IDEAA-nomics (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Anti-Racism)

Join us today as Connor shares his story of growing up as a black child in Nova Scotia - in a time where communities pooled money together and had to choose one black child to send off to a better high school to how his parents worked several jobs, found time to be activists and make a difference for their community. Our regular host Niha Shazad is joined by Gabriel LAST NAME in a conversation with Connor LAST NAME.

Curious about what a Minister thinks of Kendrick's new album, Jamie Foxx, and Kevin Hart? Find the answers in this episode of the IDEAA-nomics podcast! Niha Shahzad, Host and Sr. Director of the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment, speaks with the ⁠Hon. Minister Marci Ien,⁠ Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth about Gender-Based Violence, Economic Abuse, importantly the health of men and boys, and how comedy and art have the power to heal. In this episode, they talk about the good work of Canadian organizations WhiteRibbon , NextGenMen to help men and boys. They also highlight the new way that the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE) is engaging the public on Economic Abuse including the CCFWE's new original song, Ascending (out now on Apple Music and Spotify), the accompanying Music Video and Social Media and Dance Challenges (complete with Gift prizes) ending on Dec 20, to raise awareness about Economic Abuse.   Canadian artists and comedians that came into the mix:  ⁠Jesse Singh, a.k.a. The Punjabi Timbit⁠: The hilarious stand-up comedian and social worker, who is helping young men and boys find healthy emotional outlets through art therapy.  SABRE: the lead artist on CCFWE's song Ascending, raising awareness on Economic Abuse Ottawa Dance Schools Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance who brought the powerful story about women facing economic abuse to life in CCFWE's Help Us Rise Music Video. Nambi, the incomparable Award-winning musician, who produced the theme song for the IDEAA-nomics podcast. Cranium Arts Project that is hosting a Hip Hop Food Drive today, Dec 13, to support over 10 Food banks in Ottawa.  Koga, an Ottawa-based music collective, which includes R&B artist Yoharis, whose music touches on toxicity in relationships.

In this episode, Rene Fortier asks Niha Shahzad about her work as a Senior Director for the national non-profit, the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment. She talks about the importance of raising awareness about Domestic Economic Abuse, a form of abuse that affects 1 out of 3 women in Canada. Niha also discusses the production of an original song by the CCFWE, for their annual Help Us Rise campaign to raise awareness about Economic Abuse. The song called Ascending with local Toronto artist, SABRE ft. Niha is about the experience of leaving any difficult relationship. The song will be accompanied by a Music Video, produced by CCFWE, which with local Ottawa dance schools, Vibes Dance Academy and Upasana Spirit of Dance. The video will release on Nov 26 Economic Abuse Awareness Day (Watch the teaser) Download the song Ascending on ⁠⁠Spotify or ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠ Register for ⁠CCFWE's Panel event on Nov 26 about Digital Economic Abuse⁠, and follow @CCFWE on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or Youtube to learn more.

Comedian and social worker, Jesse Singh a.k.a. the Punjabi Timbit talks to us about comedy in Canada, his life as a social worker, and his experience in an immigrant family growing up at Jane and Finch in Toronto. In this funny and heartfelt episode, Jesse talks about the nature of comedy in Canada and the South Asian community. He talks about his story of being in a household of abuse, as a result of trauma from the war in Punjab. We hear about the strength of his mother who became a single mother and raised two children. We hear about how both social work and comedy focus on meeting people where they are, and helping shift their perspectives to achieve empowerment. Follow Jesse Singh on Instagram or TikTok @ThePunjabiTimbit.