🎙️ In this English language listening practice episode (E65), I talk to English language teacher Eidiane Rufino who shares her experiences as an English teacher from Brazil, now living in Canada.

Eidiane opens up about how she went from hating English to seeing it as a key to opening up a whole new world. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher, and today, she can clearly see her strengths as a non-native teacher, and what she and others can offer learners. She explains the pluses of having firsthand experience learning the language, including the capacity to break down complex language structures, a skill that strengthens her ability to relate to students and be an essential bridge for learners.

Our intermediate/advanced English conversation then shifts to Eidiane's move to Canada, the challenges she faced, and the advice she has for others considering a similar move. She emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and planning ahead. She also discusses the cultural and social differences between Canada and Brazil. Despite some difficulties, she expresses no regrets about her decision and encourages others to remain patient and adaptable as they navigate life in a new country.

🔊 Listen now and enjoy!

🎙️ Ideas in English/Episode 64: The Politics and Fashion of Hats 🎩🧢

Ontario’s premier has a new baseball cap that makes a bold political statement—but it got me thinking about hats in general. When did they go out of fashion? Why were they once essential, and why do they still hold power today?

In this Ideas in English listening practice (intermediate and advanced B2/C1 level) episode of Hear You Go, we’ll explore:
✔️ The history of hats—from climate necessity to religious and military significance
✔️ The rise and fall of hats as fashion accessories
✔️ Why some hats are embraced while others are banned
✔️ How headwear became a battleground for personal expression and politics

From ancient Egypt to Milanese milliners, from the royal horse races to baseball caps with slogans—hats tell a bigger story than we might think. So, what does your hat say about you?

As always, we’ll note some useful advanced English (B2/C1 Intermediate & Advanced English) along the way.

🔊 Listen now and let’s talk headwear, identity, and freedom of expression.

The Great Passage: Lexicographers at Work  | Book Talk (E63)

How would you describe a dictionary?

Have you ever thought about how dictionaries are made? Or who decides what goes in them? 

This week on Hear You Go, in an English listening practice Book Talk, episode 63, I’m diving into these questions, inspired by the Japanese novel I recently read called The Great Passage by Shion Miura. It’s a beautiful story about a quirky group of people working to create the ultimate dictionary—and it got me wondering about a slew of things, including this: are dictionaries still useful in the age of AI?

I’ll share a summary of the book, share what I learned about how dictionaries are made (past and present) and how they’ve evolved, and we’ll explore what makes a good one. As always, we’ll note some useful advanced English (B2/C1 Intermediate & Advanced English) along the way and get some English listening practice too. 

Ready to go down this rabbit hole with me? Let’s set sail on The Great Passage!

Wellness Fatigue: Is Being ‘Well’ Wearing Us Out? | English Listening Practice (E62)

Try saying that title out loud 3 times fast! Let’s kick off the year with an English pronunciation challenge 😂, and then take a deep dive into wellness—a word that might have you (like me) rolling your eyes, or perhaps you’re reaching for a $30 melatonin-infused chocolate. From Goop-y trends to Instagram "healthfluencers," we’re tackling the exhausting pursuit of being well in episode 62 of Hear You Go.

For today’s English listening practice (B2/C1 Intermediate & Advanced English), we’ll explore the tangled web of wellness and self-care: their rise to buzzword status, the trillion-dollar industry cashing in on our insecurities, and why it all feels so impossible (and expensive). Spoiler: it’s not just you who feels exhausted by the need to be “well”.

Practice your English listening skills, and learn about:

What real self-care looks like (hint: it’s not in a bottle or a spa)

How to set boundaries, prioritize your values, and ditch the guilt—good advice for language learning too!

Why wellness isn’t just personal—it’s also about community and systemic change

Oh, and don’t miss the linguistic nuggets of advanced English sprinkled throughout! Ready to redefine your year on your terms? Let’s do this. 🧘‍♀️✨