Peta-Gaye Nash, a multi-genre writer and podcast host, brings a refreshing and deeply personal perspective to children's literature. Her stories, inspired by her Caribbean heritage and immigrant experiences, challenge colonial beauty norms and celebrate the journey of self-love. Through heartfelt narratives like " Don't Take Raja to School ," inspired by her daughter's bond with a toy tiger, Peta-Gaye beautifully demonstrates how personal experiences and creativity intertwine to craft meaningful...
Nov 25, 2024•45 min
Kwesi Otoo's journey from radio broadcasting to social services is nothing short of transformative. As a father of a determined four-year-old daughter, Kwesi reflects on the delicate balance of fostering independence at home and in his work. Listen to a heartwarming tale of his daughter learning to put on her coat by herself, which perfectly parallels his philosophy of empowering others both personally and professionally. Kwesi recounts his early days in radio, driven by a deep passion for music...
Nov 12, 2024•59 min
Celebrated author Ronald L. Smith joins us to share the enchanting world of "Project Mercury," where childhood curiosity meets the mysteries of military life. With a heartfelt reflection on his own experiences growing up on Air Force bases, Ronald crafts an intriguing narrative following Ike and Isha's adventures. This episode promises listeners a taste of the magical storytelling that weaves his personal journey into compelling tales of fantasy and science fiction, offering an exclusive excerpt...
Nov 04, 2024•58 min
What happens when a childhood love for reading intertwines with the vibrant culture of Toronto's Little Jamaica? Alannah Johnson , our guest, takes us through her journey as a writer, Black archivist, and EDI professional. From the poignant influence of Sharon Blake's " The Skin I'm In " to the therapeutic power of journaling, Alana reveals how storytelling has been a guiding light in her exploration of Black identities. As she shares her personal experiences, you'll discover the intricate ways ...
Oct 28, 2024•58 min
Discover the inspiring journey of Richard Jack III , the visionary co-founder and executive director of Ladies and Gentlemen by Choice , as he transitions from a 20-year Air Force career to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth. Richard's story is a testament to the transformative power of personal development and the critical role of mentorship. He shares how his military background and personal experiences shaped his passion for creating inclusive programs that equip young me...
Oct 27, 2024•57 min
Carlos Anthony , an award-winning author, joins us for a powerful conversation that unearths the emotional and complex layers of his novel, " Shades of Black ." Together, we navigate the tumultuous journey of Romero, a young Black teen grappling with racial profiling in a school environment. The narrative strikes at the heart of fear and vulnerability, bringing Carlos's literary themes of identity and the Black male experience into sharp focus. As we delve into his artistic process, including th...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Victoria Allen , a passionate children's book author, joins us to share her remarkable journey from corporate life to the enchanting world of storytelling. Discover how her beloved character, Buddy the Bear , came to life and the universal themes her books explore, such as overcoming childhood fears and embracing imagination. Victoria's story is a testament to the power of creativity and the positive impact of children's literature on young minds. Thinking about self-publishing? Victoria offers ...
Oct 17, 2024•54 min
Discover how to align your personal and professional aspirations with Lechon Kirb , a creative visionary, speaker, and author. Lechon shares his groundbreaking impact scaling process that transforms expertise into scalable products, perfect for coaches and consultants eager to expand their reach without sacrificing time or resources. Embrace the strategic power of setting growth caps to foster exclusivity and learn how Lechon’s formative experiences in Pittsburgh, enriched by a memorable story i...
Oct 15, 2024•46 min
Zorina Pritchett's life took an unexpected turn in December 2019 when her brother suffered a debilitating stroke. Faced with the daunting task of becoming his primary caregiver, Zorina embarked on a transformative journey filled with challenges and profound lessons. Her story shines a light on the power of love, resilience, and strategic planning as she transitioned from a 30-year federal service career to a new life chapter focused on caregiving and motivational speaking. Zorina's unwavering co...
Oct 03, 2024•58 min
Celina Caesar-Chavannes takes us on an empowering journey from the sun-kissed shores of Grenada to the halls of Canadian politics. In this episode, Celina opens up about her experiences as a Black woman navigating the turbulent waters of politics and business. She reveals how her upbringing, blending assertiveness with compassion, shaped her into a formidable force advocating for visible and genuine acknowledgment. Listeners will gain an intimate look at the systemic barriers she overcame and th...
Sep 23, 2024•56 min
Ever wondered how the struggles of weight gain and mental health can lead to a journey of self-discovery and profound transformation? Join us as we sit down with Mark Paisant , a certified personal trainer and host of the Relatively Normal and 6AM Run podcasts. Mark takes us through his inspiring path from collegiate soccer player to battling significant weight gain and chronic pain, ultimately shedding over 75 pounds through running. But Mark's story goes beyond physical fitness; he delves into...
Sep 16, 2024•50 min
In this episode of SpeakUP! International , Ellington Brown and Rita Burke host Pamela M. Covington , a professional speaker, storyteller, and advocate for anti-poverty programs. Pamela shares her incredible journey from a comfortable middle-class lifestyle to experiencing unimaginable poverty within a week due to circumstances involving her husband's PTSD from serving in Vietnam. She recounts how this drastic change in her life led her to become an advocate for anti-poverty programs and a story...
Sep 16, 2024•59 min
Curious about the transformative power of midwifery and its role in achieving reproductive justice? Join us on SpeakUP! International as we welcome Karlline Wilson-Mitchell, the trailblazing first Black Canadian midwifery education professor. Carlene takes us through her remarkable career, shedding light on the pivotal role midwives play as community advocates and the systemic racism that Black individuals face within the healthcare system. Her compelling stories and profound insights will open ...
Sep 10, 2024•56 min
Meet Jason Browne , a dynamic storyteller and seasoned speaker whose journey into radio and public speaking was shaped by his DJ father and music teacher mother. Jason’s approach to leadership transcends mere motivation, focusing on genuine connection, support, and the exchange of resources. As he delves into his method of addressing sensitive topics through compelling and sometimes controversial storytelling, you'll gain invaluable insights into creating impactful narratives that resonate deepl...
Sep 03, 2024•58 min
What if maintaining a childlike wonder could be your secret superpower in connecting with youth? Join us as we welcome Sophia Jackson , an inspiring child and youth worker with a vibrant passion for the arts. Sophia's journey is a testament to how creativity can weave into a fulfilling career in child and youth care. Listen as she recounts her experiences running a summer camp and working alongside her mentor, Coco Nicole, emphasizing the importance of seeing the world through a child's eyes. Cu...
Sep 01, 2024•49 min
Can facing life-altering challenges lead to discovering your true calling? Meet Sara Freeman-Smith, our remarkable guest who turned vision loss into an inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery. This episode of SpeakUP! International takes you deep into Sara's life, from her roots in an underserved community to her impressive career in recruiting and human resources. Sara's story is a testament to the power of self-belief, the importance of education, and the impact of positive influenc...
Aug 29, 2024•54 min
Unlock the secrets to spiritual liberation and transformative leadership with our special guest, Aina-Nia Ayo’dele . As a leadership coach, author, and ancient wisdom teacher, Aina brings a wealth of knowledge rooted in African spiritual practices and traditional wisdom. She shares her impactful journey with Sacred Leaders International and her instrumental role in crafting the confronting anti-Black racism strategy for the City of Toronto. Learn why Aina-Nia believes that true transformation is...
Aug 24, 2024•1 hr
Discover how personal experiences shape powerful leaders in diversity management with our guest, Richard Pinnock. Raised in Montreal by a German mother and Jamaican father, Richard's multicultural upbringing and career journey are nothing short of inspiring. Listen as he shares how his childhood in a diverse neighborhood and early career influenced his commitment to inclusion and equity. Richard offers insightful reflections on the current state of DEI, emphasizing the challenges brought by its ...
Aug 19, 2024•52 min
What was it like growing up in a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood in Toronto? Join us as Tiki Mercury-Clarke , a third-generation Torontonian, takes us on a heartwarming journey through her early days on Henry Street. Through her vivid storytelling, Tiki paints a picture of a close-knit community where cultural diversity wasn't just celebrated but lived every day. You'll hear about the playful interactions and the rich tapestry of languages and traditions that shaped her childhood, providing ...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min
What inspired the creation of the diverse character Bugsy in the early 2000s, long before diversity became a buzzword? Join us on Speak Up International as we welcome Mr. Prince George, the spokesperson for Warzone Comics and the charismatic host of the Prince George Show. Broadcasting from LA, Prince George takes us through his expansive journey in the entertainment industry, which began under the mentorship of Cassidy DaVinci on the King Chef show. From his roles as an actor, filmmaker, writer...
Jul 30, 2024•51 min
How does a South Vietnamese identity shape a career journey from academia to entrepreneurship? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Julie Pham PhD., a Vietnamese-born American and Cambridge-educated social scientist, as she shares her extraordinary path from South Vietnam to Seattle. We explore the profound impacts of her family's escape from communism, her undergraduate research on South Vietnamese veterans, and her unique entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Pham also delves into her TED...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 10 min
How can self-published authors navigate the complex landscape of modern publishing and retain control over their creative works? Get ready to discover the secrets of successful self-publishing as Michelle DeFilippo, a veteran with over 50 years of experience, joins us on Speak Up International. From her early days at Crown Publishers in New York to founding 1106 Design, Michelle reveals how authors can maintain their rights and maximize earnings through self-publishing. Learn about the pivotal m...
Jul 22, 2024•52 min
Mr. What if you could revolutionize your sales game with a simple, structured process? Join us as we sit down with sales expert Mr. Benjamin Brown , who shares his remarkable journey from a farm in South Carolina to becoming a leading sales trainer and entrepreneur. With over 23+ years of experience, Benjamin takes us through his time in the Marine Corps and his initial career in the gym business, which ultimately led him to help small businesses develop effective sales processes. Discover his 1...
Jul 18, 2024•49 min
What if you could transform your organization's culture by understanding both its spiritual and psychological needs? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Lloyd Williams,PhD ., an industrial psychologist and consultant with a rich background in theology, psychology, and business consulting. Dr. Williams takes us through his personal journey from Tuskegee Institute to Yale, and how his unique blend of experiences as a priest, psychologist, and consultant equips him to foster trust, alig...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min
What happens when life throws insurmountable obstacles your way? Join us on this inspiring episode of SpeakUP! International as we uncover the deeply moving journey of Rahz Slaughter , a motivational speaker and co-author of " Student Success Secrets ." Born with a physical disability and raised by a young, single mother battling addiction, Rahz's story is one of remarkable resilience. He shares how his grandmother's growth mindset helped him navigate his father's absence and his tumultuous adol...
Jul 08, 2024•50 min
What if you could effectively lead with authenticity and humility while balancing motherhood and a demanding career? Doris Jackson-Shazier joins us on Speak Up International to share her remarkable journey from her early leadership roles within her family to managing teams in corporate America and her bold transition to entrepreneurship. You’ll hear Doris’s inspiring personal stories, her motivations for leaving the corporate world, and her profound insights into creating high-accountability and...
Jul 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min
What happens when a successful college football recruiter hits rock bottom and embarks on a journey toward personal transformation? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ahmard Vital, who transitioned from recruiting top athletes to motivating individuals worldwide. Discover the pivotal moments that led to his profound spiritual and personal development, culminating in the creation of his transformative book, "Awaken the Baller Within." Hear Ahmard's firsthand experiences and insights into ...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Dionisio Nyaga Ph. D. , an assistant professor at Algoma University, as he navigates the complexities of social justice education and tackles anti-Black racism head-on. Dr. Nyaga opens up about his personal encounters with various forms of oppression and the transformative power of community involvement. We also shed light on the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities, particularly the harrowing legacy of residential schools, and the indispens...
Jun 19, 2024•59 min
What happens when a young girl from London, England, finds herself in the starkly different landscape of Canada at the start of high school? Marcia Smellie B.Ed. transports us to her early days of assimilation, tackling the Canadian winter, the shift from an all-girls school with uniforms to a co-ed school without them, and the challenge of fitting in with a Cockney accent. She paints a vivid picture of the isolation she felt as the only Black student in her grade and how she began to carve out ...
Jun 17, 2024•55 min
What drives a young boy from Southern California, immersed in the world of technology, to become a beacon for diversity in the tech industry? Join us on SpeakUP!International to uncover the extraordinary journey of Mr. William A. Adams . This episode promises an insightful exploration of Mr. Adams' life, from his self-taught beginnings in computer skills to he and his brother starting their own company in Silicon Valley, and his impactful 24-year tenure at Microsoft. Mr. Adams' mission is clear:...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr
