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!
This episode explores the societal expectation in the U.S. that young adults move out of their parents' homes around age 18, contrasting this with cultural norms in other parts of the world. Against this backdrop, the hosts share personal anecdotes; one host, raised in Hawaii, describes a more fluid living situation w...
This episode explores the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and positive individuals, both for personal growth and achieving specific goals. Against the backdrop of a "Deep Thoughts Thursday" segment, the hosts and guest discuss how crucial it is to cultivate a social circle of "dreamers and doers" who...
This episode explores the importance of connecting English language learning with personal dreams and goals for increased motivation and success. Against the backdrop of a listener's ambition to become a Hollywood actor, the hosts discuss how linking English study to a larger life purpose can significantly enhance lea...
This episode explores the common English language error of confusing the verbs "make" and "do." Against the backdrop of this frequent mistake among English learners, the hosts, Lindsay and Aubrey, delve into the nuanced differences between the two verbs. More significantly, they highlight that "make" typically implie...
This episode explores the common misconception that New Yorkers are unfriendly. Against the backdrop of this perception, Christy, a long-time New York City resident, offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that while New Yorkers may appear busy and abrupt, they are generally helpful when approached for assistance. ...
This episode explores how Americans celebrate Halloween, drawing on the personal experiences of two co-hosts, Lindsay and Aubrey. Against the backdrop of their contrasting childhood Halloween experiences—Aubrey's in a close-knit, socially active neighborhood with block parties, and Lindsay's in a more spread-out, rura...
This episode explores effective strategies for language learning, featuring insights from polyglot Steve Kaufmann, co-founder of LingQ. Against the backdrop of Kaufmann's personal journey—marked by a pivotal moment at university and the advent of portable audio technology—the discussion pivots to his three core tips. ...
This episode explores the common English grammar mistake of confusing "much" and "many" when discussing quantities. Against the backdrop of a conversation about baking a large batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, the hosts delve into the distinction between count and non-count nouns. More significantly, they expla...
This episode explores how to speak English like a native American, focusing on practical tips for ESL learners. Against the backdrop of the author's extensive language learning experience and teaching career in the Czech Republic, Amy Gillett shares her insights. More significantly, she emphasizes the importance of m...
This episode explores effective daily planning strategies to maximize productivity. The hosts, Lindsay and Aubrey, begin by contrasting Aubrey's unproductive morning—resulting from a lack of planning—with a previous day's success achieved through meticulous scheduling. Against the backdrop of this contrast, they disc...
This episode explores the common English language mistake of using "lose" instead of "miss" when referring to missing transportation, such as a bus or plane. The hosts, Lindsay and Aubrey, begin by sharing personal anecdotes about narrowly missing flights due to unforeseen circumstances like traffic accidents, highlig...
This episode explores common English grammar mistakes made by non-native speakers who translate directly from their native language. Against the backdrop of a casual conversation about their personal lives (buying a house, children in school), the hosts discuss the incorrect use of "people" as a singular noun and "chi...
This episode explores three key tips for accelerating English fluency, shared by italki tutor Tony Marsh. Against the backdrop of common pitfalls faced by adult learners, Marsh emphasizes the importance of defining learning goals by asking "What do I want to say, and to whom?". More significantly, he advocates for a...
This episode explores the importance of reflection in accelerating English language fluency. Against the backdrop of the hosts' discussion about the frequency of encountering one's reflection in a mirror, the conversation pivots to the concept of "reflecting" on one's learning process. More significantly, the hosts em...
This episode explores the impact of body language on confidence and communication, particularly for English language learners. The hosts discuss research by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, highlighting how posture and physical presence affect both self-perception and how others perceive us. For instance, they illustra...
This episode explores the common confusion surrounding the use of "will" and "going to" in English to express future actions. The hosts, Lindsay and Michelle, begin by illustrating the difference through personal examples of their evening plans, highlighting "going to" as indicating pre-planned events and "will" as re...
This episode explores the cultural sensitivities surrounding conversations about money in American culture. The hosts, Michelle and Lindsay, begin by illustrating the taboo nature of directly asking about the cost of someone's possessions, using a humorous anecdote where Lindsay inadvertently commits a social faux pas...
This episode explores the detrimental effects of perfectionism on English language learning, particularly among Japanese speakers. The hosts, Lindsay and Aubrey, introduce Jun Senesac, a language teacher who observes that many of his students prioritize grammatically perfect sentences over fluent communication. This ...
This episode explores the distinctions between amateur and professional approaches to skill development, using the context of creative arts and language learning. The hosts, Lindsay and Michelle, initially discuss what separates professionals from amateurs, focusing on aspects like control, confidence, and the ability...
This episode explores common misunderstandings surrounding the English word "invite" and its implications for paying for lunch when dining with native English speakers. Against the backdrop of potential confusion arising from direct translation from other languages, the hosts, Lindsay and Michelle, highlight the over-...
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