About Us: Recent Episodes
Maria Lotfi
A podcast about us. About the people we don't talk about. About artists, writers, passionate people, and Copts. Firmly believer of the fact that you don't need to be Oprah to be someone. Formerly named as Wednesday Wo°Men Series.
Today, our guest is my friend Kevin (Adam). We talk about his journey to the Coptic Orthodox faith, hence, his conversion, as well as humility, God's love for humanity, movies, music, saints, and much more!All opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast. Any tampering of this audio's content is prohibited.
This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.Music by Nada A. NazlyMen saw her as a meteorite;they admired her strength and light, able to destroy and outshinetheir demons and their wine.They never admitted, you bet,that their girls saw her as a threatwith not only the poetry of her beauty,but also her heart’s philosophy.Unfortunately for our dear Nazly,her beauty saw her pushing up daisiessince loneliness lasted her a lifetimebecause she was born under a bad sign. She’ll pray, every night, to God, “Isn’t it terribly odd?that they hated me all day longfor who I am, not when I was wrong?”I’m sorry, Nazly, that all your life,no one or nothing made you feel alive.They were either interested or intimidated,but never loved you, so away your soul faded.My dear, if only you knewthat all along God listened to you -If only you had wiped your tearsand found your beloved dreams.Nazly, people resemble antsin your world of blooming plants,and your story will colour the cracksof all the beauties that need your back. Follow the host:Instagram: @mariamagdeleinalotfi Blog: www.honeyfaceherblog.com
Today, we have a special guest, Malak Sedra, an engineer by trait, a serial entrepreneur, athlete, artist, and comedian, but above all, he’s a husband, father, mentor, and youth servant. If you ask many of the people who deal with him, they’ll you he’s a modern-day Renaissance man.To follow Malak Sedra, check out the links below:https://malaksedra.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/malaksedr...http://www.e-sky.ca/http://www.eskyproduction.com/https://www.instagram.com/malak_sedra...All opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast. Any tampering of this video's content is prohibited.
Today, we have a special guest, Malak Sedra, an engineer by trait, a serial entrepreneur, athlete, artist, and comedian, but above all, he’s a husband, father, mentor, and youth servant. If you ask many of the people who deal with him, they’ll you he’s a modern-day Renaissance man.To follow Malak Sedra, check out the links below:https://malaksedra.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/malaksedra/?originalSubdomain=cahttp://www.e-sky.ca/http://www.eskyproduction.com/https://www.instagram.com/malak_sedra/?hl=enAll opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast. Any tampering of this episode's content is prohibited.
A solo episode in which I talk about the North American Egyptian Festival that happened last month in Toronto. I also share some artistic life updates. Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/mariamagdeleina/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUHlQQE1x-TIvdjHm4W7WcgMy blog: https://honeyfaceherblog.comPeople you should follow:- FABBOUTIQQUE: https://www.instagram.com/fabboutiqque/- Mena Massoud: https://www.instagram.com/menamassoud/- Maha's Café: https://www.instagram.com/mahas.cafe/- Maha's Brunch: https://www.instagram.com/mahasbrunch/- Anas Bukhash (AB Talks): https://www.instagram.com/anasbukhash/- El-Podcasters: https://www.instagram.com/elpodcasters/- Marwa Nagy: https://www.instagram.com/marwanagyofficial/- Amr Ali: https://www.instagram.com/singer.amr.ali/- DJ WIWA: https://www.instagram.com/shadialfons/- Radwa Nasr: https://www.instagram.com/radwafolkdance/- Masrawy Kitchen: https://www.instagram.com/masrawy_kitchen/- Chaiiwala of London: https://www.instagram.com/chaiiwalaca/- Omar Kamal: https://www.instagram.com/omarkamal.official/- Mareen El Masry: https://www.instagram.com/mareenelmasry/My book: https://www.amazon.ca/5-à-7-Haikus-Photography/dp/099518044X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3652KZGQ8S31G&keywords=maria+magdeleina+lotfi&qid=1693142612&sprefix=maria+magdeleina+lotfi%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1My song: https://honeyfaceherblog.com/music/Any tampering of this episode's content is prohibited.
This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.SarahInspired by real stories on immigration and https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-12101748Sarah arrived in Montreal months agowith her son Michael who won’t let go of memories of friends who looked like him,of his church and fave Sunday School hymns.Sarah feels her son’s pain intensely.she misses her husband Boutros immensely.she often wonders why she still obeyed when he told her to go, but he had to stay.are we ever gonna go back home?are we always gonna be numb just like stones?the winters are longer than adopting habits.tryna find our place, but they put us in brackets.people before us say the feeling’s temporary,but the burdens are endless and heavy to carry.Sarah can’t forget the day she landedin a metropole that loudly chanted liberty, opportunity, and security.at least, she wasn’t persecuted daily. that day, she cried herself to sleep,feeling like she was a lost sheepwithout her family in Alexandriaand her best friend Monica. are we ever gonna go back home?are we always gonna be numb just like stones?the winters are longer than adopting habits.tryna find our place, but they put us in brackets.people before us say the feeling’s temporary,but the burdens are endless and heavy to carry.tomorrow’s January 1st, 2011,Sarah was encouraged by Karen,Michael’s Sunday School servant,to celebrate New Year’s in the church’s basement.Sarah calls Boutros to let him know.he loves the idea and asks her to take photos“because i miss you both terribly.for my part, i’ll attend mass at Al-Qiddissin.”are we ever gonna go back home?are we always gonna be numb just like stones?the winters are longer than adopting habits.tryna find our place, but they put us in brackets.people before us say the feeling’s temporary,but the burdens are endless and heavy to carry.the next day, Sarah sends him the pictures, but she never gets back an answer.she sends him a nervous voice note,“please, pick up! don’t act like a ghost.” after preparing Michael’s stuff for schooland making dinner and keeping her cool, she calls Boutros for the third time,but in Egypt, it’s already bedtime. are we ever gonna go back home?are we always gonna be numb just like stones?the winters are longer than adopting habits.tryna find our place, but they put us in brackets.people before us say the feeling’s temporary,but the burdens are endless and heavy to carry.right before she goes to bed, Sarah opens facebook and stops deadbefore a tragic post on her feed,“bomb kills 21 at Al-Qiddissin on New Year’s Eve.”she has to call Boutros’s family now,who cares if it’s past midnight now?his mother picked up the phone bawling,“fen Boutros ya omi, why are you crying?” we are never gonna go back home,or we’re gonna end up dead just like stones. the winters are longer than they used to be‘cause they keep attacking our habaybis.we will see them one day in heaven,where we won’t have to carry any burden. we are never gonna go back home:Om Al Donia lives within us, we’re not alone,so the long winters got nothing on us just like the persecutors who go nutswhen we chant kyrieleison loudly and accept the crown of martyrdom proudly.Follow the host:Instagram: @mariamagdeleinaBlog: www.honeyfaceherblog.com
This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.Juliathe first six months were quite an adventure.my life was summer and fireworks by the water.i was daydreaming all day long about our future. it never occurred to me you could be a traitor.i couldn’t wait for the second half of the year:caught myself telling my friends, “how i love Jake!”alas, the last six months were filled with tears.it never occurred to me you could be heartache. i’m never gonna get past my past mistakes.i still see you drive so fast and hit the brakes at the very last minute, in my sleep.still hear you scream, “Julia, stay with me!”didn’t you know accidents can kill people?i have a strong feeling you planned for evillike the lie you crafted on the phone. they all warned me of you; i should’ve known. i regret showing you my favourite place in Montreal,which was so sacred to my soul like a temple.battered, breathless, beaten, back home i now crawl.how didn’t i not recognize you were trouble?i keep hiding, so reluctant to go back homebecause i know my loved ones are all gonna tell me,“didn’t we tell you it’s better to remain alonethan to say yes to the ring that hides misery?”i’m never gonna get past my past mistakes.i still see you drive so fast and hit the brakes at the very last minute, in my sleep.still hear you scream, “Julia, stay with me!”didn’t you know accidents can kill people?i have a strong feeling you planned for evillike the lie you crafted on the phone,wrecking my life in a second like a cyclone.did you really think i’d never know about you and my best friend Juliet, and that night you decided to take her out and ask her on one knee for her hand?how did you have the guts to text me that same night,“i love you from the bottom of my heart”?i cried so much for months i almost lost my eyesight,but then i realized you could never tear me apartunless i let you.i’m never gonna get past my past mistakes.i still see you drive so fast and hit the brakes at the very last minute, in my sleep.still hear you scream, “Julia, stay with me!”didn’t you know accidents can kill people?i’m sorry, but your sorry sounded deceitful like the lie you crafted on the phone.i’d call for revenge, but only the sinless throw stones. only the sinless throw stones. Follow the host:https://www.instagram.com/mariamagdeleina/https://honeyfaceherblog.com
In this episode, our guest is the lovely Catrina, a classical singer. We talk about faith, community, being versatile, and balancing a 9-5 job with a hobby. To follow Catrina, check the following links:https://www.youtube.com/@catrinascollection7569https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/vocal-choral-music/2022-2023/choral-arts-society-haydns-mass-for-troubled-times/https://www.technicianonline.com/arts_entertainment/state-chorale-rings-out-in-harmony/article_3df1ae90-a7ce-11e7-a02b-87ae46222506.htmlhttps://performingartstech.dasa.ncsu.edu/2017/11/15/nc-state-chorale-performs-in-special-touring-show/All opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast. Any tampering of this episode's content is prohibited.
Here's my interview with George aka Masri Music. We talk about a lot of things, such as finding God/your purpose after reaching rock bottom, changing your lifestyle, following your heart even when people disagree with you, and of course, music.Follow & support Masri Music:Website: https://masrimusic.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7w7kTqtOiGrS7Z2zih7VaK?si=G1fVnbRDRDGBFiCXYQ-tew&nd=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Masrimusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/masrimusicSoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/masrimusicmixAll opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast.Any tampering of this episode's content is prohibited.
Warning: contains subject on suicideIf you're in Canada and are in crisis, dial the 1.833.456.4566If you're in the US and are in crisis, dial the 1.800.273.8255Here's my interview with Daniel Wassef, first Copt to win a Guinness Record! We talk about imposter syndrome, faith, hope, mental health, and of course Guinness Records!Follow him here: https://www.instagram.com/daniboyworld/?hl=enAll opinions and views expressed on the show represent the sole opinions and views of the participants involved and do not necessarily reflect or represent those of the #AboutUsPodcast. Any tampering of this episode's content is prohibited.
Warning: contains bad words Here is my interview with Chris aka Loogart. We talk about so many things, such as following your calling, creating art you love and that makes you happy, creativity, inspiration, social media, (the origin of) his loogmojis, Montreal, Ottawa, etc.
Follow & support Loogart: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loogart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loogart/ Website: https://loogart.com
Enjoy this deep conversation with Karen Ayoub, the host for the Service In Practice podcast. Follow Service In Practice on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/serviceinpractice/ Listen to the Service In Practice podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZwH3IbQJFKUfTs5bd2Oay https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-in-practice/id1522627589 https://podcasts.google.com/u/0/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yMTM0MmMyNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw
Enjoy this English-French episode with the beautiful soul: Alexia Hammal. We talk about so many things, such as publishing a first book on her own, taking risks, travelling, having a creative family, having faith in God, and that creativity and spirituality go hand in hand. It's a beautiful conversation between aspiring writers, you should check it out! Go support Alexia by buying her book: https://www.amazon.ca/Lentre-deux-journal-intime-dune-Montr%C3%A9alaise/dp/B08LPK3ZQF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VFO7YBPCNPHH&dchild=1&keywords=alexia+hammal&qid=1608780089&sprefix=alexia+hamma%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1 Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiahammal/?hl=fr-ca and check out her blog: https://alexialamontrealaise.wordpress.com/
My conversation with Jennifer is a very deep one: we talk about being a nurse at the forefront of COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement, handling racism and harassment at work, and fighting for what's right. We also talk about her podcast @parlons.soins. Follow and support Jennifer: https://www.instagram.com/iamnursej/?hl=fr-ca https://www.instagram.com/parlons.soins/?hl=fr-ca https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parlons-soins/id1500075725 https://open.spotify.com/show/6iodMPLmBKZouFKZB7stU4 https://www.theacademyofnurses.com/
Enjoy this wonderful interview on art, being an artist loving many types of art, positivity, spreading love, and motherhood with Yafa Goawily, a beautiful kind soul! Please support Yafa: https://www.facebook.com/fanbelarabi/ https://www.facebook.com/yafacrafts/ http://www.yafa.me https://www.instagram.com/yafaartscrafts/?hl=fr-ca https://www.instagram.com/body.painting.movement/?hl=fr-ca
This conversation with the amazingly talented Kirollos Kilada originally lasted two hours. That's how interesting he is, as much as a person as an artist/iconographer. We managed to fit all the important bits in one hour. In this episode, you'll notice how knowledgeable and thoughtful Kirollos is, learn how faith is important to him and how he not only incorporates it into iconography, but also into his more secular art, and get a glimpse of his university thesis. We talk about so much more, so stick until the end! Follow Kiro on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiro_kilada/?hl=fr-ca & https://www.instagram.com/kilada_copticicons/?hl=fr-ca and check out his website: https://www.kkilada.com/
Our guest in this episode is the wonderful calligrapher Nathalie Dimitri, known as Bashful Lettering on social media. We talk about her start in calligraphy and her evolution, her journey starting a business, the ups and downs that come with it, having faith and learning to go with the flow, and reflecting on the changes brought by COVID-19 in our lives as artists. Visit her website: https://www.bashfullettering.com/ Her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BashfulLettering Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bashfullettering/
Our guest in this episode is the talent iconographer and fine art painter George Makary. Listen to him as he's explaining what Coptic art is, talking about what inspires and the importance of spirituality when he creates. Visit his website: https://www.copticicon.com Follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmakaryart/ https://www.instagram.com/copticicons/
Our second guest for the Women's History Month series of the podcast, a dear high school friend of mine, Julie.
Our first guest of the Women's History Month series: Jasmine Attara aka @jasyalamode. https://www.instagram.com/jasyalamode/ https://www.jasmineattara.com
Dj Majd is not your typical DJ. He's probably one of the most humble, genuine, and passionate performers I've met. He also has this very eloquent and diplomatic way of expressing himself and is a wise wise businessman. Listen to Majd as he's sharing his opinions on business, marketing, the digital age, millennials, and music, of course music. Follow him here: https://www.instagram.com/djmajdmtl/?hl=fr-ca https://www.instagram.com/btbmtl/?hl=fr-ca http://djmajd.com/
Varvara is a one-of-a-kind photographer. She's a professional artist with big ambitions and a beautiful intelligent mind and a big heart. She's genuinely very passionate about her art, her blog, and all the projects she works on. Varvara chooses empowerment and support over competition and loves making her subjects feel comfortable in their skin during a photoshoot. Listen to her as speaks about her roots, her business, confidence and how communication is key not only as a photographer, but also daily in every aspect of life, especially in our relationships/friendships. Follow Varvara: https://www.photobyvk.com/blog https://www.instagram.com/photo_byvk/ https://www.instagram.com/varvara.stone/ https://www.instagram.com/varv.stone/
This month's guest is inspiring life coach Kiro Shahata from Toronto. Kiro had a difficult past, but has no difficulty opening up about it because his goal is to inspire people to follow their dreams no matter what happened to them or no matter what they did. Kiro is a great example of your past not defining who you are and not determining your future. From being incarcerated as a teenager to becoming a founder of his organisation Inspire2Dream, Kiro is the proof that nothing can stop except you. https://www.facebook.com/kiroshahataspeakss/ https://www.instagram.com/kiroshahataspeaks/ https://www.instagram.com/inspire.2.dream/
This month's guest is lifestyle blogger and influencer Marie Jbeil. In honour of National Poetry Month, I wanted to represent a writer who's ambitious and striving for success the way she defines it. Hear Marie talk about how she works full-time, gets invited to events, works at a radio show, and takes care of herself after a burnout, all at once. Click here to check it out: https://www.mariejbeil.com https://www.instagram.com/mariejbeil
This month's guest is superstar and dear friend Ashley Camilien. She talks about her faith in Christ, her goals and her blog. Click here to check it out: https://www.cqlblog.org https://www.instagram.com/ashleycamilien https://www.instagram.com/cqlblog
Enjoy the third episode of my newest web series/interviews called Wednesday Wo°man, in which I'll be interviewing a different woman, or man, every Wednesday. Interviews will always have the main theme of writing if possible. Our second guest is tattoo artist Chloé Carbonneau-Labrecque. Follow her on instagram: @chloetattoartist and check her blog: https://www.chloecarbonneaulabrecque.com
Enjoy the second episode of my newest web series/interviews called Wednesday Wo°man, in which I'll be interviewing a different woman, or man, every Wednesday. Interviews will always have the main theme of writing if possible. Our very first guest is journalist and writer Alexia Hammal, also known as La Montréalaise. Follow her on instagram and twitter: @alexiahammal and check her blog: https://lamontrealaiseblog.wordpress.com/
Enjoy the first episode of my newest web series/interviews called Wednesday Wo°man, in which I'll be interviewing a different woman, or man, every Wednesday. Interviews will always have the main theme of writing if possible. Our very first guest is journalist and writer Alexia Hammal, also known as La Montréalaise. Follow her on instagram and twitter: @alexiahammal and check her blog: https://lamontrealaiseblog.wordpress.com/