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 common parenting phrases in American culture and their implications, particularly how these phrases reflect values and are sometimes used facetiously among adults. The hosts, Lindsay and Michelle, discuss phrases like "Sharing is caring," "Use your words," and "Say please," examining their intende...
This episode explores five English idioms related to card games and their usage in everyday conversations. Aubrey and Lindsay discuss the meaning and context of idioms like "play your cards right," which means acting in a way likely to lead to success, and "in the cards," indicating something destined to happen. They a...
This episode explores the nuances of the term "gotcha" in American English, contrasting its usage in playful pranks versus conveying understanding, and further examines April Fool's Day traditions across different cultures. Aubrey and Lindsay begin by sharing personal anecdotes about April Fool's jokes, highlighting th...
This episode explores the multifaceted meaning of the word "sassy," examining its positive and negative connotations, cultural relevance, and gendered usage. Against the backdrop of listener Sophia's question about the word's abstract definitions, Lindsay and Michelle delve into how "sassy" implies responding with atti...
This episode explores how varying grammar tenses can enhance storytelling and engage listeners. Against the backdrop of a discussion about verb tenses, the hosts emphasize the importance of moving beyond simple past tense to create more dynamic and interesting narratives. They highlight the use of present perfect to se...
This episode explores the expression "go downhill," used to describe the declining quality of products, services, or places. Lindsay and Michelle discuss how this phrase applies to various scenarios, from towns affected by industry leaving to changes in the recipes of favorite foods like Girl Scout cookies. Against the...
This episode explores the nuances of describing someone as "cheap" in English, differentiating it from similar terms like "frugal" and "thrifty." Against the backdrop of a conversation in the hosts' Open Conversation Club, the discussion highlights the negative connotation of "cheap," contrasting it with the more neutr...
This episode explores how to politely correct an incorrect order in a coffee shop or restaurant setting. The hosts address a listener's question about how to handle receiving a black coffee with added sugar and cream, highlighting the importance of clear and concise communication while maintaining politeness. Against...
This episode explores how to become a more engaging storyteller in English, focusing on the effective use of reported speech and appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and intonation. Against the backdrop of a discussion about the importance of narrating thoughts and speech, the hosts share personal anecdotes, illustrating ...
This episode explores various ways to express "I don't know" in English, focusing on the phrase "your guess is as good as mine." Against the backdrop of a casual conversation between two hosts, the discussion delves into the nuances of this expression, highlighting its usefulness in conveying shared uncertainty or a ...
This episode explores the multiple meanings of the English phrasal verb "take off," addressing a listener's question about a misunderstanding. A listener, Mateos, recounts an awkward encounter where his use of "take off" to inquire about someone's departure was misinterpreted as a rude request to leave. Against this ...
This episode explores how conscious word choices can significantly enhance connection in communication. Against the backdrop of a growing awareness of mindful language, guest Marcy Axelrod, a bestselling author and communication expert, offers practical strategies. She highlights the subtle yet impactful difference b...
This episode explores the common English phrase "you name it, we've got it," examining its usage and context. The hosts discuss the phrase's origins, suggesting it evokes a sense of commercialism and abundance, often seen in large retail stores. More significantly, they analyze its application in various settings, in...
This episode explores effective ways to discuss life experiences in English, focusing on two distinct approaches used by native speakers. Against the backdrop of a conversation about their own memorable experiences (hiking in Slovenia and moving into a new house), the hosts introduce the first method: using "a/an expe...
This episode explores various native English expressions for conveying surprise, ranging in intensity. Against the backdrop of a recent surprising experience at the Mexican border, the hosts introduce the phrase "what gives?" as a common, slightly informal expression of surprise and mild frustration. More significantl...
This episode explores three common conversational mistakes and strategies to avoid them, featuring insights from Stanford lecturer Matt Abrahams. The first mistake highlighted is the tendency to make conversations overly self-focused, neglecting genuine connection with the other person. To counter this, Abrahams sugg...
This episode explores the complexities of using past tenses in English, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the simple past, present perfect, and present perfect continuous. The podcast begins with a listener's question highlighting the difficulty in choosing the appropriate tense, especially when compar...
This episode explores the multifaceted meanings and usage of the word "sick" and its related forms, particularly "sickening" and "sicken," addressing a listener's question about its positive and negative connotations. Against the backdrop of a listener's observation of the word's use in both British and American TV sh...
This episode explores the use of idioms and expressions related to sweets in English conversation. Against the backdrop of a listener's question about the idiom "take the cake," the hosts delve into its meaning and usage, illustrating with examples of both positive and negative contexts. More significantly, the discu...
This episode explores English idioms incorporating the word "mind," focusing on their usage and potential for misinterpretation. The hosts, Aubrey and Lindsay, begin by discussing the concept of "speaking your mind," highlighting the implication of potential disagreement or controversy. Against this backdrop, they de...
Follow this podcast in Podwise
Sign in to get AI summaries, transcripts and mind maps for any episode, including new ones.
