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
30 snips
Sep 6, 2023 • 25min
AEE 2056: Don't Have Cash? How to Tip at a Coffee Shop
Discover the ins and outs of tipping in coffee shops and salons, especially when cash isn't an option. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their own cashless experiences and discuss the cultural nuances of tipping in the U.S. Learn effective communication strategies to show appreciation for service without cash. The conversation also includes a fun role-play scenario between a customer and a barista, highlighting the importance of kindness towards service workers. Plus, get tips on transitioning to comfortable fall fashion!
13 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 21min
AEE 2055: Harvard Professor Todd Rogers on 3 Ways to Write Well for a Busy World
Todd Rogers, a Harvard Professor of Public Policy and co-author of Writing for Busy Readers, shares invaluable insights on effective communication. He discusses strategies tailored for busy readers, emphasizing concise writing and clear core ideas. The conversation explores how to craft engaging emails that balance brevity and warmth while minimizing reader effort. Rogers also teases an upcoming book packed with tools for assessing writing difficulty and AI editing, making practical tips accessible to anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
21 snips
Sep 4, 2023 • 20min
AEE 2054: Avoid Running into English Traps and Glass Doors
Explore the nuances of the phrases 'bump into' and 'run into' in everyday conversations. Discover the joy of spontaneous connections in your community through heartwarming stories. Learn how context shapes the meaning behind these expressions, complete with personal anecdotes and cultural insights. The discussion also highlights the importance of mindfulness in communication and everyday safety, all sprinkled with humor and engaging quizzes. Tune in for language tips and unexpected laughter!
54 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 18min
AEE 2053: Were You Today Years Old When You Learned this English Slang?
Explore the playful and evolving world of modern slang! Discover phrases like 'three-peat' and 'that's a choice,' while enjoying humorous misinterpretations of lyrics. The hosts stress the importance of staying current with language trends to connect across generations. Role plays highlight how slang conveys humor and assertiveness, reflecting cultural shifts. Plus, there's a shoutout to listeners, celebrating support and summer savings. Dive into the dynamic nature of slang and learn how it bridges the gap between language learners and native speakers!
24 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 19min
AEE 2052: Give Yourself Some Grace
Dive into a conversation about the power of self-compassion and giving yourself grace in today's challenging world. The hosts share personal stories that highlight the importance of kindness towards oneself, especially post-pandemic. Explore how to practice compassionate self-talk during tough times and learn to treat yourself as you would a friend. The discussion also touches on navigating anxiety, societal pressures, and personal high standards, all while emphasizing the need for connection and self-discovery.
16 snips
Aug 29, 2023 • 19min
AEE 2051: Michelle’s Vacation Tradition: Why You Should Take a Cooking Class When You Travel
Discover the joy of taking cooking classes while traveling! The hosts share personal traditions and adventures in culinary exploration across countries like Egypt, Paris, and Portugal. They emphasize how these classes enhance cultural immersion, allowing travelers to connect deeply with local traditions. Anecdotes about unforgettable culinary experiences highlight the contrast between homemade dishes and mass-produced food. This delightful discussion encourages listeners to embrace local culture and consider culinary experiences as an essential part of their travel rituals.
11 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 16min
AEE 2050: Have you Figured Out What the Key to Learning English is?
Discover the power of the phrasal verb 'figure out' and its role in meaningful communication. Laugh along with hosts as they recount their DIY home repair misadventures, showcasing both the fun and frustrations of fixing things. Dive into verb tenses and learn how to distinguish between 'is' and 'was' for clear messaging. Explore how language shapes connections and the importance of prioritizing communication over perfection. Plus, gain insights on using 'figured out' for personal growth and enhancing friendships.
40 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 20min
AEE 2049: I Have to Say, Your English Is Very Natural
Discover the nuances of the phrases 'I have to say,' 'I would say,' and 'I would have to say.' Learn how these expressions convey varying confidence levels in conversations. The hosts share fascinating cultural insights that enrich American social etiquette. Explore how to articulate opinions more thoughtfully while enhancing fluency in dialogue. Gain practical tips on using language to navigate sensitive topics and maintain engaging conversations. Perfect your communication skills with fun examples and role-playing scenarios!
21 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 24min
AEE 2048: Angry Versus Frustrated - What's the Difference?
Discover the subtle differences between anger and frustration, and how they play a role in everyday communication. Personal stories and listener questions highlight the emotional nuances. Enjoy relatable scenarios, like the struggles of parallel parking, while learning to express your feelings accurately in English. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness for better connections in language learning. Immerse yourself in these insights to enhance your communication skills and navigate life's little frustrations more effectively.
10 snips
Aug 22, 2023 • 20min
AEE 2047: Do You Want to be a Fly on the Wall? Listen Today!
Explore the intriguing desire to be a 'fly on the wall' and witness life unfold authentically. The hosts engage in playful banter about which celebrities they’d observe, weaving in listener feedback and the nuances of celebrity culture. They unpack the meaning of the idiom and discuss its relevance in personal and professional contexts. Delving into the allure of invisibility, they examine the curiosity surrounding private moments in reality TV and the complexities of eavesdropping on others' lives.
