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
56 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 18min
AEE: Not Gonna Lie, This Episode Will Keep You Honest
Dive into the intriguing world of honesty and deceit, exploring how everyday lies can impact relationships. Enjoy light-hearted tales about the quirks of social dishonesty and the frustrations of punctuality. Discover the generational nuances of the phrase 'not gonna lie' and its role in honest communication. Unpack the complexities of language surrounding deception and how it shapes connections. Plus, learn about effective hiring and the importance of trust in professional settings.
37 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2465: One Word to Describe Your Rare Taste in English
Discover the beauty of unique tastes in books and movies while learning to describe your interests. Explore the concept of 'obscure' and how it enriches language learning and social connections. Listen to personal anecdotes that illustrate the subjective nature of 'obscure' versus 'weird'. Dive into cultural perceptions, like the mate tea tradition, and understand the nuances in effective communication, especially during the hiring process. Embrace fluid conversations and enhance your English expression with relatable examples.
53 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 21min
AEE 2464: Build a Better English Conversation with this Bridge
Discover how to elevate your English conversations from mundane small talk to meaningful exchanges. Learn techniques for smoothly transitioning topics, starting with the weather as a bridge to deeper discussions. Gain insights on building connections through shared experiences and personal anecdotes. The hosts also unveil an innovative app designed to help you retain vocabulary and idioms while practicing conversation skills. Master the art of conversational bridging to enhance your connections in both casual and professional settings!
30 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2463: Like a Moth to a Flame - Share Your Temptations in English
The hosts discuss the irresistible draw of life’s temptations, likening it to being 'like a moth to a flame.' Humorous anecdotes about guilty pleasure snacks like French fries and adventurous ice cream flavors lead to a lively debate. They explore the idiom’s romantic implications and share personal stories about cravings, reflecting on emotional connections to food. Additionally, they touch on the presence of insects as a quirky tie-in to the theme of attraction, emphasizing the joy of sharing indulgences and personal interests.
48 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2462: Intonation Is Connection
Discover the crucial role intonation plays in effective communication. Explore personal stories that highlight its impact on language learning. Learn techniques like shadowing and using AI tools to refine your speaking tone. Find out how variations in vocal tone can convey emotions and deepen connections. Engage in practical exercises to enhance your intonation skills and boost your fluency. Empower your communication by mastering the rhythm and delivery of American English.
65 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 20min
AEE: How to Dance Around Tricky Past Participles
Explore the intricacies of past participles, like the tricky forms of 'drink' and 'grind.' Learn why native speakers often choose simpler language for smooth communication. The hosts share strategies to tackle grammatical challenges with confidence. Discover the significance of the present perfect tense and how to avoid common mistakes, encouraging flexibility in verb tense usage. This lively discussion demystifies complex grammar to enhance your conversational skills!
50 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 23min
AEE 2461: Leftovers, Culture, and Class
Explore the intriguing world of restaurant leftovers and how cultural perceptions shape their use. Discover light-hearted etiquette tips for asking for a doggy bag, alongside personal stories about reheating food. Delve into the significance of meal prep and its role in daily life. The conversation highlights how dining habits reflect societal class dynamics and changing norms, with a keen eye on how different cultures view food waste. It's an engaging look at the intersection of food, culture, and etiquette today.
22 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 25min
AEE 2460: 3 Phrases to Compare Cultures with Michael from Happy English
Michael from Happy English, a seasoned English instructor with over 30 years of experience, dives into fascinating cultural comparisons. He discusses the stark differences between dining customs in Japan and the U.S., sharing personal anecdotes that showcase the joy of communal eating. Michael also highlights Japan's structured recycling practices versus the casual approach in the U.S. Furthermore, he emphasizes the freshness of Japanese cuisine and how cultural norms shape culinary experiences, reminding us of our shared humanity.
23 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2459: Grammar That Breaks the Rules Part 3: Hardly Fair or Fairly Hard?
Explore the fascinating world of English grammar, diving into the meanings of 'fair' and 'fairly.' Discover the gap between language expectations and reality, especially with tricky adverb usage. Enjoy a camping story in Utah that cleverly illustrates the nuances of the word 'hardly.' Learn how to navigate sensitive topics like lateness among friends, and unravel common grammar misconceptions involving adverbs that end in 'ly.' Get ready to enhance your English skills with practical insights and engaging discussions!
29 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2458: Do You Have the Capacity to Start Using this Word?
The hosts introduce a new word aimed at enhancing vocabulary for effective communication. They discuss the phrase 'in any capacity,' exploring its significance in both formal and casual settings. Personal anecdotes reveal how the word 'capacity' can shape relationships and emotional connections. The conversation dives into the complexities of language, emphasizing nuanced expressions and their impact on discussions. Through relatable scenarios, they examine mental and physical capacities, highlighting the challenges of navigating crowded spaces.
