I’m a Toronto-based media producer, writer, and host who co-founded Innerspeak Media in 2016. I secure funding, steer story development, and produce original film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). My work has gained international festival screenings and coverage by The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC, and has been recognized by the United Nations, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. I’ve collaborated with networks such as CBC and TVO, developing pitch packages for CBC, TVO, and Netflix, and I oversee recruitment, payroll, budgeting, and team management across projects. My commitment to diversity, justice, and compelling storytelling drives every production I lead.

Yusuf Zine

I’m a Toronto-based media producer, writer, and host who co-founded Innerspeak Media in 2016. I secure funding, steer story development, and produce original film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). My work has gained international festival screenings and coverage by The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC, and has been recognized by the United Nations, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. I’ve collaborated with networks such as CBC and TVO, developing pitch packages for CBC, TVO, and Netflix, and I oversee recruitment, payroll, budgeting, and team management across projects. My commitment to diversity, justice, and compelling storytelling drives every production I lead.

Available to hire

I’m a Toronto-based media producer, writer, and host who co-founded Innerspeak Media in 2016. I secure funding, steer story development, and produce original film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). My work has gained international festival screenings and coverage by The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC, and has been recognized by the United Nations, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. I’ve collaborated with networks such as CBC and TVO, developing pitch packages for CBC, TVO, and Netflix, and I oversee recruitment, payroll, budgeting, and team management across projects. My commitment to diversity, justice, and compelling storytelling drives every production I lead.

See more

Experience Level

Work Experience

Co-Founder/Producer at Inner Speak Media
March 1, 2016 - Present
Co-Founder/Producer at Inner Speak Media; secured over $1M in production financing through grant writing and partnership development; leads story development, writing and producing of original film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). Oversees global marketing and promotion of Unascertained, with international festival screenings in North America, Europe, and Asia; coverage in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC; recognized by the United Nations, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. Develops pitch packages and concepts for networks including CBC, TVO, and Netflix; leads full-cycle recruitment; manage payroll, budgeting, bookkeeping, and team management.
Producer/Wrtier/Host at TVO
July 1, 2023 - October 17, 2025
Hosted and narrated two award-winning podcast series—Unascertained and Extradition; conducted interviews with key experts and witnesses including current and former members of the Canadian government; wrote multiple 40–60 minute scripts and incorporated editorial feedback; researched themes including mental health, corrections, and forced labour.
Producer/Writer at Three Valleys Media
December 1, 2024 - October 17, 2025
Helped craft story structure on a feature documentary for CBC’s The Passionate Eye, My Brother, Soleiman; oversaw outreach and coordination for interviews with key experts, lawyers, and eyewitnesses; scouted and booked locations for b-roll filming; reviewed rough cuts to ensure narrative integrity.
Director’s Assistant at MakeSay
August 1, 2022 - October 17, 2025
Worked closely with the director on a $3M feature film, coordinating casting and cross-department collaboration; provided on-set support and notes to produce a final cut after reviewing rough cut.
Front of House Assistant at Toronto International Film Festival
March 1, 2020 - October 17, 2025
Supported TIFF team by coordinating access for staff and stakeholders; managed and trained line volunteers; assisted with setup and striking of festival elements and equipment at venues.
Coordinator at Gallery TPW
December 1, 2017 - October 17, 2025
Collaborated on development of interventions launching alongside the exhibition Special Works School; brainstormed arts-based activities for high school youth; provided creative consultation on gallery interventions and exhibition.
Program Coordinator at Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region
August 1, 2016 - October 17, 2025
Helped raise over $500,000 in coordination with Islamic Relief Canada; worked with the Rohingya refugee community to develop a play about forced migration and resettlement; led a Computer Basics workshop for newcomers; redesigned promotional materials and built a social media presence.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University
September 1, 2015 - October 17, 2025
Collaborated with Rainbow Centre, Centre for Women & Trans People, Black Students Association, and Multi-Faith Resource Team to plan events and volunteer management; assisted with Diversity Certificate Program development and facilitation; helped craft marketing plan for the Diversity & Equity Office.
Teacher at Jump! (Educational Program)
December 1, 2014 - October 17, 2025
Taught psychology courses during the summer; coordinated and created the curriculum with other teachers; engaged elementary students with activities to illustrate course themes.

Education

Master of Arts - MA, Social Justice & Community Engagement at Wilfrid Laurier University
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Global Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

Together Against Islamophobia - Acting for Human Rights (FEMYSO + Council of Europe)
January 11, 2030 - October 17, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Government