Podcast Episodes List

What books did you love when you were a child?

In this episode, we talk about the stories that shaped our childhoods, the books we're reading to our children now, and why some stories stay with us for a lifetime. Along the way, we discuss picture books, fantasy novels, learning to read, and what makes a book truly memorable.

What smells remind you of home, childhood, or a special memory? In this episode, Larissa and Misha talk about their favorite and least favorite smells—from lilacs, fresh-cut grass, and baking bread to manure, rain, and even gasoline. Along the way, they share nostalgic stories and discover that smell is closely connected to memory.

Two Canadian English teachers who don’t really follow sports somehow end up at world-class events in Qatar, Laos, and Canada. We share stories from Messi scoring in a match Larissa didn’t realize was a big deal, to Misha briefly managing a national rugby team. In this episode, we talk about how sports can be exciting even when you barely understand what’s going on.

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.

Misha and Larissa explore the contents of their junk drawers and discover a surprising mix of useful items, sentimental keepsakes, and actual junk. Along the way they share stories about family, teaching, travel, crafting, and everyday life while deciding what to keep, donate, recycle, or throw away.

Have you ever had an unexpected encounter with an animal? In this episode, Misha and Larissa share some of their funniest, strangest, and most unforgettable animal stories. From a bat loose in a house and a mouse hiding in a waterbed to bears, moose, geese, and a very unwelcome surprise in a skirt while traveling in India, this conversation is full of laughs, suspense, and memorable wildlife encounters.

Spring has finally arrived in Canada, and Misha and Larissa are ready to celebrate! They chat about blooming trees, birdwatching, parks full of people again, and the excitement that comes with warmer weather after a long winter. Along the way, they share a funny story about a gift Larissa once brought Misha, discuss homemade clothing, and talk about the joys and challenges of spring, from muddy parks to seasonal allergies.

How did people stay in touch before smartphones? In this episode, Misha and Larissa take a nostalgic trip through their experience of phones from childhood to adulthood, incluidng shared family landlines, phone books, and international calling cards to today's video chats and texting culture. Along the way, they share funny stories about teenage phone calls, early cell phones, and their mutual dislike of making phone calls. If you've ever let a phone ring because you didn't want to answer it, you'll probably relate!

In this episode, we talk about attending formal events in Canada and what we wear to those events. We talk about childhood graduations, high school prom, and the fancy events we have attended as adults. Larissa shares what she has learned through her children about what the youth of today think is cool to wear (the shoes might suprise you!) and Misha talks about a few items of clothing she has made herself. 

In this episode, we talk about whether or not Canadian cuisine even exists since our country is so culturally diverse. We do make a shortlist of foods we think can be labelled Canadian, including butter tarts, nanaimo bars, poutine, and Saskatoon berries. We talk about the foods we grew up eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and about the trend in the 1980s of processed foods becoming popular. 

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 talk about how we got started teaching and why we keep going.

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, Larissa once met a kangaroo in the library. Let her tell you all about it.

In this episode of Extra English Podcast, we have another natural, unscripted conversation, this time focusing on winter activities -- a class Canadian topic! We talk about skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowman building. We also talk about some cozy indoor activities and our personal favourite things to do on cold winter days. 

In this first episode, Larissa and Misha introduce themselves, share their teaching and cultural backgrounds, and explain what listeners can expect from the Extra English Podcast -- natural, real Canadian English conversations for learners.