TURN it up!

   “I think every experience that you have good or bad is still good experience, whether it is a failure or success because you see what works, and what doesn’t, and you don’t know what skillsets you pick up here and there that you can utilize later on in life… so I think there’s no such thing as wasted time… it’s just time invested into yourself,” - Rahmaan Hameed  

Rahmaan Hameed is a multi-disciplinary creative director and professional art consultant with over 7 years of professional experience working with both private and commercial clients. Rahmaan specializes in many forms of art including contemporary street art, pop art, marketing, brand architecture, illustration, and graphic design. Hailing from Edmonton Alberta, The Universal Radio Network’s very own Sapreet Buttar had the chance to sit down with Rahmeed to talk about his career and journey as a professional artist, what inspires his projects, and much more in this episode. 

At the beginning of the interview, Rahmaan talks about his beginnings and how his career as an artist came to be in Edmonton (1:21), his work-life balance (2:16), how he goes about gaining the time to figure out his next project (3:00), whether he went straight into being an artist or pursued a different career path at first (4:00), and whether the skills he obtained while learning psychology and finance apply to where he is today (5:40). Next Rahmaan shares his journey as a South Asian artist (8:29), at what point did he receive the validation that the path he chose was the correct one (10:06), how he feels supported on his path as an artist (11:43), how much of his following on social media is international vs from Canada (14:29), and where people can go see his artwork currently in Edmonton (15:51). 

 In the middle of their discussion, Sapreet and Rahmaan talk about some of the artists Rahman gained inspiration from (19:25), how he makes sure the work he’s doing now isn’t just for commercial purposes and still feeding into his passion (21:02), advice he would give to people looking to pursue their artistic passions (22:09), how his perspectives changed once Rahman became a parent (24:11), and what his coping mechanisms are (25:10). Finally Rahmaan tells listeners how they can obtain his artwork (28:17) and upcoming projects coming in the future (28:49).

IG: @rahmaanhameedstudios

IG: @theuniversalradio

Welcome to the 19th episode of Eye Talk with Dr. Salma Kiani & Shalini Ram from Greater Edmonton Eye Care

 Women-owned and managed eye care clinic located in Southwest Edmonton. Greater Edmonton Eyecare which is owned by Dr.Salma Kiani is dedicated to providing the best service to each patient in their care. They employ only the highest quality equipment, supplies, and technologies. Combined with their compassionate customer service, it is their goal to raise the bar on patient care and experience.

 IG and FB @Greateredmontoneyecare

IG: @theuniversalradio

TURNing up the frequencies with TJ is a show all about dance music for the party people. Kick off your weekend by tuning in to the show for an immersive music experience with a unique selection of songs from around the globe. 

Only on The Universal Radio Network weekly on Friday's 8-9 PM MST or theuniversalradio.com

New episodes are uploaded weekly on our Spotify, follow us!

IG: @theuniversalradio

IG: @theuniversalradio

“It’s awesome to talk about something that you’re going through and have anybody from different backgrounds laughing at the same thing; we all have times where we have done something stupid, but we all come together and everyone’s laughing at the same thing,” - Sunee Dhaliwal 

Sunee Dhaliwal is a South Asian stand-up comedian who has graced multiple stages around the world and is one of the fastest-rising stars in the Canadian comedy scene. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia but now calls Edmonton home, Sunee has performed in many Comedy Festivals around the country such as Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and the Halifax Comedy Festival, and has also worked with other talented comedians such as Jim Belushi, Tom Segura, and Charlie Murphy. The Universal Radio Network’s own Sapreet Buttar had the chance to sit down and chat with Sunee about his beginnings in comedy, performing around the world, and much more in this episode. 

At the beginning of the interview, Sunee gives a quick insight into his background and when he started stand-up comedy (1:39), when he moved into Edmonton (3:00), how he encourages the younger generation to pursue stand-up comedy (4:52), how his first stand-up performance went (5:27), and how he enjoys other South Asian comedians content (6:14). Next, Sapreet and Sunee talk about Sunee’s ability to naturally create comedic content on the spot (7:29), what spaces he would like to see more South Asian representation in (8:39), how things went when Sunee told his family he was going to pursue being a stand-up comedian (10:28), and what it was like performing in India (11:15). Sunee and Sapreet next discuss how comedy can help alleviate any stress or hardships within the moment (13:17), what else is in the works for Sunee in the year (14:30), and finally, what we can do to get South Asian Edmontonians out more to events in the city and supporting one another (16:24). 

IG: @sunnydcomedy

IG: @theuniversalradio

Welcome to the 18th episode of Eye Talk with Dr. Salma Kiani & Shalini Ram from Greater Edmonton Eye Care

 Women-owned and managed eye care clinic located in Southwest Edmonton. Greater Edmonton Eyecare which is owned by Dr.Salma Kiani is dedicated to providing the best service to each patient in their care. They employ only the highest quality equipment, supplies, and technologies. Combined with their compassionate customer service, it is their goal to raise the bar on patient care and experience.

 IG and FB @Greateredmontoneyecare

IG: @theuniversalradio

On this episode of TURN it up with Harv,  he goes deep into Punjabi music, this entire episode is a tribute to the Poets of Punjab and Baba Bulleh Shah.

Harv explains the significance of these tracks, their history, and their emotions. This episode is for everyone, a must-listen!

IG:@hollywoodharv

IG: @theuniversalradio

“I realized that video and art was the direction I wanted to take, but there were so many hurdles that I had to face and it was because I let technology, people, and comparison - comparing myself to other people, I let that take over, and it really negatively affected me… until I realized that my life is my life, taking a step back and understanding not everyone’s life is as good as it seems, then I started being happier with who I am and where I am,” - Tanveer Singh 

Tanveer Singh, also known as Johan the Artist, is a visual artist born in Montreal who uses multiple mediums to convey compelling stories, with his primary mediums being videography, digital and physical art. Leaving his hometown and moving across the country at the age of 13 allowed Tanveer to gain a unique perspective on the emotional and physical hurdles of uprooting one’s life at a young age. The Universal Radio Network’s Qashus had the chance to sit down with Tanveer about his beginnings, how he got into art, men’s mental health, and much more in this episode. 

At the beginning of their sit down, Qashus and Tanveer talk about his early days and how he initially gained interest in art (4:20), how difficult it was to continue to make art and pursue it (10:15), how Qashus himself got into music (11:45), if there were any other realms that he was inspired by (17:10), and what his process is like when creating art (19:20). Next, Tanveer shares his thoughts on NFTs (21:23), Artificial Intelligence creating art (25:51), how he thinks AI within the art space will affect the industry (30:13) and how digital tools can affect an individual’s mental health (36:22). 

 In the middle of their conversation, Qashus and Tanveer discuss the importance of taking a step back and reflecting and not getting too caught up in your work (42:36), the steps needed in order to fully commit to the passions you wish to pursue (45:40), and not being afraid to diverge of what your parents want you to possibly to do for a career (52:45). Near the end of the episode, Tanveer gives insight on what he thinks are the positive and negatives that could come with having a side hustle (59:31), if he believes in sticking with one route or trying out multiple different avenues (1:01:17), and what creative projects he is currently working on (1:02:33).  

IG: @theuniversalradio

“Being vulnerable as a leader is so important in making your team feel comfortable - providing feedback and feeling like they can be vulnerable as well and come to you if they have needs that might not be addressed in your workplace; I think as you have people start to feel like they matter, that their opinions matter, their feedback matters, that their voice matters within the organization, you really start to get the best out of them.”

Michelle Okere is a certified fundraising executive, diversity, and inclusion specialist with over a decade of experience leading the growth of national, provincial, and local non-profit and for-profit organizations. Michelle recently departed her CEO role to focus on her consulting practice full-time, where she supports organizations in building their EDI capacity to successfully transform workplace culture, drive engagement, and build high-performing teams. Michelle is also the co-founder of the REET institute, chair of the reconciliation committee for YWCA Edmonton, and the vice-chair of PolicyWise for children and families. Michelle was also awarded the deputy ministers award for innovation in a cross-sector fundraising and awareness campaign named under Edify’s top 40 under 40 in 2021. She also recently received the Queen’s Jubilee medal for advancing equity. The Universal Radio Network’s own Qashus had the chance to talk to Michelle about her upbringing, the REET institute, implementing empathy within management and leadership and in an organization as a whole, and much more in this episode.

 At the beginning of Qashus’ and Michelle’s discussion, Michelle details her beginnings and how everything started out (2:38), how she was able to build confidence early on (3:59), how she felt when she achieved her goal of becoming the first person in her family to attend university (5:40), what moment she realized she wanted to be involved with non-profit organizations (7:57), and whether she always took the initiative in finding out what was best for her career-wise (13:34). Next, Michelle discusses the initials hurdles and struggles she faced when she began as a CEO (16:31), how she was able to implement the feelings of empathy throughout her organization (24:05), what the REET institute is and the goals of the organization (27:17), and if the program offered at the REET institute is free of charge (34:12). 

 Nearing the end of their conversation, Michelle talks about her journey to becoming a consultant (37:57), how management and leadership can implement more empathy within their space (40:48), her thoughts on the possibility of a 4-day workweek (44:44),  the positive impact upper management can have on a company (48:40), and finally, advice Michelle would give to anyone looking to make an impact and elevate their careers (52:52). 

IG:@michelle0kere

IG: @theuniversalradio

TURNing up the frequencies with TJ is a show all about dance music for the party people. Kick off your weekend by tuning in to the show for an immersive music experience with a unique selection of songs from around the globe. 

Only on The Universal Radio Network weekly on Friday's 8-9 PM MST or theuniversalradio.com

New episodes are uploaded weekly on our Spotify, follow us!

IG: @theuniversalradio

TURNing up the frequencies with TJ is a show all about dance music for the party people. Kick off your weekend by tuning in to the show for an immersive music experience with a unique selection of songs from around the globe. 

Only on The Universal Radio Network weekly on Friday's 8-9 PM MST or theuniversalradio.com

New episodes are uploaded weekly on our Spotify, follow us!

IG: @theuniversalradio