

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

16 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2349: Should You Use the Article or the Number in English?
Discover the common pitfalls English learners face when deciding between articles and numbers in sentences. Personal anecdotes, like adopting a dog, highlight grammar nuances in a fun way. Explore how choosing 'a' versus 'one' can change meaning and tone in conversations. Roleplays demonstrate the significance of context, especially when ordering food or discussing personal preferences. Clarity in communication is vital, particularly in professional settings, making the right word choices essential for effective dialogue.

7 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 15min
AEE 2348: What’s the Deal With Learning English?
The excitement of finding deals in shopping ignites personal anecdotes, like the joy of scoring a robotic vacuum mop. The multifaceted meanings of 'deal' illustrate how vocabulary enhances connections. Fashion shopping experiences reveal the importance of clothing care and understanding emotions in communication. Cultural insights on sports bring a lively exchange on football and soccer, while practical discussions on hiring streamline the recruitment process. Finally, uncovering what matters to others fosters deeper, more meaningful dialogues.

27 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 20min
AEE: Are You a Pollyanna? Ways to Describe Your Personality in English
The discussion dives into the humorous side of being a 'Pollyanna,' showcasing the challenges of excessive optimism. Personal stories reveal the interplay of personality traits in hiring and parenting, weaving in the complexities of genuine connections. The importance of vocabulary in describing personalities is emphasized, alongside the benefits of real conversations with native speakers. Nostalgia kicks in with reflections on memorable teachers, rounding off with a special offer for an English fluency course, perfect for language enthusiasts.

16 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2347: When “Good For You” is Bad For You
Discover the surprising complexities behind the phrase 'good for you'—how tone can twist it from sincere to sarcastic! Explore the critical role of intonation in communication and the importance of empathy in conversations. Learn to navigate ambiguities in English for clearer interactions, and get tips for fostering deeper connections through supportive dialogue. Plus, find out how engaging with the community enhances your conversational skills and helps clarify misunderstandings!

10 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2346: This is Tricky English Grammar, Though
Dive into the quirks of the word 'though' and discover its varying usages in English conversations! The discussion reveals how this versatile word acts as both a conjunction and an adverb, bridging ideas and emphasizing contrasts. Learn the art of gracefully declining offers while expressing appreciation. Plus, enhance your speaking skills with tips on intonation that elevate your conversational nuance. Perfect for anyone wanting to polish their English communication!

22 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 16min
AEE: One Way to Encourage Your Friends in English
Discover how to support friends facing self-doubt with genuine connections and empowering phrases. Laugh along as the hosts tackle the humorous certainties of life like death and taxes. They dive into the importance of embracing change confidently, sharing tips for personal growth. Explore the power of encouragement, learning how phrases can uplift friends during challenges like job hunts or health issues. Plus, gain insights on maintaining positivity in uncertain situations, like planning a party.

Jan 23, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2345: 3 Tips to Write a Book in English with Jurriaan Kamer
Júrien Kammer, an organizational change expert and author of "Unblock," shares his insights on writing a book in English. He discusses essential tools for aspiring authors, like real-time transcripts and Grammarly, to enhance clarity. The importance of feedback from beta readers and the role of professional editors are emphasized. Júrien also tackles navigating language barriers in business writing, aiming for narratives that resonate with a global audience, and touches on hiring strategies in a competitive market.

10 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2344: Don't Gaslight Me! How to Show You're in Control
Dive into the intriguing world of gaslighting and brainwashing as the hosts dissect their definitions and implications in relationships. They explore personal experiences and societal examples, shedding light on how these concepts affect our understanding of reality. A playful analysis reveals the connections between economic perceptions and public discourse, while they emphasize the impact of social media on personal beliefs. The conversation also highlights the casual use of gaslighting in everyday interactions, promoting mindfulness in communication.

67 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2343: How to Say That Two People Don't Mix Well in English
Discover effective phrases for discussing interpersonal conflicts. The hosts explore the 'oil and water' metaphor to illustrate incompatible relationships, sharing personal stories. Sibling dynamics add another layer to the conversation, alongside tips for improving the podcast experience. They examine idioms that depict contrasts in relationships and delve into relatable examples like dogs that don’t get along. This lively discussion enhances communication skills while tackling the complexities of human interactions.

41 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2342: Connect Over Fashion Revivals: What is Hanfu?
Dive into the fascinating world of fashion revivals, focusing on the alluring Hanfu and its cultural significance. The conversation highlights the nostalgia of trends like wide-leg jeans and Crocs while exploring the importance of personal style. Reflect on the generational clash between trend-seeking teens and style-conscious adults, with a humorous twist. Discover how traditional clothing influences modern fashion, paving the way for meaningful cultural dialogues. Get inspired to embrace vintage styles and redefine personal expression through the lens of fashion.