Let’s call it what it is: the word ‘expat’ is often just a softer label for privilege.

In this episode, we dig into the uncomfortable truth about how people with wealth, whiteness, and status are given one title, while others — arriving under nearly identical circumstances — are labeled ‘immigrants’, and carry the negative weight that word holds.

Love and marriage. Love and divorce. Separation can be painful as much as it can be healing. Join us as we take a cultural tour around the world exploring how different cultures view and handle divorce, highlighting how patriarchy, regardless of country, universally impacts women's experiences. 

Did you know Japanese shows like 'Grenadier' and 'Captain Majid' were not only popular through Asia but the Arab world as well? How? Why? How is it that cultures unlike each other found each other? And why didn't western cartoons land the same way?

A person holds the door open. You're thankful. What a nice gesture, a kind favour! For some, this gesture would merit a simple 'thank you' as you go on your way. But for others, this might be an opportunity to stand and talk with this friendly door opener and learn more about them. Welcome to a cultural tour of how favours are perceived and reciprocated across the globe.

He's called Canada the "nastiest country to deal with" and the "51st state". Trump's rhetoric is alarming - threats of annexation and assimilation by force. But if we are really honest, these threats are as old as Canada itself.

Black Canadian farmers are doing more than just growing food - they're creating culturally relevant foods that are local and sustainable for Afro-Carribbean communities. Innovation is the spirit of immigrants and we're excited to highlight the inspiring work of a Nigerian-born farmer Toyin Ajayi of British Columbia and explore the positive impact Black Canadian farmers are making.

“DEI is woke.” “It silences free speech.” “It’s Marxism in disguise.”  

We’ve all heard the backlash, but how much of it is based on facts? The debate around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been clouded by misinformation and fear-mongering. In this episode of Canadian Salad, we cut through the noise with Matt Tsang, co-founder and brand director at AndHumanity Marketing.  

Refugees are forced to pay for Canada's decisions. The recent immigration cuts also brought forward heavy-handed cuts to refugee applications and visitor visas. We won't deny that there are organizations within Canada committing fraud. But punishing people for other's terrible decisions isn't working - it's present day human collateral.

Black History Month. If we are honest, this month only exists because Black history has been all but untold in Canada. In this compelling episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hostion are joined by two remarkable women, Cleia and Asiyah, to dive deep into their personal experiences as Black women in Canada.

What is it to be host? To welcome someone? Someone with a different background, culture, tradition, language and perspective? What would hospitality look like with a complete stranger? Can Canada reclaim it’s hospitality culture to immigrants and people from other cultures?

 I don't know about you, but the news in the world is overwhelming, scary and uncertain. With Trump's inhumane deportations in the south to the anti-immigrant rhetoric in Canada, there's only so much negative news that we can listen to. 

That's why it's time for some good news! In this engaging and uplifting and solo episode, Andrea will explore the remarkable journeys of immigrants in Canada who are carving out their new lives with resilience, determination and creativity.

From grey hairs to raisins, join us as we explore the culture of aging! We'll share personal anecdotes—like Hostion's eternal youthfulness and Andrea's grey hair pride —while we explore the complex layers behind ageism and respect for elders around the globe.

Universities are losing money. Some are closing. With IRCC rolling the dice in their cuts to international students, the impact has only just begun. Because Hostion and I came to Canada as international students, we feel the weight of this topic deeply  and that's why we have to talk about it.

"I'm rich and I can speak two languages" can often get the resounding "Wow!" Or the flattering "Impressive!" But when it comes to people from lower classes or those from the global majority, bilingualism is often looked down on - especially in our Western world. What is it about elevating the languages of the rich and judging the languages of the poor?

Trudeau's resignation as Prime Minister has the political world buzzing with hot takes on the economy, election forecasts, and who’s next to wear Canada’s crown of responsibility. But let’s cut through the noise: mainstream media won’t touch the real cost of this transition—what it means for those locked out of power, privilege, and prestige.

You love their hotdogs, love their prices and you'll love them even more! Costco! The big warehouse chain that we all know is under scrutiny for responding to conservative think tanks who think DEI policies will lose them money. We applaud Costco's response so far and here's why. 

It's the last episode of 2024 and we cannot end the year without a look back at the laughs, the tears, the funny moments and the inspirational stories that graced Canadian Salad! From stories of being in love, to parenting, to the impact of fried chicken and racism, our podcast saw immense growth and immense impact to both us and to those who listened.

The Al-Assad regime has fallen. Syrians around the world celebrated in the streets while Syrians inside Syria reunited with family members once thought to have passed away. Before the regime fell, however, many Syrians fled from the cruelty and violence. How does a person live through unimaginable circumstances and still rise above with advocacy and efforts to liberate not just themselves but others as well?

Popular! The new 'Wicked' film is out in theatres and we are giving our full blown amazing analysis of the realities of the gravity we all face in our Western world. Join us as we explore themes of outcasts and resilience, reflecting on how Elphaba's journey mirrors real experiences of marginalized groups. The systems that tiny men have created are but illusions and at some point we have to rise above the weight and defy the systems that weigh us down.

In May of this year, KFC announced the release of Halal chicken at majority of their restaurants across Ontario. As the year went on, what seemed like inclusion only led to exclusion - and the eventual downfall of any inclusive efforts originally made. What went wrong?