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
May 13, 2026 • 15min
AEE 2616: That’s on Me! Admitting Mistakes Without Making It Awkward
Friendly conversation about how to admit fault naturally using phrases like "that's on me." Comparison of casual alternatives such as "my bad" and stronger options like "I messed up." Role plays showing everyday scenarios at home and work. Tips on avoiding defensive explanations and keeping trust in relationships.
23 snips
May 12, 2026 • 18min
AEE 2615: The Math Isn't Mathing!
Hosts introduce a fun new expression about when things do not make sense. They compare it to similar phrases and play with playful grammar variations. Scenes include a kitchen measurements story, a booking role-play, and real-world examples like concert prices. The conversation invites creative language play and lighthearted examples.
51 snips
May 11, 2026 • 22min
AEE 2614: Don't Turn Your Back on the Weather as a Great Connection Topic
They explore why weather is a reliable small-talk starter and a bridge to deeper conversation. They clarify words like cloudy versus overcast, gray versus gloomy, and humid versus muggy. Travel anecdotes and city examples illustrate how skies shape mood. A role play shows comparing climates leading into personal stories and regional differences.
40 snips
May 9, 2026 • 17min
AEE: Close to or Closed to? Can You Hear the Difference?
They focus on how similar phrases with different sounds change meaning. Short listening games challenge you to hear subtle S versus Z differences. Clear pronunciation tips explain vowel length and consonant sound. Role plays and quizzes show when each phrase fits in real conversation.
49 snips
May 7, 2026 • 18min
AEE 2613: At the End of Your Rope? 5 Ways to Express Frustration in English
Short scenes from a chaotic youth basketball game and a late-arriving friend spark a tour of natural ways to show frustration in English. Learn alternatives to "I'm done," idioms like "at the end of your rope," and phrases such as "I'm fed up" and "don't even get me started." A role-play and cultural tips show when to draw boundaries and express limits.
8 snips
May 6, 2026 • 14min
AEE 2612: I'm Up for It If You Are! How to Recruit Friends to Join You at Social Events
Friends negotiating plans and the language used to commit to each other at social events. Clear comparisons of common phrasing like “I’ll go if you go” and useful alternatives such as “I’m in if you’re in.” Role plays showing how to make these agreements naturally. Notes on when asking who is attending can be awkward and practical safety tips for events like weddings.
18 snips
May 5, 2026 • 15min
AEE 2611: How to Direct Someone's Attention With Enthusiasm
They explore enthusiastic attention-getters like "check it out," "check this out," and "look at that." Short comparisons show how emphasis and context change meaning. Role-play safari scenes demonstrate tone and timing. Practical alternatives and tips on matching vocal excitement round out the conversation.
11 snips
May 4, 2026 • 21min
AEE 2610: Walk or Work? 3 Pronunciation Mistakes to Avoid With Dave Nicholls
Dave Nicholls, an experienced English teacher and course creator known for MrSkypeLessons on YouTube. He compares walk, work, and wok across accents. He contrasts British and American R sounds. He shows how to say clothes and the TH sounds without extra syllables. He explains silent B traps and offers practical practice tips and where to find more lessons.
51 snips
May 2, 2026 • 23min
AEE: Casual or Fine Dining? Restaurant English Explained
They explain how to tell casual from fine dining using atmosphere, service style, and pricing. Listen for vocabulary clues like sommelier, tasting menu, server, and family style. Hear a role play deciding between a fancy tasting menu and a budget-friendly casual meal. Practical conversation starters for restaurants are reviewed.
44 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 17min
AEE 2609: English Grammar to Show Your Nostalgia
They focus on using present perfect grammar to talk about nostalgia and reconnecting past and present. You hear examples like "I haven't ___ in so long" and alternatives such as "it's been ages" or "since I was a kid." They role-play a friendly reunion and discuss how nostalgic stories open conversation and reveal life changes.
