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
62 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2502: Does "Don't Ask" Really Mean Don't Ask?
Explore the intriguing meaning behind 'don't ask' in conversations! The hosts break down how this phrase often signals a complicated or humorous story. Through entertaining role plays, they demonstrate when 'don't ask' can lead to unexpected venting. They also recommend alternative openers like 'You don't want to know,' helping listeners gauge interest and respect conversation time. Tune in for tips on using these phrases wisely to keep your storytelling engaging and in sync with what you promise!
34 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 18min
AEE: Pesky Prefixes Part 1: Insecurity or Lack of Security?
The hosts dive into the nuances of the word 'secure,' exploring its meanings of confidence versus safety. They tackle whether places can be termed insecure and discuss the error of using 'unsecure.' A fascinating comparison emerges between security (safety) and insecurity (vulnerability). Through role play, they illustrate the practical use of these terms in everyday conversations while highlighting common mistakes with prefixes. Future discussions are teased, centered around pitfalls native speakers make with language.
62 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2501: Just Your Presence Not Your Presents! Gifting Etiquette in American Culture
Dive into the nuances of gifting etiquette in American culture! Discover the clever wordplay between 'presence' and 'presents'. Explore when it's appropriate to bring a gift—even when asked not to! The hosts share alternatives like donations and subtle tokens to make a good impression. Gain insights on navigating various social situations and understand how to adapt your approach to fit the relationship and setting. With practical takeaways, you'll feel confident about making the right choice for your next invitation!
29 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2500: Would You Learn English by Any Means Necessary?
Dive into a thrilling discussion about fear, personal stories of being trapped, and the determination to achieve goals. Explore the phrase 'by any means necessary' and its playful applications, complete with humorous examples. Discover similar expressions like 'at all costs' and the more positive 'no matter what.' Enjoy an engaging role play about snagging front-row concert tickets. The hosts inspire listeners to connect through their passions and embrace their quirks in conversation!
19 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2499: English Vocabulary for Your Most Jarring Moments
The hosts delve into the intriguing word 'jarring,' exploring its meaning and when to use it. They share vivid examples of jarring experiences, from unsettling dreams to shocking movies. Personal stories of culture shock add depth and real-life context. Listeners learn about synonyms like 'disturbing' and 'startling' to capture nuances. The discussion shifts to Halloween scares, role-playing different levels of fright for kids. Ultimately, they emphasize how using 'jarring' effectively communicates impactful moments.
21 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2498: Don’t Make a Snap Judgment About These English Phrases
Hosts explore the intriguing world of snap judgments and their impact on everyday life. They discuss how quick opinions can lead to misunderstandings and negative outcomes, especially in social situations. Listeners learn about the differences between snap judgments, rash judgments, and jumping to conclusions. Role-playing exercises illustrate how to admit these behaviors in conversations. The importance of using empathy phrases to foster connection is emphasized, encouraging audiences to share their personal experiences for deeper bonds.
29 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 18min
AEE: Story of My Life! How to Resonate with People in English
Unravel the magic of storytelling in everyday conversations! Discover why sharing experiences fosters connections and offers a sense of familiarity. Learn the meaning and context of the phrase 'story of my life' and how it can express shared annoyances with a dash of sarcasm. Hear relatable examples like laundry mishaps and getting lost. Gain insights on intonation and alternative expressions that resonate with listeners. It's all about connecting through relatable moments, not striving for perfection!
41 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2497: Grip or Grasp? Tips For This Tricky English Vocabulary
The hosts tackle the tricky words 'grip' and 'grasp' by exploring their literal and figurative meanings. They discuss idioms like 'white knuckling' and clarify how these terms relate to control and understanding. A fun rock-climbing role play illustrates their usage in context. The episode emphasizes the importance of knowing when to use each term confidently, whether in everyday conversation or more complex expressions. It finishes with study tips to help listeners master these tricky vocabulary words.
37 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2496: 3 Winning Frameworks to Speak Up in a Meeting with Anna Connelly
Anna Connolly, an accredited neuro language coach and host of the Confident Business English podcast, shares her expertise on effective communication in high-stakes meetings. She highlights the importance of frameworks in organizing thoughts under pressure. Connolly introduces strategies like PRES for clear opinions and the Believe, Benefit, Backup method for persuasion. She also discusses the BLUF approach for concise executive updates and emphasizes that practicing these frameworks can boost confidence in speaking up.
52 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2495: Is Being a Trooper Praised in Your Culture?
The hosts explore the phrase 'you're a trooper' and its cultural significance. They discuss how this term is used in everyday life, especially with kids showing resilience. Insights into its etymology reveal its theatrical roots tied to perseverance. Real-life scenarios highlight moments of bravery, from finishing challenging tasks to parenting triumphs. They compare 'trooper' with phrases like 'rock star' and 'you're a fighter'. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences, creating a rich tapestry of cultural connections.
