Co.LAB is a female-run, multifunctional, creative space which strives to support the societal, cultural and creative needs of artists, as humans first, and as a part of a growing community. Holding the values of  transparency and collaboration at their core, they commit to creating and maintaining an environment that meets the ever-changing needs of the Toronto art community.

Join me as I talk to Co.LAB Toronto’s directors, Kristina Soliman and Lyza Manalo about where this idea came from, their past experiences around teams and dances studios, what happens when you put wellness at the centre of your artistry and so much more. Thank you for joining me @_lyzam @kristeeny_ @co.labto

Donate to Help Build Co.LAB - Toronto's New Dance Home: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-colab-toronto039s-newest-dance-home/donate?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Hosted by Rev Shrotri

Music by Alex Mac

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh

Safa Ali is a phenomenal human being. She is a dancer and choreographer based in Toronto, the founder of Guest House TO, the co-owner of MVMT Dance TO and an aspiring doctor! She joins me in this episode to talk about her journey into medical school, where Guest House came from and what the Toronto dance community needs in general. She also gives advice to anyone who is unsure of their potential and the size of their dreams to just do it. Check out her initiative at @guesthouseto and the details to her upcoming dance competition (co-led by my other lovely guest Jess Ortaleza) at @mvmtdanceto. Thanks for chatting with me @safaali_ !

Hosted by Rev Shrotri 

Music by Alex Mac 

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh

Denice Badua is an artist, producer and sound engineer based in Milton and a dear friend of mine. I have always been a fan of them and I'm so glad you'll be able to listen to them talk. They talk about their experience growing up as a queer child, where their inclination towards music came from and their experience as a queer person of colour in the music industry. We also talk about the rise of independent artists and how that’s increasing representation across the industry and we discuss why non-marginalized folks need to continue showing up. They would like to mention that everything they've learned in terms of social justice and community work was taught by folks who have been doing the work for a long time. We also talk a little bit about their brand new EP ‘Waves’ which will be out later this month for us all to enjoy! In the meantime, check out their work @dbadua https://open.spotify.com/artist/6izRrtMerLHgiiaFhoW3gD

Hosted by Rev Shrotri

Music by Alex Mac

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh

Scarlett Minshull is a dear friend of mine who I got to chat with. She's studying geological engineering at the University of Waterloo and she's a badass dancer on Origins. We got to talk about her childhood in Uxbridge, some influential moments in her life, her journey as a curious creative and so much more. We also got to rave about Liz Gilbert, one of our favourite authors. @scar_minshull

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/

Hosted by Rev Shrotri

Music by Alex Mac

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh

Neil Robles is a dancer, actor, designer and an embodiment of creative living. He joins me to talk about his childhood, his journey as an artist, 'Work It' and the impact that it has had on him. We also talk about the dangers of comparison and the toll that it takes on artists and so much more. @neilrobles

Dr. Zach Bush on the science of manifestation: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/work-in-progress-with-sophia-bush/id1479711891?i=1000462002154

Hosted by Rev Shrotri

Music by Alex Mac

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh

Kin Nguien is a mindful dancer, artist, mental health advocate and overall a fantastic human being. She joins me to talk about her creative process, her growing expertise in mindfulness, Project Lullaby and how each one of us can do our part in fighting for justice around the world. She also shares her tips on staying mentally healthy in this climate. @kinnie_nguien

Hosted by Rev Shrotri

Music by Alex Mac

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh

Welcome to Poking Bears, where I get to talk to incredible individuals about who they are and where they think the world is headed. 

Hosted by Rev Shrotri

Music by Alex Mac

Artwork by Farah Shehadeh