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
47 snips
May 14, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2408: Affect or Effect? How to Avoid This Common English Mistake
The podcast tackles the tricky words 'affect' and 'effect', breaking down their grammatical differences with fun examples. Personal anecdotes highlight their importance in workplace communication, especially during team-building. Listeners are offered clever mnemonics for remembering their usage. The discussion also delves into how these terms connect to emotional expression and social interactions. Additionally, the hosts emphasize efficient hiring practices and how tools like Indeed can enhance job searches.
35 snips
May 13, 2025 • 21min
AEE 2407: 7 Parenting Phrases and What They Say About American Culture
Discover seven insightful parenting phrases that reveal the essence of American culture. Explore the humor and significance behind expressions like 'sharing is caring.' Learn how these phrases shape parent-child relationships and foster good manners. The discussion dives into the challenges of teaching emotions and societal expectations through communication. Gain cultural insights and reflect on similar phrases in your own upbringing. This journey through parenting language opens a window to understanding deeper cultural values in everyday life.
52 snips
May 12, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2406: Play Your Cards Right With English Idioms
Dive into the captivating world of English idioms inspired by card games. Discover expressions like 'play your cards right' and 'the cards are stacked against someone' and their implications in daily conversations. Explore the balance of emotional openness with 'playing your cards close to the chest' while savoring the excitement of baseball and its unique idioms. Learn how these playful phrases can enrich your communication skills and enhance your interactions, both socially and professionally.
69 snips
May 10, 2025 • 18min
AEE: Should You Say “Gotcha” on April Fool’s Day?
Explore the intriguing implications of saying 'gotcha' on April Fool's Day. Discover fascinating international traditions of pranking, like France's 'poisson d'avril.' Enjoy nostalgic tales of childhood pranks and their cultural significance. Learn how humor and workplace communication intersect, emphasizing the need to gauge audience reactions. The playful spirit of pranking is celebrated, while the importance of critical thinking in distinguishing humor from misinformation is also highlighted.
72 snips
May 8, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2405: Get Sassy with This Precise Way to Describe Personality
Dive into the intriguing world of sassiness as a personality trait and its cultural implications. Personal anecdotes from 90s teen magazines reveal the power of confidence in communication. Explore the dual interpretations of 'sassy,' highlighting how societal perceptions shift based on gender. The hosts unpack the implications of terms like 'bossy' and 'feisty,' contrasting them with male-dominated confidence. Discover how cultural contexts shape our understanding of sassiness through relatable stories. It's an engaging exploration of individuality and expression!
44 snips
May 7, 2025 • 21min
AEE 2404: How Mixing Up Your Grammar Makes You a Better Storyteller
Discover how mixing up grammar can elevate your storytelling skills! The hosts share insights on the power of various verb tenses and grammatical structures to create engaging narratives. Featuring a thrilling adventure in Nicaragua, they illustrate emotions through tense variation. The importance of connection over perfection in communication shines through, encouraging creativity in storytelling. Get ready to learn how flexibility in grammar can make your tales more compelling and relatable!
78 snips
May 6, 2025 • 21min
AEE 2403: Don't Let Your English Go Downhill
The hosts tackle the decline of quality in everyday experiences, from local restaurants to major brands. They share nostalgic reflections on hometown changes and discuss how management shifts can impact customer satisfaction. The conversation touches on worrying trends in industries like food and fashion, emphasizing the need for businesses to avoid complacency. Listeners are encouraged to maintain high standards in their everyday choices while also embracing new vocabulary and experiences.
37 snips
May 5, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2402: Should You Call Someone Cheap in English?
Dive into the intriguing world of financial vocabulary! Discover the key differences between being 'cheap' and 'frugal', and explore how societal perceptions shape our views on spending. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication when discussing money. Through engaging anecdotes and role-playing, the nuances of terms like 'lavish' and 'extravagant' are unveiled. Learn how cultural attitudes influence our conversations about finances and why choosing the right words can make all the difference in fostering respectful discussions.
41 snips
May 3, 2025 • 21min
AEE: This Isn't What I Ordered- How to Ask for the Correct Order in English
Discover practical tips for confidently addressing incorrect orders at restaurants. From humorous coffee ordering challenges to the importance of polite communication, the hosts share personal anecdotes and effective strategies. Learn how to navigate dining miscommunications with clarity and kindness. The discussion emphasizes balancing patience and assertiveness in customer service interactions, helping you master polite requests in English. Tune in for relatable stories that enhance your communication skills!
50 snips
May 1, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2401: How to Be a More Interesting Storyteller in English
Discover the secrets to becoming a captivating storyteller! Learn how humor and personal anecdotes can make your narratives more engaging. Explore quirky tales from Venice Beach and a comical airport misunderstanding that highlight the importance of delivery and emotional resonance in storytelling. Get tips on embellishing details and using reported speech to enhance your storytelling skills. Whether it's about a chocolate croissant or rollerblading adventures, uncover how ordinary experiences can become extraordinary tales!
