LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Shohana Sharmin is a Toronto-based multi-award winning actor, comedian and writer, born and raised in Bangladesh. Most recently she has created Finders Grievers, a podcast that is rather uniquely beautiful, sad and uplifting. A weekly podcast about lost loved ones may sound awfully depressing on the surface, but it is usually guested by comedians, and is surprisingly upbeat. It focuses on the value of what we experience from the departed.

Name: Shohana Sharmin. My dad named me Shohana based on the Hindi/Urdu word Suhana, which means pleasant.

Currently: I am working on my podcast Finders Grievers, available on the Sonar Network, about grief, discussing the people we have lost, and the lessons we have picked up along the way. It’s my attempt to unpack the universally felt yet rarely discussed experience of grieving. Each week, I sit down with a guest – writers, comedians, artists – to discuss love, loss, and everything in between. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we even cry a little bit, and both are very much allowed. I’m very thankful to be part of the wonderful Sonar Network, they have helped me create a space for these intimate and important conversations.

Favourite colour: It changes every six months... but probably dark green.

Favourite designer: I love staring/drooling at Sabyasachi’s creations.

Favourite Bollywood star: Sushmita Sen.

Favourite Hollywood star: Emma Thompson.

Favourite movie: Amelie.

Favourite singers: Way too many to name... current favourite is Regina Spektor.

Favourite song: What Sarah Said by Death Cab for Cutie.

Favourite TV show: Fleabag.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Butter pecan.

Favourite cuisine: Vietnamese.

Favourite restaurant: Impossible to pick just one, but Byblos in downtown Toronto comes to mind.

Favourite sport: Table tennis.

Favourite sportsperson: Serena Williams. But also, my brother and I used to watch wrestling together as kids and I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Favourite books: Anything by David Sedaris and Hunger by Roxane Gay.

Favourite activity: Taking care of my plants.

I hang out: Anywhere warm, usually with an iced coffee and a good podcast.

I’m freaked out by: Snakes.

I need: Sleep. I never seem to get enough of it.

I want to be: In a cabin in the woods with two cats and great wifi.

My role models: Michelle Obama. Because, well, she’s Michelle freaking Obama. Also Roxane Gay.

Tips to save the planet: I’m not at all an expert on this, but I try to shop ethically/buy secondhand, eat sustainably, and reduce plastic use and waste wherever possible.

In a perfect world: I wouldn’t stare out the window for five minutes trying to answer this question.

• You’ll find Shohana at @soleahm on Instagram and Twitter, and her podcast @findersgrievers on Instagram and Twitter.