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!
The podcast explores the concept of receiving inadequate consequences for actions, using the expression "a slap on the wrist" as a starting point. It highlights the idea that those with power and fame sometimes avoid severe penalties, contrasting this with everyday situations where consequences may seem disproportionat...
The podcast explores how to playfully tease someone in English when they are not good at something, focusing on the expressions "don't quit your day job" and "don't call us, we'll call you." It emphasizes that these phrases are best used with people you know well and share a joking relationship with, cautioning against...
The podcast explores the use of the phrase "on me" in English to emphasize the speaker's role as a victim in a situation, adding drama and soliciting empathy. Aubrey and Lindsay explain that while phrases are grammatically correct without "on me," its inclusion highlights personal inconvenience, especially in storytell...
The podcast episode addresses the question of the difference between "settle in" and "settle down." It explains that "settle in" means to get comfortable or adjust to a new environment or situation, while "settle down" can mean to calm down or to reach a stable point in life, often implying marriage and starting a fami...
The podcast explores the meanings, usage, and emotional underpinnings of the acronyms FOMO (fear of missing out) and YOLO (you only live once). It highlights that FOMO is often used playfully to express sadness about missing an event, even when one is secretly relieved to avoid it, and that social media has amplified F...
The podcast explores the nuances of using "to," "as well," and "also" in English to build connections and express agreement. It highlights that "to" and "as well" generally appear at the end of sentences, with "to" being more casual and "as well" slightly more formal. "Also" typically appears before the main verb, thou...
The episode addresses a listener's question about the correct use of future tense in English subordinate clauses, specifically why "will" isn't always necessary after words like "when," "if," and "once." It explains that in time, conditional, and purpose clauses, the present tense is used even when referring to future ...
The podcast explores the nuances between "make" and "take" in English, particularly in the context of taking photos, highlighting how direct translations from other languages can lead to errors. It emphasizes that while "make a picture" might be understood, "take a picture" is the idiomatic choice when referring to cap...
The podcast explores family traits and how they influence individual characteristics, using idioms to discuss inherited qualities. Michelle and Lindsay discuss whether traits are genetic or learned, citing examples like work ethic, musical talent, and physical attributes such as eye color and height. They introduce idi...
The All Ears English podcast episode focuses on providing approximate answers in English, especially in business contexts, by using functional vocabulary to avoid being overly concrete. Michelle and Lindsay highlight the importance of "wiggle room" when exact numbers or information aren't available. They introduce word...
The podcast explores English idioms for expressing incomprehension, inspired by a listener's question about a German equivalent. It highlights "It's all Greek to me," "I haven't the foggiest," and "I have no clue" as common phrases. The hosts discuss the origins and relevance of idioms, emphasizing their connection to ...
The podcast explores the subtle differences between the words "human," "person," and "people," noting when to use each to foster better connections. "Human" is presented as more scientific and formal, often referring to the species or the physical body (e.g., "the human body," "human nature"). In contrast, "person" and...
The podcast explores the recent trend of dictionaries choosing words related to AI and online culture as their "word of the year." It begins with a listener question about the phrase "6-7," which was Dictionary.com's word of the year, tracing its origins to a song and its popularization through basketball-related memes...
The podcast explores the idiom "watch like a hawk," dissecting its meaning and usage in everyday English. It highlights the hawk's keen eyesight as the basis for the expression, which signifies close and careful observation. Examples include parents watching children, especially around potential dangers, and monitoring...
The podcast explores the subtle differences between "nervous" and "anxious" in English, noting they are often used as synonyms but carry distinct nuances. "Nervous" typically relates to specific, passing situations, like Michelle's upcoming flight with her kids or taking a test. "Anxious," while sometimes interchangeab...
The All Ears English podcast episode explores the multifaceted uses of the phrasal verb "blow," providing listeners with practical examples to enhance their English vocabulary and conversational skills. Aubrey and Lindsay dissect three distinct phrasal verbs: "blow open," which can describe a physical opening by wind o...
The podcast explores strategies for showing respect and building connections by gauging a listener's interest level before launching into a detailed story or explanation. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and consideration for others' time, particularly in American culture. The hosts suggest using phrases ...
The podcast explores French words and phrases commonly used in English, highlighting how they enrich communication. It examines "comme ci, comme ça" for expressing a so-so sentiment, "laissez-faire" in the context of economics and parenting, and "touché" as a witty acknowledgment of a clever point. The hosts discuss th...
The podcast episode explores essential English vocabulary for discussing cars, focusing on terms and phrases relevant to purchasing and describing vehicles. Michelle and Lindsay discuss how to express interest in buying a car at a dealership, using phrases like "I'm looking to buy" or "I'm interested in buying." They d...
The podcast episode addresses the common confusion between the words "sights" (S-I-G-H-T-S) and "sites" (S-I-T-E-S), particularly in the context of travel. It highlights that "sights" generally refers to impressive views and attractions, focusing on the visual experience, while "sites" denotes specific locations of his...
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