Obasan and the Silence of History (E70)

In this episode of Hear You Go, we honour Asian Heritage Month in Canada by exploring the groundbreaking novel Obasan by Joy Kogawa—a powerful and emotional story that reveals the experiences of Japanese Canadians during and after WWII.

In this two-part episode, we:

• examine the historical context of Japanese immigration to Canada and the discrimination they faced, then
• turn to the novel itself—its emotional resonance, narrative structure, and the legacy it preserves.

Through reflection and storytelling, this episode asks: what happens when a nation forgets? And what power lies in remembering?

With clear explanations and rich vocabulary, this episode builds your listening skills while deepening your understanding of a difficult but important part of history.

As always, we’ll note some useful intermediate/advanced language (B1/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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Phrasal verbs: the ultimate headache for English learners—or are they?

In this episode, I talk with Nathaly Rodriguez, an English language teacher and self-proclaimed "language detective," to uncover the secrets behind these tricky verb + particle combinations.

Nathaly shares her personal journey with English, from struggling with phrasal verbs as an instructor to discovering a cognitive linguistics approach that finally made them click. We explore how understanding the core meaning of particles—like down in burn down or off in take off—can make phrasal verbs feel more intuitive and even easier to remember.

Along the way, we discuss how phrasal verbs are incredibly flexible (peopled out?) and why they’re actually shortcuts in conversation rather than obstacles.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by phrasal verbs, this episode is for you. By the end, you might even start to light up when you hear them 😂 !

🎯 Where to find Nathaly:

Follow her on Instagram @nathalyclassroom for daily insights on phrasal verbs and more! Plus, check out her course Light Up: Phrasal Verbs Demystified to master these tricky verbs with confidence.

You can also find her on YouTube.

📌 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and let me know—what's your favorite (or most frustrating) phrasal verb?

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. Transcripts are included in the newsletter.

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.

Graduation is a milestone that marks both an ending and a beginning—not just for our children, but for us as parents too. As my youngest prepares to finish university, I find myself reflecting on the bittersweet reality of watching our kids step into their own lives.

In this episode of Hear You Go, I explore:

• the process of letting go
• the evolving parent-child relationship in adulthood, and
• how to embrace this new chapter as an empty-nester

I share personal reflections, wisdom from essays that have stayed with me, and even some advice from former President Obama on what it means when our kids leave home.

Whether your children are still little, about to launch, or already making their way in the world, this episode is for every parent navigating the ever-changing journey of love, pride, and, yes, a few tears. Grab a tissue, and let’s talk about what comes next.

As always, we’ll note some useful intermediate/advanced language (B1 to C2 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.

*********************************

📥 Do you get my newsletter? It’s really the best way to hear from me. Transcripts are included in the newsletter.

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!