Middle Fingers Up

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, we explore the lasting effects of sexual imperialism and colon...

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 trusting the process. In this episode, Palak shares how she conn...

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 surrounding mental health in South Asian communities, and how working...

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 guilt of not working or completing tasks when you&...

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 differently in every body, why misdiagnosis is so common, and the...

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 In this episode, we put our middle fingers up to outdated fitness myths and explore how shifting to functional movement can help us build real strength, longevity, and confidence.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.” This mindset fuels anxiety, overwhelms us, and makes many feel...

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 that arise in friendships, workplaces, and advocacy spac...

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," and discuss how to recognize privile...

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, and Segment 2, which explored the historical roots of white femi...

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 discussions. Defensiveness isn’t just a roadblock—it’s an invitation....

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 alone in this journey. I’m still figuring it out too—unlearning,...

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 Need to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable" and...

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 their identity. What makes this episode even more meaningful is h...

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 this special episode, I sit down with Provisional Psychologist Ne...

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 struggles faced by those with conditions like PCOS and endometrios...

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 are joined by Kevin Bhawan, a mental health practitioner, ad...

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, who brings her wisdom and heart to a topic often misunder...

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 how parents can champion their kids' identities. This i...

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, focusing on what it feels like to be 'that person in the...

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 International Comedy Competition, and he recently headlined at the Asian Com...

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 unforgettable guest moments to unexpected takeaways (and the occasio...

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  chat  about men’s health, mental well-being, and the journey of fa...

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 and Western traditions. Neha shares, “This will serve as a b...

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 behind the decks. In our conversation, DJ Kav shares his philoso...

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’s a vulnerable and honest exploration of love, identity, and real...