S1E23 - Dr. Mohsine Bensaid | More Than Your Output: Dr. Bensaid on Language, Faith, and Not Losi...

In this episode of Caller ID, Brandon Davis Wells talks with Dr. Mohsine Bensaid—Ashland University assistant professor and TESOL program director—about identity beyond the usual “what do you do?” question. Bensaid shares how growing up in Morocco, dreaming of pro soccer, and discovering English through an influential teacher shaped his path into language, education, and intercultural exchange. He recounts navigating rigid schooling, pursuing English linguistics and literature, and seizing opportunities that eventually brought him to the U.S., where he experienced higher education as a global “melting pot.” They discuss why language learning and intercultural understanding matter, the value of exploring in college, and how his Islamic faith frames work as worship rooted in integrity and service. The core takeaway: your job shouldn’t carry the full weight of your worth—balance means not losing yourself in any one role. 00:00 Burnout And Balance 00:24 Meet Dr Bensaid 01:00 Beyond What You Do 02:05 Soccer And Family Joy 03:16 Injury Ends The Dream 03:49 Morocco School Choices 05:03 Finding English Passion 09:46 University Culture Shock 12:26 Chasing Exchange Opportunities 15:18 Fulbright And The US Leap 17:39 Higher Ed Melting Pot 19:44 Making Intercultural Priority 20:20 Small Town Initiative 20:54 Why Languages Matter 22:17 Morocco vs US Schools 23:37 Back Home Teaching 26:28 Returning to Ashland 28:20 Networking Lands ACCESS 30:21 Exploring Careers 33:46 Faith and Work 36:43 Final Career Wisdom 39:34 Closing Thanks Support the show (http://paypal.me/brandonwells1348) Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.