SpeakUP! International Inc.

Policy is the quiet force that decides who gets protected, who gets funded, and who gets left out. In November 2023, we’re joined by Velma Morgan, an educator and former Ontario government director of policy who has worked across five ministries and now serves as chair of Operation Black Vote Canada, to talk frankly about how real systemic change happens in Canada.We get into the nuts and bolts of political engagement for Black Canadians and other marginalized communities, including how to stop being connected to government only when something goes wrong. Velma shares what it looks like to build intentional access at Queen’s Park: bringing new voices into stakeholder meetings, getting community members onto agencies, boards, and commissions, and making sure people even know these paid roles exist. She also explains why community-led election debates matter when mainstream forums don’t reflect how issues hit differently under systemic racism.If you feel strongly about systemic racism, listen to or watch this podcast and decide what you can do to change policy.Use the following link to watch the podcast: https://youtu.be/QLwOsBdcvVgEnjoy our podcast channel at www.speakuppodcast.caThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

We sit down with Mr. Alex Ihama in November 2023 to get practical about anti-racism work, workplace equity, and how to move from public statements to measurable culture change. We also go personal on youth mental health, educator impact, tokenism, and the belief-driven mindset Alex calls “greatness.”We also dig into what real DEI and anti-racism consulting looks like behind the scenes: setting clear expectations, doing a needs analysis, gathering qualitative and quantitative data, and creating measurable indices for inclusion, equity, communication, and culture. Alex challenges the “three-month transformation” promises and explains why serious change often takes sustained work, leadership buy-in, and follow-up instead of one-off workshops.Although this conversation was recorded in 2023, these topics remain relevant today. We initially released the audio format. Today, we are releasing this conversation in video format so you can get the full effect and understand its relevance today.If this conversation gives you language, clarity, or courage, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more Canadians can find it.Video podcast: https://youtu.be/otziX39G25AThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A councillor’s job sounds big, but most residents feel it in small moments: the email that never gets answered, the neighbourhood problem that sits for months, the sense that decisions happen somewhere else and you only hear about them after. We sit down with Neil Simon, a community leader, pastor, and small business owner running for Toronto City Council in Ward 9 Davenport, to talk about what local leadership looks like when it is built on responsiveness, visibility, and trust.Neil explains why he’s stepping from community advocacy into municipal politics, and he makes a clear commitment that sparks debate right away: a 48-hour response time from the councillor’s office. We connect that to his hands-on community work, including a self-made food bank during COVID-19, years of mentoring youth and supporting families, and his Restore Purpose Network focused on healing, coaching, and community care. The conversation keeps coming back to dignity, because the way a city serves people matters as much as the service itself.We also get practical about Davenport issues that residents and businesses raise repeatedly, especially parking, plus the ripple effects of development, snow removal, and day-to-day accessibility. Neil shares what he’s learned advocating for seniors through his medical transport work, why isolation and fraud prevention need more attention, and how community centres and local programs can help seniors feel seen. If you care about Toronto municipal government, Ward 9 Davenport, councillor accountability, and neighbourhood-level solutions that you can actually measure, this one is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a neighbour, and leave a review, then tell us: what should a councillor respond to within 48 hours?Connect to Mr. Simon: City of Toronto Candidate List LinkedIn: Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Systems don’t change because we want them to. They change when we’re willing to admit they were built to produce the results we’re living with, then do the hard work of redesign. That’s the core of our conversation with Dr. Kathy Hogarth, Associate Vice President of Global Strategy at Wilfrid Laurier University, and a scholar-practitioner whose journey spans Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Canada.We talk candidly about the immigrant experience of credential recognition in Canada and what it means to be told your education “doesn’t count,” even when you’ve done the work and earned the degrees. From there, we dig into community psychology and why a macro lens matters: policies, institutions, and power shape who gets access, who gets believed, and who gets left behind. Dr. Hogarth challenges the temptation to settle for easy fixes, reminding us that many inequities aren’t signs of broken systems, but signs of systems working exactly as designed.The conversation also moves into higher education internationalization and global strategy, where competition for international students can mask deeper patterns of extraction and brain drain. We push on what ethical internationalization should demand from universities, and why EDI, representation, and data are not optional if we’re serious about equity. Dr. Hogarth also shares the striking story behind why she sometimes begins by saying, “I am Black,” and what that reveals about covert bias and “racism without racists” in professional spaces.If you care about anti-racism, systemic change, community development, and the future of Canadian universities, you’ll leave with sharper questions and a longer view of what progress really takes. Subscribe, share this conversation with someone who needs it, and leave us a review so more listeners can find Speak Up International.Video: https://youtu.be/AQwuGvof2LUFeel free to contact Dr. Hogarth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khogarth/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

 Black History Month in Canada feels permanent now, but it was never guaranteed. We talk with Rosemary Sadlier, researcher, author, and longtime leader with the Ontario Black History Society, about the unglamorous, determined work it took to move Black History Month from community celebration to national recognition. She walks us through the reality of advocacy before social media: missed deadlines, long-distance calls, mailed letters, and the patience to keep pushing even when no one replies. If you care about African Canadian history, anti-racism education, or how public change actually gets made, her story lands hard.We invite you to view the podcast https://youtu.be/74fRm18CamI?si=7Atno5ZqiboZ4X7_ Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A kid is up at 7:30 a.m. for a program that starts at eight not because it’s trendy, but because it means a real meal, real coaching, and adults who actually listen. That’s the kind of front-line truth Kevin Francis brings to SpeakUP! International, and it’s why his work hits so hard. Kevin is a lifelong community supporter and activist, and he’s co-founded Diversified Youth Initiative to build supports around what families say they need, not what a system assumes they need.We talk about the hidden depth of youth poverty in Canada, and why “subsidized” still isn’t affordable when the choice is groceries or rent. Kevin breaks down how free basketball camps in Cambridge, Ontario combine sports, nutrition, and life skills, with partners like Spice Sisters Personal Chef Services helping provide nutritious, culturally respectful meals including halal options. We also dig into wraparound services that cut through red tape, from quick resume support and employment help to financial literacy, mentoring, and access to counselling or dietitians, delivered in community spaces, online, or by phone so families aren’t forced to travel and wait.The conversation expands beyond sports into arts and music through Bring the Beat Back in Little Jamaica, plus the Ski School Project at Blue Mountain, where youth get gear, instruction, meals, and exposure to job opportunities. Kevin also names the disconnect between politics and lived reality, challenges communities to unify and “look back” after success, and shares the values that guide him when funding comes with strings attached. If you care about community building, youth empowerment, mentorship, food security, and practical grassroots solutions, this one is for you. Subscribe, share, and leave a review, then tell us what barrier you think we should tackle first.Connect to Mr. Francis:  https://www.diversifiedyouth.com Podcast Video Location: https://youtu.be/Yik8KQbaYlUThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Join us on SpeakUP! International for a deeply moving episode with Kwanza Msingwana!Kwanza opens with “Old Woman, Sing Me a Song,” a breathtaking spoken-word tribute to his mother who held on to her wisdom, resilience and grace. From there, we follow the poetry back to its origins and forward to our own responsibilities.In this episode, we explore:How a music-making trip to Jamaica completely reshaped his perspective on culture and gratitude.The heart of African oral tradition, where folktales, drumming, song, and poetry aren't separate lanes—they are one shared road.Why stories, rhythms, and a well-timed laugh can carry a lesson so much further than a lecture ever could.Whether you prefer to watch or listen, you won't want to miss this one!Available on all major audio platforms and full video streaming!Until then, enjoy our current collection of conversations:https://youtu.be/z7XttYl3dUA (video)Connect with  Kwanza Msingwana using the following link: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/files/kwanzamsingwanapng-1Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

“I don’t see colour” can sound polite, but Nana Dei calls colourblindness an insult and explains why: the problem isn’t colour; it’s the meaning and power we attach to it. We talk about what it takes to teach with critical consciousness in Canada, where anti-Black racism, colonial history, and school gatekeeping still shape who feels valued, safe, and seen. Nana Day, a globally recognized University of Toronto OISE professor and advocate for Black African Canadian education, connects anti-racism education to anti-colonial thought, African indigeneity, and the responsibilities we owe our communities. Nana Day tackles the backlash to “wokeness” and critical race theory, arguing that anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, and anti-classist education is not a “special interest” but the common good. If you want sharper language for talking about race, decolonization, and equity in schools, and real guidance for teachers who aim to be “warriors” for marginalized students, press play. Subscribe, share this conversation with an educator, and leave a review with one idea you want schools to act on next.You can view this podcast using the following link: https://youtu.be/Wja37mZhOvQConnect to Nana Dei: https://discover.research.utoronto.ca/3369-george-js-deiThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A lot of people say they support equity, diversity, and inclusion, but far fewer are willing to challenge the systems that keep producing the same unequal outcomes. We’re joined by Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad, assistant professor in Ontario teacher education and executive director with YACE in Toronto’s Jane and Finch community, to talk about what real EDI work looks like when it’s grounded in service, accountability, and lived experience.Dr. Eizadirad shares practical examples from campus and community settings: student-led coalition-building, pronoun practices, educator resource lists, culturally reflective programs, and the importance of representation in Ontario’s teaching workforce for student belonging. We also get honest about the personal cost of the work and why going back to community is a strategy for healing, guidance, and sustainability.If you care about equity in education, community-based prevention, indigenization, or how to create systemic change that lasts, this one will give you language and next steps. Subscribe, share this with someone doing the work, and leave us a review with one idea you want your school or workplace to act on next.View the podcast using the following link: https://youtu.be/fdkcE77k1eAThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What is it like when decades of hard work & isolation suddenly become public recognition (Order of Ontario)?For decades, Dwayne Morgan was building a life of private sacrifice before the public recognition of his achievements.In our latest episode, legendary spoken word poet and community leader Dwayne Morgan sits down with us to pull back the curtain on long-game creativity. From building culture in Scarborough and across Toronto to pioneering equity work, Dwayne opens up to Rita and me about what it’s really like to build a vision before it becomes popular.Artist, Educator, and Change Makers – this conversation is for you!Watch the full episode now!Video: https://youtu.be/oB_1BZm0lXASubscribe, share with someone who is starting out and needs a push, and leave a review with the line or lesson that has resonated with you!Video channel: https://bit.ly/speakuppodcastvideoAudio channel: www.speakuppodcast.caYou can reach Dwayne Morgan using the following link:https://www.dwaynemorgan.ca/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Burnout gets framed as a personal problem far too often, so we sit down with author and DEI speaker Rochelle Ramatte to name what many people are living: sometimes the workplace is the hazard. Rochelle shares her journey from being overlooked in school in Edmonton to earning a master’s degree in social work, and how one moment of being truly seen by a professor changed her identity and direction.Ms. Ramatte discussed practical tools you can use today to beat burnout.If this conversation helps you name what you’ve been carrying, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so more people can find it.To view the podcast: https://youtu.be/zdzINAReDhgLinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellespeaks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochellethespeaker/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559479420061Website is www.rochellespeaks.infoThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

3% is a number that should stop you cold. C.J. Stewart tells us you’ve got roughly a 3% chance of making it to pro sports and, in Atlanta, a similar shot at escaping poverty if you’re born into it. C.J. knows both worlds. He’s a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, and he’s now the chief visionary officer and co-founder of the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, a sports-based youth development non-profit built to help marginalised youth build real paths into adulthood.The conversation gets personal and practical: the difference between guilt and conviction, why mentorship is the floor, not the ceiling, and why sponsorship and advocacy are what move young people from potential to power. C.J. also shares a vision for a more connected Atlanta, including programs that bring together kids from Bankhead and Buckhead, and a definition of civic engagement that goes beyond voting into real, consequential living.If you care about youth development, equity in sport, or building stronger communities, listen through and then share this with someone who mentors, coaches, or hires. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what’s one relationship that changed your trajectory?Until the day of release, feel free to visit and enjoy the collection stories using the following links:Website: https://leadcenterforyouth.org/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/iamcjstewartFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cj.stewart.773LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjstewartatl/https://youtu.be/v8rEuxx1kg4 (Video podcast)Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Somebody is making money off Black suffering, and that truth changes how we understand everything from politics to philanthropy to the stories we tell about ourselves. We sit down with Dennis Maurice Dumpson, author and founder of Invest Black, to name what he calls the black pain economy and how racial capitalism turns harm into a revenue model that rewards extraction while demanding endless durability from Black bodies.   Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories and tools. What part of this conversation do you want to build on next?You can view the video podcast using the following links: https://youtu.be/Zl4npwMDbvI  (Video)Website: https://www.dennismaurice.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennismauriceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmdumpsonThreads: https://www.threads.com/@dennismauriceSubstack: https://www.substack.com/@dennismauriceTo review our collection of conversations please visit the following links:www.speakuppodcast.ca (audio)https://www.youtube.com/@speakupinternational (YouTube) Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

SPIRITUAL TRAP OF OVERGIVING During our latest episode of SpeakUP! International, we sit down with the incredible Rev. Dr. Denise Gillard, pastor, transformational coach, and entrepreneur. Dr. Gillard starts the podcast by reading a beautiful, quiet excerpt from her children’s book, Music from the Sky, before diving into a much braver conversation. What happens when a strong, capable woman keeps giving until there is nothing left? From her roots in Oakville, Ontario, to a life-altering wake-up call in the ICU while caregiving for her husband, Denise shares how she broke free from the spiritual trap of being needed. If you are a leader, a caregiver, or a Christian woman running on empty, this episode is your permission to stop overgiving and start healing. Learn about her *Whole Woman Reset* and discover what a truly aligned, impactful life looks like. Share this with someone who needs it today, and leave a review telling us how you are moving from depletion to overflow! We invite you to enjoy our latest addition to our podcast collection. https://youtu.be/M6mc0HBheIM (video)www.speakuppodcast.ca               (audio collection) You can reach Dr. Gillard using the following link:  wordwalkglobalministries.ca Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

That’s the exact line a potential funder threw in Roger Dundas’s face when he was trying to launch a new venture.For most, it would be a door slammed in their face. For Roger, it became pure, unadulterated fuel.In this explosive new episode of the SpeakUP! International podcast, we sit down with Toronto-based entrepreneur and ByBlacks co-founder, Roger Dundas, to dismantle this myth and expose the raw reality of building a Black media empire in Canada.Why You Need to Listen to This Episode:The Birth of a Movement: Travel back to the early 2010s, where blatant mainstream bias and the sudden collapse of a vital publication left Black Canadian stories completely erased. Discover how ByBlacks rose from those ashes.Mission vs. Survival: It’s easy to talk about community; it’s brutally hard to fund it. Roger pulls back the curtain on the operational grit, inbound marketing, and bulletproof strategy required to keep a mission-driven business alive.Real Journalism over Celebrity Gossip: Find out why ByBlacks deliberately rejects the cheap highs of celebrity clickbait to invest in long-form journalism that actually reflects lived experiences and tackles real community issues."We didn't need another gossip column. We needed a mirror. And we needed an economic engine for Black-owned businesses."Are you ready to change the narrative?If you care about Black Canadian entrepreneurship, independent media, and concrete, practical ways to build fierce local economies, you cannot afford to miss this conversation. You can reach Roger Dundas using the following link: https://byblacks.com/Listen now to SpeakUP! International.Don't just listen, watch, subscribe, share, and leave a review. Let’s make sure these stories are too loud for the mainstream to ignore.You can watch the podcast in its entirety by clicking on the following link:  https://youtu.be/_t4-86YwJTA?si=sLLNQsLIwXNhEY6e (YouTube)Enjoy our audio and video collection using the following links:https://www.youtube.com/@speakupinternational (YouTube)https://www.facebook.com/speakupintl (Facebook)Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A formal White House event, a glass of wine she never wanted, and a President calling her by name while she’s trying to keep it together. That’s how our conversation with Dr. Trudi Michelle Morrison begins, and it only gets more honest from there. We talk about what recognition can mean when you’re a Black woman in spaces where you’re treated like a symbol before you’re treated like a person, and how long it can take to understand the quiet strategies operating around you.If you care about civil rights, diversity and inclusion, accessible workplaces, or what resilient leadership looks like under pressure, press play. Subscribe, share this conversation with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.You can view the podcast if you like: https://youtu.be/QKNW8ZI-B9AConnect to Mr. Morrison please go to LinkedIn and search for Trudy Michelle Morrison.Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What happens when the career you’ve built suddenly vanishes, and you realize—with terrifying clarity—that you could be broke by 65?Most people would panic. David Nassif decided to build a compass.In this episode of SpeakUP! International, we sit down with David to unpack an extraordinary story of resilience, reinvention, and financial survival. After traditional job hunting felt like a dead end, David stopped drifting, bet entirely on himself as an independent sales agent, and completely revolutionized his relationship with money.Whether you are navigating an unexpected career shift, planning for retirement, or simply looking for a clearer, calmer approach to personal finance, this conversation will leave you with concrete steps and a mindset you can deploy at any age.Don't miss this masterclass in turning a setback into a setup for financial freedom!For a better understanding of the One Page Wealth Compass, check out the following links:Free PDF: www.onepagewealthcompass.com/freeBook: https://www.amazon.com/One-Page-Wealth-Compass-Nearly-Millionaire/dp/B0GCNSGRLG  Watch the podcast here! https://youtu.be/cR2OtnUM_woWebsite:  https://onepagewealthcompass.com/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

One careless “you can’t” can stick to a young person for years, but it can also light a fuse. We’re joined by Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel, scholar, educator, and advocate whose work spans more than 35 years at the intersection of race, equity, and urban education. She shares what it was like migrating from Trinidad and Tobago at 16 and hearing, for the first time, that her goals were unrealistic, not because of grades, but because of who she was.   The heartbeat of her book, We Were Not Built to Break. Dr. Daniel explains why attacks on Black history and the constant pathologizing of Blackness are not random, and why she teaches Black youth to see themselves as the blueprint and to stand in their greatness. We also talk about how the old advice to “work twice as hard” can fail younger generations, and what it looks like to work smarter by understanding systemic barriers, naming power, and protecting your sense of self. Dr. Daniel also takes us inside the realities of higher education in Canada as a Black woman professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, where credentials do not erase anti-Black racism or gendered stereotypes. Then we get practical with The Bridge program she founded at Humber College: the wraparound, hub-and-spoke supports that move students from crisis and withdrawal risk to retention, academic confidence, and even the honour roll. We unpack “stop out” versus “drop out,” the danger of OSAP debt with no diploma, and what happens when Black student success disrupts the stories people expect. If you care about education equity, Black student retention, community mentorship, and real strategies that change outcomes, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway. You can reach Dr. Daniel by using one of the links below:LinkedIn:   linkedin.com/in/dr-beverly-jean-m-daniel-ph-d-34a26114 Canadian Scholars: https://canadianscholars.ca/product-category/child-and-youth-care/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Is your bank account suffering from "death by a thousand cuts"? Most of us are overpaying for our basic existence without even realizing it. In this episode, Rita and I sit down with Kirby D. Wilson, a North Carolina based financial strategist and entrepreneur, to learn how to turn those "dead weight" expenses into serious leverage.What We’re Diving Into:The "Bills To Bags" Blueprint: Kirby explains how she helps households and business owners across the US and Canada slash costs on telecom, energy, and healthcare.The Origin Story: How the pressure of first-time homeownership led Kirby to uncover the hidden money systems they never taught us in school.Escaping the "Not Broke" Trap: Why the "if it’s not broke, don’t fix it" mindset is actually costing you thousands in hidden fees and outdated rates.Shifting from Consumer to Strategist: A deep dive into using credit to build opportunities rather than funding shopping sprees.Generational Wealth: Tackling student loan stress, common borrowing pitfalls, and why financial literacy is the ultimate head start for the next generation.Most people aren't broke; they're just overpaying for a life they haven't optimized yet.Listen now and stop guessing with your money!Website: www.speakuppodcast.ca (audio)(video)Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A bad day can wreck your plans, but it should not get to make your decisions. We sit down with Phoebe Trotman, multi Hall of Fame soccer player, entrepreneur, author of the Never Quit On A Bad Day book series, and a coach who brings athlete-level clarity to real life.   We dig into what a “champion mindset” actually means. Phoebe explains why obstacles are not a stop sign, how growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone, and why “control the controllables” can save your mental energy when everything feels noisy.  The conversation gets real when we move into hard seasons and grief. Phoebe shares how a simple gratitude practice helped her keep going when life felt gutting, and why community, accountability, and small steps forward matter more than a perfect plan. To view this podcast click here: https://youtu.be/J-D7Uehn7UkIf you care about resilience, leadership, personal development, and building consistency that lasts, this one is for you. Subscribe to SpeakUP! International, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the mantra you are choosing today.Below are other platforms avaiable to connect to Ms. Trotman:Website:  https://neverquitonabadday.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/neverquitonabaddayYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@NeverQuitonaBadDayInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/neverquitonabaddayThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Money can buy comfort, but it cannot buy a life that feels like yours. We sit down with Kenneth G Alexander, award-winning entrepreneur, author of The Successful Man: A New Vision of Masculinity, and a former US Marine, to pull apart the story many boys inherit early: make money, achieve status, suppress emotion, and you will be “successful”. Kenneth explains how that doctrine of patriarchy and cultural programming trains men to chase external validation, then wonder why their relationships feel thin and their inner world feels flat. We go personal and practical. Kenneth shares how being raised by a resilient single mum shaped his view of strength and service, why the “tough guy” mask becomes armour for survival, and how emotional suppression turns into anger, distance, and silent stress. We also talk about the moment success stops working, the midlife wake-up call, and what it means to reframe masculinity as presence: building a safe emotional space at home, not just providing a paycheque. Along the way, we touch on lessons from the Marine Corps, what travel across 45+ countries reveals about shared human needs, and why the global chase for more never seems to create enough. Kenneth closes with a clear framework for men’s wellness and men’s mental health: become healed, whole, and present. That means naming childhood wounds, aligning mind body and spirit, learning the language of feelings, and defining success on your own terms before the world defines it for you. If you have ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” this conversation offers a grounded way forward. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Website: https://kennethgalexander.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennethgalexanderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennethgalexander/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethgregalexander/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Money can look like a numbers problem while it acts like an identity problem. We’re talking with Jacqueline Blair, a money mindset coach who works closely with Black women entrepreneurs, about why so many of us can earn, hustle, and grind, yet still feel stuck in paycheque-to-paycheque cycles, guilt, overgiving, or “mysterious” overspending. Her lens is clear: when generations have lived with lack, our nervous systems learn to push money away because abundance feels unsafe or unfamiliar. For entrepreneurs, we get practical about why strategies like pricing, marketing, and funnels don’t stick when identity is still anchored in “just enough.” We also talk generational wealth and financial literacy for families, including a simple courageous move you can make this month: have an honest money conversation with someone you trust, so money stops being taboo and becomes teachable. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find these conversations.jacquelineblaircoaching.my.canva.site/ (Website)jacquelineblair.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object] (blog)Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Silence can be a muzzle, but it can also be a strategy. We sit down with Majella Mark, cultural strategist, filmmaker, and author of Cats Are Trash, right after she reads a powerful passage on Women in Black and the way quiet protest can cut through a sea of violence. From there, we follow the thread that runs through everything she does: storytelling is not decoration, it is infrastructure.We dig into what cultural preservation looks like in real life for the Black diaspora and the wider African diaspora. Majella shares why oral history matters, how “living archives” beat dusty boxes, and what happens when photos, videos, and public records suddenly disappear. We talk about intergenerational memory, family lore, and the practical work of documenting truth before it gets revised, edited, or erased.Then the conversation turns urgent and grounded: Hurricane Beryl, Grenada, and the damage to the Carriacou Museum. Majella explains how rebuilding a museum is also rebuilding identity, how to make institutions youth-friendly, and why digital archiving has to plan for technology we cannot even predict yet. Along the way, we get into creative ways to teach history, the risks of misinformation, and the importance of giving people their flowers while they are still here.If you care about community history, museum preservation, oral histories, and protecting culture with intention, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review telling us what story your family cannot afford to lose.You can view this podcast using the following link: You are welcome to use the following platforms  to reach Ms. Majella Mark:Website:  http://majellamark.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majellamark/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/majellamark.bsky.socialThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A lawyer walks out of a plush Beverly Hills office and into a government agency tasked with everything between war and diplomacy. That pivot sets up a gripping journey through foreign aid’s hidden front lines: a month in Eritrea trying to give away 20 million and getting told no, audits that can overturn streetlights after floods, and market experiments that turn onions in Honduras into livelihoods for thousands.Rita and I sit down with Clifford Brown to unpack what USAID actually did—and why it mattered. From training judges and modernizing commercial codes after the Soviet collapse to stitching wildlife corridors across Central America, the work was practical, technical, and often invisible. Clifford explains how procurement rules, waivers, and sanctions shape action in the field, and why the right legal call still has to pass a skeptical auditor. He shares wins and limits: building export crops, coordinating regional energy grids, backing anti‑apartheid defenders in South Africa, and the stubborn math that made cacao no match for coca in Colombia’s high valleys.Not every story is easy. Clifford brings rare clarity to bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan and the brutal economics of human and organ trafficking moving along global shipping and charter flight routes. Through it all runs a constant theme: people are more alike than different, and languages open doors that policies alone can’t. He credits ethics work with helping Central American agencies adopt gift bans and asset disclosures, and mourns the career‑ending shockwaves from USAID’s dismantling that left dedicated partners worldwide adrift.Come for the field stories; stay for the hard truths about borders, power, and what USAID can and cannot do. If this conversation challenged how you think about foreign assistance, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review telling us the one rule you’d rewrite first.Connect to Mr. Clifford Brown using the following platforms:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/clifford8brownTwitter:  https://x.com/bliffordcrownYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@jefferdogYLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-brown-2608428/Substack:  https://cliffordbrown.substack.com/#blackpodcasts, #podcast, #podcastshow, #podcastinterview, #toronto,#supportblackpodcasts, #newpodcast, #speakupinternational,Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A hospital can be the place that saves your life and the place that makes you feel the least in control. We sit down with Dr. Monique Nugent, a hospitalist and author of *Prescription For Admission*, to name the exact moments when patients and families get lost and what to do about it, even when you’re exhausted, in pain, or scared. We get practical about navigating a hospital stay: how to understand the plan for the day when schedules are fluid, why a paper-and-pencil checklist can sharpen your questions, and what “success” really looks like after discharge. Dr Nugent explains why discharge planning is often harder than people expect, from equipment and medication access to insurance limitations and the real-world logistics that can trigger avoidable readmissions. We also unpack healthcare equity in plain language. Equity isn’t about giving everyone the same thing; it’s about giving each patient what they need based on their body, abilities, language, and lived experience. And we end with a challenge you can act on today: have the uncomfortable advance care planning conversation with your loved ones, so no one is forced to guess under pressure later. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share this episode with a caregiver or patient advocate in your life, and leave us a review. What’s the one question you wish you’d asked sooner during a hospital visit?Contect to Dr. Monique Nugent using the following platforms:Website: https://drmoniquenugent.com/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.MoniqueS.NugentInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the_happiest_hospitalist/LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/moniquenugent-mdmph/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A voice shaped by war, refined by faith, and honed in clinical trenches—Noah Mugenyi joins Rita and I to explore what it really takes to move from surviving to restoring. Noah reads from his book, Restored: A Journey Towards Forgiving and Healing and opens a clear-eyed window into trauma that doesn’t vanish but can change meaning. We talk about how theology informs psychology in his practice, why empathy and dignity are clinical tools, and how Ubuntu turns care into a community act rather than a solo effort.He’s blunt about aftercare gaps and the need to build supports that follow people home. Noah navigates dual identities—Ugandan and Canadian—with responsibility and pride, bringing Rwandan, Kenyan, Nigerian, Ethiopian, and Canadian communities into a clinic culture that feels seen. He shares how a mother’s rule—don’t give up—became the spine of his work, and why “healed people heal others” starts with vulnerability. We even find space for fatherhood, food, and golf.If you’re looking for a conversation that blends faith, evidence-based mental health, cultural competence, and practical crisis tools, this one will meet you where you are and nudge you forward. Listen, watch, and share with someone who needs it, and leave a review so others can find the show—what idea will you carry into future? You have the option to view or listen to Noah's mesmerizing account.https://youtu.be/jgzKayzRZA4 (Video podcast)Connect to Noah Mugenyi:https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/noah-mugenyi-toronto-on/264720facebook.com/noahmugenyiclinicalcounsellor/ (Facebook)linkedin.com/in/noah-mugenyi-m-div-rp-author-79737941 (LinkedIn)Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

The conversation charts a striking path from industrial night shifts to entrepreneurial daylight. Cali Braithwaite-Walton describes how a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off life in Alberta’s oil sands funded a parallel plan: buy properties in Ontario, learn fast, and eventually flip homes full-time. That shift wasn’t luck; it was deliberate investment in coaching, mentors, and a network already doing the work he wanted. The mindset pivot is memorable: turning the cost of education into a ladder, making the old ceiling the new floor. When a single real estate deal matched 168 hours of shift pay, the math became a mirror. He chose to step through it, take parental leave, and not look back.The final takeaway is portable: invest in yourself until proof of concept is undeniable, verify assumptions before you act, and build systems that respect both numbers and people. Whether you’re on a catwalk above live steam or a closing table with live capital, the same habits keep you safe, confident, and moving forward. Check out the audio here, or video platform to view Cali Braithwaite-Walton’s riveting story!https://youtu.be/uF4luew0nUM (video podcast)Contact Mr. Cali Braithwaite-Walton using the following link:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cali-braithwaite-267b1422b/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What if the names that shaped your city never made it into your textbooks? We sit with author and former social worker Christine Smith Gonsalves to uncover the lives of Black Canadian women whose stories deserve centre stage—and explore how one mother’s journey through the West Indian Domestic Scheme built a legacy of compassion, community, and courage. Christine reads from her new activity book, Black History Worldwide Presents: Canadian Women of Influence, and shares why she chose ten women spanning the 1930s to the 1980s, including sprint icon Barbara Howard and jazz trailblazer Eleanor Collins. Together we trace how accessible tools—colouring pages, word searches, video links—can help families, tutors, and teachers spark curiosity in young learners. Christine explains how to move beyond the same familiar figures every February by using libraries, documentaries, and local archives to surface the hidden history in your own neighbourhood.We also dig into Christine’s roots: growing up in Toronto as the child of parents from Bermuda and Jamaica, finding identity in small moments of difference, and discovering how empathy becomes action. Her decades in social work reveal the emotional cost of helping professions and the quiet rewards that return years later. If you’re a parent, educator, or lifelong learner, this conversation is a roadmap: be curious, ask elders for their stories, and write them down. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Canadian history, and leave a review to help more listeners find these voices. Then tell us: which unsung Canadian will YOU research next?You have the option to hear, listen or both to enjoy the podcast!https://youtu.be/8mnld1j7Ehc (video)https://www.buzzsprout.com/1988087/episodes/18759161-why-preserving-black-canadian-history-changes-how-we-see-ourselves.mp3?download=true (audio)Use the following link to contact Christine Smith Gonzalez: Linktree:   linktr.ee/christinegonsalves  Support SpeakUP! International via Patreonhttps://patreon.com/speakupinternational?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink#blackpodcasts, #podcast, #podcastshow, #podcastinterview, #toronto,#supportblackpodcasts, #newpodcast, #speakupinternationalThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What if the life you worked so hard to build quietly became a cage? We sit down with Dr. Onaysia Martinez —first in her family to earn a doctorate, the only Latina in her graduating class—to unpack how “success without fulfilment” pushed her to trade a white coat and four clinic walls for a bigger stage, a bolder voice, and a legacy built on alignment rather than optics.We trace her Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, the dual expectations that shaped her drive, and the moment she named her philosophy: rebelle-ution. It isn’t rebellion for rebellion’s sake; it’s the evolution that happens when you honour the sacrifices of your elders by moving beyond the limits they had to accept. Dr. Martinez shares how she reframed selfishness, launched The Selfish Snob podcast, and distilled her coaching into the BOLD method—Break limiting narratives, Own a clear vision, Lean into your future self, and Dominate indecision with action. Along the way, we dig into identity shifts at new levels of responsibility, why stability is often a myth, and how perfectionism masquerades as excellence while quietly delaying impact.If this conversation sparked something, grab Dr. Martinez’s CEO guide to clarity and confidence via LinkedIn or Instagram, then hit follow, share this with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more cycle-breakers find us. What’s the one bold move you’ll take today?Website:  http://www.luvugurl.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dronaysiamartinez/LinkedIn:  https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/dronaysiamartinez&ved=2ahUKEwjglfbA4aCNAxUn58kDHRX9FPYQFnoECCAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2W0cK2bWYjxIby8stALleoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dronaysiamartinezThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What happens when a cancer scientist brings lab precision to the chaos of real‑world care? We sit down with Dr. Eugene Manley to unpack how health equity moves from buzzword to measurable change—through intentional design, diverse data, and relentless advocacy at the bedside. From childhood hospital stays to leading a nonprofit and launching a new consultancy, Eugene shares the through‑line: if a system isn’t built with you, it won’t work for you.This conversation also hits the ground floor of patient power. Eugene recounts being dismissed after foot surgery and explains how to protect yourself: assign a medical proxy, read your chart, document everything, and escalate with certified letters when needed. You’ll leave with a playbook for your next appointment: the questions to ask, the right to second opinions, and the confidence to switch providers who won’t listen. Subscribe, share with someone navigating care, and leave a review telling us the one question you always bring to the doctor.Watch Dr. Eugene Manley explain how you should handle yourself while in the hospital.https://youtu.be/T7LZ4bYdEvk Listen to Dr. Eugene Manley explain how you should handle yourself while in the hospital.https://www.buzzsprout.com/1988087/episodes/18702800#blackpodcasts#podcast#podcastshow#podcastinterview#toronto#supportblackpodcasts#newpodcast#speakupinternationalThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

 A pair of Pinksocks, a kilt, and a simple greeting turned into a global cue for human connection. We sit down with Nick Adkins—author of Pinksocks: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection—to explore how micro-moments, empathy, and everyday courage can reshape hospitals, classrooms, and the way we show up for one another. From a life in startups to a TEDx stage, Nick maps how joyful guerrilla tactics became a movement rooted in love more, fear less. We hear the story of John, a lung transplant recipient whose tears on a surgical mask reframed Pinksocks as a bridge to true connection. We also dive into why the NHS embraced the symbol to boost patient engagement, how interactive QR codes in the book extend each story, and what it takes to lead with love when a tense encounter could turn violent—choosing compassion over escalation and changing the outcome.Beyond healthcare, Pinksocks now supports social-emotional learning across dozens of schools, teaching empathy, inclusion, and anti-bullying. Nick’s playbook is practical and repeatable: pick a visible symbol, gift it with intention, celebrate others publicly, and let community carry the story. Your voice has the power to inspire, influence, and ignite change. We want to invite you to connect to us, sending your message that includes your name, company or organization name, the valuable service you offer to your community, and your email address to info at speakuppodcast.caNick Adkins connection information:Website:  https://pinksocks.life/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pinksocks.lifeTwitter:  https://x.com/nickisnpdxInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pinksocks.life/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-adkins-b6932985/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A liberation story can start by a fire in Harare and carry into hospital hallways in Ontario. We sit down with a Pan-African equity champion, Chenai Kadungure, who leads the Black Physicians Association of Ontario to unpack what it really takes to improve Black health outcomes—beyond slogans and into the rooms where care happens. From a childhood steeped in service and liberation values to hitting a foreigner’s glass ceiling in South Africa, her path winds through a Rotary Peace Fellowship, newcomer advocacy, and a mission to make culturally appropriate care the standard, not the exception.We talk about why racial concordance matters, how trust is built in barbershops, churches, and mosques, and what “culturally appropriate” looks like when the clock only allows 15 minutes per visit. She explains why BPAO is far more than a membership group, how pandemic outreach reshaped strategy, and how partnerships with Ontario Health, Women’s College Hospital, and Black Health Alliance anchor a Black Health Plan focused on real outcomes. Along the way, we explore the Rotary four-way test as a compass for truth, fairness, goodwill, and shared benefit—useful in global conflicts and local clinics alike.Leadership here starts from the inside. We get honest about self-acceptance, faith, and mentoring, the weight of code-switching that feels like an uncomfortable shoe, and the liberating power of “never self-reject.” For young Black women stepping into leadership, the message is clear: you have nothing to prove. Read the global room, choose guides who see what’s coming, and build for a future where automation and changing work demand new courage. She’s also writing her first book, wrestling with imposter thoughts, and leaning into a global voice that promises bigger advocacy ahead.If this conversation moved you, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find stories that spark action. Your voice can help change the way care is delivered and who it truly serves.Connection information:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chenai-kadungure Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Rita and I sit down with author and chess teacher Marcus Braxton to hear how a wrongful charge led to a five-star urban novel, a growing sports podcast, and a mission to teach strategy and ownership to DC youth. Writing, chess, and entrepreneurship come together as tools to think ahead, build wealth, and give back.• live reading from Sun Roof Hitters and how the book began behind bars• turning a commissary store into legal fees and a lifeline• validation from fellow inmates and the moment purpose clicked• reframing success and starting Think First Chess Entrepreneurship• weaving real DC streets into urban fiction that resonates• launching Blockboy Sport Talk and building momentum post-release• the impact of hearing not guilty and what redemption means now• chess lessons applied to business, goals, and daily discipline• teaching youth ownership, P&L basics, and long-term thinkingThe book is on Amazon, Sunroof Hitters book one of the Sunroof Hitters series. The hardcover is available as well. Also, the ebook is available. Ebook is going on sale for as little as 99 cents on. Also check out the podcast Blockboy Sport Talk on YouTube. Your voice has the power to inspire, influence, ignite change. We invite you to send us your message to [email protected] Sport Talk: https://www.youtube.com/@BlockBoySportsTalkBook: Sunroof Hitters on AmazonSocial: @marcuslbraxtonsr | @SunroofHittersPageThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

We sit down with counsellor, writer, and former teacher Kim Fraser to explore how Chandler turns lived pain into a practical anti-bullying model for kids and families. From festival wins to global pitching, we unpack de-escalation, empathy, and why change starts with choice.• validation from awards for a universal anti-bullying story• bullying as learned behaviour beyond childhood• insights from MIPJunior and MIPCOM networking• Chandler’s expansion from short to feature film• staying authentic without glorifying violence• empathy lessons inspired by Malaysian wildlife• personal Bronx bullying story and safety tactics• practical tools to defuse aggression with unexpected kindness• teaching roots that shaped a do-first curriculum• truth-telling as a foundation for social change• supporting children who are not yet ready to change• VEU platform plans and 2026 timelineWebsite:  https://deniseproductions.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kem.frasier/reel/DIA6B4mAk5A/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kem-frasier-a0012173             https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kem-frasier-a0012173_attention-experienced-producers-and-executive-activity-7279253786307567617-QgKEWe invite you to connect to us by sharing your message that includes your name, company name, or organization name, the valuable service you offer to your community, and your email address to info at speakuppodcast.caYou can also find our new video podcast channel, https://bit.ly/speakuppodcastvideoYou can find our audio podcast at www.speakuppodcast.caPlease support our causeL Patreon.com/speakupinternationalThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A chemist slips into dark alleys after midnight (Dr. Zafra Lerman), climbs to an attic, and teaches a seminar that could cost her freedom. By morning, she is back on the university circuit, lecturing in plain sight. That contrast frames our conversation with Dr. Zafra Lerman—scientist, educator, and peace builder—whose work proves that knowledge can be both shield and bridge.We start with her clandestine support for Soviet refuseniks: smuggling journals, collecting CVs, and hosting secret classes so isolated scientists could stay connected to a global community. From there, we explore how a childhood in a resource-poor Israel forged values of service, creativity, and grit, captured in a birthday letter that set her life’s compass. Those values later shaped the Malta Conferences, where scientists from across the Middle East—Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf—met with Nobel laureates to tackle shared problems like water scarcity, air pollution, climate change, and science education. In those rooms, propaganda gave way to proximity; former “enemies” discovered collaborators.If you believe science can be a common language that outlives the loudest slogans, this story will stay with you. Listen, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that turn courage into action and ideas into impact.Website: https://www.zafralerman.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A single line from The Orange Blossom sets the tone: history isn’t distant—it breathes through our workplaces, classrooms, and homes. From that vivid reading, we sit down with educator, author, and cultural competency expert Jebeh Edmunds to explore how belonging is built step by step, not by slogans. Jebeh Edmunds offers a grounded plan to beat overwhelm—circle your top three priorities and move—and shows how scenario practice and simple language can transform tense moments into teachable ones.We unpack psychological safety in concrete terms. It’s not a poster; it’s the feeling you don’t have to defend your hair or your lunch, the trust that leadership will address harm quickly and transparently, and the space to do your best work without shrinking yourself. Jebeh explains why recruitment without retention is a revolving door, and how managers can stop the spin with follow-through, clarity, and consistent repair. Her three C’s—Check, Correct, Connect—create a daily rhythm: check names and assumptions, correct bias and harm, connect beyond signs to real relationships.Jebeh's journey—award-winning teacher to host of Cultural Curriculum Chat—adds heart and muscle to the playbook. She shares how to fold culture into literacy and history so students learn skills and see themselves, why asynchronous trainings helped her scale impact without burnout, and how joy keeps the work honest: dancing in the kitchen, family calls, and time to write. Along the way, we highlight practical ideas for nonprofits and arts groups, everyday actions families can take, and the moments that define success: when someone says “I’ll do better” and then proves it.Ready to turn values into practice? Press play, pick your three priorities, and tell us the first change you’ll make. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.Website: https://jebehedmunds.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063708180388Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jebeh01/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd22jkdaivSe6Qp-W0WOriAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturallyjebeh_/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jebeh-edmunds-3b9334101Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

We sit with Donna Jones- Simmons —the co‑founder and architect of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women—to trace how a simple idea became a movement that documents excellence, accelerates careers, and reframes what leadership looks like across Canada. From five published books (with a sixth on the way) to fireside chats and biennial galas, Donna shows how visibility plus documentation turns into promotions, board seats, and public recognition.We dig into her work at ACCES Employment, where speed mentoring connects newcomers directly to employers and the Speak English Cafe demystifies workplace language, idioms, and nuance. The results are tangible: faster hiring, stronger integration, and higher confidence. Donna also shares selection criteria for honourees—community leadership, impact with Black girls and women, and a track record of service—while explaining why archiving stories matters as much as awarding medals. When achievements are searchable and shareable, opportunity grows.The conversation tackles tokenism head‑on. Donna’s approach is practical: lead with your business value, advocate for yourself, and turn identity debates into outcomes. She outlines mentoring tactics that build self‑advocacy, how to reframe tough questions without losing your voice, and why staying on topic earns respect. You’ll hear personal lessons on balance (including a legendary two‑graduations‑in‑one‑day story), the power of seizing hard opportunities, and what’s next: a trades symposium, continuing fireside chats, and Donna’s milestone as the first Black president of the Rotary Club of Toronto in 115 years.If you care about mentorship, newcomer employment, inclusive leadership, and the future of Black excellence in Canada, this conversation is a masterclass in building systems that last. Listen, share with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help more people find these stories.www.100abcwomen.caLike and follow Donna Jones- Simmons on:Facebook: 100ABC Women www.facebook.com/100abcwomenInstagram: @100_abcwomen www.instagram.com/100_abcwomenTwitter: @100abcwomen www.twitter.com/100abcwomenThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What if organization wasn’t about spotless rooms, but about a life that works when it counts? We sit with Janet Taylor—organiser, corporate trainer, and host of “Got Clutter? Get Organized”—to unpack how a layoff became a launchpad, why safety and boundaries protect both client and pro, and how one small step can reset a day, a home, and even a career. Janet takes us behind the scenes of corporate webinars, reveals the simple habits that fight burnout, and shares the moment a surprise email led to a crown on the Rachel Ray Show!Janet’s philosophy flips common myths: neatness isn’t the goal—function is. She explains how to build systems that help you find things the first time, save money by stopping duplicate buys, and reclaim attention for what matters. We get real about hoarding boundaries and ethics, why she partners with mental health pros in those cases, and how a “gentle nudge” builds trust without judgment. From repurposing heirlooms—a travel trunk turned coffee table—to creating a monthly bill routine that paid off debt, her stories show how clarity eases stress, grief, and decision fatigue.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a gentle nudge, and leave a quick review—what’s the one small step you’ll take today?Website: http://www.janetmtaylor.com/Facebook: https://facebook.com/janetmtaylorbizPinterest: https://pinterest.com/janetmtaylorYouTube:  https://youtube.com/user/janetmtaylorInstagram: https://instagram.com/janettheorganizerLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetmtaylor1Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

A simple swim cap shouldn’t decide who gets into the water. That’s where our guest, inventor and author Tess Padmore, begins—transforming a personal challenge after a brain aneurysm into a patented headwear line designed for textured hair, chemo-sensitive scalps, alopecia, bald heads, and anyone who needs comfort, warmth, and confidence to participate. The story widens fast: disability-informed design choices, university partnerships that replace dollars with resources, and a feedback loop that turns customers into co-designers. Each detail points to something bigger—how inclusive products restore access to health, joy, and community.We dig into the realities of living and working with a traumatic brain injury—what breaks, what blooms, and why resilience isn’t just grit but smart boundaries and rerouted problem solving. Tess shares how journaling rebuilt her voice, how she learned to ask for clarity when cognition shifted, and how lowering inhibition unlocked a new kind of leadership. Her practical playbook for founders is gold: research before spend, treat local universities as your R&D lab, iterate with real users, and measure success by choices you create, not vanity metrics.By the end, “all you need is a head” reads like both a promise and a welcome. We talk joy—family, music, nerdy film love—and the global genealogy that helped Tess claim her voice and purpose. If you care about inclusive design, disability entrepreneurship, water safety, and the power of one determined builder to widen the circle, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the push to build the thing they can’t find, and leave a review to help more listeners discover thoughtful, human-centred stories like this.Website: http://eggheadsoques.com/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eggheadsoquesInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/eggheadsoquesLinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/tesspadmoreThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What if the real fix for broken systems isn’t a better press release, but a better way to heal? We sit down with mediator and lawyer Leah Brown—founder and CEO of the Wayfinders Group—to unpack how leaders can move from fire-fighting to genuine repair when conflict, crisis, or scandal hits. Leah’s journey from aspiring violinist to M&A deal-maker to boardroom mediator reveals a throughline: she’s at her best bringing order to chaos and giving people language for what they’re afraid to say.We also get practical about leadership in the storm: how to mediate at board level without retraumatizing participants, what to do when legal and PR responses fall short, and the daily disciplines—supervision, flotation therapy, sea-air walks—that keep practitioners resourced and safe. If you care about rebuilding trust, advancing ethical leadership, and turning conflict into a catalyst for cultural change, this conversation offers both a blueprint and a nudge to act.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who leads through change, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking into your team this week.Website: https://leahtalks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbrown-frsa/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahtalks_Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Ever been praised in public and panicked in private? That tension sits at the heart of our conversation with author, engineer, and international speaker 'Tine Zekis—who boldly reframes “imposter syndrome” as the byproduct of imposter systems. We move from naming the forces that sap confidence to rebuilding a mindset and strategy that raise pay, expand options, and restore a sense of belonging at work.We dig into practical salary negotiation tactics—anchoring to the upper half of market data, framing contributions as outcomes, and collaborating on total compensation when base salary stalls. "Tine’s mantra, “know you’re worthy,” decouples identity from pricing so you can sell services with clarity and ask bigger without apology. We also explore patterns among mid‑career Black women: overperformance without promotion, self‑blame, and the moment you realize it’s time to move where your value is recognized. Her three gems—Believe it, Show it, Get it—offer a crisp playbook you can use this week.This is purpose‑driven career design at its best: when Black women win, everyone wins. If you’re ready to pivot with less fear, negotiate with more data, and build wealth with intention, you’ll leave with mindset shifts, scripts, and next steps. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help more people find these strategies. Website:  https://tinezekis.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tinezekisYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@GettingBlackWomenPaidInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tinezekis/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinezekis/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Kevin Wayne Johnson transforms our understanding of leadership through his powerful personal journey that began at just three and a half years old. Growing up caring for his younger brother with a mental disability while his Marine father served overseas, Johnson learned that leadership extends far beyond authority—it's fundamentally about caring for others who can't fully advocate for themselves. This foundation was reinforced years later when his own son was diagnosed with autism, further cementing his belief in leadership's emotional dimension.Drawing from 34 years in the federal government and seven years running his leadership development firm, Johnson articulates a refreshing philosophy that challenges conventional approaches. "Leadership with a servant's heart" emerges when intellectual capabilities align with emotional intelligence—where expertise meets empathy, and acumen meets compassion. Johnson shares a particularly moving story from his time as chief of staff at the Department of Defence, where he witnessed his boss repeatedly disrespect a lieutenant colonel during staff meetings. After the third incident, the officer simply said "pass" when it was his turn to speak—a powerful illustration of how disrespect shuts down engagement and innovation. This experience reinforced Johnson's commitment to accountability and respectful leadership.Want to transform your leadership approach? Discover how combining mind and heart can revolutionize your team's performance and create a culture where people truly thrive by listening to this podcast.You can connect to Kevin Wayne Johnson using the following platforms:Website:  http://www.thejohnsonleadershipgroup.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kevinwaynejohnsonpageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwaynejohnsonInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/writingforthelordTwitter:  https://www.twitter.com/writing4thelordThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What happens when a fashion model becomes a union carpenter? She discovers there are no work clothes designed for women's bodies and decides to revolutionize the industry. Meet Brenda Max Cumby, founder of Gott Street Blues, whose remarkable journey spans fashion runways and construction sites.Brenda's story begins with childhood defiance of gender norms – stealing her brother's red Tonka truck while simultaneously developing a love for fashion by watching her mother's impeccable style. This unique combination of interests served as perfect preparation for her groundbreaking business venture decades later.At 34, Brenda entered the carpentry union and immediately faced a challenge most men never consider: work clothes that simply don't fit women's bodies. A particularly dangerous incident, involving a 16-foot ladder, occurred when her oversized coveralls caused her to slip, sparking the idea for Gott Street Blues. Though conceived in the mid-90s, it would take a pandemic and retirement from carpentry before Brenda could fully realize her vision.The flagship product – work pants designed specifically for women – addresses common issues like insufficient pocket space, improper hip-to-waist ratios, and uncomfortable cuts. Unlike competitors who've created legging-style work pants with stretch fabric, Brenda focuses on proper tailoring that provides all-day comfort without sacrificing function.Beyond product innovation, Brenda envisions transforming the apparel industry itself by incorporating manufacturing facilities that include on-site childcare, creating opportunities for women who want to work but struggle with childcare constraints. Her perspective, as both a fashion professional and a tradeswoman, offers a unique lens on how industries can better support women's participation.With 1.4 million women currently working in trades and numbers expected to grow 10% by 2030, Gott Street Blues arrives at a pivotal moment. Brenda's message to young women considering trades or entrepreneurship remains refreshingly simple: "Just go ahead and do it, no matter what anyone says."Discover how one woman's determination to solve her own workplace challenge is creating ripples throughout both the construction and fashion industries. Listen now to be inspired by Brenda's unapologetic approach to breaking barriers and building solutions.Website: https://gottstreetblues.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gottstreetblues2020LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-maxx-cumby-mcgee-10b5352a/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maxxwell814Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What if being single isn't something to fix, but a powerful season for growth and self-discovery? Trauma therapist and empowerment coach Fanny Tristan joins us to challenge everything you thought you knew about singlehood for women of color.Drawing from her experiences as both Black and Latina, Fanny shares how growing up "on the margins" gave her unique insights into systems of oppression that shape our relationships with ourselves and others. She reveals the journey that led her to create two transformative spaces: Restority Space, her therapy practice focused on eldest daughters dealing with trauma, and Her Soul Supply, a coaching platform that helps single Black and Brown women build lives that feel authentically theirs.What makes this episode truly special is Fanny's ability to balance deep analysis with practical wisdom and hope. Her mission extends beyond her clients to raising her daughter in a world where "your happiness is not on hold for men" and women don't need to "wait to be chosen in order to live your best life."Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers transformative insights about breaking free from society's expectations to create a life that feels genuinely yours.Website:  https://www.hersoulsupply.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559111395390&sk=aboutThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Ryan Downey, Executive Director of East Atlanta Kids Club, whose journey from latchkey kid to community leader is rooted in resilience, purpose, and a belief in opportunity for all. Growing up in the south suburbs of Atlanta, Ryan often relied on the kindness of neighbors, friends, and coaches—an early lesson in the power of community support. Today, he channels that same spirit into building programs that give young people access to mentorship, sports, and educational opportunities they might otherwise miss.Ryan shares how his path—from teaching poetry in schools and correctional facilities, to a decade of service with Year Up, to now leading one of Atlanta’s most impactful youth development organizations—has always been guided by one core conviction: every young person is an asset, not a deficit.With nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and youth programming, Ryan is a first-generation college graduate, husband, father, board member, Australian rules football player, and above all, a tireless advocate for equity and community building.Tune in to hear how Ryan and the East Atlanta Kids Club are breaking cycles of inequity, nurturing talents, and creating pathways to brighter futures.Website:  https://eastatlantakids.org/get-involved/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ryan.downey.54390Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rdowney404/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandowney1/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What happens when adolescents lose their passion for reading, and how do we bring it back? Dr. Valcine Brown, a veteran educator who recently completed her PhD in education, is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative research and classroom practices.Reading used to be magic. Remember that feeling of getting lost in a book? Too many adolescents don't – they find reading "boring," a sentiment Dr. Brown has found to be universal across different countries. Her research explores how "mirror books" – literature where students see aspects of their identity reflected – might rekindle that lost love of reading. Through careful measurement of reading attitudes across academic and recreational contexts, she's uncovering insights that challenge traditional approaches to literacy education.Dr. Brown's own educational journey – earning her bachelor's degree over seven years while raising children as a single mother – informs her compassionate, practical approach. Her innovative credit recovery program allows students to demonstrate mastery through performance tasks rather than retaking entire classes, helping dozens of students catch up on missing credits each semester.What does the future hold for adolescent literacy? Dr. Brown suggests more research, more student choice, and more interventions beyond third grade. The good news? Sometimes the solution is as simple as 15 minutes of daily reading in a student's "zone of proximal development" – starting where they are and growing from there.Ready to transform how we approach adolescent literacy? Subscribe to hear more conversations with innovative educators challenging the status quo and creating better outcomes for all students.You can reach Dr. Valcine Brown using the following social media platform:Website: https://drvalcinebrown.live-website.com/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What would happen if we responded to bullies with kindness instead of confrontation? Kim Fraser's groundbreaking approach turns traditional anti-bullying strategies upside down, with remarkable results!Growing up in the Bronx, Fraser experienced bullying firsthand and once resorted to faking an epileptic seizure to escape her tormentors. Today, as an author, former teacher, and counselor, she's developed a revolutionary method that disarms bullies through unexpected compassion. In her book "Chandler the Handler: You Can't Bully Me," her protagonist responds to bike-stealing bullies by inviting them to a baseball game—his treat. This "shock syndrome" creates a pathway to transformed relationships and returned property.Fraser's insights stem from 18 years teaching in diverse communities, where she consistently observed children defaulting to physical defense against bullying. Her approach recognizes something deeper: bullies act from profound insecurity and devaluation, desperately seeking recognition through negative means. By appealing to their innate human desire for belonging, Fraser's method addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.The conversation explores how bullying extends beyond schoolyards into workplaces through subtle intimidation, looks, and power dynamics. Fraser emphasizes that parents establish the foundation for handling conflict, with children mimicking behaviors witnessed at home. Her upcoming short film aims to spread this message through classrooms and streaming platforms, creating an alternative to the violence dominating media.Perhaps most powerful is Fraser's reminder that "where you live is not who you are"—wisdom from her fifth-grade teacher that propelled her beyond circumstance. Connect with Kim Fraser through LinkedIn to learn more about implementing her strategies for creating safer, kinder communities.You are welcome to connect to Ms. Kem Frasier through her social media platforms:Website:  https://deniseproductions.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kem.frasier/reel/DIA6B4mAk5A/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kem-frasier-a0012173Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

What does it truly mean to "do the work" in the arts world? Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony  answers this question through her remarkable journey from shaking like a leaf during her first spoken word performance to becoming an award-winning curator and advocate who's secured over a million dollars for arts organizations.This conversation sparkles with insights about the transformative power of artistic expression. Paulina shares how poetry literally took her "everywhere" after being introduced to spoken word at age 18. With mentors like Dwayne Morgan guiding her development, she blossomed into a two-time national finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word and performer at the prestigious "When Sisters Speak" showcase. But Paulina's talents extend far beyond performance—she reveals how she's used her dual perspective as both artist and administrator to champion equity in the arts sector.The most compelling moments come when Paulina discusses her work chairing the Black Arts Granting Program at the Toronto Arts Council. Rather than creating just another funding pool, she pushed for a holistic approach that included mentorship and physical space access—addressing the full spectrum of challenges facing Black artists. Her development of the Next Up Leaders Lab similarly demonstrates her commitment to lifting others by focusing on skills, mentorship, and social capital building.Paulina doesn't shy away from personal struggles either. After facing job loss and her father's sudden death in 2023, she reached a breaking point that forced her to say "enough" and take a month-long reset trip to Trinidad. This revelation about setting boundaries provides a powerful counterbalance to her ambitious nature, offering listeners permission to prioritize self-care alongside achievement.Ready to take your creative pursuits to the next level? Listen now and discover Paulina's three gems for success: jump despite fear of failure, build infrastructure early, and be your biggest cheerleader. Her story will inspire you to use your unique voice to create meaningful change in your community and beyond.You can connect with Ms. Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony using the following social media links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinaokieffeanthony/?originalSubdomain=caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinaokieffe/Website:  paulinaokieffe.comThoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

Have you ever sensed there's more to reality than what meets the eye? Ellen Edmondson's extraordinary journey from logical federal executive to spiritual messenger began with profound loss—her mother's passing just months before her son's birth—triggering questions that would transform her understanding of life's purpose.Through meditation intended simply to process grief, Ellen unexpectedly discovered her intuitive abilities awakening. "I started having these amazing mystical experiences," she reveals, describing how she began receiving spiritual messages through automatic writing for ten years before compiling them into her award-winning book, "A Place of Love and Light." These messages offer guidance on compassion, authenticity, and purposeful living that transcends religious boundaries while acknowledging divine love as the universal center of all spiritual paths.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ellen describes how her young son simultaneously developed remarkable intuitive abilities, speaking of past lives and seeing departed relatives. This experience led Ellen to create resources for parents raising highly sensitive children—establishing a community that normalizes these experiences rather than dismissing them as strange or imaginary. "Fifteen to twenty percent of the population has this kind of sensitivity," she explains, noting how conventional education often suppresses children's natural intuitive gifts.Ellen's compassionate approach to grief offers particular comfort, reframing our understanding of death not as an ending but as energy transforming. "Love never dies, it only changes form," she assures listeners, explaining how departed loved ones communicate through songs, scents, or subtle signs. Her intuition coaching helps individuals reconnect with their authentic selves while recognizing these messages from beyond.Perhaps most powerful is the wisdom Ellen received from her young son when she encouraged him to embrace his gifts while hiding her own: "I can't be me until you be you." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates Ellen's core message—that by fully expressing our authentic selves and embracing our unique spiritual gifts, we create ripple effects of positive change throughout our communities. Join us to discover how embracing diversity in all its forms creates a vibrant, rainbow-like tapestry of collective human experience.You can reach Ellen using one (or more) of her social media platforms:Website:  https://www.ellenedmondson.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ellenedmondsonmediumInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ellenedmondson_medium/Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNTMZ4D3Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show

The threads of African-Canadian history weave a story of resistance, resilience, and remarkable achievement that spans centuries—yet these vital narratives remain largely untold in mainstream historical accounts. Elise Harding-Davis changes that through her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Black Canadian history.As a seventh-generation Canadian whose family has been in Canada since 1798, Harding-Davis brings personal connection to her work as a historian, author, and former curator of the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Center. She shares how the proud Black history she learned from her grandmother contrasted sharply with school curricula that erased these contributions, fueling her determination to ensure these stories would not be lost.Harding-Davis takes us on a fascinating journey through untold chapters of Canadian history, including the crucial role of Black soldiers in the War of 1812. These freedom fighters formed Runch's Rangers and fought not just for British interests but to protect their own hard-won liberty from American expansion. Some American soldiers found themselves "looking down the barrel of a gun held by one of their former slaves"—a powerful reversal that standard histories rarely acknowledge.Her global travels as a lecturer and consultant have allowed her to correct misconceptions about Black Canadian experiences from Ghana to China. When asked to enter a room where enslaved people had died during a tour of Elmina Castle in Ghana, she powerfully refused: "My people were forcibly taken through the door of no return in this building. We did not die. We survived."Through decades of research, teaching, and advocacy, Harding-Davis reminds us that historical knowledge forms the foundation for identity and empowerment. As she eloquently states, "Without Black history, history is incomplete." Her work demonstrates that knowing our past—all of it—is essential to building a more inclusive future.Join us for this powerful conversation with one of Canada's foremost authorities on Black Canadian history. Connect to Ms. Elise Harding-Davis via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-harding-davis-3452ba80/Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.Support the show