Shows
My Thick AccentWhat Happens When Birthdays Become Checkpoints? | Happy Birthday Gurasis Singh (Host) 🎂Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!What happens when birthdays transform from celebrations into anxiety-inducing checkpoints? That's the journey I explore in this deeply personal episode, recorded on my birthday, July 9th, 2025.The stark contrast between last year's emotional heaviness and this year's sense of peace reveals a profound transformation. Last July found me questioning everything, feeling lonely, and seeing no reason to celebrate. Those feelings preceded months of health struggles and hospital visits that taught me not to take wellness for granted. Yet today, I wake with gratitude instead of...
2025-07-0910 min
My Thick AccentYou Can Leave Home, But It Never Leaves You | Beneath The Accent with Jyoti Grewal [Season 2 Finale (Bonus Wrap-Up)]Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 their heart, sharing powerful insights about self-protection and advocacy through the metaphor of a lion – when something matters deeply, "my claws come out and I stand big to protect whatever is behind me." This protective sp...
2025-06-2607 min
My Thick AccentWhose Story Are You Living? | Beneath The Accent with Rafael RodriguesClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 experiences navigating cultural transitions—from the shock of eating with his hands in Malawi where locals told him he "at...
2025-06-2515 min
My Thick AccentKissing Cheeks and Eating Ducks: Cultural Mixups That Made Me Wiser | Beneath The Accent with Dr. Mahboub SiddiquiClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 Accent" segment reveals Dr. Siddiqui's most vulnerable moments of cultural adaptation. With disarming honesty, he recounts an awkward encounter in a Canadian mall when his Middle Eastern greeting custom of c...
2025-06-2408 min
My Thick AccentYou Wish You Knew This Before Immigrating | Beneath The Accent with Yauhan MehtaClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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• Consequences of actions should be considered carefully - even taking no action is an action• Movies like "The Pursuit of Happiness" provide inspiration during challenging immigr...
2025-06-2314 minMy Thick AccentHe Didn’t Expect This Question | Know Your Host - Gurasis Singh [New Segment]Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 opens a candid reflection on a challenging year filled with self-doubt, health struggles, and professional setbacks. Through honest sharing about reaching emotional saturation points and developing new coping mechanisms, we wi...
2025-06-2106 min
My Thick AccentWinter, Tears & Comfort Food | Beneath The Accent with Daljit KaurClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 not vegetarian!) to the triumph of bringing family members across oceans to share in a hard-won dream. Our guest opens up about navigating cultural transitions while...
2025-06-1911 min
My Thick AccentPodcasting As Therapy, Healing, and Self-Discovery: When Two Podcasters Chat | Beneath The Accent with Hamza IslamClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 was previously hidden• Hamza explains overcoming social anxiety by distinguishing between "wanting" to talk and "needing" to talk to guests• Discussing the importance of understanding others' circumstances before m...
2025-06-0918 minMy Thick AccentSurviving 1984: A Daughter's Journey Through Grief and Stigma | Ft. Jyoti Grewal Ep. 071 [Season 2 Finale]Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 Genocide at age five• Experiencing the stigma of being from a family with "three daughters, such a burden"• Immigrating to Canada at age seven while her mother stayed in Ind...
2025-05-291h 12My Thick AccentAwkward Hellos and Meaningful Goodbyes: An Immigrant’s Transformation | Ft. Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui Ep. 070 [Part-2]Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 generational cycles for his children.Through community volunteering, mentoring newcomers, and leading in healthcare, Dr. Siddiqui found belonging and purpose. He now coaches others with a...
2025-05-2236 minMy Thick AccentFrom Mecca to the World: A Journey of Service and Self-Discovery | Ft. Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui Ep. 070 [Part-1]Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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's earliest memories revolve around family, hospitality, and service. His childhood home regularly welcomed international pilgrims visiting Mecca and Jeddah, exposing him to a rich tap...
2025-05-1544 min
My Thick AccentThe Invisible Journey: What Immigration Teaches Us About Ourselves | Beneath The Accent with Dhara MajmundarClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 societies, east and West polar apart," she explains. "I feel very fortunate to be the immigrant because now I know and understand both parts of the world."...
2025-05-0810 minMy Thick AccentSoul Search Before Job Search: A Career Coach’s Blueprint for Newcomer Success | Ft. Yauhan Mehta Ep. 069Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 India to Dubai and finally to Canada. Having helped hundreds of professionals secure positions at top firms like Amazon, Deloitte, and EY, Yauhan brings a unique perspective on what makes international talent...
2025-05-0148 minMy Thick AccentThe Unexpected Power of Doing Good: A Beautiful Twist of Fate | Ft. Rafael Rodrigues Ep. 068 [Part 2]Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!Part 1 | Ft. Rafael: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835261/episodes/16926932What 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 reveals how a YouTube video of his work in Africa caught the attention of a Colombian woman who donated to his cause. Through a series of serendipitous events...
2025-04-2443 minMy Thick AccentThe Hummingbird Effect: How Cultural Authenticity Creates Belonging | Beneath The Accent with Yannick Oho BambeClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 staying authentic—even in the face of rejection.This segment is a moving reminder that embracing your accent, values, and background can transform cultural differences into deep...
2025-04-1517 minMy Thick AccentBeyond The Highlight Reel: Gen Z, Identity & Curry Confessions | Ft. Hamza Islam Ep. 067Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!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.From battling social anxiety to embracing vulnerability, Hamza opens up about how podcasting helped him find his voice an...
2025-04-101h 13
My Thick Accent"I Never Expected Canada to Change Me Like This!" | Beneath The Accent with Rohit DhawanClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 heart, reminding us of the power of embracing change while staying rooted.Follow the host and the podcast on Social Media...
2025-04-0506 min
My Thick AccentFrom Grandparents' Wisdom to Dreaming Bigger | Beneath The Accent with Akshay MaharajClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!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 solving a Rubik's Cube, and the powerful life lesson from their brother: "You are no less than 100%." These stories highlight perseverance, self-belief, a...
2025-03-2716 min
My Thick AccentFriendship, Food & Firsts: A Newcomer’s Journey | Beneath The Accent with Muzhda AkbariClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!What happens when a missing taxi and a faulty internet connection lead to unexpected kindness and delicious pizza? Hear how my first day in Montreal turned from chaos to charm, thanks to the generosity of strangers like Beer Inder and Harpreet. I reflect on the warm welcome I received and the surprising ways these encounters helped me find my footing in a new country. Together with my guest, we dive into cultural surprises in Canada, from the classroom revelations to the joy of celebrating diverse f...
2025-03-2019 minMy Thick AccentThe Immigrant You Didn’t Expect | Ft. Yannick Oho Bambe Ep. 066Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!Yannick and Gurasis takes us on a captivating journey across continents as we explore what it truly means to carry multiple homes within oneself. From his childhood in Cameroon where he absorbed foundational values of respect and solidarity, to an unexpected twist in France where he was perceived as "the American boy," his story reveals how perception shapes the immigrant experience.Through vivid storytelling, Yannick shares how a seemingly minor misunderstanding—telling a classmate he had "just come from the US" rather than explaining his Ca...
2025-03-161h 20My Thick AccentA New World Awaits: Balancing Heritage and New Beginnings | Ft. Rohit Dhawan Ep. 065Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!In this episode of My Thick Accent, we explore the inspiring immigrant journey of Rohit Dhawan, a global analytics leader and data entrepreneur who transitioned from India to Canada. Rohit shares the emotional and practical challenges of starting over, from navigating grocery stores to adjusting family traditions in a new country.Beyond survival, he emphasizes the power of emotional literacy, breaking cultural stigmas around vulnerability, and learning to express feelings for personal and professional growth. Rohit also dives into...
2025-03-061h 22
My Thick AccentWhat I’d Tell My Younger Self About Immigration & Career | Beneath The Accent with Miguel AbascalClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!Reflecting on the past can unlock valuable insights, and in this episode, I sit down with Miguel to dive deep into the immigrant experience, personal growth, and career development. As I revisit my own immigration journey to Canada, I share key lessons on gratitude, adaptation, and the advice I’d give my younger self—like the importance of working part-time during college to build meaningful connections. Miguel offers powerful wisdom on mentorship, informational interviews, and embracing vulnerability as strengths for career success.Listeners will gain insi...
2025-02-2013 min
My Thick AccentAccents and Acknowledgments: A Journey Across Continents | Beneath The Accent with Peta-GayeClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!Discover the power of cultural identity, resilience, and adaptation in this insightful episode of Beneath The Accent, featuring Peta-Gaye’s inspiring journey from Jamaica to Canada. We explore how food, language, and traditions shape our sense of belonging in a new country. From the comforting nostalgia of Ackee and Codfish to the surprising delight of Pierogies, Peta-Gaye shares how flavors connect her to home while embracing a new culture.We dive into the nuances of accents and how they influence perceptions—especially through the lens of P...
2025-02-1524 minMy Thick AccentTurning Words Into a Movement: One Story At A Time | Beneath The Accent with Sindhu MahadevanClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!What happens when a simple comment on an accent becomes the catalyst for a podcast that captures the essence of the immigrant journey? Join us as we unravel this story and more in our latest episode of "My Thick Accent."Â Through candid conversations, we shed light on the trials and triumphs of international students and immigrants, exploring the crucial role of self-confidence and resilience. Discover what fuels our mission to give voice to diverse experiences and how an offhand remark led to a vibrant platform c...
2025-02-1123 min
My Thick AccentCuriosity and Community on the Immigrant Path | Beneath The Accent with Dilyana MilevaClick here to text me your thoughts about the show!Embark on a heartfelt journey of resilience, adaptation, and self-discovery as I share my personal experience of moving to Canada as an international student in 2018. From studying media strategies and advertising to facing job search struggles during the pandemic, my path was filled with challenges. But through it all, I found strength in community, networking on LinkedIn, and overcoming imposter syndrome.In this episode, I sit down with Dilyana to discuss the immigrant experience in Canada, from cultural shocks and language barriers to embracing new...
2025-02-0713 min