

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

5 snips
Aug 3, 2024 • 20min
AEE: English Conversation Ideas While You Watch Sports
Dive into a world of sports as the hosts share their personal stories and the joys of athleticism. Explore vibrant topics like athleisure trends and how sports can spark connection and conversation. They highlight the rising star Caitlin Clark and the health perks of being active, along with the competitive edge found in swimming. Get excited for the All Ears English Olympics, a chance to test your English skills while celebrating the spirit of sports. It's all about fun, fitness, and shared experiences!

4 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 22min
AEE 2245: Do You Have a Sibling?
Sibling relationships can be a goldmine for conversation starters. In one segment, hosts share personal anecdotes highlighting the emotional dynamics of these bonds. They humorously discuss the unique challenges and joys of having twins. A focus on sibling rivalry and age differences reveals the complexities of familial ties. The hosts also engage listeners with fun polls and encourage sharing personal stories, inviting everyone to reflect on the impact of both siblings and other significant relationships in their lives.

5 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 18min
AEE 2244: Summer Olympics 2024 Part 2: The Controversy
Dive into the complex world of the Summer Olympics, where politics and economics collide. Explore gripping controversies, like the 2002 bribery scandal and evolving policies on transgender athletes. Discover how overtraining and mental health issues affect athletes, highlighted by Simone Biles' courageous advocacy. Unpack the financial strain on host cities and the hidden costs of the games. Plus, learn essential skills for navigating these intense discussions while fostering empathy and understanding.

Jul 30, 2024 • 20min
AEE 2243: 3 Ways to Open a Story in English
Discover the art of storytelling with tips on crafting compelling openings. Delve into the significance of word choice and personal connections in narrative delivery. Learn effective techniques for starting your stories using time markers and heartfelt anecdotes. Explore innovative storytelling methods through food memories and the role they play in creating deeper connections. Emphasize authenticity and avoid clichés to captivate your audience with engaging tales.

6 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 16min
AEE 2242: Summer Olympics 2024 Part 1: How to Start the Conversation
Get ready to dive into the excitement of the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2024! The hosts discuss conversation starters to engage in meaningful chats about favorite events and personal experiences. They explore the global impact of the Olympics, reflecting on viewership trends and the thrill of national pride. You'll learn useful phrases for sparking discussions, while highlighting how these sports can deepen connections. Discover the unique aspects of the games that create rich dialogues and help discover personal values through playful hypotheticals!

13 snips
Jul 27, 2024 • 23min
AEE: Is Your English Just So-So?
The hosts discuss strategies for improving English skills, emphasizing connection over perfection. They share five expressions for conveying disappointment, illustrated with personal anecdotes about books and meals that missed the mark. The conversation highlights the nuances of polite communication in food critiques and navigating dining choices. A vocabulary app is reviewed, along with reflections on the charm of boutique hotels versus larger chains. The blend of hospitality and honest feedback creates a rich dialogue about experiences that feel 'just fine.'

12 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 20min
AEE 2241: You Tell Me! Snarky Snapbacks in English
Dive into the world of snarky snapbacks and their impact on conversations. The hosts discuss how humor can diffuse tense situations and enhance communication. They explore the phrase 'you tell me,' revealing its nuances and implications. Engaging examples illustrate the playful nature of witty retorts, while an attorney shares insights on handling disputes with cleverness. The delicate balance of tone and context is examined, showcasing how subtle shifts can influence interactions in both personal and professional settings.

11 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 19min
AEE 2240: How to Talk About Things You Do Occasionally
Discover how to enhance your English by sharing unique experiences during casual conversations. The hosts dive into discussing daily routines and occasional activities, highlighting personal anecdotes like coffee-making and playground visits. They explore the phrase 'here and there' to illustrate infrequent actions, making connections to common interests. The conversation shifts to shopping habits, contrasting online purchases with exciting outlet finds, and touches on the challenges of maintaining friendships over time. Expect playful anecdotes that deepen your conversational skills!

Jul 24, 2024 • 14min
AEE: Share the Love! How to Recommend Things in English like a Pro
Discover how making recommendations in English can deepen connections and spark engaging conversations. Personal anecdotes illustrate the power of sharing favorite books and resources. Learn effective phrases for recommendations and enjoy role-playing scenarios that lighten the mood. The discussion also highlights a specialized course aimed at boosting IELTS scores, complete with practical support and a money-back guarantee. Valuable tips for enhancing IELTS writing skills through new resources and strategies are shared too, ensuring you're well-equipped for success.

7 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 14min
AEE 2239: Love Learning English Expressions? That’s What We’re Here For!
Discover the magic of trendy English expressions that help build social connections! The hosts dive into the phrase 'here for it,' illustrating how it conveys approval and engagement. They explore the supportive language of 'I'm here for whatever' versus the boundary-setting 'I'm not here for it,' revealing their cultural significance. Plus, they discuss how acts of generosity can strengthen relationships, making effective communication a key to connection.