

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

12 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 22min
AEE 2138: Are You Making these French Pronunciation Errors?
This discussion dives into the common French pronunciation errors made by English speakers, spotlighting words like 'niche.' The hosts engage in a lively chat about the integration of French terms into English, showcasing the rich tapestry of borrowed vocabulary. They emphasize the significance of accents and dialects, encouraging listeners to embrace linguistic diversity. Fun anecdotes about personal music and film preferences add a light-hearted touch, while a poll invites audience interaction around favorite foreign words.

42 snips
Jan 25, 2024 • 20min
AEE 2137: This Friday or Next Friday? How to Clarify Calendar Dates in English
Dive into the intricacies of calendar communication in English! The hosts tackle the nuances of phrases like 'this Friday' versus 'next Friday,' explaining why clarity is essential. They share personal stories and practical examples to help you navigate these tricky terms. Listeners will appreciate tips on avoiding misunderstandings in scheduling. Role-playing scenarios illustrate effective phrasing and the importance of context. Get ready to improve your calendar conversations!

16 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 21min
AEE 2136: Should Your Teacher Correct Your English Grammar?
The discussion kicks off with whether teachers should correct every grammar mistake, stressing communication over perfection. It dives into the impact of corrections on student motivation and the nuances of informal grammar. The hosts emphasize balancing fluency with targeted grammar lessons, especially in casual conversations. They explore the cultural sensitivity needed in corrections while prioritizing connection. Finally, the chat highlights how grammar varies in everyday speech, advocating for engagement over rigid rule adherence.

9 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 22min
AEE 2135: Authentic or AI? What Was the Most Popular Word of the Year?
Dive into the intriguing world of authenticity as the most popular word of 2023 takes center stage. Explore the clash between human art and AI-generated content, and ponder what it means to be 'authentic' in today’s digital chaos. Reflect on the subjective nature of authenticity in personal identity and the creative industry. Hear personal anecdotes and a fun airport role play that highlight the quest for truth amidst overwhelming information. The discussion also touches on accountability in politics, adding a thought-provoking twist!

18 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 19min
AEE 2134: How to Express Your Stress in English
Discover practical phrases to express stress in English and explore the significance of self-care. Personal anecdotes reveal how yoga and community connections can help manage anxiety linked to economic pressures. Learn about the impact of inflation on everyday life and hear strategies for navigating stressors, from health concerns to financial challenges. Tune in for tips on maintaining reading habits, gratitude journaling, and fostering supportive relationships in today's fast-paced world.

31 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 19min
AEE 2133: That's My Jam! How to Comment on Music in English
Discover how to express your musical tastes in English and share your thoughts on songs and artists. Delve into personal stories that reveal the emotional power of music and the nostalgia it evokes. Learn modern phrases like 'that's my jam' that capture your favorite tunes. Engage in lively conversations about music, exploring expressions that enhance your discussions. Finally, explore how music serves as a universal language that fosters connections, even in romantic gestures.

16 snips
Jan 17, 2024 • 18min
AEE 2132: How English Grammar Helps You Avoid Being Quiet
Discover the cultural significance of listening and talking in communication. Explore how participation grades can enhance classroom engagement. Dive into the multifaceted meanings of 'quiet' and its perception across cultures. Personal anecdotes reveal the nuances of silence in American life and its more positive interpretations in other contexts. Engage with the balance between speaking up and listening, as well as how these dynamics shape social interactions.

11 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 20min
AEE 2131: 3 English Challenge Words and Michelle's Laundry Battles
Dive into the complexities of challenging English words, connecting them to relatable struggles like laundry battles. The hosts tackle figurative language, discussing how terms like 'combat' and 'tackle' enhance communication skills. They humorously share seasonal cold battles, emphasizing effective conversation techniques. Anecdotes about everyday challenges showcase the importance of honesty and connection. Plus, explore modern issues like technology in education and the concept of 'endowed progress' in overcoming life's hurdles.

16 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 21min
AEE 2130: Lemonade and Optimism in American Culture
The hosts dive into the intriguing theme of optimism in American culture and its possible downsides. They share personal views on how optimism varies with current events and media influences. Nostalgia flows as they explore positivity in 90s sitcoms, examining societal pressures to stay cheerful. A shift in parenting perspectives highlights the importance of emotional resilience, contrasting past attitudes with today's ideals. The conversation wraps up by emphasizing the need for authenticity in optimism, inviting listeners to reflect on their own beliefs.

18 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 17min
AEE 2129: This is an Amazing Episode, Right?
Discover key phrases that enhance clarity and engagement in discussions. Explore how conversational fillers, like 'do you?' and 'right?', foster connections across languages. Delve into the unique characteristics of Quebec French and effective podcasting techniques. Uncover modern expressions that facilitate agreement, showcasing how intonation shapes meaning. With insights on meaningful questions and communication nuances, this discussion will enrich your conversational skills!


