All Ears English Podcast - podcast cover

All Ears English Podcast

Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplanwww.allearsenglish.com
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!
Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

AEE: Ding! Buzz! Beep! Which Word Should You Use When You Hear a Sound?

Join Lindsay and Michelle as they dive into the fascinating world of everyday English sounds. This episode provides essential vocabulary like 'ding,' 'beep,' 'buzz,' 'click,' 'alarm,' and 'ring,' explaining their specific uses and contexts. Through humorous personal anecdotes and a detailed roleplay, listeners will master these nuanced words for improved fluency and connection in daily conversations.

Jun 27, 202622 min

AEE 2641: Should You Call Someone a Bummer?

Join Lindsay and Aubrey as they break down the nuanced usage of the casual English slang "bummer." Discover how to use it appropriately to express empathy for minor disappointments, like a canceled picnic or a bad seat. The hosts also crucial situations where "bummer" is inappropriate, such as dealing with death or serious illness, and why calling a person a "bummer" is insulting. Learn alternative phrases like "letdown" and "downer" to broaden your vocabulary for various levels of disappointment, ensuring your English matches the gravity of any situation.

Jun 25, 202618 minEp. 2641

AEE 2640: Let’s Roast the All Ears English Team!

Discover the humor behind a "roast" in American culture, learning how it involves witty, exaggerated mockery that is meant to be funny and even honoring, not genuinely hurtful. The hosts share personal experiences before revealing how artificial intelligence, drawing from their podcast content, hilariously roasted each member of the All Ears English team, highlighting their unique teaching styles and catchphrases like "connection, not perfection." The episode concludes with tips on how to keep roasts playful and fun.

Jun 24, 202619 minEp. 2640

AEE 2639: Quiet, Quite, or Quit? Three Words People Get Confused

Want to know your English level? Take our free English-level quiz here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: Business English Podcast : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey IELTS Energy Podcast : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our website here ...

Jun 23, 202618 minEp. 2639

AEE 2638: Is This Episode a Lot?

Want to know your English level? Take our free English-level quiz here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: Business English Podcast : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey IELTS Energy Podcast : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our website here ...

Jun 22, 202615 minEp. 2638

AEE: Want the Lowdown on This Vocabulary?

Hosts Michelle and Aubrey clarify the nuances between “the lowdown” and “the rundown,” phrases often confused by English learners. They define “the lowdown” as insider, often secretive information, and “the rundown” as a brief, structured summary. Through a relatable roleplay, the episode demonstrates when and how to appropriately use these expressions, emphasizing context and potential social implications.

Jun 20, 202614 min

AEE 2637: Can't Get Over It? How to Talk About Sunsets, Concerts, and More

Want to know your English level? Take our free English-level quiz here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: Business English Podcast : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey IELTS Energy Podcast : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our website here ...

Jun 18, 202617 minEp. 2637

AEE 2636: Don’t Forget About Grammar! Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

Want to know your English level? Take our free English-level quiz here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: Business English Podcast : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey IELTS Energy Podcast : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our website here ...

Jun 17, 202617 minEp. 2636

AEE 2635: You're an All-Star! How to Spot and Compliment Talent in English

This episode of All Ears English teaches listeners how to effectively use the term "all-star" to compliment talent and foster connection. Lindsay and Michelle define the word, discuss its grammatical uses as both a noun and adjective, and provide numerous examples ranging from celebrities to everyday heroes. They also introduce "rock star" as a modern alternative, emphasizing how expressing admiration can reveal personal values and build stronger relationships.

Jun 16, 202617 minEp. 2635

AEE 2634: Are You an Optimist? Vocabulary for Wishful Thinking

Join Michelle and Aubrey as they delve into the English expression "wishful thinking," defining it as a hopeful belief in unlikely outcomes. They share personal anecdotes about making wishes, provide numerous examples of the phrase in context, and introduce related vocabulary such as "unlikely," "optimistic," and "false hope." The episode emphasizes the importance of connection by offering advice on how to navigate conversations about hopes without "bursting someone's bubble."

Jun 15, 202620 minEp. 2634

AEE: Why Napping Is a Refreshing Connection Topic

Want to know your English level? Take our free English-level quiz here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: Business English Podcast : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey IELTS Energy Podcast : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our website here ...

Jun 13, 202621 min

AEE 2633: I’ve Got It Down! How to Say You’ve Mastered Something

Discover three nuanced English phrases to confidently express mastery: "I've got it down," "it's second nature," and "I've got the hang of it." Learn their subtle differences through role plays and real-world examples, from assembling furniture to learning new skills. This episode also explores how to use these expressions for better connection, to respond to compliments gracefully, and to convey humility.

Jun 11, 202618 minEp. 2633

AEE 2632: Don’t Be a Rat! Expressions for Betraying Someone’s Trust

Lindsay and Michelle discuss common English expressions for betraying someone's trust, particularly focusing on phrases using the word "rat." They delve into the social dynamics of keeping secrets, introduce specific idioms like "to rat someone out" and "I smell a rat," and clarify their usage through a role-play. The episode also distinguishes between professional and more juvenile contexts for these expressions.

Jun 10, 202615 minEp. 2632

AEE 2631: How to Connect Over Manias, Kicks, and Bugs

Join Michelle and Aubrey as they explore unique ways to discuss being "super into something," from widespread cultural phenomena like "Beatlemania" to personal obsessions. Learn when to use the suffix "mania" for group excitement and discover fun, informal phrases like "on a kick" or "caught the bug" for individual interests. This episode helps you connect over passions while navigating sensitive medical terms and building fluency for real-world interactions.

Jun 09, 202620 minEp. 2631

AEE 2630: Don't Have the Heart to Do It? What to Say in English

Discover essential English phrases for when you're emotionally unable to do something difficult. This episode explores "I don't have the heart to do it" for delivering bad news, "I can't bring myself to do it" for internal resistance, and "I don't have it in me" for lack of energy. Learn to use these expressions to build connection and navigate sensitive situations effectively.

Jun 08, 202616 minEp. 2630

AEE 2629: More All Ears English? Yes, Please!

This episode explores the nuances of using the phrase 'Yes, please' with an enthusiastic, theatrical tone to convey excitement and create better connections in English conversations. Hosts Lindsay and Michelle provide practical examples, demonstrating how to use the phrase when responding to offers, commenting on unexpected pleasures, or even within storytelling. They emphasize the importance of context and emotion to make your English more engaging and expressive, moving beyond a simple 'yes' to highlight joy and agreement.

Jun 04, 202614 minEp. 2629

AEE 2628: Who Else Is Going? Is It Okay to Ask?

Lindsay and Michelle discuss the common social faux pas of asking "who else is going?" when invited to an event, explaining how it can be perceived as rude and break new connections. They delve into why this question makes the host feel undervalued and explore alternative, more polite ways to express curiosity about attendance, primarily after you have already committed to going. The hosts emphasize the importance of intention versus perception, especially in new relationships, and suggest focusing on the event itself rather than who else will be there.

Jun 03, 202616 minEp. 2628

AEE 2627: Do You Play It Safe When It Comes to Your English?

Lindsay and Michelle delve into the nuances of "playing it safe," from practical aspects like punctuality and food choices to deeper topics like social rejection and stepping out of one's comfort zone. They also introduce related expressions such as "be on the safe side" and "take a conservative approach," encouraging listeners to assess their own risk tolerance for improved English communication and life experiences.

Jun 02, 202616 minEp. 2627

AEE: I Walked Right Past It: Connection in Life's Messy Moments

Lindsay and Michelle share personal anecdotes about losing everyday items like phones, sunglasses, and nail clippers, even when they're in plain sight. They introduce several practical English phrases like "it was right in front of my face" and "I walked right past it" to describe these humorous blunders. The hosts emphasize how articulating these universal "messy moments" can foster genuine connection and empathy in social interactions.

May 30, 202617 min

AEE 2625: Who is an Unsung Hero in Your Life?

The hosts delve into the concept of "unsung heroes," contrasting them with traditional heroes by highlighting their essential behind-the-scenes contributions that often go unnoticed. They discuss various examples, from personal relationships and professional roles to abstract concepts like consistency in podcasting. The episode also introduces alternative expressions like "the backbone," "the glue," and "the real MVP," and encourages listeners to recognize and appreciate these invaluable individuals and efforts in their own lives and culture.

May 28, 202622 minEp. 2625

AEE 2624: How to Talk About Housing Costs Without Sounding Rude

Discover the social etiquette surrounding discussions of housing costs in American English. This episode explores why directly asking about home prices is considered rude and provides practical strategies for using indirect questions. It also touches on average US housing and rental costs, along with factors like location and online tools for market research.

May 27, 202622 minEp. 2624

AEE 2622: How to Save a Spot in Someone's Mind for Your Story

Learn to master the art of delayed storytelling to create intrigue and foster deeper connections. Hosts Lindsay and Michelle share practical English expressions like "I'll fill you in later" and "stay tuned," demonstrating how to save a spot in someone's mind for your narrative. The episode emphasizes choosing the right moment and context, ensuring kindness while keeping listeners engaged with a cliffhanger.

May 25, 202616 minEp. 2622

AEE: No Dice! Fun Ways to Say Something Didn’t Work

Want to know your English level? Take our ⁠⁠⁠free English-level quiz⁠⁠⁠ here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: ⁠⁠⁠Business English Podcast⁠⁠⁠ : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey ⁠⁠⁠IELTS Energy Podcast⁠⁠⁠ : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit...

May 23, 202616 min

AEE 2621: Vocabulary You Should Not Put Behind You

Want to know your English level? Take our ⁠⁠⁠free English-level quiz⁠⁠⁠ here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: ⁠⁠⁠Business English Podcast⁠⁠⁠ : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey ⁠⁠⁠IELTS Energy Podcast⁠⁠⁠ : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit...

May 21, 202615 minEp. 2621

AEE 2620: Debunk and Connect with Lindsay and Michelle

Want to know your English level? Take our ⁠⁠⁠free English-level quiz⁠⁠⁠ here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: ⁠⁠⁠Business English Podcast⁠⁠⁠ : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey ⁠⁠⁠IELTS Energy Podcast⁠⁠⁠ : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit...

May 20, 202618 minEp. 2620

AEE 2619: Do You Think Two is a Party and Three is a Crowd?

Want to know your English level? Take our ⁠⁠free English-level quiz⁠⁠ here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: ⁠⁠Business English Podcast⁠⁠ : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey ⁠⁠IELTS Energy Podcast⁠⁠ : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our w...

May 19, 202615 minEp. 2619

AEE 2618: Should You Call a Man Sassy? Gendered Words in English

Want to know your English level? Take our ⁠⁠free English-level quiz⁠⁠ here to find out what your current English level is. Do you love All Ears English? Try our other podcasts here: ⁠⁠Business English Podcast⁠⁠ : Improve your Business English with 3 episodes per week, featuring Lindsay, Michelle, and Aubrey ⁠⁠IELTS Energy Podcast⁠⁠ : Learn IELTS from a former Examiner and achieve your Band 7 or higher, featuring Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter with Jessica Beck in previous episodes Visit our w...

May 18, 202623 minEp. 2618
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android