Send us a text In this soulful and tender conversation, I sit down with Salima Saxton — relational dynamics coach, writer, performer, and co-host of the Women Are Mad podcast. Together, we unpack the quiet truths women carry — the roles we’ve played, the selves we’ve tucked away, and the longing to feel fully seen. Salima reflects on how often she …

Send us a text This week on Middle Fingers Up, we’re holding space for a powerful voice during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day — Alvina Nadeem, a South Asian woman, mother, wife, AI innovator, keynote speaker, and cancer survivor who reminds us that survival isn’t just about staying alive, but about reclaiming our voice. She shares the mantra she carr…

Send us a text Loss is more than death — it’s the quiet grief of losing a homeland, a friendship, a relationship, trust, emotional safety, or even parts of ourselves we didn’t know we had to say goodbye to. In this powerful conversation with Palak, a Grief and Loss Recovery Specialist, we explore how "grief is love" and how we can honor all types o…

Send us a text What happens when two Indian women—from different parts of the world—sit down to talk about parenting, patriarchy, and psychiatry? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sidhana, a psychiatrist based in India, for a cross-continental conversation rooted in truth-telling, compassion, and curiosity. We reflect on what it means to be raised…

Send us a text What happens when you finally find the words for what you've been carrying your whole life? "Suddenly, I had language for things that I'm experiencing." That’s the power of sitting down with someone like Tony Nabors, a racial equity educator and truth-teller who doesn’t just talk about systems—he helps us feel and understand them. In…

Send us a text In this unapologetically real conversation, I sit down with Mohini, a Holistic Relationship Coach for Ranis, who guides Desi divorcees to reclaim their power and rewrite their relationship stories. After a 14-year marriage, Mohini has come face-to-face with the complexities of cultural expectations, self-worth, and the fear of being …

Send us a text What happens when we try to understand South Asian mental health through a Western lens? We end up feeling lost—told to cut ties instead of repair them, to heal alone instead of within community. But healing was never meant to be an individual pursuit. In this conversation with Astha, we start scratching the surface—getting curious a…

Send us a text Music Media Personality and Multimedia Creative, LaToya Elle, joins us to share her journey of blending storytelling with a passion for amplifying Canadian artists. We dive into the artists on her radar, the challenges of being a Black woman in the industry, and the future of music media. LaToya opens up about the power of representa…

Send us a text What happens when we’re taught that curiosity about sexuality is shameful? And how do colonial histories still shape the way we talk—or don’t talk—about sex today? In this compelling episode, we sit down with Carine Abou Dahab, a sexologist passionate about breaking the silence and unlearning the shame surrounding sexuality. Together…

Send us a text Moving to a new country comes with challenges—feeling isolated, questioning if you're good enough, and pushing through rejection. But for Palak, every challenge became an opportunity. From starting a job as a newcomer to building a thriving art studio, her journey is a testament to resilience, stepping outside comfort zones, and trus…

Send us a text What does healing look like when the systems around us were never built for us? In this episode of Middle Fingers Up, we sit down with writer, mental health advocate, and early childhood educator Ishaa Vinod Chopra, author of Finding Order in Disorder: A Bipolar Memoir. Ishaa shares her journey with bipolar disorder, the stigma surro…

Send us a text In this brief Gup Shup, we talk about the challenges of taking care of your health while managing a small team or working solo. We'll discuss the guilt that comes with taking a sick day, especially as a child of immigrants who feel the weight of their parents' sacrifices. It's crucial to prioritize your well-being, how to manage the …

Send us a text Welcome back Dr. Anne Hussain, Naturopathic doctor, period literacy advocate, and author of The Period Literacy Handbook. Dr. Anne shares both her personal and professional experience with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), breaking down why it’s a full-body condition that affects more than just periods. We explore how PCOS presents d…

Send us a text Welcome Vishal Aheer, Fitness Trainer! In this episode, we put our middle fingers up to outdated fitness myths and explore how shifting to functional movement can help us build real strength, longevity, and confidence. We’ve been conditioned to believe that fitness is about chasing a certain look —smaller, bigger, leaner, more “toned…

Send us a text Part 5 of The Angry Brown Girl Club Series: Welcome to part 5/5 of the "Angry Brown Girl Club" Series. Over the last four episodes, we’ve unpacked the deep-seated power dynamics and historical patterns that shape relationships between white women and women of color. We’ve explored the ways whiteness is protected, the contradictions t…

Send us a text Part 4 of The Angry Brown Girl Club Series: Welcome to part 4/5 of the "Angry Brown Girl Club" series. In this episode, we get into how to recognize, the power imbalances between white women and women of color, focusing on accountability and the importance of being open to call-ins. We'll address the shock value of "I didn't know," a…

Send us a text Part 3 of The Angry Brown Girl Club Series In this third segment of the Angry Brown Girl Club, we get deeper into the power dynamics that emerge between women of color and white women. Building on Segment 1, where we discussed how women of color often find themselves “applying” for acceptance in spaces that weren’t designed for them,…

Send us a text Part 2 of The Angry Brown Girl Club Series They say, “If you don’t like the conversation —change it.” But what if, instead of changing it, we tended to it? This segment is about leaning into the messy, scary process of growth, especially in relationships, where defensiveness can creep in and derail even the most well-intentioned disc…

Send us a text Part 1 of The Angry Brown Girl Club Series In this episode, we talk about what it means to navigate a world that often misunderstands or diminishes us. For many of us, anger has been our armor—not because we want to wear it, but because we’ve had to. This anger isn’t shameful; it’s sacred. I hope my story reminds you that you’re not …

Send us a text In this final installment of our three-part series, we close with reflections on Harjot and Simrit’s first year of marriage—a year filled with challenges, growth, and commitment. Their journey has unfolded in real time, offering us a raw and authentic look at the realities of transitioning from a wedding to a marriage. Following "You…

Send us a text I’m joined by a very special guest—my 11-year-old son. Together, we have an honest conversation about what it’s like to grow up biracial and navigate the early experiences of racism. This episode was his project—he took the lead, sharing two personal stories that highlight the challenges kids face when treated differently because of …

Send us a text The holidays can bring so many different experiences to the surface—grief from anniversaries, burnout from expectations, or the exhaustion of hiding parts of yourself just to get through family gatherings. For some, this time of year is filled with joy and gratitude, while for others, it’s a season that feels heavy and isolating. In …

Send us a text In this Gup Shup segment, we welcome back Dr. Anne Hussain, naturopathic doctor, period literacy advocate, and author of The Period Literacy Handbook. Building on her insights from episode 93, What Does a Normal Period Actually Look Like?, Dr. Hussain dives into weight stigma in healthcare, from the origins and misuse of BMI to the s…

Send us a text This episode of Middle Fingers Up is here at the perfect time, wrapping up Men's Health Awareness Month while also preparing us for the not-so-jolly parts of the holiday season. We get into the emotional toll of hiding your true self and the unique challenges that 2SLGBTQ+ individuals face—especially within cultural expectations. We …

Send us a text This week, we get into a thought-provoking and essential conversation about intimacy, challenging long-held beliefs about masculinity. Our title might raise some eyebrows, but we're okay with that because intimacy goes far beyond the physical. We're excited to welcome back SkyeBlu Cutchie, Relationship, Intimacy and Sex Therapist, wh…

Send us a text Dive into this conversation where we tackle the intricate tapestry of biracial identity alongside Dr. Jenn, a psychologist deeply rooted in the mixed-race community. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, Dr. Jenn shares how adolescence shapes one's sense of belonging, the unique challenges faced by biracial children, and …

Send us a text In this It’s Good to Gup Shup segment, we’re thrilled to welcome back Madison, host of the Bloodstained podcast. Many of you might remember her from Episode 91:" Almost Nothing In This Society Is Coincidental", where we explored systemic issues and the often-hidden narratives that shape our lives. Today, we’re reflecting deep, focusi…

Send us a text Welcome back, Comedian Jeevin Gill, who’s in town for a show and has dropped by to chat with us! You might remember him from Episode 18, ‘Middle Fingers to Not Trying.’ Since we last chatted, he has continued to make waves in the comedy world—you’ve seen him at Just For Laughs Toronto, as a quarter-finalist at the Seattle Internation…

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 101 of Middle Fingers Up! 🎉 We’re starting off the next century of episodes with a truly special one: my very first guests, Naina and Kam, are back! Keeping with tradition, these two have returned every 25 episodes, bringing the laughs and memories as we dive into some highlights from this journey so far. From unfo…

Send us a text 100th episode celebration! We’ve hit a major milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU! To all our listeners, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support has brought us here, and we’re celebrating this special moment with none other than Canadian musician JRDN! With Men’s Health Awareness around the corner, we ch…

Send us a text Welcome back Neha, founder of Ninja Nari and author of the children’s book Spooks & Sparklers: A Halloween and Diwali Adventure. With Diwali falling on the heels of Halloween this year, Neha’s book beautifully bridges the gap between these two celebrations, reflecting the journey of first-generation immigrants navigating both Eastern…

Send us a text In today’s episode, we welcome one of Canada's top and most versatile DJs, DJ Kav. Renowned for rocking crowds nationwide and internationally, DJ Kav has made his mark with iconic radio shows and unforgettable live sets. He’s mastered the art of connecting with audiences through music. Today, we dive deeper and uncover the story behi…

Send us a text Today’s episode is a bit different, as I’m sharing a conversation from my guest appearance on “Talk South Asian to Me” with hosts Anusha and Mashal. I opened up about my personal experience navigating an interracial relationship, discussing self-discovery, internalized racism, and the unique challenges of parenting biracial kids. It’…

Send us a text We sit down with celebrity makeup artist and CEO, Christina Flach, to explore her philosophy of "Beauty from the Inside Out." Christina shares her insights on self-care, mental health, and finding joy in life, reminding us that true beauty starts with how we treat ourselves. From her personal routines like discipline, waking up early…

Send us a text Grab your chai or favorite comfort snack and join me for our new segment, It’s Good to Gup Shup. In this edition, we’re embracing a new way to deepen our connections and explore personal stories, struggles, and insights. Gup Shup is a Punjabi term for gathering with friends and loved ones for real, honest conversations—sometimes ligh…

Send us a text Today we are thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Urmi Hossain. Urmi is Bengali by blood, Italian by birth, and now resides in Canada. She’s a leader in the financial services industry, a self-published author, speaker, blogger who is deeply passionate about women’s empowerment. Urmi recently published her book, Discovering Your…

Send us a text Welcome Dr. Anne Hussain, a renowned naturopathic doctor and period literacy advocate, to discuss the often-overlooked aspects of menstrual health and education. Dr. Hussain, the author of The Period Literacy Handbook and founder of The Period Literacy School—an online platform dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge t…

Mel is a TikTok creator, who has over ten million people tune into her daily videos on relationships, situationships, relatable life stories and mental health. Today she joins me for the second time, to talk all things dating, solo travelling, fitness, going on Love Island, comparing TikTok to Reels and YouTube, addressing Taylor Swift conspiracies…

Send us a text MFU Podcast is all about you, our amazing listeners. We have had enough feedback now to know you're curious to learn more about the host. That's why we're flipping the script in this special episode and I am the guest! Join us as we bring you a gem from the Bruvcast podcast. I had the incredible opportunity to be their guest as they …

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of Middle Fingers Up, we sit down with Madison, the host of the podcast Bloodstained, to explore the deep-seated issues that shape our understanding of history, racism, and the power of words. Madison, known for her deep dives into the dark history of slavery and colonization through a true crime len…

Send us a text Today, we go on a journey of music, representation, and mental health with the talented Sonya Pittalwala, a South Asian woman who is courageously pursuing her dreams of singing in New York City. Together, we explore her experiences growing up in North America, the challenges of breaking into the arts world, and the crucial importance…

Send us a text Today we sit down with Anusha, a dedicated Mental Health Therapist based in Dallas, Texas, and co-host of the podcast "Talk South Asian to Me." I first discovered Anusha through an insightful comment she made on a post by a fellow South Asian mental health advocate, and after looking her up, I was impressed by her commitment to suppo…

Send us a text 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 takes pr…

Send us a text 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 and the im…

Send us a text 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 meet the…

Send us a text 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 the work u…

Send us a text 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 Singh Ra…

Send us a text 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 lately. Episo…

Send us a text 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 joke in c…

Send us a text 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 boundaries. The c…