The Newcomers Podcast

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Victoria Patenaude, a communications coach who helps immigrants find their voice. Literally.For most immigrants, especially the non-native English speakers, they think the reason they struggle to express themselves clearly is due to a limited vocabulary, poor grammar, or a bad accent. Well, Victoria thinks otherwise.And she's not just talking as a coach, she has the lived experience. Victoria grew up constantly code-switching between Polish, Greek, and English cultural contexts. By her twenties, she was what she calls “a very careful person.”That hypervigilance followed her through university and through moves between Quebec and the United States. Even as a successful professional with advanced degrees, she still carried the emotional burden of never feeling quite confident in her communication. Her breakthrough came when she realized confidence isn't something you earn through perfect pronunciation. It's a choice you can make right now, regardless of your skill level. Now she helps other immigrants break free from the same patterns.In this conversation, Victoria and I chat about a teenage years embarrassment that led years of anxiety whenever she tried to speak French. We also explore:* How we pass on our immigration-induced anxiety to our kids* The science behind her method of coaching* Practical tips you can try out for building language confidence* And why we need to stop assuming negative intent when we have cultural misunderstandingsOfficial Links✅ Connect with Victoria Patenaude on LinkedIn✅ Work with Victoria on your communication skills✅ Check out her TEDx talk on Why We're Connected To The Internet, But Not Each OtherOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with the amazing journo, Alyanna Denise Chua, who moved from Philippines to Canada in 2019 to study at University of Toronto.One of my biggest gripes with the dominant immigrant conversation is we often seem to disregard the human in the loop. Policies change overnight (for good reasons they say), and suddenly folks who have followed all the rules find themselves stranded.That is Alyanna's story. She moved to Canada, paid 10X the fees of domestic students to study, excelled academically, gained Canadian work experience, and integrated into the country.She did everything the immigration system told her to do. But by the time she graduated, Canada had moved the goalposts. The same pathway that led to permanent residency now led to... uncertainty.In this conversation, Alyanna and I explore what it felt like to watch the rules change. We also explore:* Missing home while building a new life* Immigrating as a student vs. a PR* Why Canada's rhetoric shifted from “we want you to stay” to “study doesn't guarantee residency”* The unfairness of retroactive rule changes* How Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie inspired her journalism careerOfficial Links✅ Connect with Alyanna Denise Chua on LinkedIn✅ Read her piece on The Walrus; Pay Tuition, Follow the Rules, Then Pack Your BagsOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Gabriela Gutierrez, who's lived in seven cities across four countries.Gabriela believes that the gift of immigration is the opportunity to become a better version of yourself for the world. A kinder human. A more resilient human. An individual who's a bridge between cultures.I personally think being an immigrant is a superpower. But Back to Gabriela. This philosophy has guided her as she's journeyed from Honduras to Spain to Canada and now the United States.And it's why she insists that before you move to a new country, you should “Connect with your purpose. If you're thinking about immigrating, why? What motivates you to be there? How do you see yourself in five years in that new country, in that new city?” In this conversation, Gabriela and I chat about watching her MBA classmates do great things while she was making minimum wage in Canada. We also explore:* Why she's kept her minimum wage stub 10 years later* How to deal with immigrant imposter syndrome * Why she thinks immigration is a net-positive to the world* Why focusing on what you control is the best thing you can do for yourself while settling into your new countryOfficial Links✅ Connect with Gabriela Gutierrez on LinkedIn✅ Sign up for Gabriela's Personal Growth newsletterOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with the beautiful ball of positive light called Dennis Agbegha, who resigned from Big Oil and moved to Canada.Dennis is what you would call a super-connector. And while many folks in his shoes would probably worry about not being accepted, Dennis approaches it differently. When he walks into any room, he tries to answer one question, “How can I love and serve these people?”And in his experience, people start seeing him as “one of us” more often than not. I don't think this is naive optimism or toxic positivity. Dennis had to deal with a divorce while settling into Canada, went through the usual immigrant struggles, and dealt with the feeling of being the “other.” But he's refused to carry that as a burden.His approach is simple. Focus on the universal human fundamentals; love, kindness, and service. And let everything else be background noise. The result is he's never met a room he couldn't eventually belong in.In this conversation, Dennis opens up about dealing with a divorce while settling in. We also chat about:* The back-and-forth years and what they taught him* Why cultural obedience can limit immigrants* How to judge beliefs by usefulness, not absolute truth* Why the “spaces weren't made for us” mindset can trap you* Why settling is more than just a change of locationOfficial Links✅ Connect with Dennis Agbegha on LinkedInOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Chris Friesen, Chief Operating Officer at Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) about Canada's need for a long-term vision for immigration and why the current system is failing everyone involved. Chris calls Canada a "giant global cohesion experiment." And despite all the challenges that come with our immigration approach in recent years, he thinks we're doing a lot of things well that other countries envy. The challenge now is getting past the current moment where everything feels "grindy." His preferred approach to the immigration conversation? A all-hands-on deck Canadian conversation about immigration. Not screaming or accusing each other on social media. Not electoral soundbites (we recorded this episode before the election). But an informed discussion that considers all the nuances about the kind of country we want to be. The solutions Chris proposes aren't complicated, but require political will. A 10-year population growth strategy. National credential recognition. Better success indicators. Proactive rather than reactive planning. And most importantly, rebuilding public trust by communicating what immigration actually delivers for Canada.In this conversation, Chris and I chat about the economic realities of Canada's population numbers. We also explore:* Moving beyond “us vs. them” to inclusive nation building* Why we need a national vision for immigration beyond reactive policies* How the temporary resident system became a runaway train* The difference between nation building and short-term labor market needs* Building welcoming communities that work for everyoneOfficial Links✅ Connect with Chris Friesen on LinkedIn✅ Newcomer in BC? Check out ISSofBC immigrant settlement servicesOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this emotional episode, I'm speaking with Stephanie Kubi, who went from having her entire life planned out to becoming undocumented overnight. All this happened while she was six months pregnant with her first kid.Stephanie had done everything by the book. “I had applied for renewal. Nobody got back to me. I had applied for restoration. Nobody got back to me... I was literally applying based on all that. And even when they didn't get back to me, I was like, in case it's a loss in the system, let's apply for restoration,” she says.One day, she's preparing for maternity leave, setting up a nursery, planning for her delivery. The next day, she's holding a deportation notice, wondering if she'll have to choose between leaving everything behind or staying and figuring out what went wrong with the system.In this conversation, Stephanie and I chat about the constant anxiety. We also explore:* The hidden costs of immigration uncertainty beyond the legal fees* The psychological toll of being the “responsible” firstborn who suddenly can't control anything* Finding your village when you need it most* The fragile nature of the immigrant dream, even when you follow all the rules to the bookOfficial Links✅ Connect with Stephanie Kubi on LinkedIn✅ Check out the Kubi Kollective One AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Clint Boodram, Regional Manager, Business Development for Western Canada at TD Bank. Clint moved to Canada from Trinidad when he was in Grade 9, over 40 years ago. On landing in Toronto, everything looked normal. But on the plane ride to Edmonton, “I found myself surrounded by people I saw on TV,” he says. Immigrating to Alberta at that time meant Clint literally knew every Black person in his community. “I remember walking around going to different events, just going to the gym, hanging out. I kind of knew every Black person," he says. Fast forward to today, Clint struggles to keep up with the new faces he comes across daily. While he's proud of the progress the Black community has made, Clint remains committed to building a welcoming support system for newcomers. His goal? “All I want people to remember is that if they need anything, they can call Clint.”In this conversation, Clint and I explore the concept of systemic change as a marathon, not a sprint. We also chat about:* Transitioning to high school in Canada * Raising kids * Community building and holding space for the next generation* Why we can't recreate the home we often miss* Cultural adaptation without losing your identityOfficial Links✅ Connect with Clint Boodram on LinkedInOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Dots Oyebolu, a paid media professional who moved from Nigeria to Canada and insists immigrants need to think differently about success.The immigrant journey often comes with unsaid rules about what success looks like. Pursue certain kinds of jobs. Buy a house as soon as possible. Get a good car. You know, just fit in.Well, not for Dots. For him, following the ascribed survival routes end up limiting what's possible for immigrants. And while it's hard to break free of the herd mentality and the cultural pressures, “we live somebody else's life,” he says.Now, I think I agree to some extent. However, I also acknowledge that the psychological toll of trying to integrate into a new country makes this doubly hard for an immigrant. It's much simpler to just go with the crowd and reduce the stress of settling in as much as you can.But there's also value in being finding our own path, being open-minded, and being willing to look foolish.In this conversation, Dotun and I chat about his view of identity especially from the lenses of an immigrant. We also explore:* The limitations of cultural obedience* The need to play the long-term game* Why we need to move beyond our obsession with real estate* The balance between adapting vs. changingOfficial Links✅ Connect with Dots Oyebolu on LinkedIn✅ Check out Dots podcast on marketingOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Bukky Wonda, who moved from Nigeria to Canada about 11 years ago, and has gone on to become a successful tech founder in the immigration space.When trying to settle into a new country, finding optimistic people can make all the difference. As Bukky explains, “Immigration is so difficult that you don't want to find people who all they come and do to you is make things worse... Find people who are optimistic, who have agency, who are persistent.”I believe this mindset has been key to her success, from landing her first job at CIBC as a financial advisor rather than starting at entry-level positions to pivoting into entrepreneurship.In this conversation, Bukky and I chat about what it was like to move and settle in Canada 11 years ago. We also explore:* Her transition from accounting to immigration tech founder* Why she describes herself as a “happenstance entrepreneur”* Tips for anyone planning to immigrate to Canada in 2025/2026* Why preparation matters when you're looking to immigrateOfficial Links✅ Connect with Bukky on LinkedIn✅ Request Bukky's immigration servicesOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Lauren Mostowyk, Head of Integrated Marketing and Communications at Interac, about the company's recent survey on newcomers' financial experiences in Canada.Asides from rebuilding social capital, one of the hardest things to rebuild as a newcomer is financial confidence. You know, the idea that you are in control of your bills, you understand how the financial system works, and you are working towards your long term financial goals.The startling thing for me here was that while 61% of newcomers feel financially confident when they arrive in Canada, that confidence is cut in half within one month.And that's quite worrying. We get in folks who can contribute to the country's growth. And within 30 days, they start feeling like they're floundering, probably due to a combination of the typical grueling Canadian job hunt, the need to prove to a potential landlord that you can pay your rent, and the steady hum of everyday expenses.As Lauren puts it, “We don't talk enough about how much of your happiness is driven by your financial confidence.”In this conversation, Lauren and I talk about why Interac is best positioned to help newcomers in this regard. We also chat about:* Why financial education underpins everything else* Practical strategies for those preparing to move to Canada* The biggest financial barriers for newcomers* How Interac is helping reduce financial stress for newcomersOfficial Links✅ Connect with Lauren Mostowyk on LinkedIn✅ Read about the Interac survey✅ Check out the Credit Canada Butterfly App✅ Find a job through ACCES EmploymentOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Hugo Onuoha, who moved to the UK twice –first as a student, then years later as a working professional with his family.Prior to this episode, I've always believed that immigrating as a student makes it a bit easier to settle in, integrate, and get going. Hugo's story challenged that belief. This is why I now say that the immigrant isn't a monolith. Everyone's story is different.During his first stay in the UK, he experienced such intense homesickness that he shortened his degree program from four years to three just to return to Nigeria faster. Yet surprisingly, seven years later, he found himself drawn back to the same country – this time with a completely different experience and outlook.I also found it particularly fascinating that unlike many immigrants, including his wife, he doesn't pine for Nigerian food, weather, or culture. As he puts it, “Apart from family, I don't really miss much.”In this conversation, Hugo and I chat about the economic realities that had me reconsidering the UK. We also explore:* What it means to create your identity beyond national boundaries* Finding gratitude in the immigrant journey* Maintaining relationships with family and friends back home* His first vs. second “missionary journey”One AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Fikru Kebede , an Ethiopian artist who moved to Canada as a refugee after ethnic and religious conflicts made it impossible for him to continue his life and artistic career in his homeland. One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation is how Fikru handles negative experiences. When faced with discrimination on the public transit, rather than feeling like a victim, he chose to focus on spreading positive energy instead of absorbing and transferring the frustration to another person. “When you manifest positive vibes, you receive positivity,” he explains. This philosophy has helped him navigate the challenges of building a new life in a country where, as he puts it, "everyone lives on their sides" rather than in the communal way he was accustomed to in Ethiopia.In this conversation, Fikru and I chat about adapting to the Canadian way of life. We also explore:* Being realistic about one's expectations as an immigrant* How his artistic style is evolving in Canada* The differences between the Ethiopian and Western painting styles* How Impakt Foundation changed his life* Finding internal peace through audiobooksOfficial Links✅ Connect with Fikru on LinkedIn✅ Explore Fikru's work ✅ Read about Impakt Foundation's approach to newcomer supportOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Donovan Francis, who traded the sunny beaches of Jamaica for the frozen skies of Edmonton, Alberta. But that's not all.Donovan moved to Canada as a communication professional. I mean, he was a television host for a quasi-government organization back in Jamaica. “Things were good. But we wanted to see someplace else," Francis explains. “Jamaica is a small place and there's just this big world out there.“But the transition wasn't seamless. It took nearly a year to return to a communications role similar to what he had back home. But this superhero wasn't done. He went ahead to chase a long-held dream of becoming a lawyer. And after seven unsuccessful law school applications, he got into Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.In this conversation, Donovan and I explore what it's like to start afresh. We also chat about:* How taking “whatever jobs present themselves” allows immigrants to find stability in those early days* Why food and music are great ways to pass on our cultural heritage* Spending a year in East Africa with the family to help the children connect with their roots* Canada's cultural diversity and its benefitsOfficial Links✅ Connect with Donovan on LinkedIn✅ Book a free 30 minute immigration strategy callOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Uche Joel Ughonu, who moved from Lagos, Nigeria to Halifax, Canada in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.Moving during the pandemic created what I call the “double isolation” effect (where a newcomer dealt with the combined isolation of being new to Canada plus the restrictions that came with the pandemic) for most immigrants, Uche included.And so, in my opinion, I'm not surprised Uche Joel has gone ahead to join forces with Banke Falade to build the Nigerian Canadian Life community. Together, these two amazing humans are building a safe space for Nigerians in Canada.A space without the burden and status-led incentives I think come with the usual formal community associations.In this conversation, Uche and I chat about what it's like to run a community for immigrants. We also explore:* What it felt like to move to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic* Their goals for the community* His biggest lessons from running the community* Why formal community associations have the wrong incentives * Why he can't be there for everyone, and a lot of good stuffOfficial Links✅ Connect with Uche Joel on LinkedIn✅ Connect with Banke Falade on LinkedIn✅ Check out the Nigerian Canadian Life communityOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Derek Sivers, author of Useful Not True, who moved away from the United States after voting for Obama and hasn't looked back.What would the world look like if we saw people from other countries or cultures as ‘cousins we haven't met yet?' A more peaceful and accepting world maybe? Or at least one where we are a bit more open-minded. Because as Derek puts it, “This world is my home.”In this conversation, Derek and I chat about why he left America. We also explore:* Why he thinks integration is on the immigrant and not the local* Raising his kid in multiple cultural contexts* How to keep your mind flexible as an immigrant* And his one tip for settling into a new country Official Links✅ Connect with Derek ✅ Buy the Useful Not True book✅ Check out Derek's websiteOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Nadine Niba, a passionate community builder and an author in the making.Nadine moved to Canada about 10 years ago, and in that time, she's worked with three of the big four consulting firms. So if there's anyone qualified to speak about the experience of working as a Black woman and immigrant in Canada, it's Nadine.While a lot of work has been done, Nadine thinks that Black women need less mentors, more sponsors. And I agree, because Black women are some of the most educated women you'll ever meet.In this conversation, Nadine and I explore being Black and female in the Canadian workplace. We also chat about:* Why immigrants need to stop selling themselves short in the job market* Not being afraid to speak her truth* Why we need to do a better job of educating potential immigrants back home* How a sponsor changed her career trajectory, and more good stuffOfficial Links✅ Connect with Nadine on LinkedIn ✅ Chat with Nadine One AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking to Dikachi Chizim, who moved from Lagos, Nigeria to Freiberg, Germany for an MBA.Germany isn't the typical destination for skilled Nigerian immigrants, especially in the past five years. According to Dikachi, even the Germans she met in Freiberg, a town of over 40,000 in Eastern Germany, were surprised she moved to their town to study. “Well, I came to study because tuition was free,” she says. But the culture shock was dramatic. Now, this isn't surprising if you've been to both or any of the two cities. Lagos and Freiberg are different in every measurable way. From population to density to the economy to the urban character to the language. “I was lost,” Dikachi says. Getting a student job became the unlikely path to understanding the language and how the country worked.In this conversation, Dikachi and I chat about dealing with the contrast between Nigerian "African time" and famed German punctuality. We also explore:* How her workplace became more valuable for integration than her international student community* Passing her Nigerian cultural heritage to her German-born daughter* The surprising differences between Eastern and Southern Germany's social climate* Why optimism might be an immigrant's most valuable assetOfficial Links✅ Follow Dikachi on LinkedIn✅ Sign up for Dikachi's Thinking Out Loud newsletterOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Tunji Banwo, who along with his bags, took his 11 years project management experience and moved from Nigeria to the UK. He soon found out that moving to a new country is one thing. Building a career there is another challenge entirely. Cultural differences, workplace dynamics, and the dreaded "UK experience" barrier made the journey anything but easy.In this conversation, Tunji and I explore him feeling like a misfit, struggling to be recognized, and the pressure to quickly assimilate. We also chat about:* Overcoming the "UK experience" hurdle when job hunting* Adjusting to the new workplace interactions and social norms* Discrimination, bias, and how media shapes societal perceptions* Tips for project managers intending to move to the UK, and a ton of other great stuffOfficial Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Nella Gatumo, a lawyer who moved from Nairobi, Kenya to London, England for work.One of the hardest things to rebuild as an immigrant is that invisible support system that you always took for granted. The brother you could call when things were topsy-turvy, the comfort of knowing what your colleague meant when they used a turn-of-phrase, the door that was always open with your Mom's smile waiting for you once you walked past the curtains.This need to adapt and integrate means you suddenly find yourself second-guessing every interaction, every word you say, and everything you do. And through it all, life continues relentlessly back home.As Nella puts it, “Life actually moves on. It doesn't stop from where you left it. People grow up. People die. People change.”In this conversation, Nella and I explore the persistent duality we immigrants inhabit. We also chat about:* Weighing the emotional costs of moving against career gains* Making friends in London* The famous British communication style* Missing important milestones back home* The emotional labor of maintaining meaningful connections with family from thousands of miles away, and a ton of other good stuff.Official Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Iqbal Chowdhury, a Research and Teaching Assistant at Dalhousie University, Canada, whose academic work on immigrant integration and mental well-being is deeply informed by his personal journey to Canada.When we talk about immigration, we often focus on the logistics or the challenges, such as finding a home or similar. Now these are important. But I think the the psychological journey of rebuilding your identity in a new country is probably more important.And Iqbal's research reveals how economic stability serves as the first steps towards cultural integration and belonging. You need economic security before you can truly engage with your new community. Iqbal explains the troubling phenomenon of the "healthy immigrant effect" and how it deteriorates over time as newcomers struggle to find suitable employment that match their qualifications. This disconnect between expectations and reality ends up affecting the immigrant's mental health and integration process.In this conversation, Iqbal and I chat about the stark contrast between our imagined and actual immigration experiences. We also explore:* The work we need to do as immigrants to accept our multiple identities* The importance of maintaining connections with one's cultural community while building new relationships* How language barriers create cascading challenges in professional and social settings* Finding the delicate balance between integrating into a new culture while honoring your heritage* Plus, Iqbal shares practical advice for prospective immigrants to better prepare mentally for the journey aheadOfficial Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Urmi Hossain, who after 14 years in Canada, still identifies as an Italian-Bengali living in Canada rather than Canadian.In her words, “I feel like I'm betraying my origins if I put Canadian because I only became Canadian later on in my life.”I find her position so fascinating because she's one of the few immigrants I've met who don't struggle with the state of in-betweenness - where you feel like you're suspended between your former culture and the new one.To Urmi, Canada will always be her second home, the first place where she felt she could be comfortable in her dual identity. The first place where she met people who were navigating multiple cultural identities like herself. People who spoke more than one language. Unlike Italy where her friends were ‘strictly Italian.'But...Urmi still thinks she probably is going to retire to Italy.In this conversation, Urmi and I chat about Canada's multiculturalism and how it helps people like her feel at home. We also explore:* What do we mean when we say “Canadian culture”* The quality of Canadian coffee vs. Italian coffee* Choosing to move to Canada* Why she'll probably retire to Italy at some point, and more good stuff.Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.For our seventh and final #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Rehana Malik-Mbanga, CEO, Stimbok Corporation, and Founder, When African Women Talk (WAWT).As immigrants, we often tiptoe around the emotional and psychological toll immigration places on us. As Rehana puts it, “You are under immense pressure to achieve. You didn't come here to fail.”Aside that, you are also expected to constantly represent your community in good light. And so we end up always in defense mode, always looking to swat away stereotypes and show that we are capable of being good, of being smart, of being worthy of recognition.It's exhausting.To combat this and create a safe space where Black women can be themselves, Rehana founded WAWT.In this conversation, Rehana and I chat about What it was like to move to Edmonton, Alberta 10+ years ago. We also explore:* The idea of our “immigration age”* The importance of rejecting victimhood narratives* Creating genuine relationships through intentional community-building* Launching WAWT and how her mission for the community changed along the way* The diverse experiences of Black immigrants in Canada, and more great stuff.Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.For our sixth #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Sindhu Mahadevan, Quality Assurance Team Lead, Vital Bio, and creator of This Immigrant Life newsletter.Sindhu moved from India to to the United States as an international student. After nine years in Uncle Sam's country, she moved to Canada as a permanent resident.The immigration journey comes with an interesting emotional burden that shapes how an immigrant engages with their everyday life. And for individuals on a temporary status, the uncertainty often has them in a state of existential anxiety:* Will I get kicked out if I lose my job? * How do I go on PTO even though I am feeling burnt out?In her words, “Canada was where I truly felt at home. People will say immigration is just paperwork, you shouldn't let it define you...I think it sounds good for the movies, but it makes a huge difference what that scrap of paper says.”In this conversation, Sindhu and I chat about the differences between the immigration systems of Canada and the United States. We also explore:* The renegotiation of identity that comes with being an immigrant* Her relationship with borders* Finding belonging in Canada* How to approach Canadian immigration in 2025, * Plus a vetted list of immigration experts you can follow on LinkedIn.Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.For our fifth #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Fatemeh Alhosseini, Executive Director at Impakt Foundation. Resilience as a function of the system, personalized support, narrative therapy as a tool for cultural immersion, Fatemeh left me with a lot to think about after this conversation. And I think it'll be same for you.Fatemeh moved to Canada from Iran 10 years ago as an international student. After an MA in Developmental Psychology, and then a PhD in same with a focus on resilience, she joined Impakt Foundation as the Executive Director.In this conversation, Fatemeh and I chat about Impakt Foundation's “for newcomers, by newcomers” model. We also explore: * Moving to Canada 10 years ago to study* Why we immigrants need to get involved in building and implementing immigrant settlement and support programs* Why she chose to work at Impakt Foundation* The Impakt Foundation origin story (The Tailor Project)* Why resilience isn't a personal feature, and more good stuff.Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.For our fourth #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Shamira Madhany, Managing Director & Deputy Executive Director at World Education Services (WES).“We're having the wrong conversation about immigration.” If there's one person qualified to say this, It's Shamira. Her family came to Canada from Kenya in the early 1970s, fleeing potential political instability after Idi Amin expelled Ugandan Asians.Despite being well-educated with business experience, Shamira's father couldn't find employment in his field. Her father took a job at a golf club (cleaning, picking up towels), while her mother worked in a factory.This experience led to Shamira's life mission—solving the disconnect between Canada's need for workers and the barriers preventing high-skilled immigrants from getting jobs.In her words, “I don't want to give out umbrellas anymore because it's too tiring. I want to change the climate.”In this conversation, Shamira and I explore how it felt watching her parents struggle to find their footing after immigrating to Canada. We also chat about:* Why she joined WES* The economic impact of immigrant underemployment* The cost of workforce shortages to Canadian businesses* The biggest issue with the Canadian immigration system* How we can connect the macro (immigration policy) with the micro (the immigrant experience* The work she and a host of other amazing souls are doing to make it easier for high-skilled immigrants to get the jobs they deserve, and more good stuff. Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.For our third #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Kateryna Havrylova, Co-Owner and CEO, Best Solution Windows & Doors.Helplessness, panic, worry, uncertainty, guilt, longing...Kateryna has probably felt all these emotions and more in the past two years. A routine family vacation for her husband's birthday turned into an extended stay in Poland when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, 2022.Her city (Kharkiv) was among the first to be occupied by Russian forces. And so with her 3yo and husband in tow, Kateryna moved to Germany after some months in Poland, then Germany, then back to Poland, and then Canada.Canada was supposed to be a 10-day visit to spend time with some familiar faces. However, the family made the spontaneous decision to stay because Canada felt welcoming and safe. For the first time in a while, Kateryna wasn't afraid anymore.In this conversation, Kateryna and I explore the impact of the war on her 3yo son and her relationship with her parents and grandmother. We also chat about:* Her unfounded fears of integration* Becoming antifragile * Why she feels safe in Canada* Losing her car import business and starting afresh* Tips for newcomers to Canada, and more good stuff. Kateryna is a superhero!Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.For our second #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Wunmi Adekanmbi, lecturer and biochemist researcher turned immigrant tech talent advocate, and Founder of Immigrant Techies Alberta.There's this quote on Wunmi's LinkedIn profile that exemplifies how she approaches the immigrant journey and her life in general:“There are no paths anywhere, paths are made by walking.” Antonio MachadoWunmi moved to Canada in 2011 with high expectations as a highly skilled biochemist lecturer and researcher. “I came here with the mindset of Canada is looking for me because I had been handpicked by Canada to bring all my awesome skill set here,” she says. But after three years of trying break into academia in Canada, she had to change tack and reinvent herself.Her experience of career disruption plus the frustrating waste of immigrant talent Canada has been famous for in the past decade led to the birth of Immigrant Techies Alberta, a tech enthusiast group for highly-skilled immigrants (and those who share similar interests) who are already in or are interested in pivoting to tech careers and startups.In this conversation, Wunmi and I explore her immigration journey and all the lessons it came with. We also chat about:* The psychological toll of career disruptions* Why immigrants need to manage or run the immigrant settlement services* Her biggest wins with Immigrant Techies Alberta* Why we mustn't settle for less, and a ton of other good stuff.Official Links

To celebrate #IWD2025, The Newcomers Podcast will be publishing daily episodes between March 2nd - 8th celebrating a female immigrant. Come celebrate with us as we tell the stories of some of the many amazing immigrant heroines.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In our first #IWD2025 episode, I'm speaking with Maroro Zinyemba, Zimbabwean-Canadian, and Dean, Faculty of Skills & Foundational Learning, NorQuest College, Edmonton, Alberta. "Home to me is where your roots are. So no matter where in the world you end up... you are rooted somewhere in something." As an immigrant, the concept of identity, home, language, and heritage can be a challenging conversation, especially if you have kids. How do you pass on your cultural values, nuances and all the subtleties of your identity to your kids? How do you keep your mother tongue going strong within the family? Remember, the kids are only interested in surviving playground politics and will learn the language and cultural nuances that help them make friends.In this conversation, Maroro and I explore the concept of home and how context influences her identity. We also chat about:* The challenges of passing on our language to our kids* Why ecosystems or community structures are key to passing on the language* Language as a form of identity* The fluidity of the immigrant identity, and more good stuff.Official Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Bryan Caplan, Professor of Economics at George Mason University and New York Times bestselling author. He's the author of Open Borders, one of the best books on immigration in my opinion, The Myth of the Rational Voter, named "the best political book of the year" by the New York Times, and Build, Baby, Build.It is human nature to find someone or something else to blame for our problems. And it's been a well-played hand in the Canadian immigration debate in the past ten months or more.But as Bryan says, 'Shouldn't we be focused on addressing the real problems? If we have a housing problem, focus on deregulating the housing sector and build more housing. If the problem is crime, then improve law enforcement rather than blame the newcomers.'In this conversation, Bryan and I chat about the economic gains from immigration. We also explored:* Scapegoating versus tackling the real problems* Lessons from the Gulf Monarchies approach to immigration* The Canadian immigration conversation* Why Open Borders is back in print, and a lot of other good stuff. Official Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Feyi Fawehinmi, accountant, writer and author of Formation: The Making of Nigeria from Jihad to Amalgamation.When Feyi moved to London in 2004 to study, there were relatively few Nigerians in the United Kingdom compared to today. Most of the folks he met came either as students or through work permits that tied them to specific employers.21 years later, all that has changed. Different immigration programs such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP) that ended in 2008 meant more Nigerians, including folks who felt they had "hit a ceiling" in Nigeria's job market, moved to the United Kingdom without the limitations of a work or study permit.In this conversation, Feyi and I explore what his immigration journey has been like. We also chat about: * Why time is key to integration and building a stable life* Dealing with the loss of status and starting over* Why integration should happen on your own terms* Why newcomers need to be ruthless in the company they keep, and a lot of good stuff. Official Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Noha Tanahi, Settlement Services Manager at TIEs (The Immigrant Education Society). Noha moved to Canada from Egypt looking for a fresh start 20 years ago. But it didn't take long to start missing home. “I started missing Egypt as I landed at the Montreal airport,” she says.Settling in didn't get any easier. She landed in Montreal, moved to Calgary, then Fort McMurray, then back to Calgary. Stressed, frustrated, and angry, Noha called a shelter for women asking for space so she could leave her home. That phone call changed her life.In this conversation, Noha and I explore the concept of being a newborn when you move to a new country. We also chat about: * How settling into a new country often veers from the perfect script we have in our heads* The loneliness that comes with settling down especially if you don't stay in a city long enough to make friends* Getting fired from her first job after eight hours* Volunteering and how it led her to her job* Her work at TIES and why she would do her job for freeOfficial Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Maryanne Aghalu, who moved to Canada in 2016 for her MSc, leaving a blossoming career in consulting behind. Maryanne was so sure she was going to go back to Nigeria. Choosing to come to Canada was possible because PwC Nigeria gave her a two-year study leave. “I was going to study, get some international work experience, and then head back,” she says. Well, she's still here. In this conversation, Maryanne and I chat about deciding to stay back in Canada. We also explore:* Spending her maternity leave in Nigeria* What home means to her now* Underestimating how much immigrating changes us* The cultural gifts we owe our kids, and more good stuff.Something to ponder on: We unconsciously adopt the cultural nuances of our new country but we often only notice how much we've integrated when we go back to visit. Official Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with David Moscrop, host of The David Moscrop Show, and author of Too Dumb for Democracy? Why We Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make Better Ones. David's piece on the dangers of a cynical immigrant debate had me theorizing some dark scenarios. But the bigger question that I had and one we also explored in our conversation was:Shouldn't we be asking our politicians much harder questions? And are we solving for the real issues or looking for the next available scapegoat? The cynical utilitarian arguments sounds sexy. But we need to push for a better Canadian immigrant conversation because in the end, we all share commons struggles regardless of where we come from. In this conversation, David and I explore the politics of resource scarcity and scapegoating. We also chat about:* How building community and solidarity can break down the arbitrary divisions certain narratives encourage* The dehumanizing immigrant conversation and why it's a dangerous path to take* The need to balance technical immigration policy discussions with human rights and a sense of dignity* The power and limitations of personal stories, and a lot of good stuff.Official Links

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.The immigrant conversation is a human conversation, then an economic one. But when you read some of the phrasing people use when describing immigrants, you would be forgiven if you imagined UCI numbers walking around Canada instead of humans.Matthew McDonald, RCIC, is one of the few who buck the trend and bring the human into the immigration process. He describes his job as 80% emotional support, 20% legal advice.Matthew moved to Argentina from Canada two years ago with his husband. And the process of settling into a new country has been a great lesson on what his clients experience when they move to Canada.Matthew joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about his experience settling into his new home. We also chatted about:* Why it's hard to make friends as an immigrant * How we can have a better Canadian immigrant conversation* Adding humans to the Canadian immigration process* The relationship between social integration and professional integration.Biggest takeaway: We need big ideas about how we make immigrants feel part of the Canadian society. And Matthew has got some.ICYMI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.Olia Stasiuk, Founder of Bonzai AI is a superhero. We immigrants - especially if you are one of the privileged ones like myself who didn't have to learn a new language when we moved - underestimate how hard it is to deal with the double whammy of trying to settle into a new country, new culture, and new lifestyle while trying to learn a new language at the same time.Olia had to deal with that double whammy. Did she have doubts? Yes. Did she feel hurt when people corrected her? Yes. But that didn't stop her. Olia has gone from struggling to communicate to finding her footing, writing an Amazon bestselling book, and launching an AI startup that's made Canada's Top 100 AI Startups two years in a row.Olia joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about working through her limitations. We also explored:* The difference between living and working in the United States and Canada as an immigrant* The concept of the immigrant identity* Why moving to a new country is like gaining a superpower* Her go-to tip for anyone looking to immigrate, and a ton of good stuff. My biggest takeaway: Cultural integration is a choice and we can often feel that we need to shed our old identity to adopt the new identity. But you are better off finding a way to integrate both identities. That's your superpower. That's what makes you unique. ICYMI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.Alfred Kainga is the funniest comic I've listened to in a long while. No jokes. But it took some work to get to where he is today. Here's a clip from one of his shows:Alfred moved to the United States as a 19yo and worked hard at honing his craft after his day job. After years of pushing hard to break through the noise, Rudy Rush passed his name to Kevin Hart as an upcoming comic who could open for Kevin on his 2016 Comedy Central show.Everything changed for Alfred after that gig.Alfred joined me on The Newcomers to chat about adjusting to life in the United States. We also explored:* Dealing with survival mode* Why he's never regretted immigrating to the United States even though he originally wanted to move to South Africa* The American diet* And a ton of jokes along the way.This was a hilarious conversation.ICYMI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.As an immigrant, it's easy to feel the need to show up and represent your home country's brand. To be great. To be of good behaviour. To show that your people are worth it.Especially now. Especially with all that's going on in the world at this time. When immigrants have become the next best thing to blame for all that's wrong with society.It can be tiring.So, I think we should take Onyeka Okonkwo's advice…learn to give ourselves some grace. Give yourself permission to fail. To try again. To make mistakes. To live. To love. To enjoy everyday.Onyeka joined me on The Newcomers to chat about why she left Nigeria. We also talked about:* Working in Lagos vs. working in London* Finding her footing in her new home * Her approach to dealing with all the stuff immigrating to a new country throws at you* The burden of black tax* Learning to advocate for herself, and more. Again, give yourself some grace, dear immigrant. You've got this. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I'd personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.Milan Sanghani, Founder of EdMission is an immigrant entrepreneur on a mission to make it easier for students looking to move abroad for a higher education. But he wasn't always on this path. Nine years ago, all Milan thought about was a research-based MSc in drug metabolism. But after failing to get into schools in Canada, Australia, United States, and a couple of other countries, he started using all the learnings he had picked up trying and failing to get admissions to schools abroad to help prospective students in India with their higher education plans. Milan finally moved to Canada in 2021 mid-pandemic to study Entrepreneurship at Carleton University, Ottawa. He joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about his journey from international student to edtech entrepreneur, moving amidst the pandemic, and how he thinks we can improve the Canadian international students program.He also shared:* How to avoid fraudulent ghost agents* Settling into Canada and dealing with the lack of trust during the lockdown* Common misconceptions international students have* And the mindset you need to have to succeed as an international student. My biggest takeaway: Your best source of information are sources like the IRCC website (I know this is a nightmare to navigate) and the university website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

The late Quincy Jones once said, "Music is the melody of the gods." I agree, and I would add that food is the flavor of the gods.Food is everything. What and how we eat says a lot about us. More importantly, it tells a little about our history, and, in some cases, it's one of the motifs we use as an expression of our culture and our traditions.For immigrants, food carries an ever deeper meaning. Not to be dramatic, but it's a link to the past [taste/nostalgia], a bridge to the future [the evolution of said meal in a new place], and a way to hold on to identity in the murky world of being an immigrant.Ozoz Sokoh, a Nigerian food writer, explorer, educator, and author of Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria, joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about food as identity. We also explored:* How cooking or eating familiar dishes bring a sense of home and belonging, even in unfamiliar environments* Why understanding the essence and history of a dish is important * Why recording the history of a meal is key to preserving the cultural heritage of a people* The roles institutional bias and racism in food media play in hindering the representation of certain cuisines, and more good stuff. But that's not all the good stuff. She's also shared some zesty food recipes.Five Nigerian recipes you can try this Christmas holidays* Nigerian pepper soup: One of my personal favorites. I think it tastes better with goat meat. But you decide. * Agbalumo Carrot Cake: You'll probably need to check the African store nearby for agbalumo. * Cassava and Coconut Salad: Ozoz has taken a popular Nigerian street food, Abacha, and turned it into something that not only looks delicious, but might have a broader appeal. I'm definitely trying this out over the holidays.* Zobo: Everyone has to try Zobo at least once in their life.* Yedem'blong: This is one meal I'm going to need help putting together. But it does sound enticing. Kolanut with pepper sauce. Who's got some adventure in them? P.S. If you're looking for more re-imagined Nigerian recipes, join her newsletter HERE.If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

When we move to a new country, the traditional dishes we bring along with us change over time, shaped by the realities of ingredients availability, the need to adapt the meal to our new friend's palate, and experimentation.If properly harnessed, these culinary transformations can serve as an entry point into understanding the people who cook the food. For Izunna Dike, it was no different. The interesting thing was Izunna didn't always cook when he lived in Nigeria aside from random requests by his parents to knock together a meal for them. After moving to the UK as a teenager, and spending a year without eating Nigerian food due to his living circumstances, Izunna started to cook as a way to hold onto his heritage.And he's never looked back. Cooking become a way for him to write a love letter to home while experimenting with hybrid meals. Izunna joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about the relationship between food and culture. We also explored:* How he replicates Nigerian flavors in Canada* The three Nigerian dishes he would make if he was asked to cook for a global audience* How he balances authenticity and adaptation when fusing Nigerian flavors with flavors from other cultures, and a lot more good stuff.P.S. Did you know that if you added Cameroonian pepper to your mashed potatoes it would taste much much better? Try it this holiday season and let me know.If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe. What say you? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

When planning to immigrate to Canada, we often spend a considerable amount of time learning about schools, where to find a house, the cost of groceries, the best cities to find a job, rental costs, and more. We rarely bother trying to understand how the Canadian financial system works.It doesn't help that once you land and walk into a bank to open an account, the banks stuff a credit card into your palms and ask you to review dozens of forms and sign. So it's not surprising that when we ignore the one thing that underpins most of the factors mentioned above, we experience a significant drop in financial confidence as we battle with our settling-in checklist. Check out Interac Corp's survey on newcomer's financial confidence.I was no different. And if I could go back in time, the one biggest thing I would have done differently is to buy the book, Seventeen to a Millionaire by Douglas Price. Yes, it was written for a seventeen-year-old in Canada. But I dare say as a newcomer to Canada, we are all like 17yos when it comes to understanding the nuts and bolts of the Canadian financial system.I had the honor of chatting with Douglas Price on The Newcomers Podcast about his book and why it's a MUST-READ for newcomers. We also talked about:* The golden rules of making money in Canada* How to approach the world of credit* Why he thinks the TFSA is one of the best tools for saving and investing money* The money truths he's learned while working on the book* And the backstory of how the book came to lifeEnjoy. P.S. Seventeen to Millionaire is currently #1 on Amazon's Personal Financial Planning book list and was chosen by Moneysense contributors, influencers, and money experts as one of the top 25 timeless personal finance books. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

For many immigrants, speaking a second language is a core part of their identity. In some cases, they speak as many as four languages. For example, I am fluent in English and my native tongue Igbo. I also understand a smattering of Hausa (the language spoken in the Northern part of Nigeria) and French. But once we move to a new country, we seem to do a poor job of transferring these gifts to our kids. Tope Fajingbesi thinks we are doing worse than a poor job. She believes we are robbing our kids. We are robbing them of the language. We are robbing them of their cultural heritage. We are robbing them of a core part of their identity.And I think she makes a great point. The farmer lady and Global CFO of Ashoka joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about the immigrant identity. We also explored * How she deals with unconscious bias * Food as a way to build community* The immigrant mentality* Why she thinks America hasn't changed in the past 22 years she's lived there* And why we must be deliberate as immigrants. Enjoy!If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Anti-immigration sentiment in Canada is at a 30-year high. And some of the recent takes on immigrants and the problems they bring with them make for an interesting read. But, let's pause for a bit…are we misdiagnosing the Canadian immigration problem? Are we addressing the right issues? Or in a hurry to sound right and get a word in, we've simplified a complex and nuanced conversation into a good vs. bad debate.Daniel Bernhard, the CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), believes we can have a better conversation about Canadian immigration. One that's much broader, accommodates all the nuances, and, most importantly, considers everyone affected —Canadians and immigrants.He joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about the two sides of the international student debate. We also explored:* Why we MUST view immigration from an outcome-based lenses* Why The Leaky Bucket Report 2024 and Talent to win study are part of a bigger story* Why the student route should be the best immigration pathway for Canada, and more.This conversation validated a lot of thoughts that I have about immigration. My biggest takeaway as an immigrant: We need to address everyone's interest. It's a Canada conversation. If all I consider is my immigrant POV, nothing moves forward. Shoutout to George Carothers and his team for the amazing work they've done with the Leaky Bucket report and the Talent to Win study. Read them here

The immigrant experience can be stressful, so stressful that Kris Granger ended up with Stage 4 cancer. His story is amazing. Inspiring. Humbling. Kris moved to Sweden from Trinidad four years ago with his girlfriend at the time to further her music career. He was going to be a digital nomad and service his marketing strategy clients from Sweden. She would move ahead with her music career. "I thought I could do anything," he says. Boy, was he wrong? A couple of months later, Kris was running thrice as fast to keep up with all life was throwing at him. He was losing his clients back home, he hadn't been able to get a job in Sweden, and things were getting desperate. He ended up getting a maternity cover role at an agency after volunteering with the European Union. But he had to make ends meet, so he still hustled hard for clients back home. He also accepted a guest lecturing position at the University of Gothenburg. This continued for a while. By the time he got his dream job at Volvo, after applying over 50 times, Kris's life was falling apart. His marriage was falling apart. His body was falling apart.Kris joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about surviving Stage 4 cancer and finding family and community at his Volvo workplace. We also talked about: * The power of volunteering as an immigrant* Why making a decision to fall in love with his city was the first step to falling in love with his new life* The checklist life of an immigrant and how it can lead to dreadful outcomes* The importance of breaking into the existing friendship circles because these are often the work circles, and more.This was some episode. My biggest takeaway: if you move in your 30s, seek community. Seek stability. We trivialize all we walked away from in our former life.Our family. Our friends. Our colleagues. Or the cultural cachets that make it easy for us to approach every day as if it's nothing. Moving to a new country resets you. The stress of trying to settle in, get a job, while also being a good parent and partner can literally kill you. Here's Kris's approach to finding his community:1. Seek out spaces where you feel alive. Look for groups or classes that truly interest you – those are the places where real connections form.2. Give first, without asking. When people feel your genuine willingness to help, trust follows.3. Say yes to small, unexpected opportunities. It's often the smallest steps that open the biggest doors.If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you read this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Yawa Degboe moved to Paris, France as a 4yo. Years later, she moved across the Atlantic to Boston, United States. So, a second-generation immigrant during her time in France. And now a first-generation immigrant in the United States. One would be forgiven to think she would be more French than Togolese because I did. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yawa is all about embracing her French and Togolese identities. And I agree. Very often, you hear immigrants talk about discarding who they used to be so they can assimilate into the new culture. You aren't doing yourself any favors if you march down that road. The advantage of being an immigrant is the unique individual you become when you merge your old self and the new self. You create something so beautiful, so different, so special.But back to Yawa. She joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about her journey as a first-generation immigrant to the United States. We also explored:* Dealing with survival mentality* The various identities we immigrants carry with us* The advantages of being an immigrant* How she's using the lessons she's learned from her Mom to create a new future for the next generation* Tips for French immigrants looking to move to an English-speaking country, and more beautiful stuff.Integrate folks. Don't assimilate. If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you read this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

The job market is brutal, and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. This can be discouraging for new immigrants to Canada or those looking to move. I mean, the bills don't wait. Plus, they can quickly rack up, especially if you've got a family or dependents. So, in a bid to make sure you get over this hump as fast as possible, most new immigrants go into an application frenzy. Is this good or bad? The experts say you should get in as many applications as possible. Mujidah Sakibu has a slight tweak to this process. Remember folks, jobs might have the same title but different organizational needs. And then you also have the fact that we all have what we are really good at. However, desperation to get that first offer means we forget this. And that's okay, honestly. But what if you could approach job hunting 5X better? Mujidah joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about the job-hunting process that enabled her to get a six-figure job within seven weeks of landing in Canada. We also chat about:* Her two failed attempts to immigrate* Mistakes immigrants make when looking for their first job* And how settling into Canada was a bit easier because of her experience in Belgium.I know the job market is tough folks. Sending you love and light. You've got this!If you've got this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you watch this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

The American mythology is a fascinating study. As a kid born in 1980s Nigeria, the United States was the ultimate dream.I wanted to go live there. I wanted to see if all I read about in the colorful magazines my Dad brought back home from work was real.So heck, was I surprised to hear Romu Gaboriau say it was same for him in France. America is such a cultural force. Romu moved to the United States 15 years ago after spending a significant part of his childhood wondering if everything was bigger in the U.S.A.He joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about what it's like to move from France to the United States. We also talked about:* The differences between France and America; food, making friends, and doing business* Struggling with the English Language* Raising kids with dual identities* Tips for settling into a new country if you don't speak the native language. This was a good one. Enjoy. Here's my takeaway for you: Forget about learning the accent. Learn to communicate first. As immigrants, we often trip ourselves up because we want to learn how to speak with the accent. Yes, it probably makes you blend in better. But…Learn how to pass your message as clearly as possible before worrying about an accent. It might come in the end. Or you might never have one. And that's okay.As long as everyone understands you, you'll be FINE!If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you read this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

For some people, and I would say for me to an extent, immigrating meant just leaving Nigeria with no clear idea if we would ever go back. Not for Eyitayo Ogunmola, founder of Utiva, a technology talent development startup. Eyitayo moved to the United States as an Atlas Corps fellow in 2015. While doing research on tech talent development, discovered there was a need to build a talent development edtech business that could export or outsource African engineers, developers, and similar, globally.And so Utiva was born in 2018. But as he says on LinkedIn, "I thought this was first a joke. I made so many terrible startup mistakes. Please don't try this at home."Utiva has gone on to upskill 110K people from 19 African countries and helped over 500 companies source African tech talent.Eyitayo joined me to talk about the concept of reverse immigration and seeing immigrating as a chance to learn and then bring that knowledge back home. He also shared:* His go-to playbook for settling into a new country* Getting intimidated by the accent at his first conference* The power and beauty of sharing the African perspective * Adjusting to life in the United States after moving, and more. Here's my takeaway for you: You don't immigrate with cash. You immigrate with a skill. I agree that I am stripping away some nuance there as cash-flow is an advantage in many ways. But this probably applies more to young folks looking to immigrate. If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you read this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Gwen Lafage is what I would call a serial immigrant. She's lived in the UK, the United States, Sweden, and then back to the United States. And in her words, "Every move changes you." However, I think one of the most important point she makes in this episode are the tradeoffs you have to make when you move to a new country. Family relationships become fragile. Friendships collapse. You find it hard to make new friends. Especially if you're someone like Gwen who's always on the move. Being an immigrant can be lonely journey.Gwen joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about her time at Sweden. We also explored:* How culture influences our everyday life* The concept of identity as an immigrant* The concept of home * The tradeoffs we have to make as immigrants* Who she becomes when she gets to France, and more. This episode was therapy for I and Gwen. And I hope it is for you too.If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you read this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

If there's one person that exemplifies that statement, it's Tobi Oluwole.Tobi immigrated to Canada against his will. As the first-born in a Nigerian home, he had to grow up quickly. This meant moving on after his dream of being a footballer didn't work out. Yes, Tobi the employability and communications coach once went on trials at Chelsea Football Club and West Ham United FC.This meant quickly figuring out a way to live the life he's always wanted to live.And oh, I think he's figured it all out. Tobi joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about his move to Canada. We also chatted about:* Why he's relocated to France* How to break out of societal conditioning* Trying out as a footballer in London. I also share a crazy football trials story of mine I rarely talk about.* His secret for hitting the ground running when he moves to a new country.Here's my biggest takeaway from this episode with Tobi: In life you get unlimited tries. As an immigrant, this is an important heuristic to adopt. Keep going my friend, you've got this.If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you watch this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

The COVID-19 pandemic was a strange time. Loved ones falling sick. Then passing away. The lockdowns. The terror from not knowing who had the virus and who didn't. The social isolation. And the subsequent breakdown of the first layer of trust that guides how a society behaves in public. For immigrants like Maryam Atoyebi, this meant settling down into a new society was hard. 2X harder than it should normally be. I moved in 2021, so I didn't fully experience what it felt like as everyone tried to navigate the new rules for societal interaction. But the little I experienced was emotionally tasking. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for Maryam and others who moved to a new country about that time.Maryam joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about all the feels while trying to settle down during the pandemic. We also chatted about: * Her biggest mistakes * How to use informational interviews to build your confidence when job hunting and interviewing* Handling the loss of identity that comes with being put into a box when you move to a new society* And intersectionality as a skill set.I'll leave you with this great piece of advice from Maryam: Understand that every piece of advice you get from other immigrants is contextual. It's often coming from a good place, but its colored by their experience, their bias, and their perspective or view of the world. Your job is to apply your context to what you hear. If you've gotten this far, you should probably subscribe.Did you read it?Two months ago, Nelly Kawira shared a hilarious thread on Twitter about all she's learned and achieved since moving to London two years ago.Well, she's published an updated version on The Newcomers, with some great images to boot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com