AEE 2453: Double Your Connection By Doing a Thing

Summary

All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2453: "Double Your Connection By Doing a Thing"

Release Date: July 31, 2025

In Episode 2453 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the trendy and versatile English phrase “I did a thing.” Aimed at intermediate to advanced English learners, this episode explores how this expression can enhance personal connections and make conversations more engaging.

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Introduction to “I Did a Thing”

The episode kicks off with Michelle Kaplan sharing a personal anecdote about her upcoming 10th anniversary celebration. She mentions booking her partner’s favorite restaurant despite financial constraints, saying, “I did a thing and I booked his favorite restaurant” ([02:05]). This statement serves as the catalyst for exploring the phrase “I did a thing” and its significance in everyday English.

Lindsay McMahon introduces the phrase as a modern, trendy way to share exciting or noteworthy actions, emphasizing its role in making conversations more dynamic:

“I did a thing right and there's a little intonation that goes along with that, too” ([03:03]).

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Understanding the Nuances

Michelle points out that “I did a thing” shouldn’t be overused, as it’s intended for special or unique actions:

“You have to reserve this for something, you know, really special. If you're saying this for everything, like, I did a thing. I ate lunch today... that's not a thing” ([03:53]-[04:10]).

Lindsay adds that the phrase often signifies stepping out of one’s comfort zone or doing something out of the ordinary:

“It’s signifying that you’re a little on the edge. Right. You’re living on the edge for you... you want to say that kind of” ([06:13]-[06:31]).

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Contextual Usage and Examples

The hosts discuss various scenarios where “I did a thing” aptly conveys significant personal milestones or surprises. For instance:

• Booking a special event: “I did a thing and I booked his favorite restaurant” ([02:05]).
• Registering for a class: “I did a thing. I registered for French classes” ([05:06]).
• Making a big purchase or change: “I did a thing. I bought...” ([08:11]).

Michelle emphasizes the importance of context and the relationship between the speakers:

“It’s about doubling the connection because if you're just saying the thing, that's fine, too. But this just adds a little something” ([17:46]-[18:05]).

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Alternative Phrases

The conversation also covers alternative expressions that serve similar purposes, such as:

• “Guess what I did” – with variations in intonation to change meaning ([12:24]).
• “I have news” or “I have big news” – straightforward announcements ([13:11]).
• “Are you sitting down?” – to prepare someone for surprising news ([13:45]-[14:06]).

Lindsay highlights how these alternatives can also create anticipation and ensure the listener is fully engaged:

“It gives you a little bit of a platform for someone's ears to perk up and they're gonna listen and tune into you” ([18:05]).

---

Role-Play Demonstration

To illustrate the practical application of “I did a thing,” Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario where they simulate a conversation between good friends sharing significant news.

Example Dialogue:

• Michelle: “I did a thing.” [15:21]
• (Reveals a tattoo)
• Lindsay: “Michelle, that is awesome. I love it.” [15:29]
• Lindsay: “I’m good, but you should be sitting down for this. I sold the house.” [15:46]
• Michelle: “Your childhood house. Wow. I can't believe it.” [16:02]
• Lindsay: “I’m moving.” [16:00]

This role-play underscores how the phrase sets the stage for impactful and emotionally charged revelations, strengthening the bond between speakers.

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Final Takeaways

Michelle wraps up by reiterating the power of “I did a thing” in fostering deeper connections:

“This is really powerful. Again, you're not going to use it for everything. I did a thing. I ate a sandwich... it's very personal” ([19:00]).

Lindsay concurs, emphasizing the phrase’s ability to create a compelling narrative and ensure that significant news is both noticed and appreciated:

“These are very, very useful for these surprising things in life to share.” ([17:46]-[18:05]).

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Additional Recommendations

Towards the end, Michelle recommends another episode focused on emotions:

“On a Saturday episode on All Ears English, we did find your happy place in this episode.” ([18:35]).

Lindsay encourages listeners to stay connected by subscribing to the podcast, ensuring they don’t miss out on future insightful discussions.

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Conclusion

Episode 2453 of the All Ears English Podcast offers learners a nuanced understanding of the phrase “I did a thing,” showcasing its potential to enhance conversational fluency and deepen personal connections. Through engaging dialogue, practical examples, and a relatable role-play, Lindsay and Michelle provide valuable insights into using this trendy expression effectively in everyday English.

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Key Quotes:

• “I did a thing right and there's a little intonation that goes along with that, too.” – Lindsay McMahon ([03:03])
• “You have to reserve this for something, you know, really special…” – Michelle Kaplan ([03:53])
• “These are very, very useful for these surprising things in life to share.” – Michelle Kaplan ([17:46])

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For more engaging lessons and to enhance your American English proficiency, subscribe to the All Ears English Podcast and join a community dedicated to “Connection NOT Perfection!”

Transcript

[A]

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 2453. Double your connection by doing a thing. Welcome to the All Ears English podcast. Downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection. With your American hosts, Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl. Coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the All Ears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward/app.

[B]

In today's episode, we show you how to share a piece of news that's big and strengthen the connection at the same time. Learn more today.

[A]

Do you want a more international career? What if English no longer held you back from getting a promotion? Getting chosen for an important project or presentation? Imagine the possibilities if you had fluent English. Find out your English level now with our free level quiz. Go to allearsenglish.comfluencyscore Again, that's allearsenglish.com F L U E N C Y S C O R E and we'll see you there. Hey there, Michelle. How are you today?

[B]

I'm good, Lindsay. How are you? Hey, Michelle.

[A]

Don't you have an anniversary coming up soon?

[B]

I do, I do. It's actually in, in the beginning of September. Is my 10th anniversary.

[A]

Amazing. What are you gonna do to celebrate, Michelle?

[B]

Well, I, I, well, Lindsay, I did a thing. Dan, he, he doesn't really, you know, we're, we're trying to save money and so we don't want to, we don't want to go out too much. And so we're just kind of trying to hold back a little bit. But I did a thing and I booked his favorite restaurant. It's a, it's a little bit a pric, super special occasions. But yeah, so I, I made a.

[A]

Reservation, did a thing. I love it. Michelle, I think you can never, you know, you can never do the wrong thing when it comes to anniversaries.

[B]

Right?

[A]

This is your life partner. It's okay. I love that.

[B]

That's okay. Yeah, exactly. So today, guys, we are going to talk about a fun, very trendy way you can introduce what you've done when you've done something exciting or new or maybe a little risque that you want, want to share. And Lindsay, I use this expression. What is it?

[A]

I know. I'm so excited. The expression is I did a thing right and there's a little intonation that goes along with that, too. And we're going to get deep into this today. I'm super excited. I love to show our listeners the trendiest, most current, most relevant phrases that native speakers are using right now. But before we get into it, guys, I'd like to ask you to hit the follow button right here on Allers English so that we come up in your queue five days a week. The way to get better at English is to listen five days a week. And we believe in connection, not perfection, over here. So we have a slightly different angle on teaching English than, than most podcasts. So we bring everything back to human connection. All right, so hit the follow button.

[B]

All right. Yeah.

[A]

Michelle, this phrase, I did a thing, do you find yourself using it a lot?

[B]

I don't, I don't think this is something that you use. Like, you have to reserve this for something, you know, really special. If you're saying this for everything, like, I did a thing. I, I, I ate lunch today.

[A]

You know, it doesn't make dinner for the kids. Like. No, that's not, it's not.

[B]

No, no, no.

[A]

It's not a thing. No. Yeah.

[B]

No. So this is not one of those that you can or should overuse. This is reserved for something special, unique, a little out of the ordinary. Yeah.

[A]

And it's, it's cool. So it's unique out of the ordinary. Sometimes it is something that's a little risque, but it could also just be something that's risque for you or for you and the person that you're going to be participating in this thing with. Right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It doesn't. Just because something is maybe not risque for the person you're talking to. If it's risque for you, you, you're saying it in the context of your experiences and your life. But we'll get into more examples, right, Michelle?

[B]

Yeah, yeah, definitely. I mean, so when in this context, I did a thing, it's so funny. It's such a. None of those words really mean anything. Right. When you put it, I did a thing. What. But what is thing in this context? I mean, what does it. I did a thing. What is the thing?

[A]

The thing is the action that you took. You know, in your case, you, you got a reservation at the fanciest restaurant in town, you know, or maybe you registered for a French class and you never go to classes or something that's out of the ordinary for you.

[B]

Right, right, right. So when you say the thing, it's kind of like Saying something X, right? You're. You might be doing a little. Being a little secretive right at the beginning, right? So it's. It, you know, it. It could be a little modest sounding even. Right. You get this, like this cute intonation. So I did a thing and. Right.

[A]

Yeah, it's a good question. Oh, why do we start? Like for. Let's just give this example. I did a thing. I registered for French classes. Now, why didn't you just say, hey, I registered for French classes? Like, why do we even add the I did a thing?

[B]

Interesting, right? Yeah, it's something that you might feel a little proud. I mean, I mean, not always proud. Well, in general, would you say that you are saying this about something you're proud of, or could it be about something bad? I would say it's generally something good.

[A]

I think it's signifying that you're a little on the edge. Right. You're living on the edge for you, whether that's getting a tattoo, whether that's getting a piercing, registering for a French class, making an expensive restaurant reservation, whatever it is, you're on the edge, living on the edge a little bit. And you want to say that kind of, don't you think?

[B]

Right. I mean, like in the French class example, imagine that you've been talking to your friend for years about how much you love French culture, all this, right? So. But you've never actually learned French. Or maybe. Maybe you've wanted to visit France or even live there. And so you're saying you totally. You know, they have all this history about you. Right. It could also be used to kind of signify that that person is close to you. You want. I don't know that I would say this.

[A]

That's a good.

[B]

Just to a random person, like in line for coffee, you know?

[A]

Yeah, no, that's such a good point, Michelle. This is so contextual. So for certain things that you're saying that you did, you may say it to someone. So I may say, you and I have been talking about French classes for years. And I may say, michelle, I did. I registered for French. But then when I tell my partner, I might just say, hey, I signed up for French classes, because maybe they don't know what that's about for me.

[B]

Right, right, right, right, right. Exactly. So to. Very interesting in that way. Or here's another example. So I did a thing, and then you show someone your engagement ring.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So basically you. You get like, you're. You're putting out your hand, and so you don't even need to Say what it is. Sometimes it can just be. You're showing some. Or like. Or maybe you got a new short haircut, and you're. You're saying, so I did a thing, and then you walk into the room. Right. Y.

[A]

And I think there's also an element of understating the thing. The thing is probably pretty big for you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And by saying I did a thing, it kind of makes it sound like it's smaller. It's understating. What's. What's happened a little bit, I think.

[B]

Right, right, right, right, exactly. Or. Or. Or even just making a purchase, making a big change in your life. Guess what? I did a thing I bought. Right? Yes.

[A]

I love that. Yes. Oh, my gosh. So for me, I'm thinking of maybe booking my next trip to Norway. That's what I'm looking at. So maybe if I do that, I would say to you, michelle, I did a thing. I booked my trip. But we'll see. We'll see if I get those tickets, right?

[B]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, for me, I guess I could have used it to reveal that I was moving when I moved. Also, I forgot to say this at the beginning. Yeah, I've been doing open mics.

[A]

Yeah, that's a good one.

[B]

That's what I should have said is a good one. Yeah, yeah. So I've been you. So, like. Yeah, I. I could say this to you because, you know, for years, I've been talking about singing and being in a band and all of these things, and so do. I mean, our listeners probably might know that, too, if they listen to the show enough. And it's been years since I've gotten into it, and so now I've started with my friend Ian. We've been doing open mics. So I could say to you, I mean, we've done a couple of them now, but for the first one, I could say, lindsay, I did a thing. I. I To open mic again.

[A]

That is perfect. I love that. That's where the context comes in, the relationship between you and the person you're speaking with. It adds power. Like, not power, but it adds connection. It doubles up on your connection because you're referring back to someone. And by the way, if our listeners are in B2 English fluency, they know Ian, right? We've mentioned this before. They know him from that course. So check out B2 English fluency.

[B]

Love. It's my buddy. That's awesome.

[A]

That is amazing. Doing open mics. By the way, what are the topics that you're going into on open M. Is it. Com. Just remind me again, is it comedy?

[B]

No, no, no, not for comedy. Singing. I'm singing. And he.

[A]

Okay, okay, okay.

[B]

No, because I did comedy too, but no, no, no. I'm back into doing music, and so I love it. Yeah, I love it, too. So, see, that's something that I'm proud of, that I'm back into. It's a little bit of a surprise because you've known this about me for a while, so. Yeah, definitely. I like what you said about kind of, it's. You're doubling up on your connection because not only am I sharing something I feel proud of, I'm feel close to you by like saying it in that way because you know my history, you know about this. So it's. It really. It's so interesting to dive into these.

[A]

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[B]

But you could also use it as a surprise, right. Maybe you're talking to somebody, say, guess what? I did a thing. I'm going to tell you the details tonight, right? You're going to meet that person for dinner, Right. So it could be a way to tell them about a little surprise. Yeah.

[A]

So you're building mystery a little bit. Leaving some breadcrumbs, right?

[B]

Yeah. Trail.

[A]

All right, Michelle, so what are some other ways that we might express this same idea? I mean, this is very unique, right? It's one of those special phrases that it's powerful because it is. There's only one way to kind of say this. But there are other things you could say. Like, guess what I did, right? As you, you know, you said earlier, guess what. Guess what I did. I took the lsat. Oh, no, it's not for me.

[B]

Yeah. Or you could say it also in the same kind of. I think the intonation makes a big difference. Right. So you could say, guess what I did. I took the L steps. Or you could say, guess what I did. Right. So. And. And that kind of make. Can make the difference a little bit in the meaning. Or another one is, I have news. Or I have big news. So I have news. The Australia trip is happening.

[A]

Yeah, that's good too. That's good too. Or get ready for this one. And this intonation. Requ. Choir is a bit of a hanging. I don't know. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Like a little dot, dot, dot. Right.

[A]

Get ready for this one. Sylvia got into nyu. Nice.

[B]

Yeah. Or this last one. This is. This is another really good one. Sometimes people, before they're gonna big, give big news. Lindsay, you hear people say, are you sitting down? Or you should be sitting down for this? Like, as if somebody's just gonna be just basically gonna fall over when they hear. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

What?

[B]

I could say.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

So. And you would say this only if you can't see the person.

[A]

Right.

[B]

I mean, are you sitting down? If you're with the person, you could say, you should be sitting down. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Or maybe have a seat or something. But, yeah, you wouldn't want to say, are you sitting down? If you're sitting right. Standing right in front of them and seeing them, that would be strange too.

[B]

No, I'm not. Are you sitting down? No. So, for example, are you sitting down? I'm moving to Spain. Yes.

[A]

I love that. Oh, exciting. Right? So, Michelle, why are these useful? I mean, it comes back to the connection, right?

[B]

Yeah, it does. And you know what? It also prepares the person. Right. We always talk about this kind of prepping the other person. Okay, I'm about to. Okay, I gotta perk my ears up and really listen here, because something interesting is about to come, right?

[A]

Oh, totally. There. You know, when there are milestone moments in your life, big decisions, you don't want to just say, oh, by the way, I'm getting married. No, you want to warm the person up, build a stage. Stage for yourself, in a sense. And like, honor the connection between the two of you, the conversations you've had before.

[B]

Okay, Right.

[A]

And these are phrases that allow you to do that.

[B]

Yes, yes, exactly. So we're not going to use all of the ones that we taught today. But we're going to do a role play now. This is going to be fun. So in this role play, you and I, we haven't seen each other in a long time, but we are good friends.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And I walk into the restaurant, and I'm about to reveal something.

[A]

Oh, I'm ready. Okay.

[B]

Okay. All right. Here we go. Lindsay.

[A]

Michelle. How are you?

[B]

Oh, good, good. So I did a thing.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

And now I'm gonna re. I'm revealing my tattoo. Tattoo.

[A]

Oh, my gosh, Michelle, that is awesome. I love it.

[B]

Thanks. And get ready for this one. I'm sticking out my foot for you.

[A]

To look another tattoo. Wow, you really went for it. They look awesome.

[B]

Oh, thank you. Thank you. So how are you?

[A]

I'm good, but you should be sitting down for this. I sold the house.

[B]

Your childhood house. Wow. I can't believe it.

[A]

I know. I know. It's so hard. And get ready for this one. I'm moving.

[B]

No.

[A]

There's a lot of emotion in this role play, isn't there?

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

Yeah. So it really is winding up warming someone up for what's coming and honoring that connection. I love it.

[B]

It.

[A]

So getting a tattoo is a good example, especially if you're someone that doesn't already have a lot of tattoos. Right. If you already have a lot of tattoos, it might not be that much of a thing to get another. But if you.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

If it's your first tattoo, it's definitely a thing.

[B]

Right? Right. Yeah, yeah, exactly. So, yeah, I said. So I did a thing. And again, it. You don't always need to say, like, if I'm holding up my arm to you, you don't need to say, I got a tattoo. Right. Sometimes you can just. Just, like, stick out your arm. Whatever. Whatever. You got the tattoo. Exactly.

[A]

Sometimes that's better.

[B]

Right.

[A]

We don't need to add too many words to things. And then you said, thanks and get ready for this one. And now you're going to show me another one on your foot. You got two tattoos, right?

[B]

I got two tattoos. And then you said, you should be sitting down for this. I sold the house. And the fact that I said the house. We all know which house it is, right? Yeah.

[A]

So. Well, yeah, we. And we both probably spent a lot of time. Right. We're good friends in that house. Maybe we're friends from childhood, right? Yes.

[B]

And then you said, and get ready for this one, which I put in there twice accidentally. But that's okay. You said, I get ready for this one. I'm moving.

[A]

Yep. Winding up, preparing the person. And, you know, there are other ways we could cover in another day, another episode to, you know, to share big news. But these are some trendy good ones, I think, especially I did a thing. I love it.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. These are. These are very, very useful for these surprising things in life to share. And I. I really do think that they build the connection, because if you're just saying the thing, that's. I mean, that's fine, too. But this just adds a little something.

[A]

Special, a little drama, a little. It gives you a little bit of a platform, right, for someone's ears to perk up and they're gonna listen and tune into you. People are so distracted. They might be thinking about someone if you just say, oh, I'm getting married. I mean, they might be thinking about something else entirely and not hear you. I mean, who knows?

[B]

Right? Right. And so this is definitely a good thing to say to make sure that person is gonna say, wait a second.

[A]

What? Yes. Now, Michelle, what's another episode our listeners could check out?

[B]

Yeah. On a Saturday episode on All Ears English. We did find your happy place in this episode. So, yeah, this one kind of remind me of it because it's also like a. An emotional thing. We've been talking about emotions recently, so check that one out. Love it.

[A]

And, guys, don't forget to hit that follow button right now on Allers English so you don't miss a single episode of our show. Where should we leave our listeners today? Michelle, what's the final takeaway?

[B]

This is a really fun one to talk about, and very, just very, very useful. It's for those special things that you're gonna share, and you are really. I. I still. It goes. You said for me that you said you're kind of doubling the connection. So I think this is really powerful. Again, you're not going to use it for everything. I did a thing. I. I ate a sandwich. You know, I mean, unless you're a person who hates sandwiches and you're famous for that, and then you want to tell that you. I mean, you know, it's very personal. It's very personal.

[A]

Sure, totally. So if you have a fear of something and maybe you're afraid of snakes and you, like, held a snake, I mean, that would make sense in that context. And that person knows that about you. So that's why, as you said, Michelle, it's about doubling the connection. I love it.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Love it. Oh, my gosh, Lindsay, this was so fun. And, yeah, let us know when you book that trip to Norway.

[A]

All right, I will. Michelle. Sounds good. We'll talk to you soon.

[B]

All right. Okay, bye.

[A]

Thanks for listening. To all ears English Would you like to know your English level? Take our 2 minutes minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com forward/fluency score and if you believe in connection not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

[B]

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