The VOICE

She's got the energy! She's got all the colours! She's Carleen! Carleen is an immigrant from Jamacia and after starting out in the financial sector, she realized it wasn't for her. Being the powerhouse that she is, she left a safe job and began to explore her passion in the fashion industry. Her motto in life is to just do it. 

Amidst the unfortunate recent racist remarks and activities that have occurred in our communities, I dive into a timeless topic of diversity with Marina. As a Latvian immigrant, Marina shares how diverse her community is from having friends of different skin colour to parents that offer a different perspective. As the title suggests, Marina believes that personality should shape your relationships and not, as we've recently seen in the news, skin colour. 

Ania's story is incredible. She experienced a traumatic childhood that pushed her into leaving her home, her family, and everything she once knew. Now she lives in Canada and 3.5 years later, she is finally starting to feel a sense of belongingness. But it wasn't always like this. Born in Ukraine, Ania opens up about her story from beginning to now. 

Irene is a Taiwanese Canadian and an Asana Facilitator and Tarot Reader. In this conversation, I dive into the topic of sustainable self-care, creating a safe space, how to become more self-aware and more (including what a Tarot Reader is)! 

Who's VOICE is a new series where I talk to other podcasters and also share with you a bit more about me! In this episode, I chat with my friend from the UK and the host of the YessJess podcast. She's so much fun and we talk about nothing in particular from Asian beauty standards to K-pop to texting etiquette. 

Raisa was born in Moldova and coming to Canada, she was faced with language barriers, cultural differences, and confusing road naming systems in Montreal - there's a funny story to that one! It's truly inspiring to hear Raisa talk about how she went about breaking down barriers and forging her path towards finding a more confident self.

Iliajah is an amazing Candian that has been braving the winter weather to cycle from Saskatoon, SK to Vancouver, BC since January 1, 2021.  His goal is to raise awareness about the Canadian overdose crisis and has now raised $11.7k in which all proceeds will be going to the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition and Moms Stop The Harm. Join me in this short conversation as Iliajah explains his seemingly insane decision to cycle in the winter while he stands out in the cold to record this - again, insane! Check out his IG @cycle2stoptheharm. 

This week I sit down with Fares, a Syrian-born Canadian with strong Palestinian roots. He shares some traumatic stories that have both happy and sad endings (as life usually goes) that will no doubt leave you with goosebumps and a desire to take action. When was the last time you felt physically unsafe? When was the last time your life was on the line? In this episode, Fares shares his family's answers to these questions. 

Palestine is a small region of land that has played a prominent role in the ancient and modern history of the Middle East. For the last few years, Palestine has been well-covered in the news due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestine conflict.  It's an interesting, dynamic country that Amir calls home. Amir studies English at the University of Regina and sits down with us in this episode covering topics such as how violence in Palestine has shaped who he is. Apologies for any audio interferences in this episode - technical glitches.

As 2020 comes to an end, this short episode takes a more light-hearted tone covering some funny stories that have shaped Canada during this tough year.