The Amplify Podcast is a dedicated platform for University of Waterloo students to openly discuss the challenges they face in navigating academia while holding marginalized identities. This space is one to honour their journeys, discover supports and allow those of us at the margins to see our stories centered.
These episodes address sensitive topics that some listeners may find triggering or emotionally challenging.
Topics include unhealthy coping mechanisms, mentions of suicidality, and homophobia. We want to ensure that our listeners are aware of the content discussed and encourage self-care. If you find these subjects distressing, please consider whether it's the right time for you to listen. Your well-being is important to us.
A non-exhaustive list of supports and resources have been made available on this page.
Episode Listings
Season 3
Listen on:
Spotify
Understanding Islamophobia: Addressing the Definitions and Knowing What It Looks Like
Runtime: 29 minutes
In this episode, the Arifa, alongside her colleagues, Ameen, Amir, Labibah and Amna, discuss addressing the question of Islamophobia, how it’s defined, and what it may look like on or off campus.
Listen on:
Spotify
The Muslim Presence on Campus: What does it mean to be Muslim on Western Campuses?
Runtime: 18 minutes 39 seconds
This episode of Amplify looks at the Muslim presence on campus, what it means to be a Muslim in the western world, and how we can work on ways to work through Islamophobic rhetoric. As well as in what ways can universities, like UW, work towards making campus a safe and inclusive space for Muslim students.
Listen on:
Spotify
Future ready: Working Towards a Safer Campus Community
Runtime: 15 minutes and 15 seconds
In this episode the group discusses working towards a future ready framework, and what we can do to ensure that words like safety, inclusion, and awareness hold weight to them, and that that weight is accounted for by universities and institutions alike.
Listen on:
Spotify
Mindful Connections: Breaking Stigma and Building Community
Runtime: 17 minutes and 58 seconds
Simba (he/they) is a fourth-year mechatronics student at Waterloo and is involved in various initiatives across campus including the student-run service RAISE (Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity). Join us as we discuss mental health and finding community as an international student.
Listen on:
Spotify
Community and Healing: Reflections on Black Mental Health
Runtime: 24 minutes and 7 seconds
In this episode of Amplify, Karen (she/her), a Ugandan-born student, shares her journey navigating Black mental health challenges and the stigma surrounding them. We reflect on how her experience at university has changed her perspective, the importance of supporting loved ones, and the generational pressures Black women face to stay composed and work hard, often at the expense of seeking help. Join us for Karen’s insightful reflections on mental health, identity, and the power of community.
Learn more about the Connection Collective at Waterloo.
Season 2
Listen on:
Welcome back to Amplify
Runtime: 1 minute 39 seconds
Your hosts, Ola and Alex welcome you to Season 2 of Amplify. In this season, we will be learning about student experiences navigating campus with a disability, accommodations, intersectionality, as well as personal challenges and triumphs.
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Unlocking Potential: Navigating Academia Through Disability Advocacy (ft. Samantha)
Runtime: 26 minutes 12 seconds
In this episode, Samantha (she/her), an alumnus of the University of Waterloo and advocate for disability justice, shares her journey navigating academia as a person with disabilities. We discuss her experiences from her undergraduate studies to her current role as the Disability Inclusion Coordinator, Samantha offers insights into accessing accommodations, advocating for inclusive practices, and fostering community-based disability pride. Join us as we explore Samantha's powerful reflections on empathy, compassion, and the transformative potential of disability justice.
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Boundless Triumphs: Navigating University, Athletics, and Disability Advocacy (ft. Caitlyn)
Runtime: 21 minutes 2 seconds
In this episode of Amplify, we chat a dedicated undergraduate student Caitlyn (She/Her). Caitlyn shares her journey of navigating university life while managing her intersectionality of disabilities, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and mental health challenges. From her commitment to competitive athletics to her studies in Peace and Conflict Studies, Caitlyn's story showcases resilience and determination. Join us as we explore her experiences with accessing accommodations, advocating for herself, and finding support within and beyond the university community.
Listen on:
Breaking Barriers in Science: Navigating Academia and Advocacy (ft. Urja)
Runtime: 23 minutes and 49 seconds
A graduate student at the University of Waterloo, Urja (she/her), shares her journey navigating academia while advocating for disability awareness and inclusion. From her advocacy work as an undergraduate TA in physics to her role as president of the Physics Graduate Student Association, Urja's story is one of resilience and empowerment. Join us as we explore her experiences with MS, ADHD, and her commitment to creating safer, more inclusive spaces on campus.
Listen on:
Empowering Access: Navigating University (ft. Jessalyn)
Runtime: 25 minutes 7 seconds
In this episode of Amplify, we chat with final-year Public Health Student, Jessalyn (they/them), at the University of Waterloo. Jessalyn shares their journey navigating the University and AccessAbility services, highlighting the importance of support when accessing accommodations.
Season 1
Listen on:
Spotify | SoundCloud
Welcome to Amplify
Runtime: 2 minutes 57 seconds
Your hosts, Ola and Binuki introduce to you Amplify. This weekly podcast serves as a space for University of Waterloo students to share the difficulties and obstacles that they have encountered and what supports they found in these times.
Listen on:
SoundCloud | Spotify
Imposter Syndrome: The Importance of Community (ft. Jada)
Runtime: 27 minutes 59 seconds
Ola is joined by Jada (she/her), who talks about her experiences navigating the world and imposter syndrome as a Black person in UWaterloo's Psychology program. She speaks to the role that building community and support networks play in her undergrad journey.
Resources from the episode:
African Student Association (ASA)
Black Association for Student Expression (UW BASE)
Association of Caribbean Students (ACS)
Listen on:
SoundCloud | Spotify
Finding Balance Along a Road of Firsts (ft. Rachel)
Runtime: 30 minutes
In this episode, Binuki is joined by Rachel (she/her), pursuing a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. A first-generation Ethiopian university student, Rachel shares her experiences navigating a road full of firsts and L's, highlighting the importance of balancing student life and learning to say no.
Resources from the episode:
Listen on:
SoundCloud | Spotify
Trans Advocacy: Healing through Collective Care (ft. Zara)
Runtime: 30 minutes and 29 seconds
In this episode, Ola is joined by Zara (she/they), a student and community organizer within the KW area. She shares the ups and downs of her journey navigating mental health, personal wellbeing, and gender-affirming healthcare within UWaterloo. Ola and Zara also discuss the importance of student organizing and building safety for queer and trans students in the aftermath of the June 28th attack on campus.
Resources from the episode:
Gender Affirming Care through UW Health Services
Glow Centre
QTPOC KW
NeuroMinds Collective
Listen on:
Soundcloud | Spotify
Faithfully Queer: Navigating the Loss of Belonging (ft. Emily)
Runtime: 19 minutes and 22 seconds
Binuki talks with Emily (they/she), a queer undergraduate student in Peace and Conflict Studies, about the process of discovering themselves. Having grown up in an accepting church and unexpectedly encountering exclusionary religious beliefs on campus, they share their experiences grappling with her religious and queer identities. The two also discuss working towards reclamation and safety for queer and trans students.
Resources from the episode:
Queer, Allied and Questioning (QuAQ) club
UW Solidarity Network
Listen on:
Soundcloud | Spotify
Scholars Across Borders: Trusting the Process in Grad School (ft. Mikhailla)
Runtime: 31 minutes and 25 seconds
An international Graduate student pursuing a Master of Management Science, Mikahilla (she/her) speaks to Ola about her journey at UWaterloo and learning how to trust the process. The two discuss making holistic space for graduate students, especially those with racialized identities, in educational institutions that limit their access to connection.
Resources from the episode:
RAISE
NSBE – National Society of Black Engineers
Caribbean Students Association
Black Association for Student Expression
Graduate Student Association UW
Listen on:
Soundcloud | Spotify
"You Are Not Alone": Finding Moments of Kindness as a Trans Refugee (ft. X")
Runtime: 36 minutes and 27 seconds
In this episode, Binuki is joined by X (he/him), who speaks about immigrating to Canada from Iran, claiming refugee status, and experiencing the world as a racialized trans man. He candidly shares the challenges he grappled with in achieving his dream of studying Engineering at UWaterloo and the impact the kindness of strangers have had along the way. X touches on topics of transphobia in public and familial spheres, toxic masculinity, mental health, and 2SLGBTQIA+ connections.
Resources from the episode:
Meet Your Hosts
Ola Idris Ali (she/her)
Ola Idris Ali is a Sudanese native, Ugandan raised immigrant, and an alumnus of the University of Waterloo. She graduated as the valedictorian of the Faculty of Arts, Majoring in Political Science and Business and minoring in economics and international trade. Currently is the community engagement manager with the Equity Diversity Inclusion and Anti-Racism office at the University. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ola embraces a curious spirit, immersing herself in the school of life as a storyteller, a friend, a lover of justice, and above all, a seeker of God.
Binuki De Silva (they/them)
Season 1 Host
Binuki De Silva is a student majoring in Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo. They work at the office of EDI-R during the Fall 2024 co-op term as a training and engagement specialist and at the Centre for Career Development as a career leader. Their prior work experience includes research in anti-racist education, events coordination and career support. During their time in post-secondary, they use their experience navigating life as a queer Sri Lankan along with their program specializations in diversity & equity, and education to inform their work with students. Apart from their professional endeavors, they have a passion for exploring somatic healing and capturing film photographs of their people.
Alex (he/him)
Season 2 Host
Alex was a co-op student in the office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism in the Winter 2024 term. He is in his second year of ARBUS majoring in economics. This was his third co-op term working in the office as a training and outreach specialist. In his time at Waterloo he has been involved on campus in areas like Committee on Access and Disability, seasonal guest speaker on disability awareness, the Campus Response Team, and more.