EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 52 MIN
EP.153 - Shawn Ahmed - "If It Makes Me Laugh, That's Good Enough"
from Middle Fingers Up · host Kiran Randhawa
I came across Shawn Ahmed’s work the way so many of us do now — through a moment of laughter that quietly turned into curiosity. What followed was a conversation that went far deeper than comedy.Shawn is a South Asian Canadian actor with an impressive body of work across television, film, and comedy — and in this episode, we talk about what lives beneath the credits. Growing up in that in-between space — being Canadian while being raised by immigrant parents — and how that lived experience shapes creativity, confidence, and the risks we take.We explore what it means to choose a path that isn’t considered “safe,” how family support shows up in subtle ways, and what early auditions teach you about how the world sees you before you even speak. We also get into the tension many South Asian artists face: wanting the freedom to play roles not defined by race, while knowing that representation still matters — especially for the kids watching from the sidelines, wondering what’s possible for them.This conversation isn’t about arriving at neat answers. It’s about staying in relationship with yourself, trusting your voice, and giving yourself permission to want more — even when it doesn’t match the script you were handed.If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds, expectations, or versions of yourself — this one will land.Instagram: iamshawnahmedSupport the showIf you like what you hear please click on "subscribe" or "follow" - It's free and you will get notified when the newest episodes are posted! Check us out on Instagram, X, and YouTube @mfupodcast. Give feedback, middle finger recommendations as well as random thoughts to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
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I came across Shawn Ahmed’s work the way so many of us do now — through a moment of laughter that quietly turned into curiosity. What followed was a conversation that went far deeper than comedy. Shawn is a South Asian Canadian actor with an impressive body of work across television, film, and comedy — and in this episode, we talk about what lives beneath the credits. Growing up in that in-between space — being Canadian while being raised by immigrant parents — and how that lived experience ...
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EP.153 - Shawn Ahmed - "If It Makes Me Laugh, That's Good Enough"
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