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
Oct 13, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2494: Avoid Making Rash Decisions With Your English Vocabulary
Dive into the dilemma of impulsive decision-making! The hosts explore the difference between snap decisions and rash choices, highlighting their consequences. Examples like spur-of-the-moment road trips and hasty purchases add humor and relatability. They also introduce phrases like 'I didn't think that through' for casual reflection. A role-play about a kayaking choice brings vocabulary to life. Ultimately, they emphasize that sharing rash decisions can foster connection and lead to engaging stories.
67 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 23min
AEE: How to Share What You've Been Through in English
The hosts delve into the art of sharing personal traumas without seeking pity. They discuss the importance of context, audience, and timing in revealing hardships. Listeners learn to maintain a neutral tone to avoid excessive sympathy while contextualizing experiences. Emphasis is placed on balancing conversations by inviting others to share. Tips on using reassuring phrases and gracefully closing discussions are shared. Personal stories illustrate how to share effectively and signal personal growth.
12 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 16min
AEE 2493: Listen to This Episode, Already!
Explore the intriguing use of 'already' in casual conversations to express urgency. Discover the difference between traditional and slangy uses of the word. The hosts share everyday examples and caution against using it with bosses or strangers, as it might come off as rude. Learn alternative phrases to convey urgency and enjoy a fun role play showcasing its use among friends. The takeaway? Use 'already' wisely, as it sounds best with those you're close to.
20 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2492: 4 English Idioms to Fight Fire With Fire
Explore four intriguing idioms that help you navigate conflict and assert yourself. Discover what it means when 'two can play at that game' and why 'turnabout's fair play' can lighten the mood. Learn how to 'fight fire with fire' in high-stakes situations and when to give someone a 'taste of their own medicine.' The hosts role-play these idioms in a humorous skit about pizza disputes, showcasing practical applications in everyday life. Plus, tips on addressing frustrations early to keep communication smooth!
29 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2491: Why Should You Not Call Someone Yellow in English?
The hosts dive into the quirky origins of the term 'yellow' as a signal of cowardice, tracing its history through outdated language. They discuss the phrase 'do not turn yellow on me' and why it's considered inappropriate today. Playful alternatives like 'scaredy cat' and 'chicken' offer lighter options for describing fear. The conversation includes practical usage tips and a humorous role play about planning a haunted house visit. They wrap up with insights on how vulnerability can foster connections in conversations.
58 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 22min
AEE: It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It
Discover how intonation can make or break professional communication. Learn why the right words aren't enough without the right delivery. Explore the differences between yes/no and WH questions, and see how intonation enhances listener engagement. Practice through workplace role-plays to master rising and falling intonation. Plus, find out how to turn data into compelling stories for executive presentations. Perfect your business English skills and elevate your career with these exciting insights!
29 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 14min
AEE 2490: Don’t Miss Out on These English Grammar Tips
Dive into the nuances of the verb 'miss'! Discover how its meaning shifts with different tenses. Learn about four common interpretations in the present simple, from failing to attend to feeling sadness. The hosts also showcase present continuous usage for lost items, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects. Enjoy a lively role-play that brings these concepts to life in everyday conversations. Perfect for enhancing your executive-level English skills!
85 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 17min
AEE: Would You Want to Split Something? How to Ask to Share at a Restaurant
The hosts dive into the etiquette of sharing meals at restaurants, emphasizing when it’s appropriate, like with friends or partners. They discuss the benefits of splitting dishes, from saving money to deepening relationships. Listeners will learn practical phrases for suggesting to share and how to navigate diverse tastes, using pizza as a fun example. The conversation even covers how to gracefully decline sharing when you prefer your own plate. It's a light-hearted exploration of food, connection, and communication!
34 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2489: Stick to or Stick With in English?
Ever wondered about the difference between 'stick to' and 'stick with'? The hosts dive into these phrases, explaining 'stick to' as a commitment to routines and rules. In contrast, 'stick with' embodies loyalty and encouragement towards others. They spice things up with role play at a dance class, providing lively examples for better understanding. Tune in to sharpen your English and grasp these subtle distinctions!
33 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2488: Lady or Miss? How to Refer to Strangers in English
Explore the nuanced world of addressing strangers in English. Discover why calling a woman 'lady' can come off as harsh or sarcastic. Learn the differences between 'miss' and 'ma'am,' and when to use 'sir' or 'gentlemen' for men. The hosts share a role play scenario for real-life context and highlight the importance of a friendly tone over perfection. Mastering these terms can enhance your communication and make interactions more polite and respectful.
