EZ Conversations
190 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 124 ratingsAre you ready to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and growth? Welcome to EZ Conversations, a groundbreaking podcast that dives deep into mental health, societal issues, and the incredible human ability to overcome adversity. This captivating podcast is designed to uplift, inspire, and provide practical insights while fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. Hosted by mental health advocate and therapist Furkhan Dandia. You can also support this podcast through Patreon: https://patreon.com/EzConversations. Musical credit to Michael from Piano Hooks. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
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Episodes
Toxic Masculinity from a Female Perspective
August 05, 2021 11:00 - 42 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Angela Abide. Angela is the mother of three boys and she talks about the work she does with men in the counselling and mediation space. Angela has her own podcast called Mission Manhood. Angela and I also talk about toxic masculinity and what that means from a female perspective. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
Season Two Trailer
July 08, 2021 12:00 - 2 minutesI'm excited to bring another season of the EZ Conversations Podcasts to all the great people who have been tuning in and continue to show their support. I am also grateful for the amazing guests that continue to come on this podcast and are willing to be vulnerable enough to share their stories and experiences. This season will explore many topics such as toxic masculinity, facing adversity, building a community of men, encouraging vulnerability in men, porn addiction, the importance of sle...
The Role of Men in Society and Relationships
June 10, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Nik Novak. Nik has recently started a brotherhood called Ascending Men. In this episode, Nik shares his experience in the pick-up game and what he learned from that experience. Nik and I also talk about the role of men in society and relationships. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
Taking Care of Your Mind and Brain
June 03, 2021 11:00 - 43 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Brody Miller. Brody shares his story of experiencing malformation in his brain which was causing him to have seizures and also impacting his decision-making capabilities in life. Brody talks about how this experience has motivated him to work in the space of neuro transformation. Brody and I also touch on how we can change our mindset and decision-making through neuroplasticity. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/f...
The Impact of Anxiety and Depression in my Life
May 27, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Birk Gundersen. Birk shares his lifelong battle with anxiety and depression. Birk talks about the onset of anxiety in his life and how it has been a constant struggle for him. Birk also talks about the struggle he has between anxious and depressive symptoms and the work he has been doing to continue to battle through the symptoms. Birk shares some tips on what has worked for him over the years. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/p...
Finding Strength and Resilience Through our Choices
May 20, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Patrick Hill from Think Beyond Now Coaching. Patrick and I touch on what having strength means and how to find resilience in tough situations. Patrick shares his own journey and how he had to make drastic changes in his personal life after coming out. Patrick talks about the importance of our social circles and the impact they can have on our lives, he also shares some practices he uses to manage his social circle. --- Support this podcast: htt...
How 15 Seconds Changed my Entire Life
May 13, 2021 11:00 - 38 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with "Big" Al Casey. Al talks about mental health struggles early in his life and how he struggled to fit in. Al shares his journey as a boxer, becoming a semi-professional, and having a spasm and seizure in the biggest fight of his life to become a professional fighter. That one moment changed his entire life. We discuss many facets of mental health in this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/su...
Challenging our Thought Patterns
May 06, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this episode, I sit down with the fine gentlemen from the Man2Man Podcast. We discuss negative thought patterns and the impact that has on our lives. We break down the patterns we develop through life and how we can actively make changes in our approach. Check out the Man2Man podcast for more content! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/furkhan-dandia/support
Challenging our Thought Patterns
May 06, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with the fine gentlemen from the Man2Man Podcast, Tactical and Vito. We discuss negative thought patterns and the impact that has on our lives. We break down the patterns we develop through life and how we can actively make changes in our approach. Check out the Man2Man podcast for more content! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
Facing Childhood Trauma and Stepping into Acceptance
April 29, 2021 11:00 - 39 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Chris Wilson the co-founder of the Unshakable Man Coaching Practice. Chris and I discuss his journey through childhood and how he dealt with trauma. For many years Chris avoided the root cause of his trauma and focused on other things. Ultimately, after years of avoidance Chris decided to put in the work. Through his own work, Chris was inspired to help other men and therefore co-founded the Unshakable Man. --- Support this podcast: https://podc...
The Mental Health Challenges with Becoming a Parent
April 22, 2021 11:00 - 55 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Scott from Parent's Mental Health Support group based in the U.K. Scott shares his story of struggling with the birth of his last son and the impact that had on his mental health. Scott talks about how he works through his struggles and how he communicates with his 7 boys. Scott also shares the work he does in the space of Parent's Mental Health. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
Male Archetypes and How to Unmask Ourselves
April 15, 2021 06:00 - 46 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Alexander Cottle. Alexander shares his journey and how having a stroke at the age of 27 changed his life. In this episode, we discuss the different male archetypes and how to find balance in ourselves. Check out Alexander on Instagram on his page The Unmasked Man. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
The Importance of Communication and some Key Tips
April 08, 2021 11:00 - 38 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Talha Imtiaz. Talha is a Digital Strategist and Communication Specialist based in Abu Dhabi. Talha and I discuss the importance of communication skills in everyday life and how communication skills can even help with mental health. Talha shares some quick tips that can help with influencing and seeking help. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
The Impact of my Mother's Suicide
April 01, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Michael Chard. Michael shares the concept of his own podcast The Theseus Project and how he has incorporated mindfulness into his life. Michael shares the mental health struggles he has had throughout his life, and how his mother's suicide impacted him. Finally, by finding forgiveness for himself and his mom, Michael has been able to find peace in his life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
Absent Fathers and How to be More Present in the Lives of Children
March 25, 2021 11:00 - 47 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Melissa Noyce. Melissa is a therapist based in the U.K. specializing in the area of absent fathers. Melissa shares her own experience of growing up without a father figure in her life. Melissa and I also discuss the importance of fathers in the lives of children, but also how crucial it is for fathers to not only be physically present but also mentally and emotionally. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dan...
Mental Health Today and How to Navigate It
March 18, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutesIn this week's episode I sit down with Richard Dolan, a mental health therapist in the U.K. Rich and I touch on relevant topics that we are encountering today, especially in the pandemic world. We discuss issues around divorce, parenting, mental health in general and from the pandemic, and social media and the impact social media has on our mental health. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/furkhan-dandia/support
Mental Health Today and how to Navigate It
March 18, 2021 11:00 - 57 minutes - 53.3 MBIn this week's episode I sit down with Richard Dolan, a mental health therapist in the U.K. Rich and I touch on relevant topics that we are encountering today, especially in the pandemic world. We discuss issues around divorce, parenting, mental health in general and from the pandemic, and social media and the impact social media has on our mental health. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/furkhan-dandia/support
An Inside Look on Residential Schools in Canada
March 11, 2021 12:00 - 1 hourIn this week's episode, I sit down with Curtis Blind. Curtis shares his experience of growing up in a residential school in Central Saskatchewan. Curtis shares some very difficult stories about the physical, emotional and mental abuse he endured while in school. The impact of this abuse caused severe trauma for Curtis, and he still deals with the trauma. Until a few years ago, Curtis struggled with alcoholism as he was trying to numb the pain since he was a teenager. I wanted to take the...
Managing Anger and Normalizing Conversations about Anger
March 04, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Alistair Moes from Moose Anger Management. We talk about normalizing conversations about anger, learning from our experiences and how to regulate our reactions when we are feeling anger. Alistair also shares how he has noticed a shift in how men show up for therapy and the things they are wanting to talk about. While we have come a long way, we still need to normalize the conversations around anger and work through the stigma. --- Support this p...
Living with Suicidal Thoughts and Finding Self-Love
February 25, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutesIn this week's episode I sit down with my friend, Maruva and we discuss his suicidal thoughts originating from the existential crisis he experienced. Maruva also shares the turning point in his life and how he has been able to find self-love. Maruva continues to work through his struggles through therapy and self-work, but he is on a new journey with a new outlook for life. Please check this episode out as well as Maruva's podcast: The Self Love Monologues Podcast. --- Support this podc...
Imposter Syndrome and how to Navigate It
February 18, 2021 17:06 - 45 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Caroline Ritter who is the author of the book The Swan Effect. The Swan Effect is based on the concept of Imposter Syndrome. Caroline shares her own struggles with Imposter Syndrome, which inspired her to research the subject, and why it was important for her to write a book about it to help others. Caroline also shares her own journey in writing the book and how she had to battle her own Imposter Syndrome. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters....
Relationship Goals and Conflict Resolution
February 11, 2021 12:00 - 41 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this week's episode, my partner, Angie, and I discuss relationship goals, communication, attachment styles and love languages. We highlight that any relationship takes work and communication. Most of all, to be present in our relationships, we need to be able to do work individually to understand ourselves before we can understand the other person. Check out this week's episode for valuable insight and some tools that can be used to improve your relationship. --- Support this podca...
PTSD and Mindfulness
February 04, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MBIn this week's episode, I sit down with John Foley. John is an ex U.S. airforce member. John shares his struggles with PTSD and the impact it had on him and his relationships. Over the past few years, John has used mindfulness to battle post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to build mindfulness practices into his daily life. Please check out this episode to learn more about John's journey and what has enabled him to live life with purpose. --- Support this podcast: https://po...
PTSD: A Veteran's Combat with Demons
February 04, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with John Foley. John is an ex U.S. airforce member. John shares his struggles with PTSD and the impact it had on him and his relationships. Over the past few years, John has used mindfulness to battle post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to build mindfulness practices into his daily life. Please check out this episode to learn more about John's journey and what has enabled him to live life with purpose. --- Support this podcast: https://pod...
How my Parent's Separation Impacted Me
January 28, 2021 12:00 - 41 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with my long time friend, Michael Davis. Mike shares his story of struggling with confidence and people please, especially because he experienced the separation of his parents at a very young age. Mike talks about the things he has done to build up his confidence and the things he continues to do. Mike also shares his experience in the military and how that helped him find a sense of community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com...
From Engineer to Entrepreneur and Wellness Business Owner
January 21, 2021 20:11 - 46 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Guarav Gupta. Gaurav is the owner of Leela Eco Spas in Calgary, a set of spas offering massage, esthetics, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture services using environmentally conscious and eco-friendly approaches. I know Gaurav from when we are in undergrad together as Engineers. Gaurav was working in the Oil and Gas industry and one day decided to walk away to become an entrepreneur. Gaurav and I discuss pursuing your passion, the tough decisions that...
The Anxious Brain with Tori Warner
January 14, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Tori Warner who is the author of the book Challenge the Anxious Brain. Tori and I discuss her journey with anxiety over the years, and how a couple of major episodes transformed her life. Through mindfulness and changing her mindset, Tori was able to overcome anxiety. In her book, Tori wants to help others that also struggle with anxiety and provide them with tools that can aid in working through anxiety. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spo...
How VERSVS used Rap to Deal with Mental Health
January 07, 2021 12:00 - 27 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Calgarian Rapper, VERVS. We talk about VERSVS new album Invisible and discuss the context of the track Invisible from the album. VERSVS opens about his challenges with OCD, how rap has allowed him to navigate through his journey of mental health, and the work he continues to do. VERVS also explains the context behind the track Invisible. Please check out VERSVS on IG: @versvsofficial, and find his music on Spotify, Apple Music or other streaming platforms....
The Importance of Parent's Mental Health
December 17, 2020 07:00 - 42 minutesIn this episode, I sit down with Mark Williams. Mark is a published author and a pioneer in the space of paternal mental health. Mark is an International Campaigner and co-founder of the International Father's Mental Health Day. In 2012, Mark was awarded "Inspirational Father of the Year" and "Local Hero" at the Pride of Britain Awards. In 2019, Mark was awarded the Point of Light award by the UK Prime Minister. Mark is also an ambassador for Mother's for Mother's Charity. In the epi...
Battling Through Adversity with Dr. Erica Harris
December 10, 2020 12:00 - 55 minutesIn this week's episode, I sit down with Dr. Erica Harris. Dr. Harris shares her journey of immense adversity about battling leukemia, and then when she came out of that to find out, she needed a lung transplant. After going through more hardship, she went through a divorce. While she was facing all this adversity, she also was being a mother to two little boys. I am deeply inspired by Dr. Harris's story of facing adversity head-on and coming out stronger. --- Support this podcast: https://...
How being a Musician Affected my Mental Health
December 03, 2020 12:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBIn this episode, I sit down with an old friend of mine from High School, Jordan Larocque. Jordan was a member of a Francophone Indie Pop band, Bonjour Brumaire. Jordan toured for many years and performed live at a lot of shows. With time, Jordan started to realize he was missing out on time with friends and family, everyone was moving ahead in life and Jordan felt stuck Being away all the time and not having a stable life started to impact Jordan's mental health. Ultimately, Jordan left...
Harmony in Struggle: Mental Health and Music.
December 03, 2020 12:00 - 46 minutesIn this heartfelt episode of EZ Conversations, host Furkhan Dandia sits down with a special guest, Jordan Larocque, for a candid discussion on the intersection of music, mental health, and its profound impact on Jordan's life. The duo, who share a unique connection from their high school days, embark on a nostalgic journey through the corridors of their past. However, the episode takes a poignant turn as Jordan and Furkhan delve into the challenges that come with pursuing a passion in the mu...
How my Anger Transformed Me
November 26, 2020 12:00 - 44 minutesIn this heartwarming episode of EZ Conversations, host Furkhan Dandia sits down with his good friend, Jeff Berube, for an intimate discussion that takes us from the bustling city to the serene landscapes of Grand Prairie, Alberta. Join us as Jeff shares his journey of moving to a small town and the transformative experiences that unfolded. Jeff opens up about the challenges and joys of adapting to life in Grand Prairie, offering a unique perspective on the tight-knit community and the beauty...
A Journey With the Sober Trekker
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutesEmbark on a transformative journey in this episode of EZ Conversations as host Furkhan Dandia sits down with the inspiring Miles Bingham, also known as the Sober Trekker. In a candid and heartfelt conversation, Miles shares his odyssey through alcohol and, ultimately, his triumphant path to sobriety. Listeners are invited to join this intimate dialogue, exploring the highs and lows of Miles' relationship with alcohol and the profound impact it had on his life. With honesty and vulnerability,...
The Sober Trekker's Reflection on Addiction
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 52 minutes - 48.6 MBIn this episode, I sit down with Miles Bingham aka The Sober Trekker. Miles gets raw and vulnerable about his struggles with addiction, mental health, being alone in it all and then seeking help. Miles talks about how his recovery incorporated group therapy, mindfulness and trekking. Miles has used mindfulness and trekking to face his demons and is in a much better place today. If any of you are struggling with addiction or know someone that is, Miles' story will truly inspire you as it...
A Doctor's Perspective on Covid-19
November 12, 2020 12:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kashif Pirzada, an emergency physician, and we talk about the covid-19 pandemic. Kashif shares his own experience with Covid-19, the risks associated, and how we as the general population can do things to minimize the risks. Kashif shares some insightful information that I hope will help you in your understanding of the virus. Check out Kashif on social media on twitter @kashprime. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/f...
Unmasking Covid-19
November 12, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutesHost Furkhan Dandia navigates the conversation with thought-provoking questions, seeking to demystify the science behind the pandemic and provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the situation as it stood in November 2020. The episode is a time capsule, capturing a snapshot of the medical community's efforts to combat COVID-19 during a crucial period in its trajectory: In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kashif Pirzada, an emergency physician, and we discuss the COVID-19 pand...
Hair-raising Zen: The Accidental Silent Meditation Retreat
November 05, 2020 12:00 - 49 minutesIn this episode, I have an easy conversation with one of my oldest friends, John Cicione. We talk about John's journey through life, the adversity he has had to overcome and how he is a successful hairstylist today with his salon. John is vulnerable and raw at times in this episode. We also talk about John's "accidental" silent retreat experience and how he navigated through the experience for ten days. Learning the practice of meditation is something John truly values, and he still appli...
A Hairstylist's Journey Through Meditation
November 05, 2020 12:00 - 48 minutes - 45.2 MBIn this episode, I have an easy conversation with one of my oldest friends, John Cicione. We talk about John's journey through life, the adversity he has had to overcome and how he is a successful hairstylist today with his salon. John is vulnerable and raw at times in this episode. We also talk about John's "accidental" silent retreat experience and how he navigated through the experience for ten days. Learning the practice of meditation is something John truly values, and he still appl...
Introduction to EZ Conversations Podcast
October 28, 2020 14:39 - 2 minutesAn introduction to the EZ conversations podcast. My goal is to bring in different guests every week to talk through everyday life struggles, talk about gratitude, spirituality, cultural barriers, adversity, changing our mindsets and challenging our thought patterns. I feel we have made these conversations hard to talk about, but they don't need to be. We should be able to share our struggles and support each other by normalizing these conversations. The pandemic has created additional cha...