In this episode of Hear You Go (E67), I sit down with the exceptional Brazilian English teacher Bruna Passos for a conversation that started with a book and led us to so many interesting places.

We talk about the power of fiction—not just for enjoyment but for expanding our perspectives, building empathy, and even challenging the status quo. Bruna shares how literature has transported her to different times and places, expanding her understanding of language and culture.

We also dive into the question of reading in a second language—why do so many people lean toward "practical" texts instead of fiction? We chat about how to balance reading for pleasure with language learning. Along the way, we geek out over Jhumpa Lahiri, book clubs, and why reading reviews can be just as eye-opening as the books themselves.

If you love reading, teaching, or simply the magic of language, this conversation is for you.

We wrap up the convo with Bruna letting us in on what she’s reading now and sharing where you can find her online (pro tip: if you DM her, bring book recommendations!).

All book titles and links to Bruna’s work are in the show notes.

🎧 Tune in for an unscripted, heartfelt discussion on learning, exploring, and the books that shape us.

🎙️👩🏻‍🚀 🌍 Episode 66: Beam Me Up Scotty ✨ – A Book Talk on Orbital 🚀📖

As a child, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut, exploring the final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise. While my math grades grounded that dream, my fascination with space never waned. In this episode of Hear You Go, I dive into Orbital, the 2024 Booker Prize-winning novel by Samantha Harvey, a breathtaking story set aboard the International Space Station. 

We’ll also shine some starlight on:
👩‍🚀 The legacy of Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut, in honor of International Women’s Day
🌏 And ponder the question: can we ever achieve the utopian future envisioned in Star Trek?

From the Challenger disaster to the wonders of spaceflight, this episode reflects on human ambition, scientific progress, and our responsibility to protect Earth. Join me on this journey beyond the stars! 🌠

🎙️ 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.