Extra English Podcast

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 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.

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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-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.

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Join the conversation! 

Try out our app to learn and practice your English skills with Misha and Larissa!

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Email us at [email protected]

Visit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.

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Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.

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 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.

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Join the conversation! 

Try out our app to learn and practice your English skills with Misha and Larissa!

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Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.

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 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.

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Join the conversation! 

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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.

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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 conversation, seasonal vocabulary, and relatable experiences about life in Canada.

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Join the conversation! 

Try out our app to learn and practice your English skills with Misha and Larissa!

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Visit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.

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Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.

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 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.

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Join the conversation! 

Try out our app to learn and practice your English skills with Misha and Larissa!

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Visit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.

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Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.

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 certain way.

You’ll also learn useful English vocabulary like semi-formal, gala, and pantyhose, plus hear real conversations about culture, comfort, and personal style.

Whether you love dressing up or avoid it at all costs, this episode will feel very relatable.

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Join the conversation! 

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Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.

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 a mention, but beyond a few iconic dishes, things get a little… complicated.

Is Canadian food a specific cuisine, or is it a mix of everything? Come for the food nostalgia, stay for the existential culinary crisis.

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Join the conversation! 

Try out our app to learn and practice your English skills with Misha and Larissa!

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Visit our website for the transcript, vocabulary list, and extra learning resources for each episode.

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Thanks and we'll talk to you soon.

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! 

Try out our app to learn and practice your English skills with Misha and Larissa!

Find us on Instagram and Youtube. 

Email us at [email protected]

Visit 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.