The MaCH-UP Podcast

Selay Ghaffar is a Master’s student of International Development Studies at York University, and an internationally acclaimed women’s rights activist. Selay was the executive director of Humanitarian Assistance for the Women and Children of Afghanistan between 2005-2015. During that time, she managed to provide free education andhealth care for children and women in Afghanistan, as well as legal aid and protection for female victims of violence. In 2014 she became a spokesperson of the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan, and she had an active role in many highly visible national and international conferences and events. To learn more about Selay’s activism, I highly recommend the excellent documentary I Am the Revolution. Selay’s work is prominently featured in the film, and it’s a really compelling watch. Selay has now brought her activist spirit from the political arena to an academic environment. Her present research at York surrounds Afghan women’s rights activists who have recently immigrated to Canada, exploring their experiences of transition and integration.

Welcome to “The MaCH-Up,” podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Psychology (MaCH) research group at York University in Toronto, Canada. The “MaCH-Up” is a DIY, community space for new researchers in the interdisciplinary area/s of migration studies and critical health to learn from each other through the magical world of podcasting. Oreoluwa Olowoyeye is a fourth-year undergraduate student in Psychology at York University, with a keen interest in the mental health of Sub-Saharan African immigrant youth. This episode was recorded November 2023. Guest: Oreoluwa Olowoyeye Host: Michael Ruderman Team: Umut Fidan, Scarlett Ozsahin, Ben Stevenson

Welcome to “The MaCH-Up,” podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Psychology (MaCH) research group at York University in Toronto, Canada. The “MaCH-Up” is a DIY, community space for new researchers in the interdisciplinary area/s of migration studies and critical health to learn from each other through the magical world of podcasting. Jasmine holds a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from York University and is currently pursuing an MA in Developmental Studies at the same institution. Her research explores the perspectives of Afghan refugees in Toronto, particularly in response to the Taliban takeover in 2021. She aims to fill the gap in the literature regarding the lived experiences of Afghan immigrants in Canada. She is also fluent in four languages and has different hobbies, which she uses to balance her academic and personal life. Guest: Jasmine Ahmad Host: Scarlett Ozsahin

Season 2 of the MaCH-Up is on its way!

Welcome to the MaCH-Up, podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Psychology Research group in Toronto. By chatting with new and experienced researchers and professionals in the area, we explore their personal journeys, and the important work they do: what it is, why it is, and how it came to be… Sophia Kurt is a fourth-year Psychology student at York University. Her interest lies broadly in social psychology and she is currently involved in two research labs: the Culture and Belief Lab and the Migration and Critical Health Team, where she has been involved in a range of projects. Guest: Sophia Kurt Host: Michael Ruderman Producer: Ben Stevenson

Welcome to the MaCH-Up, podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Psychology Research group at York University in Toronto. By chatting with new and experienced researchers and professionals in the area, we explore their personal journeys, and the important work they do: what it is, why it is, and how it came to be… Kashmala Qasim is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at York University, a researcher at Khalil Centre, a lecturer at the Islamic Online University, and a member of our MaCH Psychology team. Kashmala is passionate about bridging the gap between psychology and spirituality and using her research to improve mental health outcomes for Muslim women. Her current research focuses on Muslim women’s experiences of empowerment and well-being through the recitation, reflection, and reclamation of the Quran. Guest: Kashmala Qasim Host: Michael Ruderman Production Team: Umut Fidan, Josephine Kanu, Scarlett Ozsahin, Ben Stevenson

Welcome to the MaCH-Up, podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Psychology Research group at York University in Toronto. By chatting with new and experienced researchers and professionals in the area, we explore their personal journeys, and the important work they do: what it is, why it is, and how it came to be… Our guest is Orly Aziza! Orly recently received her undergraduate degree from York University, and is now training to be a physician. Her research surrounds vaccine barriers and hesitancy among newcomers in Canada. Guest: Orly Aziza Host: Michael Ruderman Producer: Ben Stevenson

Welcome to the MaCH-Up, podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Psychology Research group at York University in Toronto. By chatting with new and experienced researchers and professionals in the area, we explore their personal journeys, and the important work they do: what it is, why it is, and how it came to be… Today our guests is Jay Doshi. Jay is a Fulbright Student, and a recent graduate from Cornell University who is currently working with the MaCH research team. His work explores the impact of COVID-19 specific directives, which were put forward by some Canadian provinces, to provide free health services for all individuals regardless of immigration status. Guest: Jay Doshi Host: Michael Ruderman Producer: Ben Stevenson

Welcome to the MaCH-Up, podcast of the Migration and Critical Health Research group at York University in Toronto. By chatting with new and experienced researchers and professionals in the area, we explore their personal journeys, and the important work they do: what it is, why it is, and how it came to be… Today our special guest is Dr. Michaela Hynie. Michaela is a professor of Psychology at York University. Her interdisciplinary and community-based research focuses on the social determinants of health in multiple cultural settings: with communities who experience social conflict, social exclusion, or forced displacement and migration. Michaela’s journey has moved through cognitive science, neuroscience, and cultural psychology, leading to the work she does today. Guest: Michaela Hynie Host: Michael Ruderman Producer: Ben Stevenson