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 our world.

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 below.

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

Hear You Go English language listening podcasts aim to give you, the intermediate English language learner and advanced English language learner, a space to practice your English listening so that you can think, learn, and connect in English.

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Links to go further:

Bruna’s details:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunapassoselt/

Website: https://www.brunapassos.net/

Books and authors we discussed:

1. Pedro Bandeira: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Bandeira

2. The Joys of Motherhood, by Buchi Emecheta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joys_of_Motherhood

3. Jhumpa Lahiri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhumpa_Lahiri

Her books:

• The Interpreter of Maladies (1999)

• The Namesake (2003)

• Unaccustomed Earth (2008)

• The Lowlands (2013)

• Dove mi trovo (2018)

• Roman Stories (2023)

4. Isabel Allende, author of countless novels worth reading: https://www.isabelallende.com/en

• House of Spirits (1995)

5. Forbidden Notebook, Alba de Céspedes

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For your advanced English listening practice, we're blasting off to where everyone had a translator thingamajig on their t-shirt and could talk to any alien out there in the galaxy 🤣.

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, a subject to honor this month's 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 English listening practice episode reflects on human ambition, scientific progress, and our responsibility to protect Earth. Join me on this journey beyond the stars! 🌠

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

🔊 Listen now and test your listening in this advanced English language podcast 🎧

Hear You Go English language listening podcasts aim to give you, the intermediate English language learner and advanced English language learner, a space to practice your English listening so that you can think, learn, and connect in English.

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Do you get my newsletter? It’s really the best way to hear from me and access the transcript.

You can also follow me on Instagram.

🎶 Amos the Transparent provides my theme song. They're an awesome group of talented musicians. Give them some love and check out their music.

Please share the podcast and spread the knowledge!

In this English language listening practice episode (E65), I talk to English language teacher Eidiane Rufino , who shares her experiences as a 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 like her 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.

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

🔊 Listen now and enjoy!

Hear You Go English language listening podcasts aim to give you, the intermediate English language learner and advanced English language learner, a space to practice your English listening so that you can think, learn, and connect in English.

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Check out my website.

Thanks as always to Amos the Transparent for the theme music.