All Ears English Podcast

Episode: "AEE: The Many Ways to Have a Moment in English"

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: December 19, 2025

Overview

This episode centers on the multifaceted English expression "to have a moment." Lindsay and Michelle explore its different meanings, real-world applications, and provide listeners with lively, relatable examples. The conversation weaves in pop culture, personal stories, and practical advice—making it both educational and entertaining for intermediate to advanced English learners. The tone is warm, humorous, and conversational, with an emphasis on connection, not perfection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "Having a Moment": Spotlight and Trends

• Definition: Refers to something or someone getting a lot of attention, being trendy or in the cultural spotlight.
• Examples:
  • Taylor Swift: “Taylor Swift is having a moment… for the last like 10 years.” – Lindsay (02:45)
  • Weighted Vests: With more women focusing on strength training, “weighted vests are having a moment.” – Lindsay (03:22)
  • Ozempic: "That's having a moment. Absolutely. I mean, it's everywhere." – Lindsay (04:21)
  • Fanny Packs: Once mocked but now stylish again. “They’re having a moment again.” – Lindsay (05:21)
  • Fidget Spinners, Beanie Babies, Adult Coloring Books as examples of past trends.

Memorable Quote

“It's not just that people are participating in it. People are also making commentary on it… People are doing the thing, talking about the thing, and making content about the thing.”
— Lindsay (05:21)

• [02:45 - 06:45] – Spotlight usage, pop culture references, why trends peak, and how “having a moment” denotes an item’s or person’s explosion in popularity.

2. "Having a Moment": Emotional or Personal Connection

• Definition: Describes a special or connecting instance between people, sometimes romantic, sometimes not.
• Examples:
  • Children bonding: "Don't disturb the kids, they're having a moment. I can't believe they're getting along." – Michelle (08:52)
  • Couples: “The bride and groom were having a moment at their table and we didn’t want to interfere.” – Lindsay (10:22)
  • Can be sweet or just unusually peaceful, especially with siblings or kids.

Memorable Moment

Michelle’s real-life story about letting her kids just wrestle and get along:

"I just sat there with this glazed look on my face... I can say they're having a moment. As long as they're not, you know, fighting... I'll take it!"
– Michelle (09:14)

• [08:32 - 10:45] – Usage in family, romantic, and casual settings.

3. "Having a Moment": Experiencing Strong (Usually Sentimental) Emotions

• Definition: Feeling overcome with emotion, due to nostalgia, happiness, or being “in your feels.”
• Examples:
  • "Oh, I'm having a moment. These pictures really bring me back." – Michelle (12:30)
  • “Don’t talk now. This is my song. I’m having a moment.” – Lindsay (12:56)
  • Stories about songs that trigger strong memories:
    • Gavin DeGraw’s "Chariot": “That brings me back to just this happy moment I had driving in my car with the windows down.” – Michelle (14:00)
    • Jason Mraz and Christmas with her son: “I was having a moment!” – Michelle (14:30)

Notable Exchange

“Every single one of our listeners… has a song, and it evokes a moment. And now you guys have the language to explain…”
— Lindsay (14:52)

• [12:22 - 15:19] – Personal anecdotes and the emotional power of music and memories.

4. "Having a Moment": Being Flustered or Acting Unusually

• Definition: Feeling stressed, momentarily overwhelmed, or not acting yourself.
• Examples:
  • “Sorry, I’m having a moment. I can’t find my keys anywhere and I’m freaking out.” – Michelle (15:23)
  • “Sometimes we create our own storms of emotion.” – Lindsay (16:06)
  • Used to gently acknowledge someone else’s frazzled state: “Okay, you’re having a moment.”

Memorable Quote

"It’s not always necessarily a good thing. You just need to pay attention to the context, the tone of voice, the vocabulary."
— Lindsay (15:47)

• [15:23 - 16:52] – How context changes the vibe of the phrase.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:45] Taylor Swift & pop culture trends
• [03:22] Exercise equipment and wellness trends
• [05:21] Social media & commentary driving "moments"
• [07:22] Explaining fidget spinners & past trends
• [08:52] Family/relationship "moments"
• [10:21] Romantic or wedding "moments"
• [12:30] Sentimental/personal emotions ("having a moment" alone)
• [14:00] Story: How songs trigger emotional moments
• [15:23] Stress, frustration: "having a moment" as being frazzled
• [18:09] Role play: Observing friends connecting, “having a moment”
• [19:26] Role play: Colleagues spotting a workplace trend

Role Plays & Practical Takeaways

Role Play Examples

• Setting up friends at a party:

  • “Oh my gosh, they’re talking. I’m having a moment.” (18:15)
  • “It looks like they’re having a real moment.” (18:22)

• Discussing work trends:

  • “All of a sudden, they’re having a moment. Now, this is definitely the trend.” (19:26)

Review of 4 Usages ([16:08])

1. Spotlight/Trend: “Weighted vests, fidget spinners, Taylor Swift, Wicked.”
2. Connection: Sibling, friends, or romantic moments.
3. Emotion: Experiencing nostalgia, sadness, or happiness.
4. Flustered: Feeling overwhelmed or scattered.

Practical Advice

• Choose the right context.
• Rely on tone, vocabulary, and situation to clarify meaning.
• Great for building connection: “Anytime we observe an emotional phenomenon…that’s connection right there.” – Lindsay (20:01)

Notable Quotes

• On trends:
  “I like to observe society and trends…like slap bracelets had a moment back in the 90s…But why did that go away?” – Lindsay (17:02)
• On connection:
  “If you make these observations, you articulate what’s going on in your mind, what you’re seeing in the world, that brings you closer to the person next to you.” – Lindsay (20:42)
• Summing up:
  “This is just a great way to comment on society, what’s going on, the trends…” – Michelle (17:23)

Final Thoughts

Lindsay and Michelle encourage listeners to notice trends and emotional moments around them—and to use “having a moment” to spark authentic connection. The episode ends with a friendly, upbeat note:

“Observe life… articulate what’s going on… that brings you closer to the person next to you.” – Lindsay (20:42)

Listeners are urged to try using these variations of the phrase in real conversations, boosting both their language skills and ability to connect with others.

Next Episode Recommendation:
Go listen to episode 25:22, “What to say when you lose your train of thought.” – Lindsay (20:29)