Canadian Salad

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?

In this thought provoking episode, Andrea hosts Jennifer Wilson, former CEO of the Canada Homestay Network - Canada's largest international student homestay program. Born and raised in Canada, Jennifer talks about growing up with different cultures and people staying in her home. She'll share the cultural misunderstandings and the cultural curiosity that is needed when we engage with someone new to Canada. Their conversation will go deeper as Jennifer provides her heartfelt insight into how to make a hospitable Canada, similar to a homestay, a nation and country that welcomes strangers and embraces cultural differences. Canada has that hospitality and must remember that it can extend from the immigration ministry to our very own homes.

You'll won't want to miss this conversation. You'll be challenged to think differently, to explore and to be a more curious person as you navigate this ever changing world around us.

To learn more about the Canada Homestay Network or if you're curious about being a host for an international student, visit: https://canadahomestaynetwork.ca/. 

And grab a copy of Jennifer's first book, the "Heart of the Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students". You'll learn more about her experiences and gain practical ways to be a host of anyone new to your world.  

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

Recently we were told "Diversity isn't working" . . . and we're clapping back and we are saying it is.

Hostion is back, making a triumphant return, bringing much-needed diversity, humour and wit back to the show. Along with Andrea, they'll dive into a humorous and thought-provoking discussion, addressing the misconceptions around diversity in society. They'll debunk a comment which claims that diversity isn't working in Canada — highlighting the value of multiculturalism, the benefits it brings, and the ongoing challenges in achieving true equality. Diversity works - except for ahem . . . a certain demographic. Who may that be? Well, you'll just have to listen. 

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

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. She dives into the emotional challenges and triumphs faced by immigrants, providing a comprehensive look at their experiences. It's a testament to the power of human spirit, the ambition and pride that we all come to Canada with. Yes, there are obstacles. Yes, there are barriers. And yes, immigrants still rise - above the noise, the anger and the discrimination, we are here. Whether you're an immigrant yourself, planning to move to a new country, or just interested in the courageous tales of others, this episode is packed with stories of advocacy and joy. Get ready to come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the immigrant experience, the human experience that can truly create an incredible future going forward.

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

Join Andrea and her son Lincoln tackle a not-so-well-thought-out social media comment about Canadians needing to take back their country. With Hostion celebrating Lunar New Year, Lincoln steps in, bringing his seven-year old charm and his big, big heart. They explore the concept of control, the importance of Indigenous lands and sovereignty, and even ponder if the comment was really all about wanting tater tots. Sprinkle in a chat about colourful peppers and a surprise burp, and you've got a sassy, fun-filled, Andrea-is-oh-so-proud-as-a-mom podcast episode. Tune in for the giggles and stay for the smarts!

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

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. From cultural expectations in China to the wisdom revered in Indigenous communities, we'll debunk some cultural myths about growing old. We'll look at  collective versus individualistic cultures and how each treats its elderly. And we'll end with learning about the oldest person in Canada and the fast-growing age demographic on our globe. Join us as we address the age bias and find that there may be a better solution than just living alone as we age - we can build community and family, even in Canada.

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

"Immigrants need to assimilate". What does that even mean? Assimilate into what? What ideal are people thinking of when they proclaim this? The very question ignores the diverse landscape of Canada, from west to east coast. If people would be really honest, they'd realize not everyone is the same and not everyone needs to fit into a mysterious, intangible mold! Is Canada a factory now? 

Welcome back to another lively episode where Andrea is joined by a special guest and marital roommate of almost 10 years, her husband Mark! Filling in temporarily into Hostion's big shoes (not that he has big feet), Mark and Andrea clap back against a comment that recently said immigrants are okay but there needs to be assimilation programs for them when they arrive. We'll tackle this Canadian idealism and speak to the reality that immigrants already do as much as they can to 'fit in' and be acceptable to Canadians. From changing their names to hiding their culture, immigrants try to assimilate but it will never be enough because no one knows what kind of standard assimilation provides! Everyone has their own unique identity, born in Canada or born outside of Canada. Let's get away from demanding a computerized, predictable and bland people and let's embrace what is good, diverse and beautiful. 

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

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.

Join us as we discuss how these 'knee-jerk' reactions to international students are causing real economic, diplomatic and humane consequences. We understand the need to address current issues - but if we're honest, these shortsighted policies are disrupting and harming real people. Not only that, but immigrants and international students are the rebuttal, the national answer and the global power to expand into markets worldwide instead of relying on our southern neighbour. International students are a part of Canada's ecosystem - when one tree is cut down, the whole forest and all the creatures feel it. Join us for a real and personal episode which underscores the invaluable contributions of international students to Canada's society and economy. Plus, stick around for some fun trivia at the end!

Trigger Warning: Pregnancy Loss

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

We couldn't help but tackle Trump’s bonkers claim about making Canada the 51st state. We'll speculate why Trump is so obsessed with the Great White North—maybe he’s just thirsty for some maple syrup? Maybe poutine? We'll see if CBSA lets a felon . . . er, we mean a president cross the border. Ahem . . .

We do dish out on Baby Trump, aka Pierre Pollievre, and his bid for Prime Minister. We'll address your unspoken political fears mixing humour with critical commentary. Let's face it: we all need a bit of humour. Laughter is resistance. So join us for our juicy takes and laughs. Keep clapping back and make your voices heard!

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

"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?

Grab a seat and hang out with Hostion and Andrea as we explore the societal implications of bilingualism, highlighting how it is often celebrated in high-status individuals like Princess Charlotte, while immigrant children face negative stereotypes. We'll highlight how the majority of countries around the globe can speak many languages, revealing how pervasive it is in many regions yet overlooked in Western countries. We'll examine our own bias and our own judgement of others who may not have the grasp of one language over the other. We must examine our biases and assumptions tied to language proficiency, and value all people for who they are instead of what languages they speak or don't speak. Enjoy a bit of trivia about Canadian bilingual provinces and a surprising fact about the world's most multilingual person.

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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

Sorry 80s. Back down 21st century! The anti-immigrant trolls think the 90s were the best for Canada. And why is that? Best for who? We can tell you it wasn't because of the side ponytails and thigh masters. We will give you a hint . . . in the context of immigration, it was a great time for a very specific group of people. And it's that same group of people making the loudest noise today.

Join us as we dismantle these tropes, celebrate diversity, and remind everyone why Canada's inclusive spirit is worth defending. And oh, don't forget to tune in next week for more truth bombs and maybe some Valley girl impressions. Like, totally love you all, haters included!

Let us know what you think of this episode! Text us!

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

Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected: https://www.canadiansalad.ca/contact

And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram

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

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