Podcast
Extra English Podcast
Hosted by Extra English Podcast · EN
Made by two Canadian English teachers for English language learners, join Misha and Larissa as they discuss daily life, life in Canada, and anything else that might come up!
We are two native English speakers having relaxed, unscripted conversations — the kind you might overhear between friends. It’s not a lesson, and we’re not here to speak slowly or perfectly. We’re here to help you get comfortable with real English.
Along the way, you’ll hear natural vocabulary, common expressions, and the rhythm of everyday speech.
New episodes every week.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Growing Up in Small Town Ontario (Measured in Tim Hortons)
Yesterday00:17:51Tap to summarizeWhat 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.Misha tells the story of a strange encounter with two police officers who somehow knew her name without having to ask. Larissa remembers the time her dad was late to pick her little sister up from school, so the principal simply drove her home. We also talk about Block Parents, knowing your neighbours, and why so many kids spent their days outside until the streetlights came on.Of course, small-town life wasn't perfect. We discuss some of the downsides too, including the lack of diversity and the fact that you lose touch with peers when everyone moves away.Whether you grew up in a small town or are just curious about this part of Canadian culture, this episode offers a fun glimpse into everyday life in Ontario—complete with a healthy dose of nostalgia and a few surprising stories.🎧 Perfect for English learners who want to learn natural Canadian English while exploring Canadian culture.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →Learning Music in Canada: School Bands, Piano Lessons, and a Surprise Harp
1w ago00:25:51Tap to summarizeHave 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 muscle memory long after you've stopped practicing.You'll also hear about a bird that got trapped inside a piano, a son who seems determined to learn every instrument in existence, and the unforgettable time a border guard asked for a harp performance during a vehicle inspection.This episode is full of natural English conversation, personal stories, and useful vocabulary related to music, learning, and hobbies.What instruments have you played? Let us know in the comments!Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →The Books We Read as Kids and Those We Read to Our Kids
2w ago00:21:46Tap to summarizeA 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's books can be useful for adult learners. Whether you're a parent, a book lover, or an English learner looking for reading inspiration, we think you'll enjoy this conversation. Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →What's That Smell?
3w ago00:18:51Tap to summarizeWhich 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 were young. Along the way, we compare opinions, share funny stories, and confirm that yes, cold weather actually has a smell, although we can't exactly describe it. This episode is full of natural conversation, useful vocabulary, and plenty of opportunities to think about the smells that have shaped your own memories.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →Two Non-Sporty People Talk Sports
4w ago00:21:19Tap to summarizeAre 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-scenes look at competitive sports.Along the way, we discuss sports culture, international events, team spirit, and why sports are such an important part of life for many people around the world.Laugh with us at ourselves as we discuss a topic we actually know very little about! We might not be able to teach anyone anything about sports, but this episode is great for English learners who want to improve their listening skills while hearing some vocabulary related to sports, competition, and international events.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →Woodworking: Making Things and Making Mistakes
May 2800:26:29Tap to summarizeIn 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 episode is all about learning through doing and learning (or not) from our mistakes.If you enjoy simple English, real-life stories, and a bit of humour, this episode is for you. It’s not about perfect results; it’s about trying, learning, and improving.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →The Junk Drawer Episode: All the Random Things We Keep in a Kitchen Drawer
May 2100:31:22Tap to summarizeWhat 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 many pieces of string to strange gadgets and things even we don't recognize, you’ll hear plenty of natural English conversation, humour, and everyday vocabulary.Along the way, we also talk about mosquito bites, practical jokes, childhood memories, and the surprising objects we just can’t throw away.As always, this episode is for English learners who want to improve their listening with relaxed, real conversations between native Canadian speakers.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →Things with Wings, Teeth, and Too Many Legs
May 1400:26:51Tap to summarizeIn 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.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →After the Long Winter: Spring in Canada
May 700:25:51Tap to summarizeSpring 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 conversation, seasonal vocabulary, and relatable experiences about life in Canada.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
Transcribe →(Don't) Call Me!
Apr 3000:25:54Tap to summarizeIn 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 to hear natural, everyday conversation about a very relatable topic.You’ll hear simple, clear English in a relaxed conversation, vocabulary related to phone calls and texting, and some personal stories and opinions about phone culture. If you’ve ever ignored a call and thought, “I’ll just text them later,” this episode is for you.Send us Fan MailJoin the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Youtube. Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.comVisit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.Support us by leaving a rating and review!Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.
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