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

Our guest opens their heart, sharing powerful insights about self-protection and advocacy through the metaphor of a lion – when something matters deeply, "my claws come out and I stand big to protect whatever is behind me." This protective spirit extends to their wish for a superpower that could convince people about the greater good, addressing global challenges like poverty and unnecessary conflicts rather than focusing on divisive differences.

The conversation weaves through cultural celebrations, particularly Diwali, described as a time "full of hope and connection" marked by family gatherings, prayers, gift-giving, and the beautiful tradition of lighting lamps. We explore what makes a place feel like home – family connections first, but also simple comforts like "a good cup of tea." Perhaps most thought-provoking is our guest's one-word description of Canada: "complex." This complexity encompasses diverse peoples, cultures, and the transformative journeys immigrants experience from arrival onward, acknowledging both positive and challenging aspects of Canadian identity.

If you've ever wondered about the unseen stories behind accents, cultural transitions, or finding belonging in a new country, this episode offers genuine wisdom. Our guest leaves us with a powerful guiding principle for making decisions: ask whether your words or actions are "helpful, necessary, and kind." Isn't that a philosophy we could all benefit from embracing?

Subscribe to hear more authentic conversations that bridge cultural experiences and challenge our perspectives on belonging, identity, and human connection. Your story matters too – share your thoughts with us in the comments or on social media.

Follow the host and the podcast on Social Media channels below:

• My Thick Accent on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mythickaccent/
• MyThickAccent.com - https://www.mythickaccent.com/
• My Thick Accent on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mythickaccent
• Gurasis's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamgurasis/
• Gurasis's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamgurasis/

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To contact Jyoti:

• Jyoti's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyoti-grewal-339048126?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAB75W90B3qT44R1zR-1BCjeaUhOLGf7PVmo&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BwiL1JZCJTtaG%2BdJMpCmIVg%3D%3D
• Diverse Focus website - Small Changes To A More Diverse World | Diverse Focus

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Want to share your story? Or know someone I should invite next on the show? DM us or write to us at Hello@mythickaccent.com

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!

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

Rafael takes us on a journey through his experiences navigating cultural transitions—from the shock of eating with his hands in Malawi where locals told him he "ate like a baby," to his steadfast commitment to the Brazilian habit of showering twice daily no matter where he lives. His observations challenge our assumptions, particularly when he reveals that São Paulo's metro system vastly outperforms Canada's public transportation, despite common perceptions about infrastructure in developing versus developed nations.

What makes this conversation truly special is Rafael's philosophical approach to life. He views existence as "one chance"—a perspective that has guided his decision to cross borders and reinvent himself. He introduces us to the concept of "mental immunity" and how certain ideas enter our minds, block contradictory thoughts, and only allow similar concepts to enter, creating echo chambers in our thinking. "Revisit the stories that you have in your mind regularly," he advises, acknowledging that many of our beliefs weren't consciously chosen but were planted by culture, country, or parents.

Whether you're navigating your own cross-cultural journey or simply interested in examining the narratives that shape your reality, Rafael's insights offer a compelling framework for self-reflection. Listen now and join us as we explore life beyond borders and the powerful stories that guide our paths. What story in your mind needs revisiting today?

Follow the host and the podcast on Social Media channels below:

• My Thick Accent on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mythickaccent/
• MyThickAccent.com - https://www.mythickaccent.com/
• My Thick Accent on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mythickaccent
• Gurasis's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamgurasis/
• Gurasis's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamgurasis/

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To contact Rafael:

• Rafael's LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-rodrigues-online?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B3GPdX3QhTFGp2mAvF1gd2A%3D%3D
• Rafael's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rafa_drodrigues/
• Rafael's Company's Website | https://isolutionsfactory.com/

Support the show

Want to share your story? Or know someone I should invite next on the show? DM us or write to us at Hello@mythickaccent.com

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show!

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

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

The "Beneath the Accent" segment reveals Dr. Siddiqui's most vulnerable moments of cultural adaptation. With disarming honesty, he recounts an awkward encounter in a Canadian mall when his Middle Eastern greeting custom of cheek kisses met with unexpected resistance from a friend. Rather than dwelling on embarrassment, he shares how resilience helped him navigate this cultural disconnect, a skill essential for anyone crossing cultural boundaries.

Food and language create both connections and amusing misunderstandings in Dr. Siddiqui's experience. His description of Mandi (Kapsa) from Saudi Arabia evokes the comfort of familiar tastes in unfamiliar places, while his story about a Chinese colleague confusing "duck" with "dog" during a dinner conversation highlights the humorous side of language barriers. These human moments remind us that beneath our various accents lies a universal desire to connect and understand one another.

Perhaps most moving is Dr. Siddiqui's account of Eid celebrations in Canada becoming increasingly inclusive, welcoming neighbors from all backgrounds—Christians, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs—to break fast together. Through these gatherings, he discovered the beautiful commonality that fasting traditions exist across religions under different names, bringing "such big joy, such big fulfillment" through cross-cultural understanding.

As we conclude our journey through Dr. Siddiqui's experiences, his description of Canada as "a land of opportunity and the friendliest country" he's known offers hope for the power of welcoming communities. His philosophy of "reverse mentoring"—learning from everyone regardless of age or background—reminds us that cultural exchange enriches all participants. Listen now to discover how beneath our accents, we find the shared human experiences that connect us all.

Follow the host and the podcast on Social Media channels below:

• My Thick Accent on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mythickaccent/
• MyThickAccent.com - https://www.mythickaccent.com/
• My Thick Accent on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mythickaccent
• Gurasis's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamgurasis/
• Gurasis's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamgurasis/

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To contact Dr. Siddiqui:

• Dr. Siddiqui's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mohammad-mahboob-siddiqui-mbbs-mba-fmchc-hca-rhc-87120b14?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BYHDNC%2ByUSHeg3UQYCpFNCA%3D%3D

Support the show

Want to share your story? Or know someone I should invite next on the show? DM us or write to us at Hello@mythickaccent.com