Flourish with Floriana

Welcome to a special episode of our podcast where we're joined by Maddie Dougherty, a dedicated MSc Candidate specializing in Health Promotion at Western University. Together, we're peeling back the curtain on the master's experience, revealing five invaluable insights we wish we had known before embarking on this academic journey. From navigating research to balancing work and study commitments, Maddie and I share our firsthand experiences and hard-earned wisdom to help you thrive in your own master's program. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your studies, this episode promises to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Tune in and let's conquer the challenges of master's together!

In this insightful podcast episode, we delve into the journey of pursuing a PhD with Varsha Vasudevan, a passionate PhD candidate. Varsha shares her firsthand experiences, challenges, and triumphs on the pathway to obtaining a doctorate. We explore the decision-making process behind embarking on a PhD, the academic and personal growth along the way, and the invaluable lessons learned. Join us as we uncover the joys and complexities of navigating the exciting world of doctoral research with Varsha.

In this episode, join us for an inspiring journey with Demo Kaltabanis as he shares the keys to soaring beyond socioeconomic challenges and realizing academic dreams. Discover the resilience, determination, and transformative mindset that propelled Demo to overcome obstacles and reach new heights in education. Get ready to be uplifted and motivated as we delve into his empowering story of triumph against all odds. Tune in for a conversation that proves dreams can indeed take flight, even in the face of adversity. In this episode, you'll learn: Resilience Strategies: Explore practical approaches and resilience techniques that Demo employed to navigate and overcome socioeconomic challenges. Mindset Shifts: Discover the transformative mindset shifts that played a crucial role in Demo's academic success, and how you can apply them to your own journey. Triumph Over Adversity: Gain insights into Demo's personal triumphs over adversity, showcasing the power of determination and perseverance in the pursuit of academic dreams. Practical Tips for Success: Uncover actionable tips and advice for overcoming obstacles on your own academic journey, drawing inspiration from Demo's experiences. Empowering Stories: Hear firsthand accounts and empowering stories that illustrate the limitless potential within each individual, regardless of socioeconomic background. Thanks for tuning in! Make sure you hit the follow button for more episodes that unlock the secrets to overcoming obstacles and reaching your educational goals. With gratitude, Floriana

In this episode, I speak with the lovely Boshra Bahrami. Originally from Iran, Boshra served as a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, working with children and adults facing various communication impairments. Boshra decided to move to Canada two years ago, where she pursued her Master's of Science Degree in Speech-Language Sciences at Western University. I came across Boshra's work through a Western News article titled, "Why learning animal sounds can be crucial to children’s language development". As an auntie, I didn't realize that mimicking the sounds of cats and dogs had the ability to promote language development and cognition to the little ones in my life. I was so intrigued that I reached out to Boshra, and a wonderful connection was made! Boshra and I discuss her experiences in the field of Speech Language Pathology, and she walks me through a day in her life. I hope you enjoy this episode and learn something new about this incredible field! Please feel free to hit that like button if you like these career chat-style episodes :)

As a first-year graduate student, I wanted to take this episode to share my tips & advice on how to prepare yourself for grad school. If you're thinking about attending, or if you have been accepted & about to attend, or if you're currently in the midst of your program, I hope you learn something useful from this episode. I know it's not easy, but I share with you my biggest lessons on how I got clear on my decision to attend grad school in the first place and the resources that I lean on to help me get through it. Follow me on Instagram @flourishwithfloriana to help you along your journey! Wishing you all the best in your studies! Believe in yourself. You're amazing, you're intelligent & you got this :) 

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Tim Pychyl on procrastination. A faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada), Dr. Pychyl and his students devote their attention to understanding why and how we can sabotage our best intentions with needless delay. In addition to numerous journal articles, conference presentations and edited books such as Procrastination, Health & Well-Being (2016) and Counseling the procrastinator in academic settings(2004), he is the author of Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Positive Change (Tarcher/Penguin, 2013). As a university professor, Dr. Pychyl is a passionate and talented teacher who has received numerous awards including Canada's prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship. Given his interest in integrating research and teaching, he has taken his research focus on procrastination beyond journals and books to include a comic strip and podcasts at his website procrastination.ca.

Welcome back to Season 2 Episode 1 of Flourish with Floriana!! Season 1 was truly great and iconic. For my return, I have brought one of my best friends, Tamara (aka TAM), to discuss all things SUMMER. What do we need to implement into our lives to truly flourish this year? We give you a 5-step guide to follow to be THAT PERSON for the summer time (and all the time of course). Love you!! Follow me on Insta @floriana.sherifi :)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Shauna Wallace joins me in a discussion about how food and fitness have become methods of self-punishment. Founder and Clinical Director of Equilibrium Psychotherapy, Shauna’s practice uses a holistic and trauma-informed approach to compassionately address which thoughts and actions around food, body and movement are keeping individuals stuck. In this episode, Shauna highlights the importance of integrating food and movement in a non-judgmental, sensitive and custom-tailored way. You can follow Shauna on Instagram @equilibriumpsych. To chat with Shauna and book a consult, you can email her at [email protected] Disclaimer: The information in this episode should not be relied on as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health pertaining to disordered eating and exercise, always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

What transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary one? You do. Your mindset. Your eyes. Your gratitude. Your appreciation for life. Our limited time on Earth is reason enough to find little moments of happiness for yourself within your ordinary routine. What’s ordinary about waking up to a new day? It’s EXTRAordinary because you have been blessed with a new opportunity to live in this world. To feel the sun on your face. To tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. You see what I did there? I just showed you how to unlock the ordinary by adding in that “extra”. Through gratitude and your mindset. Your life is only as good as you believe it to be. There is beauty around you, you just need to be willing to see it. You can follow me on Instagram @flourishwithfloriana to let me know what you thought about this episode. I hope it brought a smile to your face and acts as a beacon of light in your day.

In this episode, I have Pirouz Kiani discuss his experiences with being a Masters of Chemistry student in Calgary. He provides some insight into how he had to let go of familial pressures and find his true passion. Pirouz gives great tips on how he stays focused in grad school and on top of his student game through some techniques, self-awareness and a productive routine. Let us know how you enjoyed the episode on my Instagram @flourishwithfloriana