My Thick Accent

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What happens when you ask immigrants to describe Canada in just one word? Their responses paint a nuanced portrait of the immigrant experience that goes far beyond simple stereotypes or political talking points.

"Opportunity" rings out as the most common descriptor, with newcomers seeing Canada as a land where personal reinvention isn't just possible but enc...

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What would you tell your 16-year-old self? "Break some rules." And your 60-year-old future self? "It's all okay." These profound bookends of wisdom frame our fascinating "Beneath the Accent" segment, where we dive beneath surface conversations to discover the rich complexities of cultural identity and personal philosophy.

Our guest opens ...

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Have you ever considered that the stories in your mind might not be your own? That they could be parasites competing for space in your brain? This fascinating idea comes from Rafael, a Brazilian who's been living in Canada for the past year and a half, as he sits down with us for a raw and thought-provoking conversation.

Rafael takes us on a journey through his experi...

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What would you tell your 18-year-old self? 

For Dr. Siddiqui, the answer comes without hesitation: "Believe in yourself, your intuition, and your passion." This wisdom forms just one thread of the rich tapestry woven throughout our conversation with a physician whose life journey spans three continents and countless cultural transitions.

The "Beneath the Acce...

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Moving to a new country brings opportunities for personal growth through embracing new cultures and shedding aspects of upbringing that no longer serve you. Hard skills may get you a job, but soft skills like teamwork and communication keep you employed in Canadian workplaces.

• Unlearning and relearning are essential parts of adapting to life in a new country
• Conseq...

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What happens when podcast roles reverse and the host becomes the subject of questions? Our newest segment "Know Your Host" creates an intimate space where guests get to ask whatever they're curious about – and the results are surprisingly profound.

The first question cuts straight to emotional vulnerability: "When was the last time you cried?" This...

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Ever wonder what happens beneath the surface of an immigrant's journey? Our latest conversation pulls back the curtain on the unspoken realities of building a new life in Canada.

Take a seat at our table as we explore those quintessential immigrant moments that shape identity from the confusion when "vegetarian" suddenly has a whole new meaning (no, fish is ...

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Hamza joins us as the guest in this role-reversed conversation about how creative pursuits like podcasting help us reclaim lost parts of ourselves and overcome social barriers.

• Host shares how the podcast helped regain the spark lost during challenging early immigrant years in Canada
• Creating the podcast provided a platform to showcase authentic personality that wa...

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Jyoti Grewal shares her powerful journey from surviving the 1984 Sikh Genocide as a five-year-old child to building a life of resilience and healing in Canada. Her story reveals how she navigated cultural expectations, patriarchal norms, and personal trauma to create a different path for herself and her daughters.

• Witnessing her father's death during the 1984 Sikh G...

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What happens when cultural norms collide in a new country? In this insightful episode, Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui shares his powerful immigration journey from Saudi Arabia to Canada, blending humor and wisdom. A cheek kiss gone wrong becomes a metaphor for navigating identity between cultures. Dr. Siddiqui reflects on landing in snowy Canada, adjusting to new social norms, and breaking g...

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What happens when a shy boy from Mecca grows up to become a global healthcare leader with a passion for teaching? 

Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable life story – one that spans continents, cultures, and profound personal transformation.

Born in Saudi Arabia to parents who migrated from Pakistan after the partition, Dr. Siddiqui&ap...

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What does it mean to truly travel? In this heartfelt conversation, Dhara opens up about her immigration journey to Canada and how her definition of exploration has evolved in unexpected ways.

The most poignant moment comes when Dhara reflects on what being an immigrant has taught her. "We understand so many different perceptions because we understand two different soc...

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What does it truly take for international talent to thrive in Canada? Beyond skills and qualifications, success hinges on something more fundamental - mindset, clarity, and strategic planning.

Yauhan Mehta, an industrial-organizational psychologist and career coach with 15 years of experience, unravels the complex journey of immigration through his own story of moving from...

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Part 1 | Ft. Rafael: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835261/episodes/16926932

What happens when a single decision to help others completely redirects your life's path? In this captivating continuation of my conversation with Rafael, we explore the remarkable chain of events that began with his humanitarian project in Malawi and culminated in a new life in Canada.

Rafael re...

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What happens when success doesn’t feel like success? 

In this powerful episode, we meet Rafael, a Brazilian changemaker who walked away from a traditional path to pursue humanitarian work in Africa. Raised in the harsh realities of São Paulo—where seeing violence was part of daily life—Rafael followed society's rules until a moment of deep reckoning at age 25.

Inspired by author...

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In this Beneath the Accent spotlight, Yannick shares reflections from his journey across Cameroon, France, and Canada—revealing how cultural identity, once seen as a challenge, became his greatest strength.

Through the lens of a powerful hummingbird legend, Yannick encourages newcomers to see their cultural roots as gifts, not burdens. He emphasizes that real belonging stems from st...

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What’s it really like behind Gen Z’s curated online personas?

In this episode, we sit down with Hamza Islam—host of Oh My Curry Goodness—a podcast dedicated to raw, unfiltered Gen Z stories. Born in the U.S. to Bangladeshi immigrant parents, Hamza brings a unique multicultural perspective to storytelling, blending South Asian identity with a deep curiosity about human connection.

Fro...

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Rohit shares his journey of identity, humour, and self-discovery—from realizing he had an accent to finding a renewed sense of purpose in Canada. We touch on the unexpected lessons that come from cultural shifts, the spirit of service sparked abroad, and lighthearted reflections on lions, teleportation, and public transit etiquette. Through it all, Rohit speaks straight from the he...

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Join us as we dive into an inspiring journey of personal growth, resilience, and ambition in this episode of My Thick Accent. Our guest shares their experience from the simple joys of waking up with the sun to the art of crafting a flavourful pasta dish that reflects their passion for cooking. We explore cherished childhood memories with grandparents, the mental challenge of solvin...