闲谈Canada | Chitchat Canada

In this episode, we talk about a commonly misunderstood topic — therapy. We hope to break the idea that therapy is only for when something is “wrong.” Instead, it can be like having a family doctor — a support that anyone can benefit from to better understand themselves and navigate life. Hope this episode offers a more open and grounded perspective on therapy. 这一期，我们聊了一个常被误解的话题——...

In this episode, we want to chat about pregnancy in Canada and the first month of becoming a new mom. From navigating the healthcare system to everyday experiences with a newborn, we share some honest moments and reflections while adjusting to this new role. Nothing dramatic—just real stories and small takeaways that might be helpful if you’re going through the same journey. And a gentle reminder:...

Are you someone with a wide range of hobbies and talents? Have you ever considered turning one of those passions into a side hustle to earn extra income and keep up with rising expenses? In this episode, we’re joined by April, who shares how she transformed her love for pottery—from a simple pastime—into a thriving business of her own. Rednote: Snowing Ceramics Wechat: snowingceramics Instagram: s...

In this episode, we compare Toronto and Vancouver across cost of living, housing prices, career opportunities, lifestyle, transportation, and overall quality of life. Our guest has lived in both cities and shares firsthand insights on what it’s really like to build a life in each place. Is Toronto better for career growth and ambition? Is Vancouver worth the higher housing costs for its lifestyle...

Ever feel like you can sometimes tell whether someone grew up overseas just from their appearance, vibe, or the way they talk? What gives it away? In this episode, we dive into how growing up at home versus abroad can shape a person in subtle and not-so-subtle ways—from outward presence and communication style to deeper values and worldview. Join us for a thoughtful, open conversation, and share y...

If you listened to our last episode, you already know the news — Mengmeng is pregnant! So in this episode, we decided to follow that thread and talk about what pregnancy is actually like in Canada. From prenatal care and routine checkups, to the differences between Chinese and Western perspectives, and how pregnancy really impacts work and daily life. If you’re curious about being pregnant in Cana...

New year, new beginnings! In the first episode of 2026, we’re back with our annual New Year resolutions episode. 2025 was an especially meaningful year for both of us, and in this episode we’ll also be sharing some exciting good news. We hope to kick off the new year together with you, set fresh resolutions, and start strong. Feel free to leave us a message and share your own plans for the year ah...

This episode is a real nail-biter. Our guest shares her recent experience of almost being deported by ICE due to changes in U.S. immigration policy. From the sudden shock, to scrambling for a lawyer, untangling visa issues, and finally a dramatic turnaround—she managed to regain her H-1B work visa. It’s a very real, very intense story that shows how fragile immigration status can be, even for peop...

As the year draws to a close, have you had your year-end review yet? Did the results meet your expectations? With the ongoing economic downturn, many of us have plenty to say about the stress and frustration we’ve faced at work. Join us—whether you’ve had a tough year yourself or enjoyed a great one and are simply curious about how others have been affected in their workplaces! 随着年终将至，你的...

Have you ever thought about joining a beauty pageant? Do you really have to be stunningly attractive to qualify? And what does it actually mean to compete in — or even win — a pageant? In this episode, Irina joins us to share her journey of applying for Miss Canada, taking part in the competition, and ultimately winning the crown! Tune in to discover all the surprising things you might not know ab...

The perfect guest for our Chitchat Canada has finally arrived! We covered everything from immigration and career changes to nomadic living and life mindset. It’s a real mix of topics — work, growth, and personal reflections — but we promise there’s something in here for everyone to connect with. 这期我们请来了一个超级符合我们闲聊Canada主题的嘉宾！从移民到转行，从游牧生活到生活态度，我们聊了关于移...

How did you celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving this year? Did you enjoy quality time with loved ones or take a moment to reflect on what you're grateful for? In this episode, we explore the unique differences between Canadian and American Thanksgiving and share some of the things we’re most thankful for in our own lives.今年加拿大感恩节你是怎么过的？有没有和家人朋友好好聚一聚，或者花点时间想想自...

Starting school in a new country can feel overwhelming. Worried your spoken English isn’t good enough? Afraid of cultural differences or not fitting in? What if you encounter racism? Living alone, feeling homesick, struggling with study pressure and time management...In this episode, we break down these common concerns one by one, sharing real experiences and practical tips to help you feel a litt...

Networking has been a recurring theme throughout many of our Chitchat Career episodes. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the topic—exploring when to network, how to make the most of networking opportunities, effective strategies for coffee chats, and tips on self-promotion. If you've ever wondered how to network more effectively, this episode is for you!“人脉建立”一直是我们许多职涯闲...

After years of living in different cities, we often get asked: “Where do you feel you belong?”In this episode, we talk about life away from home, questions of identity, and the tug-of-war between cultures. Does belonging come from a passport, a familiar accent, or a deeper connection within? And for you—where does “home” truly live? 在其它城市生活多年，我们常常被问：“你觉得自己属于哪里？” 这一期，...

Did you love your college campus life so much that you wish you could stay on campus—even after graduation—but not necessarily as a professor? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Isabel Peng, who shares her journey working in Student Affairs at Caltech University in Los Angeles. Student Affairs is a lesser-known but deeply rewarding field, especially among Asian communities. If you’re curious abou...

Are you also thinking about changing your career direction but don't know where to start? Today, we've invited Jill to share her insights with us. With a background in quantitative studies, Jill has made three major career transitions over her seven-year professional journey — moving from risk modeling/strategy to data, and then to product. What’s her secret? Tune in to hear her story in t...

Lawyers are often perceived as having a prestigious, stable, and potentially lucrative career, especially by Asian parents. One may wonder whether being a lawyer in Canada is exactly like what is portrayed in Suits . In this episode, we will unveil some of that mystery by having Fiona, a guest who worked as an employment lawyer in both BC and Ontario, to chat about what it is like to be a lawyer i...

What are the prospects of switching from an industry role to teaching? What should you do when reality doesn’t match your career plans? In this episode, we invite Qiao to share her personal story. As a seasoned financial advisor, she not only offers practical tips and valuable insights, but also provides plenty of financial planning knowledge. More than that, we deeply admire her attitude on life,...

Has anyone who wish to move to Canada thought about teaching Chinese here? There is a lot more demand for Chinese schools than we expected. In this episode we have one of the founders of Toronto Chinese Academy- Mr. Huang as our guest! Mr. Huang will be chatting about why they started the Chinese school and sharing all the fun stories & some suggestions teaching Chinese here. Contact info: inf...

Being a teacher has always been a respected profession. But what is life really like for someone who becomes a teacher? In this episode, we’ve invited a friend who teaches at a university in Hong Kong to join us and share what inspired her to pursue a career in teaching, as well as what her life is like as a university professor. 老师一直都是一个令人尊敬的职业。那真正当老师的生活又是怎样的呢？我们...

Why do people switch between two or multiple languages in a single conversation? In this episode we dive deep into the phenomenon of code-switching. 为什么有人会在一段对话中在不同语言中转换（我们常见的是中英夹杂）在这一期中我们就深入聊聊语码转换这个现象。

Almost ten years ago, we arrived in Toronto as a newcomer — everything felt unfamiliar. Now, the city has changed, and so have we. In this episode, we are sharing the visible and invisible changes we’ve witnessed, and how, without realizing it, this city has become a part of us. 大概十年前，我们初来乍到来到多伦多，一切都还很陌生。如今，这座城市变了，我们也变了。这一期，我们想聊聊那些看得见和看不见...

Welcome to Chitchat Q&A episode 2! In this episode we chat about all these times when we were gaslighted unknowingly at work either by our boss or our coworkers. We will be discussing how we can identify these situations and ways to counter them. 欢迎大家来到闲谈解惑第二期！这一期我们聊聊那些我们被老板或同事职场PUA 而不自知的情景。我们会讨论一些辨别职场PUA的方法以及应对策略。

In this episode, we invited Claire, who has lived and worked in both Toronto and Hong Kong, to share her feelings about the two cities. If you're considering working in a new city but don't want to stay in North America, perhaps Hong Kong is also a good option. We hope this episode helps you better understand Toronto and Hong Kong.这期我们邀请了一位在多伦多和香港都工作生活过的朋友Claire来跟我们分...