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
25 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 20min
AEE 2563: Is Brainrot Taking Over the Dictionary?
They unpack why 'six, seven' became a viral brain-rot meme and where it started. They explore Dictionary.com and Oxford's recent word choices and what those picks say about culture. They dive into 'slop' and AI-generated low-quality content and explain 'rage bait' tactics that drive clicks. Short role play shows how the words land in real conversation.
26 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 17min
AEE 2562: We're Watching Your English Like a Hawk
They explain the idiom "watch like a hawk" and why the hawk metaphor conveys focused attention. Short examples show using the phrase with kids, pets, tickets, prices and stocks. Alternative expressions like "keep a close eye on" and "keep tabs on" are compared. A role-play models natural conversational use of the idiom.
42 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 22min
AEE: Do These Two English Words Make You Anxious?
They explore the difference between feeling nervous and feeling anxious through clear definitions and real-life examples. Short-term, situation-based nerves are contrasted with longer-lasting, sometimes clinical anxiety. Related words like jittery and flustered get quick explanations and role-play shows natural usage. Practical takeaways and reassurance wrap up the conversation.
37 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 14min
AEE 2561: How to Blow Open Your English Vocabulary
They explore multiple phrasal verbs formed with "blow," showing literal and figurative meanings. Conversation covers fast speech and slang that can leave learners behind. There are lively examples about weather, unexpected arrivals, moving past someone, and revealing secrets. A short role play ties the phrases together in everyday contexts.
26 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 14min
AEE 2560: Do You Want the Long or Short Version? How to Open a Story with Respect
They debate asking “long or short” before telling a story and why that shows respect. They compare play-by-play versus highlights and offer short phrases you can use. They explain cultural reasons about valuing others’ time. They role-play party and workplace situations to practice choosing the right level of detail.
36 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 16min
AEE 2559: Are You Laissez-Faire About English?
They explore why English borrows French words and how those words fit into everyday speech. They highlight phrases like laissez-faire, touché, en route, and comme si, comme ça with pronunciation tips. Personal stories and short role plays show how to use these borrowings naturally. The episode points listeners to related conversations for deeper practice.
27 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
AEE 2558: Let's Talk Cars Part 3: Essential Car Vocabulary
Fun car-vocabulary talk that covers dealership language and how to start a car search. They list common features like heated seats, trunk size, and drive types. Modern tech such as backup cameras and entertainment systems gets attention. Types of vehicles from SUVs to convertibles and electric cars are explained. A dealership role play shows practical phrases for safety and seating needs.
29 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 18min
AEE: Sights or Sites? Which to Use For Travel in English
They unpack why 'sights' and 'sites' get mixed up when talking about travel. Short definitions and clear examples show when each spelling fits. A travel role play demonstrates natural questions and replies. Practical follow-up questions help listeners connect with travelers.
19 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 21min
AEE 2557: Can't Help It? How Imperfection Leads to Connection
They unpack the phrase "I can't help" and how to use its -ing form in natural conversation. Short role plays show shopping and food temptations where people admit small weaknesses. They compare similar expressions like "can't resist" and "can't stop". The conversation highlights how admitting imperfections can build connection.
36 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 16min
AEE 2556: Don’t Blow Off Phrasal Verbs!
They explore multiple 'blow' phrasal verbs and how each one is used in real conversation. Short role plays show phrases like 'blow over', 'blow away', and 'blow off' in context. Clear explanations follow each dialogue to highlight meaning and usage. Tips emphasize how phrasal verbs make speech more natural and friendly.
