What does hierarchy really mean — and why does it make some of us uncomfortable?

In the first episode of this two-part series, hosts Hostion and Andrea unpack one of the most complex cultural dynamics in the modern world: hierarchy versus egalitarianism. Drawing from their own lived experiences — growing up in military and evangelical Christian households, navigating school systems in China, and working in diverse professional environments — they explore how differently people around the world understand power, authority, and equality.

From Japan's workplace customs to Canada's "open door policy" culture, from Himalayan mountain climbing research to the case for flattening (or not flattening) the org chart — this episode is equal parts personal, philosophical, and practical.

Part 2 drops next week with the big question: Can hierarchy and equality actually coexist?

Subscribe now so you don't miss it.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.

A Janklin Production.

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

Be honest - when someone asks how you are, do you actually tell them the truth?

In this episode of Canadian Salad, Hostion and Andrea get real about one of the most universal little lies we tell every day: "I'm okay." They unpack the psychology behind emotional suppression, explore how culture and gender shape what we're "allowed" to feel, and ask the bigger question — what does it cost us when pretending becomes a habit?

From the concept of "saving face" in Asian cultures, to how men and women navigate emotional expression differently, to what actually happens to your body when you suppress big feelings — this one hits close to home. Plus, don't miss their Canadian Salad Pop Quiz on small talk and the surprising origin story of the word "okay" itself.

A warm, funny, and thought-provoking conversation — because sometimes the most radical thing you can do is just tell someone how you really feel.

Go to https://www.canadiansalad.ca/ for all sources cited in this episode. And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.

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Canada deported 22,000 people last year. Immigrants are leaving at the highest rates since 1971. And the ministries meant to support them? Gutted.

In this episode, Andrea and Hostion get into the real cost of making immigrants the problem — from record deportations and Bill C-12's sweeping new powers, to the human stories of people who did everything right and still got left behind.

Spoiler: when you push out your workforce, your doctors, and your business owners, everyone pays the price.

The math just don't math, Canada. 🍁

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What does it mean to love an animal? And who gets to decide the "right" way to do it?

In this episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea is joined by a very special guest co-host — her 8-year-old son Lincoln — for one our most thought-provoking conversations the show has had yet. Together they explore how cultures around the world relate to animals, and why our instinct to judge others' relationships with animals often says more about our own cultural ignorance than anyone else's values.

From the companionship of cats in Canadian homes, to the deep and hands-on bonds that farmers in Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Sudan form with their livestock, to the ancient Indian principle of Ahimsa (non-violence toward all living beings) — this episode takes a genuinely curious trip around the world through the lens of our animal relationships.

They'll travel across India, Europe and North America examining how our judgement has more to say about the hypocrisy our own cultures bear.

Lincoln brings the kind of refreshing, judgment-free wisdom that only an 8-year-old can deliver — and Sage the tabby/maincoone cat makes a live mid-episode appearance, because that's just how this household works.

Stay for the Canadian Salad Pop Quiz, where Andrea and Lincoln stump each other with animal facts — including one about Canada's most popular pet that might just surprise you.

📩 Got a wild pet story or a question about culture and animals? Email us at hello@canadiansalad.ca 📱 Find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky. And check out our website www.canadiansalad.ca

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We know the news cycle is a lot. So this week, we're doing something about it.

In this episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hostion bring you six stories of real, hard-won progress — from Scotiabank fully divesting from Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems after years of sustained public pressure, to the Musqueam First Nation signing landmark land rights agreements with the federal government after a decade of negotiations.

They also cover Brazil's indigenous communities successfully blocking the privatization of three Amazon rivers, the first Inuit university coming to Nunavut by 2030, the Washoe Tribe reclaiming 10,000 acres near Lake Tahoe, and Croatia's extraordinary 31-year journey to becoming landmine-free.

Plus: the science-backed 5:1 good news ratio your brain needs, a quiz about the Canada Lynx, and the story of how Andrea got played by a guitar player. Literally.

This is a dose of good news we all need.

Go to https://www.canadiansalad.ca/ for all sources cited in this episode. And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.z

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Does grief need permission?

In this episode, we explore racialized grief, disenfranchised loss, and the politics of mourning. Why are some lives publicly grieved while others are minimized? What happens when grief is denied or policed?

From racial trauma and white fragility to the emotional economy of Western culture, we unpack how grief extends beyond death — and why validation matters for healing.

Grief is universal. But whose grief is believed?

Go to https://www.canadiansalad.ca/ for all sources cited in this episode. And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.

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White supremacy.

It’s a term that sparks discomfort, denial, and defensiveness. But what if we’re not defining it correctly?

In this episode, Andrea and Hostion explore the idea of racial empire logic — a framework that explains how systemic racism operates beyond individual hatred and into the structures of power that shape hiring, masculinity, climate policy, national identity and so much more.

We examine Canada’s hidden history, unpack internalized racial hierarchies, and ask the bold question: Can racism actually end?

This conversation is reflective, challenging, and ultimately hopeful.

Go to https://www.canadiansalad.ca/ for all sources cited in this episode. And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.

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Is blood really thicker than water?

In this deeply honest conversation, we explore chosen family: the people we build relationships with for emotional safety, belonging, and survival. From immigration and identity to estrangement, healing, and joy, we share personal stories and research on why chosen family matters more than ever in modern life.

This episode blends humour, vulnerability, and social science to unpack how chosen family shapes mental health, resilience, and the way we live and love.

If you’ve ever built family beyond biology, this one will feel like home.

Go to https://www.canadiansalad.ca/ for all sources cited in this episode. And please refer us to your friends, family and that racist uncle that just doesn't get it.

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Theme music by Nver Avetyan from Pixabay.

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