

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

50 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 20min
AEE: Winning Idioms for IELTS and Everyday Life
Discover essential idioms that can elevate both your IELTS scores and daily conversations. The hosts share their love for the musical 'Wicked' while introducing expressions to effectively share opinions. They emphasize the strategic use of idioms to enhance language proficiency and offer practical examples to make conversations vibrant. Learn how phrases like 'hands down' and 'change my tune' can enrich discussions and reflect personal growth, leading to more engaging and relatable communication.

58 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2333: Vocabulary That is Worth the Trouble
Discover the importance of enriching vocabulary tied to meaningful experiences. Explore the differences between 'worthy' and 'worth,' and learn how these concepts shape our connections. Engage in relatable discussions about shopping habits during Black Friday, navigating the shift to online sales while reflecting on charitable giving. Unpack thought-provoking quotes that highlight love and vulnerability, encouraging deeper conversations that matter. This dialogue invites listeners to share what they truly value in their lives.

24 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2332: Do You Say I Don't Know Too Much?
The discussion highlights how confidence influences communication, especially with the phrase 'I don't know.' It examines the art of hedging, revealing how softening proposals can affect trust and decision-making. Cultural nuances in American English reveal differing attitudes toward uncertainty and humility in conversations. Engaging role plays illustrate the impact of these dynamics in social settings. Overall, the talk encourages mindful communication and reflection on our own conversational styles.

32 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 24min
AEE 2331: A Conversation Starter - How Are Kids Seen Around the World?
Discover how kids are perceived differently around the globe, caught between being innocent beings and tiny adults. Explore the concept of the 'kid's table' at family gatherings and how cultural practices shape children’s interactions with adults. Enjoy amusing anecdotes about children's dining preferences and the dynamics of seating arrangements at dinner parties. Delve into parenting styles worldwide and their impact on kids' development, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own cultural views.

44 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 16min
AEE 2330: Too or Really? Avoid this Common English Grammar Mistake
Dive into the common mix-up between 'too' and 'really' that trips up many English speakers. Discover why 'too' can bring a negative twist to excitement and learn better alternatives. Explore trendy informal vocabulary while understanding the need for formal options in varied contexts. Avoid those awkward silences in conversations with practical responses. The hosts share examples and role-plays to sharpen your fluency and boost your confidence!

30 snips
Dec 28, 2024 • 17min
AEE: Chat Up a Storm with this New English Phrase
The hosts dive into culinary joy, sharing their love for Thanksgiving pies and self-expression in cooking. They introduce the phrase 'up a storm' to convey enthusiasm in everyday actions. Dog ownership is explored through the nuances of barking behaviors and effective training methods. Listeners learn about the idiom 'barking up a storm' through personal stories. The conversation emphasizes mastering new English phrases to enhance communication and explores expressions that capture intense effort, enriching vocabulary for dynamic conversations.

23 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 17min
AEE 2329: Don’t Let Idioms Get Your Goat
Dive into the whimsical world of idioms! Discover the colorful meanings behind phrases like 'get your goat' and 'pleased as punch.' Explore personal anecdotes about sibling rivalry and the fun of alliterative expressions. The conversation also touches on gas guzzlers and the art of not exaggerating life's little hurdles. Plus, learn how these expressions can spice up conversations, especially in sales. Get ready for a delightful linguistic journey!

23 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 19min
AEE 2328: Do You Mind If We Teach You New Phrases Today?
Dive into the intriguing meanings of 'mind' as the hosts explore its various interpretations and share practical communication tips. Enjoy a lively discussion about iconic actors like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep while discovering how talent is perceived differently. Learn idioms tied to 'mind' and hear personal decision-making stories. A humorous take on pet care leads to an exploration of quirky phrases like 'mind the gap.' Finally, navigate the nuances of manners in conversation, embracing the chaos of motherhood and the beauty of imperfection.

16 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 16min
AEE 2327: What’s Your Secret Sauce?
Discover the magic of your unique qualities that set you apart in both personal and professional realms. Explore the intriguing idea of a 'secret sauce' that spices up success, drawing parallels from cooking to business leadership. Unpack what makes your individual strengths special and how they can enhance connections. Delve into memorable dining experiences and their relation to personal talents, emphasizing the importance of humility in sharing your skills. Unleash your potential and stand out in a crowded space!

42 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 21min
AEE 2326: What Do Birds and Efficiency Have in Common?
Dive into the intriguing link between efficiency and language! Explore the idiom 'kill two birds with one stone' and its role in a productivity-focused society. Discover how cultural attitudes shape our approach to multitasking and achieving goals. The hosts share practical tips for combining tasks, like walking the dog while exercising. Engage with different cultural perspectives on productivity and navigate the balance between getting things done and building relationships. There's something here to boost your English and your everyday efficiency!