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
19 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2516: Assumption Versus Presumption in English
Dive into the nuanced differences between assumption and presumption! The hosts discuss how presumption carries a formal and sometimes arrogant tone, while assumption is more casual and widely used. Engaging role plays illustrate these concepts in real-life situations. Discover how to navigate social distance with phrases like "I don't mean to be presumptuous." Leave with the insight that assumption is typically the safer choice in everyday conversations.
40 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2515: Finally Fix Your -ate Word Endings in English
Dive into the world of English with an exploration of heteronyms—words that share spelling but differ in pronunciation! Discover how words like 'estimate' and 'graduate' change meaning based on their use as nouns or verbs. Simple rules emerge: nouns and adjectives utilize a short sound, while verbs extend with a long pronunciation. Role plays bring examples to life, showcasing how to correct -ate pronunciation mistakes in real-time. Plus, essential takeaways to enhance your English fluency await!
58 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2514: A Foolproof Method to Express Yourself
In this discussion, the hosts delve into the fascinating world of suffixes, especially -proof. They explore its meanings through fun examples like dogproof, childproof, and easy-to-use foolproof items. Waterproof gear and its importance in everyday life are highlighted, along with shatterproof and bulletproof materials for safety. Creative listeners are encouraged to invent their own -proof terms. The episode wraps up with practical advice on incorporating these expressions into daily conversations.
55 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 22min
AEE: Mortifying Moments that Create Connection
Join hosts as they dive into mortifying moments that bridge connections. Listen to Michelle's hilarious college microwave fire story and the emotional weight of embarrassment. They explore common cringe-worthy situations and clarify the difference between mortifying and embarrassing. With relatable anecdotes, they highlight how shared awkward experiences foster human connection. A role play adds a personal touch, showcasing how empathy can diffuse these situations. Tune in for a light-hearted discussion on how vulnerability creates bonding moments.
16 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 20min
AEE: Fine or Okay? How Taylor Swift’s Lyrics Teach the Difference
The hosts explore the nuances between saying 'I'm fine' and 'I'm okay,' diving into how tone can change meaning. They illustrate when to use each phrase, discussing its implications in conversations about emotions and injuries. Fun role-plays showcase the importance of choosing words carefully to foster empathy. They also highlight how phrases like 'You're okay' can either calm or dismiss feelings depending on context. Tune in for a lively discussion on the power of language and connection!
17 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2513: Back in 2023: How to Be Clear About Timelines When Storytelling in English
Navigating timelines in storytelling can be tricky! The hosts dive into how to clarify when past events happened, discussing phrases like 'back in 2024' versus 'back to 2024.' They highlight the importance of choosing specific versus vague time markers, such as using 'a few months ago' instead of 'a while back.' Hyperbolic expressions like 'a million years ago' add emphasis and fun. Through role-play, they demonstrate reconnecting after years apart and how clear timing enhances connection and understanding in communication.
51 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 15min
AEE 2512: How to Riff in English for Better Small Talk
Explore the art of riffing in conversations to enhance your small talk! Discover how improvisation fosters deeper connections. The hosts role-play scenarios like forgetting names and share humorous insights about awkward moments. Learn quirky questions to spark lively exchanges about unusual food combos. They emphasize the importance of playful banter and finding common ground to elevate interactions. Tune in for valuable tips to transform mundane chats into engaging dialogues!
18 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2511: Got a Boatload of Work? How to Share in English
Explore the quirky phrase 'a slew of' and learn its meaning and usage in conversations. The hosts dive into colorful alternatives like 'boatload' and 'oodles,' emphasizing how these terms can liven up your language. Through fun role-plays, discover how to seamlessly incorporate these expressions into daily dialogues. The discussion highlights how such phrases not only add flair but also foster connection in communication. Tune in to elevate your English with engaging vocabulary!
11 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2510: NYT Author Maya Rossignac-Milon Shares How Riffing Builds Connection in English
Maya Rossignac-Milon, an Assistant Professor at IESE Business School and social-psychology researcher, dives into the art of connection. She shares her insights on moving past awkward small talk and transforming conversations by 'riffing'—a technique that builds on others' remarks, akin to jazz improvisation. Maya explains how authenticity invites genuine interactions and emphasizes the power of inside jokes to deepen connections. Her recent collaboration with The New York Times explores these themes, blending research with practical advice for creating memorable dialogues.
37 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 17min
AEE: How to Connect Over a Twist in a Movie
The hosts dive into movies and shows that keep you guessing, sharing their most captivating examples. They explore phrases like 'keeps you guessing' and discuss the concept of a plot twist, using popular titles to illustrate. A fun role-play adds a practical twist to discussing suspenseful films. Plus, they reveal what genres listeners prefer in a Spotify poll, highlighting how shared interests in TV create connections among people. Tune in for engaging insights into the art of storytelling!
