The Diatribe Podcast

Kickback with Kim & Pearly as we discuss life and TATTOOS. The do's, the don'ts and the journey. Kim is a local tattoo artist and quite the OG. We get into her journey as a creative and reflect on how honoring the lessons is imperative for us to get where we're going. We talk barber shop culture as a pivotal source of energy. I really let y'all into a safe space I share with my homegirl. This episode is sponsored by Mary J's Cannabis https://www.maryjcannabis.ca

Kerry Sutra and Shinyere Davis pull up to the table yet again to discuss cheating and if a relationship can come back from that place of deceit. Speaking both from experience and subjectively we get into the hard truths of what this does to a relationship. We also get into appreciating both monogamous and polyamorous relationships. Do you think cheating is the end all be all? This episode is sponsored by Venus Envy (https://venusenvy.ca/)

TUNE IN soul fam. My sister MOTHER OF MANY is schooling us on this episode. She touches an aspect of IDENTITY often forgotten while searching for it... The fact that we are who we are despite titles and accolades. Stop searching and comparing and as always, LOOK INWARD.

Bring a spliff and join me for a sesh as we reflect on 2020 and the journey. On this end of year episode I explore what "homecoming” means to me⁣⁣ •giving thanks for the lessons learned⁣⁣ •three of my favourite reads from 2020 ⁣⁣ •I also reflect on the words y'all used to express your 2020 experiences⁣⁣

This week's episode offers the Diatribe audience a chance to get to know host, Pearly, on a deeper level. Pearly was invited onto the podcast, @MedicineFortheResistance, hosted by Patty and Kerry. The 3 discuss what healing through storytelling truly means, it's roots as well as how Pearly has found healing through community building. Pearly shares when she began decolonizing her life, her need for deeper healing as a means of survival and how she embraces her South Asian culture regardless of community rejection.

Tune in as Angelo and I have a laid back, multi layered conversation about all things cannabis. Angelo Muscari is an OG in the Cannabis game and industry and is the Co-Founder of Hybrid Pharm, Canada's FIRST compounding pharmacy that specializes in medical cannabis. Naturally, we also bond over our love for cannabis and hip hop. We also could not have this conversation without acknowledging the unjust cannabis related charges that a lot of folks are still dealing with...⁣ Angelo is a certified cannabis sommelier, and has the ability to provide your A-Z education in the comfort of your own home. Through testimonials and his own patient recruitment, Angelo has gathered data and resources to best assist with all your cannabis needs. His multiple industry affiliations and attention to personal detail make him a true asset in the world of patient care. ⁣

Jag Moondi shares her journey from domestic violence to single motherhood in hopes of shedding more light on this issue while helping women gain strength and courage to leave an abusive relationship. Jag is a representation of hope and a reminder that on the other side of abuse, you CAN live your best life! She is using her voice for those who are unable to speak their own story.⁣ Her support group Meri Saheli provides a safe haven for those who want to share their story and obtain the resources and help they need through other organizations or their peers.

This episode serves as an audio documentary in which we explore FOOD as a love language. Myself, my father and unique guests reflect on our relationship with food and how food has showed up for us throughout different seasons of our lives. Every reflection varies on so many levels but there is one common ground - each guest links the memory of food with important figures in their lives! Whether that relationship was accompanied with pain, joy or a particular struggle, many of us consider FOOD to be our sixth love language. Throughout this audio documentary, you will experience an ambiance of different sensations through sound. I encourage all listeners to get comfy, prepare a meal or snack and tune in to the words and impressions my guests and their experiences have to offer. I pay homage to the one consistent positive presence in my life, that being food as a love language.

This unfiltered conversation opened up a very stigmatized dialogue in the Sikh community! As LGBTQ2SIA+ community members, Pearly & Sunny discuss their sexuality and the challenges and misconceptions that come with being Queer. LGBTQIA+ Advocate Sunny Boparai is a true leader in this movement and shares his experiences, a glimpse of his journey and FACTS regarding how the rest of our community can be true ally's! Sunny is a TRAILBLAZER in the Sikh LGBTQIA+ community offering representation and realness!

Parenting and intimacy?! That might seem like a foreign concept for many parents and that is OKAY. Sexual Empowerment Coach Kerry Goring reminds us that wherever we are in our journey is perfectly fine. Kerry took the time to offer tips and solutions as to how we can reclaim intimacy especially as people of colour. Many of us have traumas in our lineage that suppress our sexual expression and as parents, those needs get neglected. Kerry is a trauma informed coach who is here for collective healing and offers us just that. Tune in! kerrysutra.com KERRY SUTRA TV on @Youtube

It was a blessing to have both Sunny and Bobby pull up to the Diatribe table! Both men have been open and vulnerable in talking about their mental health journeys which was dope because I find these spaces are almost non-existent for South Asian men. Sunny and Bobby share their insights as to HOW we can create these much needed spaces and why there are so few. I appreciate that both of them have very different but relevant outlooks. One speaks from the lens of a single South Asian man and the other as a father and husband. We also reflect on ENERGY as a currency, toxic positivity and bullying! All around incredibly layered conversation with these guys!⁣⁣

*TW* Mentions of domestic violence. Rachel Sendi and Kim Dhillon pull up to the table about an unfiltered conversation about domestic violence. Rachel is the Founder of GIRL GETTER and through this platform she raises funds and awareness about domestic violence. Kim is a sexual abuse/domestic violence counselor with a wealth of knowledge regarding the matter. We unpack the layers of this topic that has been stigmatized in so many cultures. Kim shares stats and tips as to what we can look out for, how we can help ourselves, our friends or others and what we can do to educate and protect our kids.

*TRIGGER WARNING* Sexual Abuse In the 2nd part of Sister Session, the ladies dive deep into the world of sex and sexuality. This conversation was powerful, revealing and completely unfiltered as always. The women collectively reflect on how their respective cultures influenced their earliest sexual experiences. They mention traumas that are often unspoken of in fear of shame and dishonor. Host Pearly and her guests encourage listeners to reclaim their sexual identities as BIWOC. Educators Shinyere and Frida enlighten us all on how we can own our sexuality and embrace our desires through self love, masturbation and tuning in to self. To end the beautiful session, Sister Jothi Joan Saldanha guide us all through a power meditation that allowed us all to fully reclaim our space with ancestral guidance.

In part 1 of 2, I offered the Diatribe supporters a unique opportunity to join in on a LIVE recording where guests Shinyere, Smangie (@avocadoandhoney), Kay Ray & Frida Banks came together to have yet another raw & unfiltered conversation. This conversation was centered around the lived experiences of Black & Brown Women. This bad ass group discussed finding their voices as BIWOC, doing the inner work, the dynamic mother wound, interracial relationships, internalized racism & their appreciation for revolutionary Black women in Hip-Hop. This season takes the Diatribes UNFILTERED approach to a new level. If you feel uncomfortable listening, GOOD, it's time to look inward & find out WHY. We are going to continue learning, growing and healing together.

On this episode, Pearly had the opportunity to get real with her girlfriend Lianna (@lianna.michelle) about what it's like to date someone who has children. This topic is important to touch on because not only are the two working on building their relationship together, they are also figuring out parenthood. The ladies are later joined by Jayson (@climbingthepocket) & Nic to dig a little deeper. Lianna shares what she has learned about dating a black man and how she recognizes her own internalized racism which requires self-awareness. The couple shares what being in a conscious relationship means to them which involves a lot of grounding work, healing, compassion and space! Instagram handles: @lianna.michelle @climbingthepocket

This week's guest is my husband Nicho! Y'all seem to appreciate the natural chemistry we bring to the table so I had to bring him back! On part 1 of 2 of this episode, we share insight as to how we parent consciously while breaking cycles.⁣⁣⁣ We get deep on this episode as we discuss the loss of Nicho's parents & navigating parenthood without their present day guidance. Nicho speaks on struggles Dad's face and how their mental health is affected too. It's important to understand that everyone has mental health and it is not something to be ashamed of.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣This episode was therapeutic for the both of us. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Artists Featured on this EP: Zoo Legacy⁣ - @zoolegacy ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Bobby Brugal⁣ - @bobbybrugal ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ BADDA⁣ - @baddaofficial ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Freddy Printz⁣ @freddyprintz ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ City Fidelia⁣ - @cityfidelia ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Lia Kloud⁣ - @liakloud ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Jeff Sanon⁣ - @jeffsanon_ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ “

Shelley, a bad ass local mama of 2 (Tyson, 21 and Xavier 12) and business owner (LalasFancyShit) gives us her take on honest motherhood. Shelly is an OG in the world of motherhood and nurtures her family with awareness and love. Her household thrives on relying on each other as “the village” and place importance on being open in communicating. She shares the difference in upbringing for both of her boys based on their age gap (9yrs) and all the mom guilt that comes with it. Although she does things much differently with her boys, she understands her parents choices. Her father became a father at the age of 16. Shelley gives them grace in knowing that while she was growing up, they were too and finds herself continuously growing with her own kids.

We all have different relationships with our mama's. Some strong, some non-existent, some deceased, some close, some toxic. As a Mother myself, I have found ways to come to terms with my lack of relationship with my own Mother. Something I yearned for my whole life, I have now been able to fulfill and heal through with my own daughter. I put together a Mother's Day Letter in the form of voice notes from various people in my life. There was so much honesty, love, and forgiveness in these messages. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this heart felt piece. To all the Mama's out there.. Happy Mother's Day.

Vanessa Ravalico is the owner and operator behind @MyLittleLambBlog, a space for parenthood community support. She shares her knowledge and experience as an early learning educator for the past 11 years working in a licensed non profit daycare. Vanessa is open about her long standing mental illness and mental health, motherhood, and her body positive journey! We had such an INSPIRING chat over martini's and a bottle of wine. Vanessa is HONEST in every sense of the word. She celebrates her wins and also sits with the tougher moments. The message here is to love yourself regardless and if anyone has anything nasty to say, you “BLOCK AND BLESS!” as Sarah from @birdsofpapaya guided Vanessa to do! PERIOD!

In part 2 of 2, I had the honor of interviewing dynamic duo, husband and wifey, Julie and Ty. Julie is a mama, wife and front-line worker (Mental Health Therapist) who thrives off finding the balance between family life & her goals! Her husband, Ty is also a front-line worker (NYPD). Ty and Julie emphasize the importance of working as a team when it comes to parenting and working on their goals. Despite having demanding jobs, they always prioritize setting a strong foundation for their son. Ty believes in showing up for his son and leading by example… They are such beautiful people with dope energy! Be sure to check out their podcast 'Julie Got Tyed Up!' https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/julie-got-tyed-up/id1497444563

This week, we're dropping a two-part episode for y'all. In part 1 of 2, I had the honor of chatting with my home girl Julie. Julie is a mama, wife and front-line worker (Mental Health Therapist) who thrives off finding the balance between family life & her goals! Her husband, Ty is also a front-line worker (NYPD). The plot twist in Ty & Julie's story is that they had their son at a young age. Julie was 22, pregnant, still completing college while working full time. Julie also opens up about her mother being a domestic abuse survivor & how she took on a motherly role for her siblings at a young age yet still learning so much about herself from her own child. In the second part of this episode, Julie, her husband Ty & my husband Nicho, all sit down together for a chat about parenthood. Part 2 dropping on Thursday!

On episode 2, host Pearly had the pleasure of chatting with Frida Banks. Frida is a mother and storyteller who happens to act, write, and talk shxt. The ladies discuss Motherhood and sexuality and why women are expected to deny their sexuality. "You don't look like a mom!" is something both Frida & Pearly hear often only to leave them questioning, what is a mother supposed to look like? So many other relative topics are touched on in this episode regarding Motherhood, sexuality, sensuality, realness, and prioritizing self love. Empowering Women 1 episode at a time!

o On the very first episode of the Mama Hood series, I had the honour of having a super honest conversation about life as a single Dad with Acie Tran. He up and left everything he knew in his hometown Toronto for love, only to find himself divorced within the first year of marriage with a baby on the way! We also discuss dating as a single father, healthy co-parenting, and how he finds balance in his life. Acie also leads a Facebook group for local Ottawa Dads, Ottawa Dad's Group (ODG). Men's mental health and connection is what he centers a lot of his work around!

On this episode, Pearly and returning guest Jessie Brar sit down over a bottle of wine and talk about intentional dating, polygamy, moving on from past relationships, unrealistic relationship expectations and how Jessie doesn't believe in “true love”. Jessie also discusses the direction of the Mental Health Spotlight, a page she started to encourage the taboo dialogue of mental health within the South Asian community. And as always, we talk about not letting external factors or people fuck with our sacred energy. Click the link in my bio to get the tea!

On this episode, I was inspired by Smangie of the Avocado and Honey podcast to TALK MY SHIT! I share insight and details regarding the Women Who Weed event I spoke at as a panelist! We touched on burn out, mental health, motherhood and the shift that comes with it and how it brought me back to my true self, womanhood, sexuality and what sexual empowerment means to me. There is mention of how friends may or may not support you, the importance of protecting ya energy an of course SELF LOVE... All topics I speak on are things that have been on my mind, in my heart and I put it all out on the table! I also definitely cried on this episode. I really talked all types of shit and I thoroughly enjoyed doing it!

On this episode, Pearly and Tiffany Nichols kick back over a spliff and discuss LIFE.. particularly the life of a fat woman. Tiff is so open and candid about her struggles with weight, toxic family life, early abuse, her sex life as a fat woman and its impact on her mental health. She also opens up about bariatric surgery and how her life has drastically changed since. We are also normalizing the word FAT on this episode.

With Valentines Day right around the corner, Pearly sits down with her husband (Nico) to reflect on their marriage, and conscious relationship all while being parents. They speak candidly about love, romance, communication, and the importance of meeting the 6 basic human needs. The couple also answer questions submitted by listeners to take a deeper look at what love means for them.

Sometimes the Holidaze is exactly that... a daze and we barely survive it! There is already a circulation of posts about anxiety being triggered and I also see posts on how to overcome that... From over spending to dealing with toxic family members... The reality is, it's easier said than done! So I have put together a 5 tip check-list that will help you navigate and protect your mental health through out the szn!

*TW: Sexual abuse* Women of colour are reclaiming their sexuality and I am all the way here for it! On this episode, @shinyeredavis & I discuss our earliest sexual experiences, being shamed for exploring ourselves, and the importance of healthy sexual relationships with others & self. This episode was a tough one for me to release because I briefly speak on sexual abuse, and my earliest sexual experiences. We also redefine “hoeism.” If sexual freedom and awareness and dressing however I please makes me a Hoe… SO BE IT! Our bodies have constantly been sexualized in so many ways but our bodies are NOT for public consumption. Sexuality liberated WOC are on the rise & it is a form of radical self love we are re-learning together.

On this episode, Shinyere Davis shares her experience with colorism by story telling. A Goddess in every sense of the word but like many POC, Shinyere was directly affected by colorism. We explore her first hand experiences with it and particularly the effect it had on her relationship with self and others from a young age! Shinyere also reflects on a time where she began EMBRACING her natural beauty which she had been told to hide or down play early on in life.

Pearly and her husband highlight the importance of love languages on this mini Valentines Day EP. They reflect on how reading “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman changed the way they send and receive love. Happy Love Day!

On this episode, Jessie Brar, a mental health advocate for Brown Girl Magazine and creator of The Mental Health Spotlight gets real about her mental health journey. At the very beginning of the conversation she insisted that NOTHING was off limits, I was free to ask her anything. So we spoke on her struggle with suicidal thoughts, suffering in silence to becoming conscious and how she broke the cycle and made mental health a regular conversation in her household... In retrospect we, as a community, need to talk more about these 'difficult' things. Talking is the cure to this illness.

Free of all roles and titles, I sat down with my mama, woman to woman to discuss her life experiences from growing up in Malaysia to becoming Canadian citizen and raising her children in a much more open minded society. In part 1 of this 2 part episode, we get a glimpse into the mind of an immigrant woman who embraced her children's choices with an open mind and open heart.

On this episode, Pearly sits down with her husband to discuss finding their identity as people of colour, raising biracial children and how to navigate the commonly asked question... "WHAT ARE YOU?!". Instagram: @thediatribepodcast Email: thediatribepodcast@gmail.com Resources: https://reachyourzenith.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/the-instagram-account-changing-the-way-we-talk-about-race/amp/?__twitter_impression=true - @askapoc is an Instagram account ran by Shakerah Penfold https://medium.com/@KassidyCreates/the-responsibility-of-parents-of-mixed-race-children-ff7c6dc7b115