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
38 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 20min
AEE: Buckle Up for This Episode
They explore language that fires up energy before a big challenge. Learn idiomatic starters like casual energizers and intense cues. Hear contrasts between informal and formal openers and live role play using these phrases. Tips focus on choosing tone and phrasing to connect and motivate others.
50 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 18min
AEE 2585: Beat the Light! How to Connect Over Risky Driving
They trade wild driving stories and ask how risky you are behind the wheel. They explain phrases like "make the light," "beat the light," "floor it," and "gun it." They role-play tense car moments and unpack U.S. car culture as a way to start conversations. Expect lively chat about traffic habits, photo radar, and backseat pressure.
30 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2584: Don't Let Your English Stoop to this Level
They unpack the word 'stoop' from its city meaning to its moral use. They explain common structures like 'stoop to' and compare phrases such as 'stoop so low' and 'sink to a new low'. Synonyms and reputation consequences come up. A roommate role-play shows conflict language in action.
40 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2583: Are You the Sandwich? Why Native Speakers Say This
They unpack why speakers say things like "I'm the sandwich" and how I/me can stand for places, orders, or situations. You hear examples of using I/me to mean home, a table, or being out of gas. They explain why people drop subjects in casual talk and when that shortcut can cause confusion. Playful roleplays show the phrases in real-life meeting and ordering scenes.
42 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 23min
AEE 2582: Did You Remember It or Memorize It?
They explore the practical difference between remembering and memorizing through examples like birthdays, song lyrics, and phone numbers. Short role-plays contrast checking tasks versus learning facts by heart. Grammar tips explain remember to versus remember + -ing and how memorize is used with nouns. They also discuss how technology and songs affect what we retain.
44 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 20min
AEE: Is This English Vocabulary Telling?
They explore how wedding seating and dating signals can reveal underlying perceptions. They unpack the meaning of 'telling' and compare related words like revealing, indicative, and striking. Idioms such as speaks volumes and that says a lot get a spotlight. A role play and a look at conversational cues and cultural directness round out the conversation.
60 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 17min
AEE 2581: Go Wild With This Trending English Word
They explore the trending use of the word "wild" as a way to signal surprise, emphasis, or incredulity. Conversations compare old expressions and role-play how to introduce shocking stories with "want to hear something wild?" They discuss different senses of "wild," from energetic or uncontrolled behavior to tech phrasing like "in the wild." Context and tone are shown as crucial for meaning.
37 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2580: Avoid Sorrow, Worry and Fear With These Tips
They explore precise emotion words like sorrow, sad, worry, worried and fearful. They explain when to use milder versus stronger terms. Short role-play shows empathetic language in conversations. The hosts focus on correct word choice and real examples to sound natural and caring.
94 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2579: Don't Undermine Your English: Listen Today!
They unpack the word 'undermine' with real-life stories and workplace scenarios. They compare intentional versus accidental undermining and role-play how to respond. They explore self-undermining in relationships and language learning. Cultural differences and micromanagement come up as reasons people belittle others.
53 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 22min
AEE 2578: Don’t Fall Into These Conversation Traps
They explore phrases about appearance that damage connection in U.S. culture. They explain why comments about tiredness, sickness, weight, pregnancy, age, skin or hair can feel intrusive. They warn about workplace risks and sexual harassment implications. They offer safer options like complimenting clothing or style instead of commenting on someone’s body.
