Best Checkpoint Chat Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 273 - Lime Bike Moving 1:21:08

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20d ago1:21:08

1:21:08

This week on Checkpoint Chat, Matty is loading up cargo both physically and virtually as he concludes his thoughts on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Then there's monkey business on the horizon with the latest Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza, before we answer... a listener question?Follow Checkpoint Chat on...Twitter: https://twit…

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After 100 Episodes, This Is Where Our Journey Leads: Community Is Here For You 3:08

12d ago3:08

3:08

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! After 100+ podcast episodes featuring immigrants from over 25 countries discussing identity, belonging, language, and culture shocks, one truth consistently emerges: We thrive when we do it together. This realization has led to the creation of Accent Unmuted, a new community space where stories tr…

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Gaming Meal Episode 230 - Nintendo Direct July and EVO 2025 Predictions 1:35:47

13d ago1:35:47

1:35:47

On episode 230 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny, Erick and Gilbert go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Sony… A lot. It’s all Sony news. Sony is suing Tencent, they also opened at least one interesting job position and Microsoft is dominating the PlayStation best-selling charts. For our main course, we make predictions f…

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Gaming Meal Episode 229 - Player Matchmaking 1:07:35

20d ago1:07:35

1:07:35

On episode 229 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny, Erick and Gilbert go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about The Outer Worlds 2 dropping its price to $69.99 and the Circana US sales for June 2025. For our main course, we discuss a paper about improving matchmaking for player engagement. We then talk about Donkey Kong Bananza …

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Gaming Meal Episode 228 - Games to bring to a Deserted Island 1:57:46

27d ago1:57:46

1:57:46

On episode 228 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny, Erick and Gilbert go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Nintendo Vouchers going away, Xbox ROG Ally price leaks, and Zelda + Link actor announcements. For our main course, we pick which games we would bring to a deserted island. Got plenty of time on your hands? Which games…

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Gaming Meal Episode 227 - Microsoft makes cuts + Esports chat 1:35:26

1M ago1:35:26

1:35:26

On episode 227 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny and Gilbert go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Esports, particularly the League of Legends MSI tournament and the impact of fearless draft. For our main course, we discuss all of the recent Microsoft cuts. Jobs lost. Projects and games canceled. Entire studios shuttered. …

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What Happens When Birthdays Become Checkpoints? | Happy Birthday Gurasis Singh (Host) 🎂 10:37

1M ago10:37

10:37

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when birthdays transform from celebrations into anxiety-inducing checkpoints? That's the journey I explore in this deeply personal episode, recorded on my birthday, July 9th, 2025. The stark contrast between last year's emotional heaviness and this year's sense of peace reveals a prof…

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Episode 272 - I'm Carrying Cargo Here, Mate 1:25:31

1M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

On the latest episode of Checkpoint Chat, we've had out Nintendo Switch 2 consoles for over a month now and have a lot to say about its design, some pitfalls, and the value of Mario Kart World. Then it's off to Australia and its tar spider-infested forests in Death Stranding 2, all the feels we felt at the end of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and th…

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Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦 | Hear How Immigrants Define Canada 2:09

1M ago2:09

2:09

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when you ask immigrants to describe Canada in just one word? Their responses paint a nuanced portrait of the immigrant experience that goes far beyond simple stereotypes or political talking points. "Opportunity" rings out as the most common descriptor, with newcomers seeing Canada as…

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You Can Leave Home, But It Never Leaves You | Beneath The Accent with Jyoti Grewal [Season 2 Finale (Bonus Wrap-Up)] 7:14

2M ago7:14

7:14

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! 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…

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Gaming Meal Episode 226 - Halfway 2025 Gaming Checkpoint 1:22:54

2M ago1:22:54

1:22:54

On episode 226 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny and Myka go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) talking about Monster Hunter Wilds game reviews hitting "Overwhelmingly Negative" on Steam and an aggregated gaming library coming to the Xbox PC app. For our main course, we go over a middle of 2025 gaming checkpoint and checkout the best g…

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Whose Story Are You Living? | Beneath The Accent with Rafael Rodrigues 15:24

2M ago15:24

15:24

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…

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Kissing Cheeks and Eating Ducks: Cultural Mixups That Made Me Wiser | Beneath The Accent with Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui 8:40

2M ago8:40

8:40

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 contin…

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You Wish You Knew This Before Immigrating | Beneath The Accent with Yauhan Mehta 14:00

2M ago14:00

14:00

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Moving to a new country brings opportunities for personal growth through embracing new cultures and shedding aspects of upbringing that no longer serve you. Hard skills may get you a job, but soft skills like teamwork and communication keep you employed in Canadian workplaces. • Unlearning and rel…

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He Didn’t Expect This Question | Know Your Host - Gurasis Singh [New Segment] 6:33

2M ago6:33

6:33

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when podcast roles reverse and the host becomes the subject of questions? Our newest segment "Know Your Host" creates an intimate space where guests get to ask whatever they're curious about – and the results are surprisingly profound. The first question cuts straight to emotional vul…

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Winter, Tears & Comfort Food | Beneath The Accent with Daljit Kaur 11:04

2M ago11:04

11:04

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Ever wonder what happens beneath the surface of an immigrant's journey? Our latest conversation pulls back the curtain on the unspoken realities of building a new life in Canada. Take a seat at our table as we explore those quintessential immigrant moments that shape identity from the confusion wh…

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Gaming Meal Episode 225 - Switch 2 + Mario Kart Impressions 1:19:10

2M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

On episode 225 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Eric, Manny and Myka go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) talking about the Microsoft and AMD partnership for Xbox hardware, Bungie delaying Marathon, and the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct. For our main course, we go over our impressions of the Switch 2 hardware and Mario Kart World. For more …

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Gaming Meal Episode 224 - Summer Game Fest 2025 Recap 1:53:58

2M ago1:53:58

1:53:58

On episode 224 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Myka, Gilbert and Cesar go over all of the reveals from the past week. Hours upon hours of reveals. There’s not enough time to cover them all, but we do our best to cover the most exciting stuff. From Resident Evil Requiem to Call of Duty Black Ops 7. For more information, visit us at www.The…

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Podcasting As Therapy, Healing, and Self-Discovery: When Two Podcasters Chat | Beneath The Accent with Hamza Islam 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Hamza joins us as the guest in this role-reversed conversation about how creative pursuits like podcasting help us reclaim lost parts of ourselves and overcome social barriers. • Host shares how the podcast helped regain the spark lost during challenging early immigrant years in Canada • Creating …

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Episode 271 - Tony Hawk's Mario Kart 1:38:54

2M ago1:38:54

1:38:54

It's a big week this week on Checkpoint Chat, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, a brand new Mario Kart, and the new satisfying clicks of a Joy-Con. There's also loads of other games to talk about, like Elden Ring Nightreign, Blue Prince, and a bunch of upcoming titles such as Resident Evil Requiem from Summer Game Fest. Follow Checkpoint C…

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Gaming Meal Episode 223 - PlayStation State of Play June 2025 2:19:09

2M ago2:19:09

2:19:09

Gaming Meal Episode 223 - PlayStation State of Play June 2025 On episode 223 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Myka and Cthulhu go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we give our impressions on Elden Ring Nightreign, recap the Top 10 Arcade Games with Cesar, make some Summer Games Fest predictions and chat about that Witcher 4 Un…

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Surviving 1984: A Daughter's Journey Through Grief and Stigma | Ft. Jyoti Grewal Ep. 071 [Season 2 Finale] 1:12:10

3M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Jyoti Grewal shares her powerful journey from surviving the 1984 Sikh Genocide as a five-year-old child to building a life of resilience and healing in Canada. Her story reveals how she navigated cultural expectations, patriarchal norms, and personal trauma to create a different path for herself a…

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Awkward Hellos and Meaningful Goodbyes: An Immigrant’s Transformation | Ft. Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui Ep. 070 [Part-2] 36:36

3M ago36:36

36:36

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when cultural norms collide in a new country? In this insightful episode, Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui shares his powerful immigration journey from Saudi Arabia to Canada, blending humor and wisdom. A cheek kiss gone wrong becomes a metaphor for navigating identity between cultures. Dr. Siddi…

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Gaming Meal Episode 222 - Top 10 Arcade Games 2:07:59

3M ago2:07:59

2:07:59

On episode 222 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Myka and Gilbert go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we discuss Jade Raymond’s sudden departure from Haven Studios and some Microsoft rumors around Xbox emulation and Steam integration. For our main course, we discuss the best arcade games and actually list a Top 10. We had to a…

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Gaming Meal Episode 221 - White Whales 1:50:48

3M ago1:50:48

1:50:48

On episode 221 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny and Cesar go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Sony considering raising prices across the board and Square Enix ‘refocusing’ on quality over quantity as a company. For our main course, we discuss gaming white whales. The most obvious example being Half-Life 3 which h…

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From Mecca to the World: A Journey of Service and Self-Discovery | Ft. Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui Ep. 070 [Part-1] 44:04

3M ago44:04

44:04

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when a shy boy from Mecca grows up to become a global healthcare leader with a passion for teaching? Dr. Mahboub Siddiqui takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable life story – one that spans continents, cultures, and profound personal transformation. Born in Saudi Arab…

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Episode 270 - Surprise Sounds 1:23:53

3M ago1:23:53

1:23:53

This week in Checkpoint Chat, Matty and Sandy are still floored by how exceptional Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, turns out the demons of medieval times are just as fun to slaughter in Doom: The Dark Ages, and can you guess which of the characters in Final Destination are recurring ones? We sure can! Follow Checkpoint Chat on... Twitter: https://t…

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The Invisible Journey: What Immigration Teaches Us About Ourselves | Beneath The Accent with Dhara Majmundar 10:22

3M ago10:22

10:22

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What does it mean to truly travel? In this heartfelt conversation, Dhara opens up about her immigration journey to Canada and how her definition of exploration has evolved in unexpected ways. The most poignant moment comes when Dhara reflects on what being an immigrant has taught her. "We understa…

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Gaming Meal Episode 220 - GTA 6 Delay and Trailer 2 Discussion 1:53:08

3M ago1:53:08

1:53:08

On episode 220 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Cesar and Gilbert go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Microsoft raising prices across the board (at least they had a neat Gears Reloaded announcement), Half-Life 3 back in the rumor mill, and Apple getting some judgement. For our main course, Grand Theft Auto 6 has…

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The Priory of the Orange Tree with Theys, Gays, and Bookworm Babes Part 2 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

The conversation continues! In this thrilling second half of our cross-podcast collaboration, The Growlery joins forces once again with The Gays and Bookworm Babes to unravel the magic, politics, queerness, and dragons of Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree. We pick up where we left off—diving deeper into the themes of power, prophecy,…

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Episode 269 - Blue Filter Magicians 1:20:06

3M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

We're back at last and filled to the brim with nonsense discussions! This week we dive into Metroid Prime Remastered, Assassin's Creed Shadows, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Monster Hunter Wilds. There's also talk of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is just around the corner... Follow Checkpoint Chat on...…

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Soul Search Before Job Search: A Career Coach’s Blueprint for Newcomer Success | Ft. Yauhan Mehta Ep. 069 48:00

3M ago48:00

48:00

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What does it truly take for international talent to thrive in Canada? Beyond skills and qualifications, success hinges on something more fundamental - mindset, clarity, and strategic planning. Yauhan Mehta, an industrial-organizational psychologist and career coach with 15 years of experience, unr…

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Gaming Meal Episode 219 - Gaming Renaissance, Old Game Design is Making a Comeback 1:37:48

3M ago1:37:48

1:37:48

On episode 219 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Cesar and Myka go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order chaos, and EA canceling more projects and cutting more people. For the main course, we talk about the recent renaissance we have been noticing with game design. A lot of games with ‘olde…

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Gaming Meal Episode 218 - Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Chaos 1:28:08

3M ago1:28:08

1:28:08

On episode 218 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Gilbert and Myka go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Oblivion Remaster getting officially announced and shadow dropped, Discord getting a new CEO, and Reviews of recent games. For the main course, we reminisce about old experiences with preordering. Games or consol…

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The Unexpected Power of Doing Good: A Beautiful Twist of Fate | Ft. Rafael Rodrigues Ep. 068 [Part 2] 43:42

4M ago43:42

43:42

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Part 1 | Ft. Rafael: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835261/episodes/16926932 What happens when a single decision to help others completely redirects your life's path? In this captivating continuation of my conversation with Rafael, we explore the remarkable chain of events that began with his humanit…

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From Brazil to Africa: A Radical Reimagining of Purpose | Ft. Rafael Rodrigues Ep. 068 [Part 1] 1:08:32

4M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when success doesn’t feel like success? In this powerful episode, we meet Rafael, a Brazilian changemaker who walked away from a traditional path to pursue humanitarian work in Africa. Raised in the harsh realities of São Paulo—where seeing violence was part of daily life—Rafael follo…

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Gaming Meal Episode 217 - What You Playing April 2025 1:13:17

4M ago1:13:17

1:13:17

On episode 217 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Eric, Manny, Gilbert and Myka go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Bungie’s Marathon, Star Wars Zero Company, and The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remastered. For the main course, we discuss what games we have been playing and assess the status of game subscriptions. For more informa…

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The Hummingbird Effect: How Cultural Authenticity Creates Belonging | Beneath The Accent with Yannick Oho Bambe 17:23

4M ago17:23

17:23

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! In this Beneath the Accent spotlight, Yannick shares reflections from his journey across Cameroon, France, and Canada—revealing how cultural identity, once seen as a challenge, became his greatest strength. Through the lens of a powerful hummingbird legend, Yannick encourages newcomers to see thei…

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Beyond The Highlight Reel: Gen Z, Identity & Curry Confessions | Ft. Hamza Islam Ep. 067 1:13:42

4M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What’s it really like behind Gen Z’s curated online personas? In this episode, we sit down with Hamza Islam—host of Oh My Curry Goodness—a podcast dedicated to raw, unfiltered Gen Z stories. Born in the U.S. to Bangladeshi immigrant parents, Hamza brings a unique multicultural perspective to story…

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Gaming Meal Episode 216 - Switch 2 Post Reveal Updates 1:39:59

4M ago1:39:59

1:39:59

On episode 216 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny, Erick, Myka and Cesar go over this week's appetizer (gaming news) where we talk about Star Citizen reaching $800 million crowdfunding. For the main course, we discuss all the news and details that came out after the reveal of the Switch 2. For more information, visit us at www.TheGamingMeal.com and …

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"I Never Expected Canada to Change Me Like This!" | Beneath The Accent with Rohit Dhawan 6:21

4M ago6:21

6:21

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Rohit shares his journey of identity, humour, and self-discovery—from realizing he had an accent to finding a renewed sense of purpose in Canada. We touch on the unexpected lessons that come from cultural shifts, the spirit of service sparked abroad, and lighthearted reflections on lions, teleport…

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Gaming Meal Episode 215 - Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal 2:07:38

4M ago2:07:38

2:07:38

On episode 215 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny, Erick, Myka and Gilbert we discuss the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. Exciting new game announcements, hardware specifications and price increases. Good stuff but also some bad. For more information, visit us at www.TheGamingMeal.com and please follow us on socials at: BlueSky at gamingmeal.bsky.social, …

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Gaming Meal Episode 214 - Felt Like Having a Snack (Nintendo Switch 2 Predictions) 1:22:27

4M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

Gaming Meal Episode 214 - Felt Like Having a Snack (Nintendo Switch 2 Predictions) On episode 214 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Manny, Erick, and Myka felt like snacking. Basically, we just wanted to talk about predictions for the Switch 2 before it the direct drops. We made a bingo card, in other words, 25 predictions. For more information, visit us…

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Episode 268 - Dive-Bombing Poops 56:23

4M ago56:23

56:23

It's our last episode for a while, so pull up a seat for fresh impressions on 33 Immortals and final thoughts on Assassin's Creed Shadows! Bonus content this week includes: pigeons and their personal poop agendas, and the sun. Follow Checkpoint Chat on...Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChatFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheckpointChatI…

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Gaming Meal Episode 213 - Nintendo Direct March 2025 1:30:22

5M ago1:30:22

1:30:22

On episode 213 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Eric, Gilbert and Cesar go over this week's appetizers (gaming news) where we talk about Game Informer coming back, Xbox UI showing Steam, and Ubisoft restructuring. For the main course, we discuss the March 2025 Nintendo Direct. We talk about the Virtual game cards, Metroid Prime 4 and more. For more info…

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From Grandparents' Wisdom to Dreaming Bigger | Beneath The Accent with Akshay Maharaj 16:26

5M ago16:26

16:26

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! Join us as we dive into an inspiring journey of personal growth, resilience, and ambition in this episode of My Thick Accent. Our guest shares their experience from the simple joys of waking up with the sun to the art of crafting a flavourful pasta dish that reflects their passion for cooking. We …

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Friendship, Food & Firsts: A Newcomer’s Journey | Beneath The Accent with Muzhda Akbari 19:45

5M ago19:45

19:45

Click here to text me your thoughts about the show! What happens when a missing taxi and a faulty internet connection lead to unexpected kindness and delicious pizza? Hear how my first day in Montreal turned from chaos to charm, thanks to the generosity of strangers like Beer Inder and Harpreet. I reflect on the warm welcome I received and the surp…

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Gaming Meal Episode 212 - 10-20-30 years ago in gaming 1:50:46

5M ago1:50:46

1:50:46

On episode 212 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Gilbert and Cesar go over this week's appetizers (gaming news) where we talk about Assassin’s Creed Shadows review scores and some upcoming game announcements like Space Marine 3 and Powerwash Simulator 2. For the main course, we go back in time and recap what games were like 10-20-30 years a…

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Episode 267 - Daylight Saving Naps 1:10:54

5M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

This week on Checkpoint Chat, it's all about sneaking around (sometimes) in a gorgeous feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows! Does Ubisoft's latest additions to one of its biggest franchises have what it takes to pull them out of their recent slump, though? Follow Checkpoint Chat on...Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheckpointChatFacebook: https:…

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Gaming Meal Episode 211 - PlayStation vs Xbox in 2025 1:57:12

5M ago1:57:12

1:57:12

On episode 211 of the Gaming Meal Podcast, Erick, Manny, Gilbert and Cesar go over this week's appetizers (gaming news) where we talk about Scopely buying out Pokemon Go for 3.5 billion, EA adding microtransactions in a closed alpha test, and Death Stranding 2 latest trailer. For the main course, we talk console wars… Particularly PlayStation and X…