In this episode of the All Ears English podcast, Aubrey and Michelle explore the various uses of the word "actually" in English conversations, prompted by a listener's suggestion. They discuss how "actually" can soften requests, correct assumptions politely, compare perceptions with reality, and express surprise. The hosts provide examples and a role-play to illustrate these functions, emphasizing the word's importance in making connections and avoiding harshness in communication. They also touch on related topics like whether old movies "hold up" over time and share personal anecdotes to further illustrate the nuances of using "actually" effectively.