Extra English Podcast

Extra English Podcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Language Learning

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. 

  1. 1d ago

    Growing Up in Small Town Ontario (Measured in Tim Hortons)

    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. 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 Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    18 min

  2. Jun 25

    Learning Music in Canada: School Bands, Piano Lessons, and a Surprise Harp

    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 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 Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    26 min

  3. Jun 18

    The Books We Read as Kids and Those We Read to Our Kids

    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'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 Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    22 min

  4. Jun 11

    What's That Smell?

    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. Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    19 min

  5. Jun 4

    Two Non-Sporty People Talk Sports

    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. Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    21 min

  6. May 28

    Woodworking: Making Things and Making Mistakes

    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. Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    26 min

  7. May 21

    The Junk Drawer Episode: All the Random Things We Keep in a Kitchen Drawer

    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. Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    31 min

  8. May 14

    Things with Wings, Teeth, and Too Many Legs

    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. Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation!  Find us on Instagram and Youtube.  Email us at extraenglishpractice@gmail.com 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.

    27 min
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Extra English Podcast
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Extra English Podcast
  • Show Website
    Extra English Podcast

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