The Immigrant You Didn’t Expect | Ft. Yannick Oho Bambe Ep. 066

My Thick Accent

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Yannick and Gurasis takes us on a captivating journey across continents as we explore what it truly means to carry multiple homes within oneself. From his childhood in Cameroon where he absorbed foundational values of respect and solidarity, to an unexpected twist in France where he was perceived as "the American boy," his story reveals how perception shapes the immigrant experience.
Through vivid storytelling, Yannick shares how a seemingly minor misunderstanding—telling a classmate he had "just come from the US" rather than explaining his Cameroonian roots—dramatically altered how he was received compared to other African immigrants. This powerful example illuminates how preconceived notions about different countries and cultures can profoundly impact how newcomers are welcomed.
His path continued through cultural segregation in Atlanta, to two transformative decades in London where he found his voice as a documentary filmmaker. After witnessing how mainstream media misrepresented the 2011 Tottenham riots, Yannick created award-winning films that challenge narratives about marginalized communities. Now in Canada, he hosts podcasts including "Diary of a Diversity Champion" and "I Am More Than the Immigrant You Had in Mind," continuing his mission to amplify authentic stories.
Yannick likens himself to the hummingbird from Indigenous legend—while forest fires rage and other animals flee, the tiny bird carries drops of water to help extinguish the flames. "I'm just doing my part," he explains, embodying how small actions against hatred and fear create meaningful change.
Ready for a conversation that will expand your understanding of identity, belonging, and the true meaning of home?

Listen to this episode and discover why Yannick believes your cultural uniqueness is your superpower, and how authentic self-expression leads to genuine connection.

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To contact Yannick:

Yannick's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannick-oho-bambe-90ab003a?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bk2zcl6qrSoKLto12iumloA%3D%3D
The Diary of A Diversity Champ Podcast - https://anchor.fm/yannick-oho-bambe
I am more than the immigrant you had in mind Podcast - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL35c2EQo75hqwgTyfWqhw2twHFDi1q

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Yannick's Journey (00:00:00)

2. Childhood in Cameroon and Cultural Foundations (00:09:42)

3. Moving to France: Identity and Perception (00:23:21)

4. Experiences in the US and Cultural Segregation (00:32:14)

5. London Life and Documentary Filmmaking (00:42:58)

6. Canadian Experience and Finding Home (00:53:50)

7. Final Reflections: The Meaning of Belonging (01:04:34)

98 episodes

#Society #Gurasis Singh #Travel #Documentaries #Immigration #Immigrating To Canada #International Students #Thick Accent #Indian Accent #South Asian #Punjabi #5xfest