How To Be an Intl Student - w/ Gurasis

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Gurasis Singh, the host of My Thick Accent podcast, to explore the layered experience of being an immigrant navigating identity, voice, and belonging in a new country. Gurasis opens up about his early days in Canada—where his accent often made him feel invisible or misunderstood—and how those challenges shaped his self-perception and personal growth.We talk candidly about the emotional toll of being judged for how you sound. From microaggressions to internalized self-doubt, Gurasis shares relatable stories of adapting to a new culture while resisting the pressure to completely change who he is. This leads us to a critical question: Should you change your accent to fit in? Gurasis offers a grounded and honest take on this dilemma—one faced by millions of immigrants worldwide.The episode also traces the origin story of his podcast My Thick Accent—a show born out of a need to reclaim identity and spotlight voices often pushed to the margins. We discuss the podcast's mission, the feedback it's received, and how it’s become a space for healing, empathy, and celebrating accents as a part of one's heritage—not something to fix.Gurasis reflects on the importance of community and conversations in reshaping public narratives. We discuss how his show challenges preconceived notions and helps listeners find representation and strength in shared stories. These conversations have not only impacted listeners but have also been transformative for Gurasis himself, as he continues to evolve alongside his platform.For aspiring podcasters and creators, this episode is filled with raw insights on the challenges of growing and scaling a podcast. Gurasis opens up about the behind-the-scenes work—from content burnout and guest management to figuring out the right format and staying true to your voice. He also shares how social media has been a double-edged sword—powerful for growth, yet overwhelming in its demands.We talk about what it means to trust your gut in content creation, how to navigate tricky guest dynamics, and the art of balancing consistency with experimentation. Gurasis offers real talk about dealing with self-doubt as a creator, why it’s okay to evolve your format, and how to sustain your momentum when you're building something that truly matters.The episode ends with heartfelt advice for new immigrants—a reflection that ties together everything we’ve discussed: the courage to be yourself, the strength in your story, and the quiet power of owning your accent, your voice, and your space.If you've ever felt like an outsider, struggled with your accent, or wondered how to amplify underrepresented stories—this episode will resonate deeply. And if you're building something from scratch—be it a podcast, a personal brand, or a new life in a new country—Gurasis’s journey will leave you inspired.Timestamps:Timestamps:00:00 Intro + Background02:18 Gurasis's anecdotes re: his accent in canada04:23 Dealing with feeling invisible due to accent07:23 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Identity10:23 Should your change your accent to fit in?13:14 The Birth of 'My Thick Accent' Podcast16:19 Breaking Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions19:24 The Role of Community and Conversations in Change22:09 Listener Impact and Personal Anecdotes25:15 Challenges with growing and scaling a podcast31:16 The Power of Social Media32:11 Navigating Podcast Guest Dynamics32:11 The Challenges of Content Creation32:11 Trusting Your Gut in Podcasting33:38 Evolving Podcast Formats and Seasons39:03 Advice for New Immigrants