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?  

In a world where the clangor of discord and strife frequently rises above the whispers of hope, navigating the currents of human connection and inherent goodness can often feel like walking a tightrope. Our latest episode, "Appealing to the Good," takes an introspective dive into these themes, examining how to balance the abundant and justified frustrations of the world with the unyielding efforts to recognize and amplify the good.

Meet Bray. A 34-year-old gay black man who was adopted and raised by white parents. Questions of identity and navigating micro aggressions when others around you don’t is but a fraction of Bray’s experience navigating his identity in a white world. Social constructs of what is ‘Black’ or what is ‘White’ all come into question. How do you navigate social expectations and take pride in who you are when most don’t relate to your experiences?

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?

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.

Like sticking a band-aid on a broken bone, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slapped a large band-aid on a broken issue. On October 24^th, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.