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
46 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2426: Build Connection By Softening Commands in English
Discover the art of softening commands in English to foster deeper connections. Learn how phrasing impacts interpersonal dynamics and enhances collaboration. The hosts share practical examples and polite alternatives that can transform everyday communication. Delve into the significance of tone and respectful language, while exploring grammatical nuances that shift meaning. Plus, uncover tools that enhance vocabulary and support conversational skills, ensuring you communicate with confidence and politeness.
71 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 17min
AEE: Travel, Trip, Journey: What’s the Difference?
Delve into the fascinating distinctions between 'travel,' 'trip,' and 'journey.' Explore the scenic Hiawatha Bike Trail and share in the excitement of cycling through beautiful landscapes. Discover how personal experiences and connections enrich our understanding of these terms. Hear stories that reflect heritage and personal growth through travel. Tune in for insights on evolving travel vocabulary and the deeper meanings behind our adventures!
39 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2425: Your English Will Take Off with this Phrasal Verb
Discover the versatile phrasal verb 'take off' and its various meanings in everyday communication. The hosts emphasize the importance of human connection over perfection in language. Personal travel stories add flair to discussions about flight challenges, including winter delays. The episode not only shares practical usage of 'take off' but also provides hiring insights, stressing efficiency in recruitment. Delight in engaging anecdotes that illustrate how integrating phrasal verbs can elevate your conversational skills!
61 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 17min
AEE 2424: You Strike Me As Someone Who Will Love This Episode
Discover engaging strategies for authentic communication in English, with anecdotes that highlight the importance of connection over perfection. Dive into humorous mishaps and the nuances of expressions like 'strike you as odd' and 'it strikes me as.' Learn how to express personal impressions while navigating societal norms. Explore the complexities of conveying fear and enhancing hiring through effective job postings. Gain insights into observing social dynamics at parties and tackling relationship concerns, all while steering clear of gossip.
35 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2423: Why You Should Take This Episode to Heart
Dive into the art of communication, where expressing yourself matters more than perfection. Discover the meaning behind 'take it with a grain of salt' and learn how to incorporate it into your conversations. Explore the intricate balance of hiring speeds and personal growth while managing feedback effectively. Enjoy a role-play on meal planning that highlights the importance of giving advice softly, enhancing connections with those around you. This lively discussion is filled with relatable humor and practical insights!
78 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 19min
AEE 2422: Don’t Be Loath to Speak English
Discover effective strategies to enhance your English speaking skills, focusing on connection over perfection. Learn about the emotional weight of the word 'loathe,' and how it compares to lighter terms like 'hate.' Engage in amusing discussions about culinary dislikes, particularly eel and masago, revealing personal food aversions. Explore how language shapes our feelings towards food, and how shared sentiments can create social bonds, even in the context of politics. This entertaining mix of language and humor makes for a delightful listen!
90 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 18min
AEE: This is Not Just a Run-of-the-Mill Episode
Dive into techniques for expressing feelings and enhancing communication skills in English. Explore the excitement of breaking from routine through travel, and the history of 'run-of-the-mill.' Discover vocabulary tools that enrich your listening experience. Hear reflections on uninspiring teachers contrasted with the emotional depth of 1990s films. Finally, embrace variety in daily life and the importance of practicing gratitude.
37 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 22min
AEE 2421: You Are Actually Going to Love This Episode
Discover the power of the word 'actually' and how it can transform conversations! The hosts discuss its versatile use, from expressing surprise to softening requests. They also dive into societal perceptions, including fat shaming, and reflect on the relevance of classic films. Personal anecdotes and playful dialogues illustrate how this word can enhance communication skills. Get ready to improve your English and connect more deeply with others!
76 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 18min
AEE 2420: Grateful to or Grateful For? What’s the Difference?
Dive into the intriguing nuances of gratitude as hosts explore the difference between 'grateful to' and 'grateful for'. They share personal reflections on appreciation and its impact on happiness, revealing the emotional power behind these terms. Discover how effective expressions of gratitude can deepen relationships and enhance well-being. The conversation also touches on neuroscience, illustrating the benefits of expressing gratitude in everyday communication, especially during gatherings like Thanksgiving.
65 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 20min
AEE 2419: How to Connect Over Mutual Interests
Discover how mutual interests can elevate English conversations and foster deeper connections. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical tips for building relationships through shared passions. They delve into the dynamics of friendships formed via mutual acquaintances and the balance between speed and quality in hiring. Engaging role-plays illustrate the challenges of finding common ground, emphasizing music and poetry as powerful tools for connection. Tune in to learn how to enhance your social skills and make meaningful connections!
