Join me at the Cottage and let's talk about "Heated Rivarly" The conversation delves into the impact, success, and my personal reflections related to the show. I also addresses the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the hockey world, highlighting the need for inclusivity and change. I do a deep dive on the scene that had the greatest impact on me.

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Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast

Farhan Dhalla

Takeaways

• Impact of the show on the LGBTQ+ community
• Success and influence of the show

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Heated Rivalry
• 05:56 Personal Impact and Reflection
• 12:05 Living Authentically and Unmasking

Prior to 2020 Raul had what seemed like a great life till virtually every part of it fell apart. He had a successful career where he rapidly moved from consultant to working as a CFO. But then he lost his job. His personal life also fell apart. His long term relationship with his partner came to an end and then after a routine health examination he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A consultation with a doctor led to fear and worry about long term side effects of cancer treatment including erectile dysfunction. Raul decided to delay the highly recommended surgery. Around that time synchronistic events led him to discover the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. He immersed himself in the work and today Raul has a new life and is completely cancer free.

For information on Dr. Joe Dispenza: website

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Zain Bandali is an author, poet, and unapologetic diversity advocate. His debut children's book Mehndi Boy, is a Silver Birch Express Nominee and was recognized as a “Best Bet” by the Ontario Library Association and as a “Best Book for Kids” by the New York Public Library in 2023. Zain studied at the University of Waterloo and was awarded the Upkar Arora Social Impact Leadership Scholarship for his work in creating a grassroots community initiative. Even in his day job as an HR professional at a leading financial corporation, Zain strives to bring the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to everything he does. He is an avid vegetable gardener but cannot always stomach the chilli peppers he grows. In this episode we dive into conversations about Zain’s Queerness as a South Asian, Indo-Tanzanian, Ismaili Muslim, his debut book and how he’s pushing the gender norm narrative. We also discuss his love for international recording artist Ali Sethi and his advice for anyone struggling with being true to themselves.

Order your copy of Mehndi Boy

Instagram

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#gay #gaypodcast #mehndi #queer #queerpodcast #islam #navroz #lgtbq

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

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Shyam Konnur and Ram (Sriram) Sridhar have a trailblazing love story. They met at a Pride event in Bangalore India and sparks ignited. Their first attempt at a date was thwarted when Sham was assaulted and hospitalized. Despite their obstacles they fell in love and decided to get married out of necessity to protect their relationship in the event of medical reasons, potential legalities and furthermore to prove that their love was meaningful and to be taken seriously. However, same sex marriage is not recognized in India. There were risks associated with ‘such a wedding’ in India. Hall owners were afraid of consequences for hosting their wedding and both grooms feared potential retaliation in a resistant culture of same sex relationships up until their wedding day. But they beat the odds and were united amongst friends, family and loved ones on June 13, 2025 and included ceremonies that respected both their religious backgrounds and traditions. We dive deep into their relationship, their reasoning for getting married and how their marriage has put a huge spotlight on them as they both felt it was important that their wedding be open and public despite the risks. Both men are award winning activists and run an organization called MIST- a non profit dedicated to empowering the LGBTQI+ community and promotes safe love by creating a safe space and awareness. We also talk about the lack and misrepresentation of the Queer community in Bollywood and media adding to the isolation of Queer existence in India. They both share the challenges within the context of Pride and it’s movement in India because there are different interpretations of what Pride means which they feel in some cases have lost the true purpose of its origin and creation. Shyam and Ram are also working at improving HIV testing access, prevention, and helping changing the stigma about HIV and living with HIV. Ram is the current national producer of the Mr Gay India pageant show and Vice Chairperson of Board of Directors for Mr Gay Universe. Shyam has been titled with Mr Gay India in the year 2020. The pageantry goes beyond beauty and at its core is about creating leaders in activism for the LGBTQI+ community and winners must successfully demonstrate the impact of their leadership in it's change.

Shyam Konnur Instagram

Shyam Konnur TedTalk

Ram (Sriram) Sridhar Instagram

MIST Instagram

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

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Dr. Rizwan Jagani is an American violist of Indian and Pakistani heritage based in the Washington DC Area. He is an accomplished multi-genre solo artist, orchestral musician, and chamber musician.
Dr. Jagani has performed with Grammy Award-winning artists Dwight Yoakam, Burna Boy, and Indigo Girls. He recently performed alongside musicians of the Kuwait National Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, as a member of the International Pride Orchestra in collaboration with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and will be returning for his seventh year to the classical music festival in Eisenstat Austria. this will be third year serving as principal Viola of the Orchestra. He is also a member of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.
He recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Catholic University of America. When he is not playing Viola, he loves watching Broadway shows, fitness, traveling, and all things gluten-free.

Rizwan first came out publicly in a very brave post at the onset of Ramadan in 2023. We talked about what life has been like since coming out and how he’s navigated his queer life while staying true to his Muslim faith and culture. Rizwan gives us updates on how he’s grown into his Queerness, while maintaining his own individuality, the evolution of his relationship with himself and his family. He gives a very insightful perspective on what acceptance means. His growth has reflected his choice of where he finds his safe spaces, Rizwan offers me great advice on how to handle a situation with a family member at an upcoming wedding where I felt I was asked to make myself less visibly Queer to avoid drama. We also talk about his love life and his obsession with Tony award winner Nicole Scherzinger.

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

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Imam Daayiee is the first openly Gay Imam in the United States. He was born in Detroit Michigan and the son of Southern Baptist Parents.

Imam Daayiee Abdullah, is the author of the book titled “Progressive Islam: The Rich Liberal Ideas of the Muslim Faith”(2021), He is the Founder and ED of the nonprofit MECCA Institute (www.meccainstitute.org), and CEO of MECCA Institute Publishing LLC.

He is the Former Imam of the Light of Reform Mosque, Washington, DC (2010-2015). He is also A linguist and holds Masters degrees in Chinese and Arabic languages and linguistics, and a scholar of Quranic Interpretation and Shari’ah Sciences. And to continue to add to his impressive bio he is also a former public interest lawyer specializing in comparative Islamic and Western law.

The United States first openly gay Iman, Daayiee Abdullah returns to discuss his continued pursuits for education and personal power by increasing his communication abilities. He pays tribute and reflects on his late friend and peer, the first openly gay Imam Mushin Hendricks who was recently assassinated in what is thought of as a hate crime. He talks about the impact the civil rights movement and the stone wall riots had on him and his activism. He expresses his thoughts on LGBTQI+ activism and the importance of having knowledge about theology. He clarifies the interpretation of the Quran in reference to same sex relationships and its standards for all relationships, how he honours Pride month and his work for the Mecca Institute, an online inclusive and progressive Islamic theological school. It is a non-profit organization expanding Progressive Islam through education and research. In this episode questions were also contributed by former guests Tony award winning Mike Mosallam, award winning multidisciplinary Mariam Magsi and accomplished violist Dr. Rizwan Jagani.

The MECCA Institute - Moving Progressive Islam Forward

The MECCA Institute Facebook

Kahlil Gibran “On Children”

Sweet Honey in the Rock “On Children”

#gay #queer #pride #gaypodcast #queerpodcast #pridemonth #pride2025 #pridemonth2025 #Islam

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

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In this season I'll be sharing my grief journey and talking with several experts who will offer tools to help you with your personal journey.

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"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla

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This is part one of a two part special series where I describe in detail my personal coming out story. I talk about my challenges including internal struggles, fears and how it impacted my life and relationships with my family.

Resources

LGBTQ Family Acceptance/Culture Based Resources

It Gets Better Canada

#gay #pride #pridemonth #queer #queerpodcast #gaypodcast

If you wish to support the show please donate to Buy Me A Coffee! Thank you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/farhandhalla

Follow me on Instagram

"Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast"

Farhan Dhalla