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
66 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 19min
AEE: Further Versus Farther- Stop the Confusion
They tackle the common confusion between 'further' and 'farther' with clear examples. Physical distance versus abstract 'more' gets explored through real-life sentences and role play. Listeners hear tips on when to add 'away' and which uses sound natural or awkward. The hosts keep it friendly and encouraging for learners.
43 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 14min
AEE 2577: Can Versus Can’t: 3 Pronunciation Tips
They explore why can and can't sound so similar in fast speech. Short demonstrations and a role play show how stress and vowel reduction change meaning. Practical listening tips and when can is stressed for emphasis are highlighted. Pronunciation resources and exercises are recommended.
62 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 22min
AEE 2576: Lindsay's Language Adventure on the Spanish Steps
A lively chat about language mishaps from a trip to Rome and a run-in at the Spanish Steps. They explore tricky false-friend translations and better ways to say “it’s not possible.” Politeness strategies and softening phrases get practical examples. Cultural differences in directness and brief polite commands for places like museums are highlighted.
92 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 18min
AEE 2575: 5 English Idioms That Hit Hard
They introduce five vivid idioms for describing strong negative effects. Examples cover physical and emotional harm, from hair and batteries to stress and panic. Conversations show how to use the phrases naturally, including role-play about fatigue. Practical tips follow on talking about tiredness and choosing what to share in casual conversation.
33 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2574: Learn This English Well Before You Need It
They focus on emphatic timing language, especially how stressing well changes meaning. Examples cover deadlines, weddings, appointments and role-played conversations. Comparisons with way and notes on formality and spoken style appear. Other well constructions like well after, well ahead of and well above are explored.
46 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 15min
AEE: Listen to This Episode, Would Ya?
Casual English requests and how small changes in wording and tone change politeness. How 'will ya' works with friends and when it sounds rude. Why 'would you' usually feels softer and more indirect. When to avoid these phrases in workplace or formal settings.
42 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 14min
AEE 2573: Is This Episode a Slap on the Wrist?
Conversation about whether famous people get light punishments, using Sean Combs and Bernie Madoff as examples. A slow-driving ticket story introduces the phrase 'slap on the wrist'. Several related phrases are taught with roleplay of coworkers debating if someone got off easy. Listeners are prompted to discuss justice, consequences, and corruption.
67 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 20min
AEE 2572: How to Tease Someone When They're Not Good at Something in English
Playful English teasing phrases explained and practiced. Learn when to say “don’t quit your day job” and how tone and relationships change meaning. Hear role plays for singing and sports, plus family jokes and safer, self-deprecating options. Tips on listening first and trying these lines with close friends.
64 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 19min
AEE 2571: Don’t Let English Vocabulary Break Down on You
They explore how adding 'on me' adds drama and signals inconvenience in stories. You hear concrete examples from tech failures to cars, reservations and elevators. Emotional and workplace breakdowns get the same treatment. A role play shows how stacking 'on me' phrases creates sympathy and keeps listeners engaged.
30 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 22min
AEE 2570: Settle In with Lindsay and Michelle
A lively chat about the difference between settle in/settle into and settle down. Cozy nighttime routines and clothing that help people relax are described. Regional nuances and real-life examples like moving, starting college, and making long-term choices are explored. Common related phrases such as settle for and settle on are explained with role-play scenarios.
