Middle Fingers Up

Step into the vibrant world of Chris Strikes, a BIPOC filmmaker whose journey from music videos to directing feature-length documentaries is as captivating as his hair transformations. In this episode, we dive into Strikes' upbringing, his music video background, and his personal hair journey, all of which have shaped his unique directorial style. From his early days on set with artists like...

We're thrilled to introduce you to Jia Rizvi, a multifaceted force! Jia, a South Asian award-winning filmmaker, Forbes writer, and advocate for the wrongly incarcerated, has embarked on an inspiring journey from the world of fashion to advocacy through film. Known for her acclaimed work, including the award-winning documentary 'Conviction,' Jia has found her voice as an advocate, sh...

I want to take a moment to acknowledge something important. In today's episode, we had a guest who chose to remain anonymous when sharing their story. This decision highlights the very real stigma that still surrounds conversations about mental health. It's a reminder of the barriers many face when opening up about their struggles, and the courage it takes to speak out, even anonymously....

Joining us in this empowering episode about women's health in midlife is Dr. Shafeena Premji, a passionate advocate for women's health and a leading voice in the field. Together, we explore perimenopause and menopause, shedding light on the often-overlooked but crucial phase of women's health in midlife. Dr. Premji highlights the pressing need for a makeover in how we perceive and p...

In this episode we welcome back our loved guest Meena Natt. Today we explore the multifaceted journey of birth choices and postpartum support with a focus on empowering expectant parents. Join us as we uncover the complexities of decision-making during pregnancy. We get into the concept of "failure to progress" and its implications, shedding light on the  power of continuous support thro...

Today's episode contains a stark reality: many BIPOC individuals like our guest, grapple with the fear of speaking out against racism. Join us as we get into the challenging choice between silence and the potential consequences of raising their voice  We engage in a difficult yet essential conversation about racism with Kajal, a female Punjabi pilot. Through Kajal's raw and candid accoun...

Today we are privileged to have a conversation with Ishita Singla, the founder behind Calgary's renowned arts collective, Madhuban Performing Arts, and also the senior communications officer at CBC. Ishita champions the creation of safe environments where individuals can freely express their authentic selves. Join us as Ishita shares her journey of nurturing inclusivity and honoring diversity...

In this episode, we explore the world of growth and graffiti abstraction with our guest David Brunning.  David is a Canadian contemporary artist whose journey began in the rebellious days of running from authority wielding spray cans.  From racking paint to cultivating imagination, we peel back the layers of David’s artistic evolution, learning not only about him as an artist but, more importantly...

In this episode, we learn about  the captivating world of drag through the personal journey of our guest, exploring the intricacies of self-discovery, family bonds, and the significance of allyship. Join us as we uncover the story of how our guest found his way into the vibrant realm of drag and share their thoughts on this unique form of self-expression. Our guest takes us back to the roots of th...

Join us today once again with Divorce Coach Heidi Dinning, who previously shared valuable insights in Episode 54: "Divorce Doesn't Break The Family, It Actually Can Shift The Family." In this latest episode, Heidi delves into the intricacies of making the divorce process child-centric, shedding light on common pitfalls parents often encounter. Drawing from her expertise, Heidi empha...

Meet Simrit and Harjot, a couple celebrating their traditional Punjabi wedding after 7 years of shared love. In this episode, they share insights on the profound distinction between weddings and marriage. Discussing accountability, setting boundaries, and the importance of checking ego, the couple sheds light on the shifts shaping their relationship. Navigating cultural expectations, they challeng...

In this episode we sit down with Glen Davies a personal trainer, fitness instructor and podcaster, to explore the dynamic interplay between physical and mental fitness. Glen shares his wisdom on overcoming obstacles, emphasizing that "sometimes you need to switch it off, and then come back to it." We discuss the significance of bonding with workout partners and the benefits of high-inten...

In this new year we start off with a fantastic conversation with Bree and Charles. In this episode we offer a glimpse into their  journey growing up in the United States with two unique histories.  From navigating growing up as a child of adoption, or a tri-racial woman they share insights from their unique perspectives. They also share raising children in a blended family and the challenges and r...

Today we sit down with "B' an intelligent rounded teen in order to explore the dynamics of the parent-child relationship.  We use the idea of "chapters" as we "write" a book to navigate through the intricacies  of communicating with a teen.  In this episode, we explore how parents and their children can construct a better relationship, offering insights and practical...

In this episode  we're joined by Prav, a supporter of our MFU  community who generously reached out to share their journey to sobriety. Prav shares "I don't need alcohol to have fun." This bold declaration sets the stage for a conversation that unveils the resilience and joy discovered when choosing a life liberated from the clutches of addiction. Throughout our discussion, Pra...

Join me in a nostalgic reunion with Mike Seibel, where time stands still and the essence of genuine connection reignites. There's something magical about catching up with good friends—those rare souls with whom you can put life on pause and seamlessly pick up where you left off. Today we hit 'un-pause' and explore Mike's journey through his openness and vulnerability as we disc...

In this special Holiday Bonus Episode, recorded last holiday season, we're joined by Provisional Psychologist Nevena Kalajdzic. As we approach December and the year-end at an unexpectedly swift pace, I can't help but connect this particular season with the insights gained from our past discussion. Amid the festivities, there's an overwhelming sense of the year concluding faster than...

Join us in a conversation with a divorce coach whose personal journey sparked a mission to transform the narrative around divorce. With a  message to "park the shame and look at what is," Heidi emphasizes human connection in navigating this process. Explore the idea that families don't break in divorce; they shift to find where they need to be. Our guest challenges divorce stigma, u...

In this episode, we engage in a dialogue with Nisha, whose personal journey was one of the inspirations behind the creation of Middle Fingers Up. Nisha candidly shares her perspectives on navigating challenges postpartum, coping with grief and loss, and provides valuable insights into the human experience. We look into the significance of embracing one's true self amid the intricacies of post...

Join us as we speak with Cody Demerais, to discuss how he has battled self-doubt and turned adversity into triumph.  In a world where self-doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever could, Cody's story stands as a testament to resilience and the power of personal growth. From the clutches of alcoholism to the aftermath of a harrowing car accident, Cody faced life-altering challenges head-...

In this episode we are delighted to introduce Amy Wang, the CFO of a software solutions company and a Chinese immigrant who arrived in Canada at a young age. Her life journey reflects the intricacies of cultural assimilation and identity, offering valuable insights into the challenges of straddling Western and Eastern norms. Amy and her husband, who live in Calgary, contribute a unique perspective...

I want to express my  gratitude for the keystone this community has played in my journey.  The support from our listeners of the Middle Fingers Up Podcast has fostered a place for our community to come out and talk more,  and believe me, we're only scratching the surface! Speaking of traditions, we are preserving them, thanks to your continuous support. In this episode, we are reuniting with...

"Welcome, Richard Ashman. We want to express our gratitude for our guests who consistently demonstrate vulnerability infused with hope, compassion, and courage. Today, you will once again witness these qualities in action as Richard shares his compelling narrative. Richard sets an example of self-compassion by recounting his mental health journey. His story underscores the significance of pri...

Welcome back, Meena Natt! We're thrilled to have you return due to the overwhelming response to EP: 6 -  "The Day I Befriended My Anxiety." Meena's genuine voice, compassionate tone, and vulnerability have truly struck a chord with our audience. In this episode, we tackle subjects that many of us grapple with but often avoid discussing openly. We'll confront the stigma sur...

Join Kerry and me for a special "Canadian" Thanksgiving episode where we explore the themes of gratitude and getting back to the basics of love and life. In this episode, we dive into the impact of our recent road trip from Calgary to Houston, sparked by the timeless song 'Luckenbach, Texas' by Waylon Jennings, which resonated with us throughout our journey. We discuss how phys...