Canadian Salad

Canadian pride is rising again — but not without tension. In this Thanksgiving-inspired episode, Andrea and Hostion unpack what Canadians are really thankful for in 2025.

From free healthcare and cultural diversity to colonial accountability and privilege, they explore how gratitude and pride intertwine — and why the most meaningful kind of patriotism is rooted in care, not comparison.

With new data showing a 31-point surge in national pride (thanks, Trump), the duo digs into what this says about who we are and what kind of country we’re still becoming. Because being Canadian might mean being proud — but also being unsettled enough to demand better.

🎧 Listen in for a conversation that’s honest, funny, and hopeful — like Canada itself.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever been called the black sheep of the family? Maybe you’ve said it about someone else — the rebel, the rule-breaker, the one who didn’t quite fit the mold.

But here’s the twist: that fluffy little phrase carries more history (and bias) than most of us realize.

In this episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hostion trace the origins of “black sheep” — from literal flocks of woolly animals to biblical mistranslations, color symbolism, and the way language quietly reinforces who’s “in” and who’s “out.” It’s a conversation about how words evolve, how culture shapes meaning, and why being mindful with language isn’t “politically correct” — it’s just being human.

Expect laughter, learning, and the occasional cat cameo (Pepper, we’re looking at you 🐈‍⬛).

Plus, a simple way to rethink outdated phrases using the three R’s: Reclaim. Replace. Reflect.

Because words have wool — and sometimes, it’s time to brush them out.

🎧 Listen to the full episode today!

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dig into one of the most damaging colonial tools in Canadian history: the Indian Act. Born out of control and oppression, it continues to shape Indigenous lives today. We explore its bans on ceremonies, the pass system that restricted movement, and the dehumanizing definitions of “Indian status.”

Drawing on Indigenous voices, Bob Joseph’s 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, and lived reflections, we ask: What is our responsibility as settlers and immigrants to understand this legislation and resist colonialism? How can we move beyond ignorance toward dismantling harmful systems, while supporting Indigenous sovereignty and cultural resurgence?

This episode is an invitation to face the truth, listen deeply, and recognize that reconciliation begins with education — and action.

Content Warning: This episode discusses the Indian Act and its ongoing impacts, including cultural erasure, family separation, and systemic discrimination. Some of the material may be difficult or triggering. We share these truths with care, knowing they are important to understanding and reconciliation. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do Canadian bosses, chicken legs, and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions have in common? Turns out… a lot.

In this episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hoen dive deep (and hilariously) into Geert Hofstede’s research on Power Distance and Masculinity — two fancy terms that basically explain how societies juggle hierarchy, authority, gender roles, and ambition.

Armed with stats, sarcasm, and the occasional side-eye at capitalism, they explore why Canada scores “low” on power distance but sits smack in the middle for masculinity. From TD Bank anecdotes and workplace “friend bosses,” to youth activism, immigration trends, and the feminist potential of work-from-home, this episode unpacks how polite Canucks handle power, success, and sharing space at the table.

Spoiler: money might be the world’s biggest chicken leg, hierarchy isn’t always evil, and Canada’s cultural vibe may be more complex (and funnier) than we give it credit for.

Tune in for sharp insights, good-natured debate, and plenty of laughs — all with that signature Canadian wink. 🍁🎙️

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🥗 Weeez back, salad lovers! Season 3 of Canadian Salad is here with summer shenanigans, fresh politics, AI gossip, Pride wins & tariff tea. Laugh, learn & snack on culture with Andrea & Hostion — your favourite duo of people-loving nerds. 🎧

Join us as we dish about:

• Summer antics: bunny tattoos, ballroom families, and questionable dental records.
• Politics: Pierre “Little PP” Poilievre’s re-election drama.
• Tech talk: Why Meta hired an anti-DEI influencer to “de-woke” AI (and why humans still have to fix bots).
• Pride & culture: A historic LGBTQ pilgrimage at the Vatican and protests over rainbow crosswalk bans.
• Tariffs: Canada drops most retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.

Join us for a smart, irreverent mix of news, culture, and humour — perfect for your commute, chores, or couch chill. Hit follow, share the episode, and spread the salad love!

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does "Land Back" look like today? In this episode, we unpack the landmark title agreement between the Haida Nation and the governments of Canada and British Columbia — an unprecedented moment where title agreement endowed the honouring of relationship, bestowing reciprocity, and the national recognition of Haida Nation sovereignty.

Special guest Skil Gyaa.ans, Jaahljuu (Graham Richard) a citizen of Haida Nation and a descendent of the Raven matrilineage, shares his perspective on the historical event of April of 2024, the  Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement. Graham's perspective dismantles the myths of eviction or revenge, and helps us understand that the agreement is about restoring a relationship rooted in shared stewardship, respect, and never surrendering what was never lawfully ceded. Together, we learn and explore the deeper truths behind this historical agreement and the concept of 'land back'. 

We believe this conversation is essential for immigrants and non-immigrants to have. As uninvited guests and settlers to Canada, we need to have a deeper understanding and recognize that upholding Indigenous agency, right and title is paramount to building a better path toward justice and belonging for all people on these lands.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take a deep and poetic dive into the concept of borders—not just political or geographic, but personal, social, and linguistic. Inspired by the honest and heartfelt poem “Lessons in Borders” by Suzanne Alexa Maria Peñola, we explore how invisible lines can hold immense power over identity, not just how we view ourselves but mostly how we view others. Through conversation and reflection, we unpack the ways borders shape our personhood, define belonging, and often ignore the full humanity of those they seek to contain. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they live in-between and who is searching for a home beyond that which borders cannot contain. 

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being raised between cultures is both a privilege and a challenge. In this episode, we explore what it means to grow up as a second-generation immigrant in Canada — caught between your parents’ traditions and the expectations of Western society. We unpack research on identity conflict, mental health struggles, and the pressures of success. We also spotlight the resilience and achievements of second-gen communities and consider what true support looks like in a multicultural world.

Topics Covered:

• Bicultural identity conflict
• Mental health stigma in immigrant communities
• Parent-child tension & generational gaps
• The pressure to succeed
• Socioeconomic mobility
• Support strategies for second-gen immigrants

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when "home" no longer feels like home? In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological journey of returning to your country of origin after building a life abroad. Whether you're an immigrant, international student, or third-culture kid, the journey "home" can bring unexpected challenges. From feelings of alienation and reverse homesickness to the struggle of reconciling old roots with a new identity, we explore what it really means when home no longer feels like home.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we trace the history of Canada’s dominant political parties — the Liberals and Conservatives — and explore how immigration policy and racial identity intersect with party politics. We ask tough questions: Why are so many immigrants turning to the Conservative Party despite prominent leaders supporting MAGA and denying systemic racism? And what does the new Prime Minister Mark Carney’s immigration stance signal about Canada’s political future? 

Immigrants aren’t a monolith — but when systems are oppressive, survival can look like aligning with power, even if it’s rooted in exclusion.

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Go to Canadian Salad Website for all sources cited in this episode.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.
A Janklin Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.