

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

61 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.

50 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 17min
AEE: To What Do You Attribute Your English Success?
Discover the secrets to a delightful hotel experience, blending ambiance and amenities with personal stories. Dive into the dual meaning of 'attribute'—how it plays a role in communication and teamwork. Unpack how recognizing personal attributes can boost confidence in job interviews. Explore effective strategies for mastering English, emphasizing the importance of one concept at a time for smooth learning. Perfect for language enthusiasts eager to articulate their unique qualities and enhance their fluency!

62 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2477: Are There Free Refills? How to Ask for More Food and Drink in English
Discover the nuances of dining culture as the hosts share tips on how to politely request more food and drinks in casual settings. Explore the significance of portion sizes, with a fun comparison between American and Japanese eating habits. Laugh along with stories about college weight gain from poor food choices and reminisce about comforting childhood meals. Learn about the rich vocabulary surrounding dining experiences and how it can elevate your conversational skills in English.

32 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 15min
AEE 2476: Out of Juice? How to Connect Over Dead Batteries
Discover how mundane topics like dead batteries create opportunities for connection. The hosts share anecdotes that showcase the power of shared experiences and practical language skills. Learn trendy expressions like 'out of juice' and explore the contrast between colloquial and formal phrases. They reflect on our tech dependency and its impact on communication, while providing tips for better battery management. Join the fun as they navigate the quirky side of everyday inconveniences!

68 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2475: Are You Indecisive? How to Say It in English
Explore the tangled web of indecision as hosts share personal stories about their struggles with decision-making. Discover useful vocabulary and metaphors to express uncertainty more clearly. Learn how external influences shape our choices, illustrated through light-hearted anecdotes. From choosing homes to flower dilemmas, the conversation dives into the nuances of communication in daily life. Enhance your English skills with practical tips that empower your dialogues on decision-making.

66 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 24min
AEE 2474 : Classic and Common British Slang with Anna Tyrie
Join Anna Tyrie, a British pronunciation coach and founder of English Like a Native, as she delves into the vibrant world of British slang. Discover intriguing terms like 'pop' and 'faff,' and how they reflect cultural attitudes toward productivity. Anna shares the joy of using expressions like 'gobsmacked' in everyday conversation, while also highlighting the role of slang in building social connections. Plus, learn how online learning tools can enhance your vocabulary, all while enjoying a metaphorical 'brew'!