Poking Bears: Recent Episodes
Rev Shrotri
Poking Bears is a podcast hosted by me, Rev Shrotri, that is centred around having conversations with incredible people in my life. I get to chat with them about their origins, the work that they're doing and where we, as citizens of this world, can go from here. Join me in listening to my favourite people!
Co.LAB is a female-run, multifunctional, creative space which strives to support the societal, cultural and creative needs of artists, as humans first, and as a part of a growing community. Holding the values of transparency and collaboration at their core, they commit to creating and maintaining an environment that meets the ever-changing needs of the Toronto art community.
Join me as I talk to Co.LAB Toronto’s directors, Kristina Soliman and Lyza Manalo about where this idea came from, their past experiences around teams and dances studios, what happens when you put wellness at the centre of your artistry and so much more. Thank you for joining me @_lyzam @kristeeny_ @co.labto
Donate to Help Build Co.LAB - Toronto's New Dance Home: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-colab-toronto039s-newest-dance-home/donate?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Safa Ali is a phenomenal human being. She is a dancer and choreographer based in Toronto, the founder of Guest House TO, the co-owner of MVMT Dance TO and an aspiring doctor! She joins me in this episode to talk about her journey into medical school, where Guest House came from and what the Toronto dance community needs in general. She also gives advice to anyone who is unsure of their potential and the size of their dreams to just do it. Check out her initiative at @guesthouseto and the details to her upcoming dance competition (co-led by my other lovely guest Jess Ortaleza) at @mvmtdanceto. Thanks for chatting with me @safaali_ !
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
AJ Velasco is a Toronto based artist and an amazing person. As a long time fan of his, I got to chat with him about a lot of great things. He talks about his experience as a post secondary dancer, his team Glum and what that experience has taught him. He also shares his journey from pursuing nursing to switching gears towards dance and gives advice about following your passion to anyone in the same boat. Thanks for joining me, @a.j.velasco
Hosted by Rev Shrotri Music by Alex Mac Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Denice Badua is an artist, producer and sound engineer based in Milton and a dear friend of mine. I have always been a fan of them and I'm so glad you'll be able to listen to them talk. They talk about their experience growing up as a queer child, where their inclination towards music came from and their experience as a queer person of colour in the music industry. We also talk about the rise of independent artists and how that’s increasing representation across the industry and we discuss why non-marginalized folks need to continue showing up. They would like to mention that everything they've learned in terms of social justice and community work was taught by folks who have been doing the work for a long time. We also talk a little bit about their brand new EP ‘Waves’ which will be out later this month for us all to enjoy! In the meantime, check out their work @dbadua https://open.spotify.com/artist/6izRrtMerLHgiiaFhoW3gD
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Scarlett Minshull is a dear friend of mine who I got to chat with. She's studying geological engineering at the University of Waterloo and she's a badass dancer on Origins. We got to talk about her childhood in Uxbridge, some influential moments in her life, her journey as a curious creative and so much more. We also got to rave about Liz Gilbert, one of our favourite authors. @scar_minshull
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Neil Robles is a dancer, actor, designer and an embodiment of creative living. He joins me to talk about his childhood, his journey as an artist, 'Work It' and the impact that it has had on him. We also talk about the dangers of comparison and the toll that it takes on artists and so much more. @neilrobles
Dr. Zach Bush on the science of manifestation: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/work-in-progress-with-sophia-bush/id1479711891?i=1000462002154
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Kin Nguien is a mindful dancer, artist, mental health advocate and overall a fantastic human being. She joins me to talk about her creative process, her growing expertise in mindfulness, Project Lullaby and how each one of us can do our part in fighting for justice around the world. She also shares her tips on staying mentally healthy in this climate. @kinnie_nguien
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Jess Ortaleza is a dancer, educator, advocate, artist and just so much more. She joins me to talk about her childhood, authenticity in art, the importance of turning inward before joining the fight, the future of our community and other exciting things! @jessortaleza Hosted by Rev Shrotri Music by Alex Mac Artwork by Farah Shehadeh
Welcome to Poking Bears, where I get to talk to incredible individuals about who they are and where they think the world is headed.
Hosted by Rev Shrotri
Music by Alex Mac
Artwork by Farah Shehadeh