Anyone Soft and Strong Podcast

Anyone Soft and Strong is a podcast that gives you a glimpse into intimate, vulnerable stories and conversations between Aridja and her guests. Each week a stranger becomes a friend, an ally, and a teacher, as host Safi Alimasi covers both familiar and new stories around the human experience and everything in between. Tune in weekly to meet someone new

25. Navigating Social Media, Insecurities and self Doubt

In this week's episode, I reflect on my love-hate relationship with social media, the positive and negative impact on my life. I talk about my struggle with finding a balance between being an active user while ensuring my mental health stays intact, my journey to find a healthy way to continue using these platforms. If this episode resonates with you, please share with your friends and family and follow or subscribe. Come back weekly for new episodes.

09-20
31:59

24. Being a TKC Part 2. Embracing Chinese Heritage : Darius

This week's episode is a follow-up episode on last's week's conversation on being a third culture kid in Canada. This week I invite Darius for a conversation about his experience being born in Canada with Parents who are from Hong Kong. Darius and I discuss his experience navigating the two cultures in Montreal and his sense of belonging into a society that will make a conclusion of the person he is simply based on perspective and skin colour.

09-12
45:47

23. Being a Third Culture kid, Redefining Identity: Mahneet Jawanda

In this week's episode, I invite my friend Mahneet for a conversation on the experiences we have as Third Culture Kids living in Canada. Mahneet and I discuss what it's like navigating both her Indian and Canadian cultures and fitting in without losing a sense of true self. Many of us who are raised in cultures that are different from that of our parents sometimes struggle with defining identify and we constantly ask ourself the question of where do we truly belong? Do ...

09-05
47:42

22. Travels with Caroline Westberg

Ever want to pack your bags leave everything behind to travel and explore the world? I think the answer is yes for most of us. Well, meet Caro, who is currently travelling with her partner and their cute dog Baloo. Tune in to hear everything about Caro's adventure this year, one of us cries per usual in most of our conversations. And Caro drops some wisdom on how she has done it all while maintaining her regular 9-5 remote job.

08-29
53:34

21. Responding to Assumptions About Me

Last week I asked my Instagram community to send me questions or assumptions they had about me. In this episode, I go over each question in dept. Tune in to see which assumptions were spot on and which ones were a total miss.

08-22
36:30

20. Connections with Impact: Ayobami Ige

This week on the podcast I am joined by my guest Ayo. Ayo and I have a conversation about the connections we have with people we meet as we go through life and the role they play in shaping who we become. Ayo reflects on his relationship with his dad growing up in Nigeria, leaving his parental nest where everything felt safe and protection was granted. We talk about navigating adulthood, getting into romantic relationships , and friendships that just gives life a new meaning, and moves ...

08-15
46:19

19. To Choose happiness: Gratitude

Back this week with a new episode talking all things gratitude. Gratitude is key in finding happiness through the day-to-day moments of life. I have learned that each time I spend reflecting on what I have in life, is a moment to dig deeper and nourish my mind. Showing gratitude for our experiences, for the people we love and all other things, can be a powerful tool in enhancing our human lives.

07-25
40:28

18. Living in the Refugee Camp & the Glow-up : Loi Marie Esengi

This week on the podcast with my guest Loi we reflect on our time living as refugees in Tanzania. We talk about our favourite memories and fundamental values forward. I am always grateful for every moment I get to reflect on the experiences that enriches my existence. And Loi I’m so happy to have shared this episode with you thinking back to these chapters of our lives that plays a big part into the people we are today .

07-04
45:37

17. Thank You, Next . Dating after a Breakup : Adriana Maria

This week on the podcast, Adriana is back for part 2 of our previous episode together (An Ode to Breakups ). We discuss the feeling of getting back into the dating pool, how to know when you are ready to date again after coming out of a long-term relationship. We also share our online dating experiences, ghosting and shooting our shots.

06-27
55:10

16. Overcoming Alcohol Addictions: Amrit Jawanda

In this week's episode on the podcast, I invited Amrit for a raw and open conversation on his lifelong journey struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Amrit shares the story of how he decided to quit drinking and accepted to receive professional help. Now celebrating six months of Sobriety, Amrit looks back on how far he has come and recognizes the positive impact the decision to quit drinking has made in his life.

06-20
51:28

15. To my Grandmother , I miss You

In March 2021 I received news of my grandmother passing. Although she was sick most of my life, and this is something I should have expected. I was still shocked and experienced pain from realizing that she was no longer on this earth with me. And I could never see or speak to her again. My Grandmother was a beautiful soul and I was blessed to have her in my life. In this episode, I share some of my favourite memories of her and the lessons she taught me that still have an impact on my a...

06-13
43:28

14. Let's talk about Friendships : Wole Jr.

In this episode, Wole and I discuss our friendship relationships. We dive into our experiences making friends, maintaining them as we move through different stages of our lives. We also talk about whether men and women can really be “just friends”.This episode is an ode to all our friendship stories. So Enjoy and share with your friends.

05-30
53:04

13. Decolonizing Mental Health: Nitu from The Colour Factor

Continuing with Mental Health Awareness month this week, I invite Nitu from the Colour Factor, a non-profit organization based in Calgary. The Colour Factor aims to decolonize mental health for BIPoC by creating spaces that approach mental health and healing from a holistic view. Nitu shares her mental health story and her healing journey. The Colour Factor inspired by personal experiences , is closing the gap and bringing a different type of healing to people of colour...

05-23
47:40

12. Anxieties, Depression and Self Awareness: Byren Gregorchuk

May is mental health awareness month. Creating awareness around our well-being is very important especially during a pandemic. We need more support now than ever before. In this week's episode, I invited Byren to the podcast for a raw and open conversation on mental health. Byren shares his lifelong struggle dealing with anxieties and depression. Coming to terms with his life experiences, choosing forgiveness and healing.

05-16
45:41

11. Faith, Islam and Observing Ramadan : Dua Hamed & Dalia

There is something beautiful about being intentional with how we show up in our communities. Being our true authentic self, regardless of the world's perception of our beliefs and the relationship we have with the creator. In this episode, I invite Dua and Delia for a conversation on Ramadan, their Islamic identity, and how both are joining other Muslims across the world to observe Ramadan by fasting and centring all focus and intentions on Allah. Are there multiple ways...

05-09
01:05:38

10. Writing to Heal: Journaling

As a kid, you probably had a Diary to rush home to where you wrote about how exciting your day was, the boys you had a crush on, the friends that made school exciting and tolerable. Well, I didn't have that. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered journaling. In this episode, I share my experience using Journaling as a tool of self reflection, setting intentions and mindfulness. Do you Journal? How often do you do it and what have you learned about ...

04-18
34:52

9.An Ode to Breakups : Adriana Maria

Breakups are hard, we've all been there. At times it will feel as the world is coming to an end and there is nothing else to live for. But again, it could be an opportunity to start over and find one's true self. In this episode, I invite my girl Adriana to the podcast. Adriana and I chat about our break-up experiences, mending broken hearts, redefining self-love and thriving in a time when the easiest thing to do seems to be giving up. If you are going through a breakup...

04-11
01:06:02

8. Love at First Swipe: Douglas & Jose

In this episode, I invite Douglas and Jose to the podcast . The couple share an intimate story of finding each other in the age of online dating. A classic Tinderella story, where things changed when they both decided to swipe right. A tale of two souls becoming one, and instead of the clock ticking at midnight, it’s a lifetime of commitment.

04-04
49:09

7. Grieving the Loss of a Loved One: Grace Fanhbulleh

Losing someone close to us can be one of the hardest life challenges. The truth is the death of a loved one is something that almost everyone will experience at least once in their lifetime. And yet this is a life experience that is not often discussed. In this episode, I invited Grace to the podcast. Grace shares her experience losing her mother to cancer and the aftermath of losing a parent at such a young age. If you are currently grieving the loss of a loved one, ple...

03-28
55:44

6. A Fresh Start: Moving to Montreal

Moving to a new city can be nerve-wracking. But the truth is, the rewards that come from taking that leap of faith to step outside the comfort zone are something that anyone who has moved cities whether it be for jobs, pleasure, or even as a tourist. The experience is truly amazing and unmatched. In this week's episode, I share my experience on how I left Winnipeg, the city I lived the longest in my life and moved to Montreal the city I fell in love with. This episode is to e...

03-21
43:33

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