Episode Summary: All Ears English Podcast

Title: How to Connect Over a Twist in a Movie
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: November 8, 2025

Overview

This lively episode explores how to talk about twists and suspense in movies and TV shows, equipping ESL learners with authentic conversational English to connect with friends over entertainment. Lindsay and Michelle break down idioms, expressions, and strategies for sharing excitement about unpredictable plotlines—whether you're recommending something, avoiding spoilers, or just sharing the anticipation with friends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Talk About Movie and TV Twists? (04:12–05:32)

• The hosts discuss how conversations about plot twists are a natural and popular topic.
• They stress the importance of having the vocabulary to recommend, discuss, and bond over suspenseful entertainment.
• Michelle: "This is just a really good way to explain a mystery, a thriller. So today we're going to share how to say that a show or a book or a movie is a mystery." (05:13)

Core Expressions for Suspense and Twists

1. Keeps You Guessing (06:06–06:24)

• Lindsay: “First one is, keeps you guessing.” (06:06)
• Used for anything that keeps you unsure about the outcome:
  • Example: “This show keeps you guessing.”
  • Example: “I like to read really exciting psychological thrillers that keep me guessing.” (06:24–06:30)

2. Keeps You On Your Toes (06:32–07:18)

• Means to be alert, ready for anything—applicable beyond entertainment.
  • Example: “It kept me on my toes the whole time.”
  • Example: “I'm binge watching this series because it keeps me on my toes.”
• Michelle: “You're not really on your toes... You're not gonna stand up and watch the show.” (07:06)

3. A Twist (07:24–08:29)

• An unexpected plot development.
  • Example: “There was a huge twist.”
  • Example: “I won't tell you, but it's coming.”
• Michelle: “Something happens that you wouldn't expect. So it's kind of a shocking thing that happens.” (07:34)
• They mention the movie Conclave as particularly “twisty.”
  The English Adventurer: “I did not see it coming at all at the end of the movie.” (08:09)

4. Leaves You In Suspense (10:47–11:02)

• When you’re left eagerly waiting to find out what happens.
  • Example: “Every chapter leaves you in suspense.”
  • Example: “I can't believe they left us with a cliffhanger.”

5. I Didn’t See It Coming (14:10–14:27)

• Used for surprising plot developments.
  • Example: “A huge one. I didn't see it coming.”
• They emphasize this is very natural, real English.

Natural Conversation & Role Play (13:26–14:44)

• Michelle and Lindsay demonstrate recommending a movie without spoiling details.
• Example dialogue:
  • Michelle: “It kept me on my toes the whole time.”
  • Lindsay: “Were there any twists?”
  • Michelle: “Oh, huge one. I didn't see it coming. It kept me guessing.”
  • Lindsay: “Sounds like it would leave me in suspense.”

Cultural Notes and Movie Talk (14:44–15:25)

• Discuss going to the movies, the importance of popcorn, and the atmosphere.
• Share nostalgia and personal stories (e.g., watching Blair Witch Project as a teen).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Michelle: “To me, there's nothing better than watching something with a good twist.” (08:10)
• Lindsay: “You shouldn't even tell someone there's a twist, right? Because if you tell them... then they'll expect it.” (08:42–08:48)
• The English Adventurer: “We're teaching you real English here, guys. Very real English.” (14:29)
• Michelle: “It's the daily stuff. It's the good stuff. It's the stuff that, like, as human beings, we get sucked into... So having this in your back pocket to make that connection, that's where connection comes from, right?” (17:05)

Engaging the Audience: Spotify Poll (04:10, 15:25–16:38)

• Listeners are invited to vote: What kind of show or movie would you rather watch: Comedy, Thriller, or Rom Com?
• Clarify what a “rom com” means for ESL listeners.
  • Lindsay: “It's not a comedy, it's not a romance, it's a romantic comedy... like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” (15:56–16:19)
• Encourage participation for community connection and promise to read results in a future episode.

Segment Timestamps

• Discussing why we love twists: 04:12–05:32
• Expressions for suspense and twists: 06:06–08:29
• Cultural side talk and audience engagement: 14:44–16:38
• Role play demonstration: 13:26–14:44
• Takeaway on connection through everyday conversation: 17:04–17:25

Takeaways

• Expressing excitement about plot twists and suspense is a practical, connection-building skill in American English.
• The discussed idioms and phrases are commonly used and useful for ESL learners to make natural small talk.
• Pop culture and daily experiences—like chatting about a twisty movie—are valuable gateways to deeper social connections.

Closing thought from Michelle:
“This is the real stuff. It's the daily stuff... having this in your back pocket to make that connection, that's where connection comes from.” (17:05)

Participate in the Spotify poll and tune in to future episodes for more authentic English learning!