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
18 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2550: 5 Steps to De-escalate in English
Discover effective strategies for managing tense conversations in English. Learn why acknowledging feelings can reduce defensiveness. Explore how inviting dialogue fosters understanding. Softening statements are key to finding common ground. Taking a break can prevent escalation in heated moments. Engage in a role-play about a car accident to see these techniques in action. The hosts also emphasize the importance of safety and emotional control in high-stakes situations. Tune in for practical tips that can transform your communication!
106 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 17min
AEE: What Are You Really Saying? Subtext and Connotation in English
Discover the importance of connotation and subtext in mastering English! The hosts explain how words can carry different feelings based on context and tone. Explore intriguing examples of how the same word can feel vastly different. They dive into synonyms and role-play a dialogue to illustrate positive and negative connotations. Finally, get insightful tips on achieving fluency by tuning into nuance. Perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their English skills!
51 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 25min
AEE 2549: Let's Talk Cars Part 1: Why This Builds Connection with Americans
Discover how cars serve as an emotional and cultural connector in America. The hosts dive into nostalgic car stories and personal preferences, revealing the quirks of driving etiquette and the thrill of road trips. They discuss the significance of first cars and even the impact of gas prices across states. Join them for practical conversation starters and a playful role-play to illustrate natural discussions about cars. It’s a fun exploration of how these machines bond people while sharing experiences and laughs!
50 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 17min
AEE 2548: Absorb These English Phrasal Verbs
Discover the beauty of living in the moment with English phrases like 'soak it in' and 'drink it in.' The hosts explore how these expressions help us appreciate special occasions and nature's wonders. They role-play at a music festival, using language that invites listeners to absorb their experiences. Plus, they tackle how our phones and overstimulation can distract us from truly taking it all in. Tune in for insights on processing emotions and the importance of presence!
15 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 22min
AEE 2547: Teasing? Direct? How to Know Based on the Context
Discover the nuances of English with a fun exploration of the phrase 'reach a new low.' The hosts role-play playful teasing about bagels, highlighting how humor can lighten a conversation. They also discuss when teasing can cross the line into offense, underscoring the importance of context and relationship. Alternative phrases are introduced to describe decline, along with more role-plays that explore social media banter. Tune in for a lively conversation about choosing the right tone in communication!
Jan 12, 2026 • 17min
AEE 2546: Why Repetition is Key With Hadar Shemesh
Hadar Shemesh, an online entrepreneur and expert in spoken English, joins to delve into the power of repetition for language mastery. He emphasizes that repetition builds automatic speaking habits, contrasting it with one-time practice. Hadar suggests short, focused daily drills to maximize learning efficiency and develop muscle memory. He also highlights the importance of practicing new vocabulary in context to shift from passive to active use. Lastly, he stresses using what you already know to boost confidence and effectiveness in conversation.
30 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 16min
AEE: Are You on Thin Ice?
The hosts dive into the art of ice skating and share their personal experiences on the rink. They explore the idiom 'on thin ice,' explaining its origins and how it's used in tense situations. Listeners are treated to relatable examples from parents and teachers. The discussion shifts to related idioms like 'in hot water' and 'hanging by a thread,' illustrating their nuances. A fun role play showcases these expressions in action, while the hosts emphasize how idioms can lighten serious moments.
21 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2545: Order in the Court! Legal Terms for Everyday Connection
Dive into the world of legal lingo as the hosts unravel the meanings of terms like accuse, allege, and indict. Discover how journalists use 'allegedly' to navigate the tricky waters of libel. Understand the difference between being charged and convicted in a courtroom setting. Enjoy a fun role play that showcases these terms in action. Plus, learn why grasping this vocabulary is essential for engaging in conversations about current events!
22 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 17min
AEE 2544: Did You Up and Start Learning English?
The hosts dive into the concept of quitting jobs impulsively, sharing their own funny stories. They introduce the phrase 'up and' to describe spontaneous actions and discuss various synonyms for suddenness. Travel mishaps and pet adoption tales highlight the unpredictability of life on a whim. Engaging role-plays bring these expressions to life, and the discussion wraps up with recommendations for related idioms. Listeners can enjoy a mix of humor and practical language insights!
57 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 18min
AEE 2543: Go Out of Your Way for these English Direction Phrases
Discover the quirky nuances of English direction phrases! Unpack the meaning of 'on the way' and learn why 'off the way' isn't quite right. Dive into the true opposite, 'out of the way,' and what it signifies in communication. Explore synonyms that explain proximity and convenience, and enjoy a fun role-play about asking for directions. The hosts remind us that understanding reference points can change how we interpret phrases. Perfect for anyone looking to refine their English skills!
