Comedian AJ Lamarque on his British, Chinese, Indian, South African and Jamaican heritage

We're back for a second season with a host of new guests sharing the highs and lows of their first months in Australia. Born and raised in North London, comedian AJ Lamarque experienced his first taste of culture shock when he moved to the quiet county of Hertfordshire as a teenager. But even that did not prepare him for moving to Australia when his mother got a job in Sydney some years later. After a couple of false starts, AJ now calls Australia home.

Comedian AJ Lamarque arrived in Australia via Hertfordshire and North London

The first feeling I can remember about being in Australia was a feeling of emptiness... I didn't realise the stark contrast that London had in comparison to Australia - where everything feels brand new.

AJ Lamarque

My First Year on Aussie Soil is hosted by comedian Suraj Kolarkar and produced by Danny Giles. Hear the stories of people who have found their feet in Australia, as they share their first impressions, and the highs and lows of life in a new country.

Follow My First Year in Australia in the SBS Radio app, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.