Episode 12: My Culture In Their Cubicle
Workplace anxiety is the number one stressor for immigrants integrating into Canada. And make no mistake, we know why - unspoken expectations, subtle nuances and navigating work place culture. How do you bring your authentic self to the workplace? Is professionalism cultural? What's the difference between cultural values and cultural identities?
Episode 11: In The Face Of A Bully
On November 5th, Donald J. Trump was re-elected to the presidential seat for the United States. His platform is built on the dehumanization of immigrants and promises to deport masses of people, is no joke. We know he lies, but when he spouts out racism and hate, we know he is serious about following through.
Episode 10: No, Trudeau, This Won’t Work
Like sticking a band-aid on a broken bone, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slapped a large band-aid on a broken issue. On October 24th, Trudeau cut Canada immigration levels by 20%. Does this have anything to do with the increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric coming from Canadian racism and the “Reclaiming Canada” movement? Yes. And it was the wrong move.
Episode 9: Culture of Spooks and Spirits
Join us for a spine-chilling journey through Halloween's thrilling lore and global ghostly festivities! Kick off with a dive into chilling tales like China's 'Ghost Month,' and Mexico's vibrant Dia de los Muertos. We'll unravel how fear shapes superstitions from graveyards to boogeymen.
Episode 8: The Accent That Saved Me
We all have accents, whether we realize it or not. And in Canada, those who come from outside the borders often are penalized and judged for the sound of their voice. Who we are can often get lost. But what if who we are saves us and keeps us pressing forward, empowering us to be proud and loud of a voice that is our own?
That’s what happened with our first guest of season two, Gurasis Singh - immigrant to Canada and founder of the ‘My Thick Accent’ podcast.
Episode 7: Culture of Feasting
Feasting! The Food, the family and the . . . hierarchy!? Say What? In this post-Thanksgiving episode, we will unpack the culture of feasting and how historically to present day, feasting has always been a universal means of identity, social belonging and cultural expression. Feasts transcend beyond eating a meal inviting us to realize that they reinforce community bonds, hierarchy, tradition, and even political power.
Episode 6: I Stand With the World
October 7, 2023. It’s a date everyone will remember. A story no one will forget. And with a year of harrowing genocide in the aftermath, we are left feeling angry, traumatized and filled with grief. While the Western narratives of a single sided story prevail, we recognize that there are global voices championing peace and justice for Palestine.
Episode 5: A Vote - Tober Special
It's October and it's time to vote!! Starting in the Province of BC, Canadian Provincial elections are among us. And it is not without surprise that we are pro-voting!
What is the engagement at the polls for New Canadian voters? And what even are the political parties? Is the Green Party only about climate change? Which party reflects the majority of Canadians? What demographic of people do Conservatives want to provide tax cuts for? And can the Liberal Party keep their promises?
Episode 4: Indigenous Allyship - An Immigrant’s Right, Responsibility and Privilege
In a recent study, more than 50% of immigrants surveyed that they have little to some knowledge of the Canada's truth of the genocide and assimilation of Indigenous Peoples. As immigrants to Canada, we come with immense privileges in accessing community resources and government supports. But a big part is missing when we are not taught the truth and the reality that the Original People experienced and continue to experience in Canada. Becoming 'Canadian' is becoming an ally to Indigenous people.
Episode 3: Pathway to Permanent Rejection
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently established a new policy for international students wherein their post-graduate work permits will not be renewed starting in 2024. Students who have created communities, established jobs and started families will need to return to their countries of origin. The impact will be devastating in this ecosystem we call 'Canada'.
Episode 2: Canada’s Global Citizens - Third Culture Kids
Let's say your father is from Mexico. Your Mother is from Jamaica and you are raised in Scotland. You move to Canada to settle and make roots. But what do you root to? Your father's heritage? Your mother's? What about your Scottish upbringing? This is a Third Culture Kid.
Episode 1: Defining Us
How do you define yourself? Is it based on where you originated from? Your ancestors? Your race? In a colonial system, why must we have to defend who we are? Isn’t how we self-identify enough?