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
17 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2535: So I Said to Myself, “You’re Gonna Love This Episode!”
Explore the nuances of reporting inner thoughts with expressions like 'I said to myself' and 'I told myself.' Discover how these phrases differ in formality and motivation, adding depth to your conversations. The hosts offer storytelling tips, highlighting the impact of voice and tone in engaging narratives. Get ready to enhance your English with practical examples and role play that brings these concepts to life! Plus, there's a free quiz to assess your current English level.
20 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 21min
AEE 2534: How to Broach a Taboo Topic Respectfully
Tackling taboo topics can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Explore why subjects like money and religion cause anxiety in conversations. Learn polite starter phrases to ease into sensitive discussions, and discover how cultural context can help bridge the gap. Through role-plays, the hosts demonstrate how to respectfully navigate questions about voting and beliefs. Final tips emphasize the importance of respect and humility to foster connection, even when the answers aren't what you expect.
9 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 17min
AEE: Can You Use “They” for One Person?
Discover the fascinating reasons to use 'they' as a singular pronoun. This episode explores how it helps avoid gender assumptions and promotes inclusivity. Learn about its role for non-binary individuals and in protecting anonymity in various settings. The hosts also illustrate hypothetical uses through engaging role plays. It’s a fun dive into language evolution that enlightens listeners on modern English usage!
38 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 21min
AEE: The Many Ways to Have a Moment in English
Discover the intriguing phrase 'having a moment' as it's linked to trending topics like Taylor Swift and quirky fashion items. The hosts dive into how personal connections can create emotional moments, sharing nostalgic tales connected to songs. They also explore the nuances of feeling flustered versus joyous, demonstrating how tone shifts meaning. Through role-plays, they showcase observational skills in recognizing romantic and workplace moments. Tune in for a fresh, fun look at embracing life's little highlights!
16 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2533: What Are You Wishing For Your English?
The hosts dive into the nuances of 'wish' versus 'wishing,' exploring cultural differences around birthday celebrations. They highlight three specific uses of 'wishing' in English, from expressing regrets to contrasting hopes. The conversation includes role plays that illustrate natural conversations about desires and regrets during a fall festival. They also discuss how 'wishing you...' feels more intimate in writing than in speech, providing valuable insights for English learners.
40 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2532: Four Ways to Apologize in English
This discussion dives into the art of apologizing in English, focusing on restoring connections. The hosts share personal insights on the ease of apologizing and outline four key apology structures. They highlight phrases like "I take full responsibility" and the importance of being genuine. The conversation warns against insincere apologies, emphasizing the need for specificity and humility. Listeners learn when to apologize immediately versus taking time to reflect, complete with real-life examples that showcase effective apologies.
42 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2531: Of Course You Should Use These Tips!
Explore the nuanced meanings of 'of course' in English. Discover how it can sound kind or critical depending on context. The hosts share hilarious texting blunders and role-play different scenarios to illustrate their points. They emphasize the importance of tone and body language to convey the right message. Listeners receive practical tips on avoiding misunderstandings and engaging in meaningful conversations. Tune in for a fun and insightful discussion on mastering everyday English expressions!
33 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 24min
AEE 2530: Give In Versus Give Up in English
Discover the subtle yet powerful differences between 'give up' and 'give in.' Engage with fun trivia and real-life scenarios as the hosts unravel when to use each phrase. From quitting bad habits to succumbing to tempting offers, they provide relatable examples and helpful grammar tips. Join a lively role play that illustrates both terms and test your knowledge with an interactive quiz. The discussion wraps up with key insights for language learners aiming for advanced fluency.
13 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 16min
AEE: Avoid Mistakes With These English Adjectives
Dive into the world of adjectives with an exploration of emotional vocabulary! Discover the meanings of 'heartwarming' and 'touching' as the hosts clarify common mistakes. Learn the subtle distinctions between 'moving' and 'poignant,' including how they can convey both joy and sadness. Engage with role plays that bring charity event scenarios to life, showcasing these adjectives in action. Plus, uncover the native preference for using intensifiers to express emotions more vividly!
51 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 19min
AEE: I'll Give You That! How to Concede to Connect in English
Discover how conceding can strengthen connections, even during disagreements. The hosts share personal stories to illustrate everyday uses of concession phrases. Learn essential expressions like 'I'll give you that' and 'You've got a point there' to enhance your conversational skills. Engaging role-plays, including one about planning a trip, showcase these phrases in action. Key takeaways emphasize the importance of maintaining dialogue over shutting down, making it easier to navigate tricky conversations.
