#9 - Sara Rasikh: Palestine, OccupyUofT, Gaza, & Divestment

#9 - Sara Rasikh: Palestine, OccupyUofT, Gaza, & Divestment

Sara Rasikh is a key figure in the student activist group OccupyUofT, serving as the media representative and head of media operations. A student at the University of Toronto, Rasikh has been instrumental in publicizing the group's campaigns, particularly their advocacy for the university to divest from companies tied to the Israeli military and to cut academic ties with Israeli institutions involved in the occupation of Palestinian territories. OccupyUofT is a student-led organization at the University of Toronto focused on advocating for divestment from entities sustaining the attacks on Gaza + the occupation, apartheid, and illegal settlements of Palestine. The group calls for divestment from companies supplying military goods to Israel and the termination of partnerships with Israeli academic institutions involved in the occupied Palestinian territories. They have staged notable protests, including occupying the president’s office and establishing an encampment on campus, to pressure the university into adopting these changes and fully disclosing its financial holdings OUTLINE: 00:00:00 - OccupyUofT's Demands for Disclosure and Divestment 00:04:24 - University of Toronto's Investments in Weapons Manufacturing Companies Linked to The Ongoing Gaza Genocide 00:06:28 - Divide & Conquer: The Annihilation of Palestinian Education & Academic Institutions As a Priority 00:10:44 - What Are The Ignored Demands of the Protesters?00:12:45 - Ignoring the Genocide and Reproducing Violence 00:14:54 - Humanitarian crisis in Rafah 00:16:55 - The Ongoing Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians 00:18:59 - UofT's Hostility and Attempted Suppression of The Advocacy Group 00:25:12:- Divestment, Disclosure, and Cutting Ties 00:27:12 - Students Dealing with Agitators and Harassment in The Encampment 00:29:22 - Anti-Semitism and Zionism 00:31:33 - What Are Divisions and Subtle Racism? 00:33:44 - Forced Cultural Assimilation and Adopting Settler Identities 00:35:53 - Students Practicing De-escalation Towards Agitators 00:37:59 - UofT's Ongoing Surveillance, Intimidation Tactics, and Threats to the Students 00:42:07 - The Peaceful Environment at the Encampment 00:44:15 - Dealing With Anti-Palestinian Racism and Protests 00:46:17 - OccupyUofT and UofT's Ongoing Negotiations and Demands 00:50:27 - The Israeli government's stance on releasing hostages 00:52:31 - The Power of Protest and Divestment So Far Across the World 00:54:31 - Living in Tents For Months, Building a Community, And The Growth of the Community 00:58:41 - Strength in Community and Unity among Students 01:00:34 - Message For the Future: Centering Humanity and Solidarity

#8 - Daud Jamil Bhatti: Islam & Buddhism, Pakistan VS India, Middle East & Neo-Colonialism

Daud Jamil Bhatti, born and raised in Pakistan until the age of 14. Studying political science and philosophy at the University of Toronto. An aspiring lawyer and humanist focusing on politics and religion especially Islam. OUTLINE: 00:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=0s] - WELCOME TO THE REMIX 00:03:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=185s] - Human Nature and Change in Religious Ideas 00:06:02 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=362s] - Buddhism's Evolution 00:08:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=536s] - Daud's OG Islam 00:12:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=723s] - The Lack of Islamic Values in Muslim Countries 00:15:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=909s] - The Authority of Islam and Human Rights 00:18:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=1091s] - The Rights and Freedoms of Islam 00:21:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=1273s] - The Sinister Approaches right now in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh 00:24:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=1480s] - Islamic Rules of War 00:27:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=1657s] - Conflict between Islam and Nation States 00:30:28 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=1828s] - Shaping of Islamic Civilization and Rebellion against Ottoman Empire 00:33:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=2027s] - Ethnicity and Nationalism in the Muslim World 00:36:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=2210s] - Iraq and Iran: The Divide and Colonialism 00:39:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=2380s] - The Divide and Conflict in the Middle East 00:42:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=2569s] - Historical Background: Ottoman Empire and Colonizers 00:45:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=2746s] - The Evolution of Centralized Government and Dynasties 00:48:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=2929s] - The Division of Pakistan and India 00:52:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=3151s] - Rise of Hindu Nationalism and Minority Persecution in India 00:55:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=3350s] - Persecution of Muslims in India 00:59:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=3550s] - Marginalization of Indian Muslims 01:02:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=3739s] - The Persistence of the Caste System in India 01:05:18 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=3918s] - Extremist Practices and the RSS 01:08:28 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=4108s] - Conversion to Buddhism and Discrimination in India 01:11:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=4305s] - Imran Khan's Political Ordeal 01:14:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=4479s] - Cases of Alleged Corruption in Pakistan 01:17:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=4657s] - The Contributions of Imran Khan and the Deep State of Pakistan 01:20:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=4846s] - Rigging Elections and Corruption in Pakistan 01:23:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=5034s] - The Influence of the West in Pakistan 01:27:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=5226s] - The Legacy of Pakistan's Founding Fathers 01:30:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=5425s] - Rediscovering Our Role Models 01:33:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvPZx55ve4&t=5617s] - Advocating for Equal Human Rights

#7 - Abdullah Ali: Acting Career, 21 Million Dollar Movie: Born a King, Cinema in Saudi

At 16, Abdullah Ali was discovered by Oscar-winning producer Andrés Vicente Gómez for Saudi Arabia's first international commercial feature film, "Born A King," directed by Agustí Villaronga. Cast as the late King Faisal, Abdullah, without previous acting experience, delivered an award-winning performance at the Sharjah International Film Festival 2019. The film, acclaimed as the Gulf's most successful, marked a first in portraying an Arabian Royal. Abdullah, also focusing on his studies in Management International Business and International Relations at the University of Toronto, balances his acting career with his role as Head of Production at AscenXion Pictures, producing meaningful films for a global audience. OUTLINE: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Reunion with Abdullah 00:05:23 - Early School Experiences and Bullying 00:10:43 - Overcoming Verbal Bullying and Gaining Confidence through Theater Class 00:16:20 - Beginning of Acting Journey 00:21:28 - A Call from a Oscar-Winning Producer 00:27:06 - A Free Trip to England and Overcoming Obstacles 00:32:38 - The Audition and Meeting with the Director 00:38:06 - From Audition to Role: A Life-Changing Experience 00:44:32 - A Divinely Orchestrated Life Lesson 00:50:36 - The Intensity of Filming and the Humbling Experience 00:56:05 - Sailing in South Hampton 01:01:27 - Challenges of On-Set Acting 01:07:21 - A New Job Experience 01:12:32 - Born a King: The Story of a Young Boy on a Diplomatic Mission 01:18:23 - The End of the Saudi Cinema Ban 01:23:49 - Watching Movies on Illegal Streaming Websites 01:28:54 - Soulja Boy in Chinese Sports Television 01:34:47 - The Fusion of Music Styles 01:40:16 - Cultural Awareness and Uniqueness 01:45:13 - Identity and Cultural Renaissance in Taiwan and China 01:50:40 - A Perfectly Timed Event

#6 - Angela Purnama: Sorority Initiation, Female Cycle Phases & Sexual Energies

Angela Purnama, born in Indonesia and raised in Canada, writes insightful blogs about her personal experiences and the lessons she's learned. Her content delves into the search for belonging, her experience in an Asian-interest sorority, and the exploration of femininity, including learning about the menstrual cycle. Through her writing, Angela aims to empower and inspire, offering a fresh perspective on identity, culture, and what it means to be a woman today. OUTLINE: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background00:06:09 - Joining a Sorority and the Rush Process00:11:58 - The Rush Process00:17:36 - Fear and Threats in Organizations00:23:27 - The Mental Game of Sorority Rush00:29:08 - The Process of Joining a Sorority00:35:06 - Lack of Diversity in Thought and Culture of ABGs00:40:46 - Understanding the Female Cycle00:46:24 - The Attraction During Ovulation00:51:56 - Understanding Different Communication Styles in Relationships00:57:45 - Understanding Women's Nature01:03:23 - Unlocking Your Inner Goddess01:09:43 - Message For the Future

#5 - Kapa “Malasung 麻辣頌” Arkieh （嘎壩阿給）：Drug Dealing Past, Music's Redemption, Breaking Away From Record Labels, & Creative Process

Kapa Arkieh aka "Malasung 麻辣頌" is a versatile Canadian-Taiwanese Indigenous R&B/Rap artist celebrated for his exceptional talents in acting and music. He garnered recognition with two Leo Awards for his lyrical contributions to the series “Dead Man Switch” on CBC Gem. Kapa’s acting finesse shone in Netflix’s “Wu Assassins,” showcasing his versatility. In music, his track “那一路啊” gained popularity on “Rap of China（中國有嘻哈）,” reaching Taiwan Viral TOP 50 on Spotify. He’s known for captivating performances at prestigious events like Xiao Mi Music Festival and TaiwanFEST, solidifying his status as a rising star in both entertainment and music. Kapa also served as a judge on “Rap of China（中國有嘻哈）” and has earned sponsorships from Rokid and Relx, further marking his impact in the industry. OUTLINE: 00:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=0s] - Kapa & Da Ren Exploring Music Creative Process, Inspirations, & Formula 00:12:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=741s] - Finding Authenticity Through Music 00:18:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=1089s] - From Music to the Drug Trafficking Game 00:23:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=1417s] - The Entrapment Encounter with the Police 00:29:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=1748s] - The smuggling Incident at the Hospital 00:34:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=2087s] - Fighting for his life and a Second Chance 00:40:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=2422s] - The Court Case Drama 00:46:18 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=2778s] - Getting out of the drug trafficking game & finding meaning in the experience 00:51:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=3109s] - Finding Meaning in Pain and Suffering 00:58:42 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=3522s] - The Influence of Jay Chou in Kapa's Music 01:05:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=3919s] - The Power of Audio in Creating Music 01:11:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=4275s] - Creating Music: Freestyling and Collaboration 01:19:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=4751s] - Overcoming Procrastination and Fear of Failure 01:23:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=4985s] - Overcoming Fear of Failure in Pursuing Dreams 01:29:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=5364s] - Bad Record Deals, Getting Frozen by the Label, and Overcoming Challenges 01:35:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=5720s] - Discovering Kapa's Indigenous Roots and Name 01:41:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=6100s] - Building an Infrastructure for Taiwanese Indigenous Artists 02:00:04 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_3WM2N-Fw&t=7204s] - Message for the future & future Plans