly tone over perfection. Mastering these terms can enhance your communication and make interactions more polite and respectful.
27 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2487: Laundry in English Part 3: Overwhelmed by Laundry? Make It a Connection Moment
Explore how laundry can foster new friendships through shared experiences! The hosts share personal quirks and laundry habits that spark laughter and connection. Discover handy phrases to describe your laundry routine, from the frequency to the unique challenges it brings. Role play scenes illustrate how simple conversations about mundane tasks can build rapport. Ultimately, learn how everyday moments, like doing laundry, can lead to meaningful connections and deeper relationships.
34 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2486: Don’t Sleep on This Trendy New English Slang
Explore the trendy phrase 'don't sleep on it,' meaning don't miss out. Dive into its two uses: delaying a decision and urging action. Discover related slang like 'fire' for something amazing, illustrated through a fun role play. The hosts discuss when and how to incorporate these expressions into conversations, emphasizing the importance of context. Get tips on using slang to connect with others, while adapting to your audience and setting. Perfect for enhancing your casual English with fresh expressions!
19 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.
90 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.
68 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!
27 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.
