Send us a Text Message. Part Two of a Three-Part Series: Newlyweds and Their First Year Together as a Married Couple In this series, we are following a couple's journey through their first year of marriage. The first year can be incredibly challenging, even for couples who have been together for a long time before getting married. The wedding often…

Send us a Text Message. Today we sit down with Dr. Shazma Mithani, a dedicated ER doctor from Edmonton, Alberta. Dr. Mithani shares her journey into medicine, the story behind her educational platform on social media, and her mission to improve health literacy. She discusses the critical role of health literacy in preventing unnecessary ER visits a…

Send us a Text Message. Today, we're thrilled to sit down with Alfred Kainga, the 2023 Breakout Comedian of the Year, who has been making waves in the comedy scene from Zimbabwe to Dallas. I had the privilege of catching Alfred's show here in Calgary and was blown away by his wit and genuine presence. I laughed so hard I knew I had to reach out and…

Send us a Text Message. Today we are thrilled to welcome Neha, the founder of Ninja Nari, a platform dedicated to celebrating South-Asian roots and empowering women. This conversation came at a pivotal time for me, as Neha and I explore the complexities of navigating multiple identities and the responsibilities of discussing race. We also discuss t…

Send us a Text Message. In this special episode, I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to sit down with my very first male role model, the person who has influenced my understanding of male relationships at every stage of my life—from girlhood, through young womanhood, to womanhood. I am honored to welcome to the podcast, my Papa Varinder…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we welcome back Doreen, who previously joined us in Episode 17. During her first appearance, Doreen shared her experiences as a first-generation Canadian navigating body image, diet culture, and finding self-love in her 40s. Today, we’re thrilled to have her back to talk about what has been on our minds late…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode I sit down with the hilarious and insightful Grand Komanda, a Nigerian comedian making waves in Calgary. Grand shares his journey into comedy, highlighting the highs and lows of performing on stage. He discusses the role of comedians as social commentators and the endless possibilities in delivering a single …

Send us a Text Message. This episode features Sunny Chopra, host of the 'South Asian Healing Podcast.' Sunny dives into the challenges faced by South Asian men regarding mental health and well-being. We explore the impact of cultural expectations and intergenerational trauma, while offering tips for fostering open communication and healthy boundari…

Send us a Text Message. In this compelling episode, we welcome Harjeet Kaur, who confronted a rare and aggressive cancer with extraordinary courage and determination. Diagnosed with stage IV Subcutaneous Panniculitis T-cell Lymphoma at 32, Harjeet battled through immense challenges, including isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stigma of…

Send us a Text Message. In this special dedication to mothers, we are excited to have Hira, a first generation immigrant imparting her valuable perspectives. This installment celebrates the resilience and perseverance of mothers who have immigrated, drawing inspiration from Hira’s personal journey and her gratitude for her own mother’s silent sacri…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with Meg Khan, the visionary behind "Seen the Stories." We explore the impact of storytelling and visibility, diving into how Meg's photography project amplifies the voices of those often left unheard. Meg shares personal insights, from her father’s journey from Pakistan to London in search of a …

Send us a Text Message. Join us for a much-needed conversation with Jeeti Pooni, a survivor, motivational speaker and author as she shares her remarkable journey of healing after trauma. Jeeti's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of advocacy. Alongside her sisters, she made history by confronting their abuser…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode join us as we learn about the journey of Poonam Toor, the creative force behind Sugar Shimmer Bake Shop. From her roots in India to her thriving bakery in Canada, Poonam's story is a demonstration of the power of passion and perseverance. As we uncover the layers of her journey discover how she has captured t…

Send us a Text Message. As I sit here reflecting on our 75th episode, I'm overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. I'm proud of the unwavering commitment from both our guests and our listeners, who come together week after week to engage, to listen, and to learn from each other's stories. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to create a space where st…

Send us a Text Message. Join us on for an inspiring episode featuring Janey Enmil, a dedicated trainer with a heart of gold. From empowering seniors with dementia and Parkinson's to navigating the complexities of parenting and overcoming domestic violence, Janey shares her journey with raw honesty and unwavering determination. In this episode, we e…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we have returning guest Kien. Together we explore the concept of self-identity, particularly as it intersects with body image and fitness. Join us as we peel back layers of self-discovery, empowerment, and reclaiming one's narrative through the lens of Kien’s personal journey. He shares his experience of navi…

Send us a Text Message. It all started from a text: Kiran: Any topics come up for you lately or you are hearing about? Aman: The regret I have that I abandoned my culture.... Join us as we navigate the intricacies of identity, heritage, and the challenges of assimilation faced by many in the BIPOC community. Through candid conversations and persona…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we explore blind spots that often go unnoticed in both life and work, uncovering the nuances of cultural understanding in therapy. Our guest, an experienced therapist, shares insights on the importance of recognizing these blind spots and the utility of having an outside perspective. But the conversation doe…

Send us a Text Message. Step into the vibrant world of Chris Strikes, a BIPOC filmmaker whose journey from music videos to directing feature-length documentaries is as captivating as his hair transformations. In this episode, we dive into Strikes' upbringing, his music video background, and his personal hair journey, all of which have shaped his un…

Send us a Text Message. We're thrilled to introduce you to Jia Rizvi, a multifaceted force! Jia, a South Asian award-winning filmmaker, Forbes writer, and advocate for the wrongly incarcerated, has embarked on an inspiring journey from the world of fashion to advocacy through film. Known for her acclaimed work, including the award-winning documenta…

Send us a Text Message. I want to take a moment to acknowledge something important. In today's episode, we had a guest who chose to remain anonymous when sharing their story. This decision highlights the very real stigma that still surrounds conversations about mental health. It's a reminder of the barriers many face when opening up about their str…

Send us a Text Message. Joining us in this empowering episode about women's health in midlife is Dr. Shafeena Premji, a passionate advocate for women's health and a leading voice in the field. Together, we explore perimenopause and menopause, shedding light on the often-overlooked but crucial phase of women's health in midlife. Dr. Premji highlight…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we welcome back our loved guest Meena Natt. Today we explore the multifaceted journey of birth choices and postpartum support with a focus on empowering expectant parents. Join us as we uncover the complexities of decision-making during pregnancy. We get into the concept of "failure to progress" and its impli…

Send us a Text Message. Today's episode contains a stark reality: many BIPOC individuals like our guest, grapple with the fear of speaking out against racism. Join us as we get into the challenging choice between silence and the potential consequences of raising their voice We engage in a difficult yet essential conversation about racism with Kajal…

Send us a Text Message. Today we are privileged to have a conversation with Ishita Singla, the founder behind Calgary's renowned arts collective, Madhuban Performing Arts, and also the senior communications officer at CBC. Ishita champions the creation of safe environments where individuals can freely express their authentic selves. Join us as Ishi…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we explore the world of growth and graffiti abstraction with our guest David Brunning. David is a Canadian contemporary artist whose journey began in the rebellious days of running from authority wielding spray cans. From racking paint to cultivating imagination, we peel back the layers of David’s artistic e…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we learn about the captivating world of drag through the personal journey of our guest, exploring the intricacies of self-discovery, family bonds, and the significance of allyship. Join us as we uncover the story of how our guest found his way into the vibrant realm of drag and share their thoughts on this u…

Send us a Text Message. Join us today once again with Divorce Coach Heidi Dinning, who previously shared valuable insights in Episode 54: "Divorce Doesn't Break The Family, It Actually Can Shift The Family." In this latest episode, Heidi delves into the intricacies of making the divorce process child-centric, shedding light on common pitfalls paren…

Send us a Text Message. Meet Simrit and Harjot, a couple celebrating their traditional Punjabi wedding after 7 years of shared love. In this episode, they share insights on the profound distinction between weddings and marriage. Discussing accountability, setting boundaries, and the importance of checking ego, the couple sheds light on the shifts s…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we sit down with Glen Davies a personal trainer, fitness instructor and podcaster, to explore the dynamic interplay between physical and mental fitness. Glen shares his wisdom on overcoming obstacles, emphasizing that "sometimes you need to switch it off, and then come back to it." We discuss the significance…

Send us a Text Message. In this new year we start off with a fantastic conversation with Bree and Charles. In this episode we offer a glimpse into their journey growing up in the United States with two unique histories. From navigating growing up as a child of adoption, or a tri-racial woman they share insights from their unique perspectives. They …

Send us a Text Message. Today we sit down with "B' an intelligent rounded teen in order to explore the dynamics of the parent-child relationship. We use the idea of "chapters" as we "write" a book to navigate through the intricacies of communicating with a teen. In this episode, we explore how parents and their children can construct a better relat…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we're joined by Prav, a supporter of our MFU community who generously reached out to share their journey to sobriety. Prav shares "I don't need alcohol to have fun." This bold declaration sets the stage for a conversation that unveils the resilience and joy discovered when choosing a life liberated from the c…

Send us a Text Message. Join me in a nostalgic reunion with Mike Seibel, where time stands still and the essence of genuine connection reignites. There's something magical about catching up with good friends—those rare souls with whom you can put life on pause and seamlessly pick up where you left off. Today we hit 'un-pause' and explore Mike's jou…

Send us a Text Message. In this special Holiday Bonus Episode, recorded last holiday season, we're joined by Provisional Psychologist Nevena Kalajdzic. As we approach December and the year-end at an unexpectedly swift pace, I can't help but connect this particular season with the insights gained from our past discussion. Amid the festivities, there…

Send us a Text Message. Join us in a conversation with a divorce coach whose personal journey sparked a mission to transform the narrative around divorce. With a message to "park the shame and look at what is," Heidi emphasizes human connection in navigating this process. Explore the idea that families don't break in divorce; they shift to find whe…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we engage in a dialogue with Nisha, whose personal journey was one of the inspirations behind the creation of Middle Fingers Up. Nisha candidly shares her perspectives on navigating challenges postpartum, coping with grief and loss, and provides valuable insights into the human experience. We look into the s…

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we speak with Cody Demerais, to discuss how he has battled self-doubt and turned adversity into triumph. In a world where self-doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever could, Cody's story stands as a testament to resilience and the power of personal growth. From the clutches of alcoholism to the aftermath of…

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we are delighted to introduce Amy Wang, the CFO of a software solutions company and a Chinese immigrant who arrived in Canada at a young age. Her life journey reflects the intricacies of cultural assimilation and identity, offering valuable insights into the challenges of straddling Western and Eastern norms.…

Send us a Text Message. I want to express my gratitude for the keystone this community has played in my journey. The support from our listeners of the Middle Fingers Up Podcast has fostered a place for our community to come out and talk more, and believe me, we're only scratching the surface! Speaking of traditions, we are preserving them, thanks t…

Send us a Text Message. "Welcome, Richard Ashman. We want to express our gratitude for our guests who consistently demonstrate vulnerability infused with hope, compassion, and courage. Today, you will once again witness these qualities in action as Richard shares his compelling narrative. Richard sets an example of self-compassion by recounting his…

Send us a Text Message. Welcome back, Meena Natt! We're thrilled to have you return due to the overwhelming response to EP: 6 - "The Day I Befriended My Anxiety." Meena's genuine voice, compassionate tone, and vulnerability have truly struck a chord with our audience. In this episode, we tackle subjects that many of us grapple with but often avoid …

Send us a Text Message. Join Kerry and me for a special "Canadian" Thanksgiving episode where we explore the themes of gratitude and getting back to the basics of love and life. In this episode, we dive into the impact of our recent road trip from Calgary to Houston, sparked by the timeless song 'Luckenbach, Texas' by Waylon Jennings, which resonat…

Send us a Text Message. Today we have the privilege to sit down with Priya Ramesh, the Marketing & Communications Manager at BUMP. (Spoiler Alert: We also get to meet cartel.contra) Priya shares the positive impact murals can have on our city and within our community. Since its inception in 2017 as the Beltline Urban Murals Project, BUMP Festival h…

Send us a Text Message. Note to Listeners: The audio quality in this episode may not be perfect, but after careful consideration, we've decided to stick with the original recording for its genuine emotion and authenticity. This initial conversation captures the essence of a first-time discussion, and we believe it's important to deliver content tha…

Send us a Text Message. The Bruvcast is more than just a podcast; it's a safe haven where open and honest conversations reign supreme. Raj and Mik, are the torchbearers of this platform, demonstrating the power of dialogue in combating isolation and forging a community of understanding and empathy. The journey begins with two friends who've walked …

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we explore both the positive and negative patterns that often govern our interactions within families. Discover those seemingly subtle yet powerful negative patterns that may be invisibly shaping our lives, patterns that no longer serve us. We shed light on the sometimes useful strategy of avoidance, which can hel…

Send us a Text Message. A warm welcome to Brenda and Aman, a couple who have beautifully exemplified compassion, gratitude, and love and most importantly growth throughout their 15-year marriage. In this episode we explore well-being, recount the beginnings of their interracial relationship, and explore the idea of "tit-for-tat" exchanges as well a…

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we welcome back Registered Clinical Social Worker, Angela Hick to discuss transitions and how they impact us. While our conversation is inspired by the back-to-school season, we believe that transitions mark pivotal moments in our lives, demanding us to navigate change. Returning to school is one such transformati…

Send us a Text Message. Today, we are deeply honored to have a remarkable guest joining us, a human, a husband, a father, a lawyer: Sumit Ahuja. We welcome Sumit as he opens up on addiction to alcohol and cocaine, describing it as a disease that affects both the mind and soul. He openly discusses how addiction can lead to a cycle of conflict, actin…