Extra English Podcast

What does it feel like to leave the place where you grew up and start over somewhere completely different? In this episode, we look back on our first experiences living in big cities after growing up in small towns. We talk about the excitement, the surprises, the challenges, and the lessons we learned along the way. Misha shares the intimidating experiences she had in her first month in Montreal...

What makes a town "small"? We have a very Canadian answer: the number of Tim Hortons. One or none? That's a small town, just like the ones we grew up in. In this episode, we look back at what it was like growing up in small-town Ontario in the 80s and 90s. We share stories about the freedom kids had, the sense of community, and the moments that would probably never happen today. Mis...

Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? In this episode, Misha and Larissa talk about their musical journeys, from childhood piano lessons and middle-school music classes to guitars, flutes, cellos, and even a Celtic harp. Along the way, they share stories about school bands, learning to read music, borrowing instruments from the library, and the surprising things that stay in your mus...

A children's book can make you laugh, spark your imagination, or even bring you to tears years later. In this episode, we talk about the books we loved growing up, the stories we've read to our own children, and why picture books aren't just for kids. We mention some loved books by Canadian authors, both classic and modern. We also explore how children learn to read and how children...

Which smells instantly take us back in time? In this episode, we explore the world of smells, including the ones we love, the ones we dislike, and the ones that bring back powerful memories. We discuss smells from nature, food smells, nostalgic smells and even weather smells.  We discuss how certain smells are so nostalgic, like scratch-and-sniff stickers and the lotions our mothers used when we w...

Are you a sports fan, or are you like us and almost completely clueless? Either way, you might enjoy these stories of our clueless experiences with professional sports! In this episode, Larissa shares what it was like to attend world-class sporting events in Qatar, including seeing some world-famous players! Misha tells the story of briefly managing a national rugby team and getting a behind-the-s...

In this episode, we talk about our attempts at woodworking, with projects that didn’t always go as planned. Some things worked out really well, and others… not so much. We share a mix of small successes, predictable failures, and the lessons we learned along the way. From Larissa's bent saw blades and Misha's cracked desk top to a bountiful garden box and beautiful maple dresser, this ep...

What strange things are hiding in our junk drawers? And what even is a junk drawer?  In this episode, we explore the contents of our junk drawers, which are a staple in most Canadian kitchens. It's the drawer that collects all the things we don't know where to put. We talk about the random, useful, sentimental, and completely mysterious things we keep there. From bottle openers and too m...

In this episode, we talk about unexpected encounters with creatures of all kinds, from tiny mice to giant snakes. We share stories about a mouse in the house, a bear in the yard, a bat in the kitchen, and the strange mix of fear, fascination, and comedy that comes from surprise meetings with wildlife. Perfect for English learners who enjoy natural conversation, storytelling, and a little chaos. Se...

Spring in Canada feels like a reward after months of winter, and in this episode, we talk all about it! From blossoming trees and spring flowers to muddy parks, allergies, and the unpredictable weather, we share what this season is really like in Canada. We also talk about why spring feels so important after a long Canadian winter. If you’re learning English, this episode is full of natural conver...

In this episode, we talk about something many people love… and many people don’t : talking on the phone. From old landlines to modern smartphones, we share our experiences with phone calls and why we both usually prefer texting instead. We also talk about when phone calls are still useful, and how phone habits have changed over time in Canada. This episode is perfect for English learners who want...

What counts as a “formal event” in Canada, and do you really have to dress up? In this episode, we share stories from our first formal experiences (hello, grade 5 graduation!) to high school dances, proms, galas, and a few international events. Along the way, we talk about how fashion expectations have changed—like wearing sneakers with formal outfits—and the pressure (or freedom) to dress a certa...

In this episode, we tackle a deceptively simple question: Does Canadian food even exist? Canada is known for its diversity, but what does that actually mean for the food we eat every day? We talk about the meals we grew up with, from breakfast to dinner, and realize just how hard it is to define something as “typically Canadian.” Of course, we don't skip the classics — poutine certainly gets...

Teaching is a lot of things, but for us, it's never boring.  In this episode, we talk about why we genuinely love what we do -- from the relationships we build with students, to the constant learning, to the unexpected moments that make us laugh.  We have, in our opinion, the best job. Let us tell you why.  Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube .  Email us...

In this episode, we’re talking about one of our favorite places: the library. 📚  We share why we love libraries, how they can be an amazing community resource, and all the surprising things you can borrow (it’s not just books!). We also talk about how libraries can be a welcoming space for everyone—whether you’re new to a country, looking for connection, or just need a quiet place to be. And yes,...

What do people actually do in winter in Canada?  In this episode of Extra English Podcast, we have another natural, unscripted conversation, this time focusing on winter activities -- a class Canadian topic! If you are learning English, listening to our podcast is a great way to hear how native English speakers talk about real life, using natural vocabulary, expressions and connected speech. This...

Welcome to Episode 1 of Extra English Podcast! In this first episode, we introduce ourselves by telling you a little bit about our teaching careers, cultural backgrounds, and reasons for starting this podcast.  This podcast is designed for English language learners who want to hear natural English conversation. You can learn new expressions and vocabulary while improving your listening skills.  Se...