Blackout Podcast

Linda Espinosa Valencia is an equity, diversity and inclusion consultant and alongside Ana Maria Desmasion Cornejo co-founded Ventura Collective. Ventura Collective is a Latine women-owned equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting collective. Ventura utilizes the Diversity and Inclusion ISO 30415 standard to disrupt the current DEI status quo and enact systemic change in organizations.Linda holds a Marketing and International Business Degree, a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and a Diversity and Inclusion Service Management ISO 30415:2021 certification from the University of Georgia. Linda was the first DEI consultant in Canada to be certified to implement ISO 30415:2021 Diversity and Inclusion Framework in organizations. Linda has lived and worked in Mexico, Canada and the US. Living in these three different settings has taught her that differences are what make places and organizations thrive and diversity must be celebrated. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Most recently, Linda joined the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the national representative to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). She has introduced the first DEI Certification in Canada, based on the International Standard ISO 30415, specifically for DEI professionals.Learn more @venturacollectiveltd

Deji Majekolagbe, born in 1996 in Lagos, Nigeria, currently resides as a photographer in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His portfolio encompasses a diverse spectrum of photography, including weddings, fashion, street, and portrait photography. Deji's passion lies in capturing the essence of individuals from various walks of life.In his creative process, Deji emphasizes the importance of simplicity, aiming to evoke emotions, stillness, and vulnerability through his work. His focus is on showcasing the genuine and best versions of his subjects. In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of photography, Deji is dedicated to finding his unique voice, embracing a journey of continual learning, overcoming failures, and persistent experimentation.Check him out @dejimajek

Lize, originally from South Africa, moved to Canada in 2022 to embark on new adventures and expand her horizons. A crime fighter at heart, Lize is passionate about justice and exploring the complexities of the human psyche. She combined her love for puzzles with her fascination for criminal behaviour, leading to the creation of "Puzzled by Crime" — a project that merges analytical thinking with the exploration of the darker sides of human nature. This creative endeavour aims to stimulate problem-solving skills while fostering conversations around crime, vulnerability, and prevention, encouraging others to find colour and light amidst the darkness.In addition to her crime-related pursuits, Lize is a dedicated philanthropist, always looking for opportunities to bring positive change to others' lives. Together with a friend, she started a fundraiser "Love and Smile SA" aimed at providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to underprivileged children in South Africa, with the goal of "brightening and broadening smiles one by one." To date, they have raised enough funds to supply oral hygiene products to 650 children, creating lasting, positive effects on the health, confidence, and social interactions of these young individuals. Lize's dedication to uplifting others is at the core of everything she does.Lize is also an avid traveller, believing that exposure to diverse cultures and experiences enriches personal growth and shapes one's worldview. She values learning from different perspectives and incorporates these lessons into her work, ultimately striving to be a positive influence wherever she goes. Her motto is simple yet powerful: live life to the fullest, find the light in dark places, and make a few people smile along the way. Through her creative endeavours, philanthropy, and enthusiasm for exploration, Lize is committed to leaving the world a little safer and a little happier.Find out more @lizemels@loveandsmilesahttps://www.puzzled-by-crime.com/https://www.gofundme.com/f/love-and-smile-sa/

  Yangsta is a hip-hop artist and radio/podcast personality from Dartmouth Nova Scotia. He is an avid supporter of the local NS hip-hop scene and has been releasing music for over a decade. Yangsta’s musical style is inspired by the likes of Will Smith, 2Pac, Jay-Z, Notorious BIG and other notable figures of old school 90s rap era. A lyrical perfectionist, Yangsta prefers to write bars on a pen and a pad vs. freestyling songs. The polished and to-the-point song structure in all of his music serves as a testament to his effort towards creating the best music. Yangsta co-hosted a popular radio show on 88.1fm CKDU called “Pyrate Radio”, a one-hour-long local hip hop show alongside Vadell Gabriel. Over the eight years of the show being active, the duo brought on countless guests from the local music community to showcase their content and talents, including the Blackout Podcast’s host. Yangsta & Vadell also performed and DJ’d at various venues across the city such as the Gottingen 250 festival, “Family Over Fame” day, The Coast’s “Food Truck party” and “Multi-cultural night” at MSVU. Yangsta’s latest project “Tales From the Dark Side” #TFDS is a testament to his lyricism and life experiences as a resident of Dartmouth. The gritty yet energetic sounds of the project is an accurate reflection of life in the Dark Side and the unique vibe the city has. A must listen. Check him out @theyangsta7

Simone Chia is a transformational coach who helps growth-minded individuals step into their purpose and overcome the obstacles holding them back. Using an integrated mind-body approach, she guides clients to develop deeper self-awareness, gain clarity on their goals, and break free from self-limiting beliefs.Simone empowers people to stop putting off their dreams and start creating meaningful lifestyle changes that lead to greater contentment, purpose, and joy. Whether you're looking to improve relationships, develop healthy habits, or simply feel more alive, Simone provides the strategies and support to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.She helps growth-minded individuals step into their purpose, whether that’s feeling more content, developing healthy habits, or improving their relationships. Using an integrated mind-body approach, she supports her clients in bridging the gap between where they are now and where they want to be, helping them experience greater life satisfaction and joy. Working with her, clients gain clarity and self-awareness, while developing strategies to move towards their goals in a way that feels realistic and exciting.Her work centres around helping clients:Develop deeper self-awareness about what truly matters to them, so they can move through life with intention, not on autopilot.Gain clarity on their goals and what makes them feel truly alive, and take purposeful action towards those goals.Identify self-limiting beliefs and behaviour patterns that keep them stuck.Develop strategies to work towards their lifestyle goals in ways that feel manageable, realistic, and exciting.Stop putting off their dreams and start creating lifestyle changes that move them towards a greater sense of purpose, contentment, and joy.Find out more about the retreat hereLearn more about Simone @simone_by_the_sea

Scarlett Rose is a multidisciplinary artist from Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Nova Scotia.With just under a decade in the local entertainment industry, she has developed and performed hundreds of acts with numerous agencies across five provinces. From sold-out stages to small community events, Scarlett highlights the importance of play and the joy it can bring to audiences young and old.Making the best of her background in dance and theatre, Scarlett's first forays into circus arts have since expanded to include multiple circus disciplines, fire, Burlesque, GoGo dance and character work. Known for her dynamic and energetic style, Scarlett transports her audience to new worlds regardless of context and apparatus.Check her out @scarlettrose.performanceart

Ayodele Okundalaiye is a dynamic professional Master of Ceremony/Compere with a sense of humour - he is popularly known as the Senior Advocate of Comedy (SACO).As a Compere, he has consistently delivered outstanding value to clients across several industries and sectors. This has made SACO the choice MC by Multinational companies, financial institutions, Telecom giants, FMCG companies, Non-profits, political, educational and Faith-based organizations as well as high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria and abroad. Some companies/organizations that have engaged his professional Compere service for events include MTN, KPMG, Lagos Business School, Rainoil, and Pretoria Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists.SACO has hosted events in the US, Canada, UK, France, South Africa, Ghana, Dubai, Turkey and even Israel to mention a few. He has also hosted about 2000 social events (weddings and birthday parties) at home and abroad. His style can be described as a blend of humour - rib cracking, clean ethical and family-friendly jokes, wit and an abundance of courtesy for clients and guests alike. He deploys class and panache in the management of programs and also brings to the table the ability to adapt and customize programs to suit the needs of specific and unique audiences. Event Planners often find his input priceless and vital to the overall success of their events. He is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School’s Enterprise Development Centre.He is married to Aghogho and together they have 3 amazing children.SACO holds LEGACY above all achievements - he is passionate about building capacity for the next generations. This led to the establishment of the Strategic Mentorship Programme – a vehicle that aims to provide strategic mentorship to young entertainment entrepreneurs.Find out more @spiritofsaco

Marja is an artist who has recently reignited her passion for painting after taking a break from her craft. Her first mural, a bold and colourful statement, marks her exciting return to the art world. With fresh enthusiasm, Marja has dedicated herself to celebrating the unique beauty she sees in the everyday world, capturing moments and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Her approach is all about highlighting what makes each subject special, often in ways you might not expect. In addition to celebrating beauty, Marja’s art is deeply personal, reflecting her cultural heritage and experiences. She thoughtfully incorporates elements of her background into her pieces, creating a rich tapestry of meaning and connection. Through her art, Marja not only shares her perspective but also honours the influences that have shaped her creative journey.Check her out @marja.sanni

Karen Dean is a powerhouse of wisdom—real, gritty, hard-earned wisdom that you can’t learn from a book but only through surviving life's toughest battles.  She is an incredible motivational speaker, lifelong entrepreneur, and bestselling author who shares her own personal stories of resilience and proven tools for success while inspiring audiences with an amazing sense of positivity.  With over 25 years of entrepreneurial success across multiple industries, she helps build stronger people and workforces with easy-to-implement tools to foster resilience, boost performance, and enhance workplace culture.Recognized as a four-time nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, Karen’s leadership is matched by her commitment to the community. She has raised over $130,000 for families in need in Nova Scotia and launched a bursary program for young women from rural areas to pursue higher education.Karen has published two influential books: We Are Unbreakable, a Canadian bestseller, and Fierce & Fabulous: A Self-Love Journal. Her mission is to empower individuals and organizations to not just survive but to thrive with resilience, purpose, and positivity.Learn more @karendeanspeaks 

Jacquelyn Miccolis is a social entrepreneur committed to using creativity to drive positive change. In 2019, she founded Sparkles n' Sawdust Studio, an award-winning venture recognized for its significant community impact. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Jacquelyn launched Supernova Events to support the creative economy in Atlantic Canada, including key initiatives like the Supernova Market and Conference. With diplomas in community development and office administration and a psychology background from MSVU, she has refined her skills as a leader and community builder. This summer, Jacquelyn will release her debut book, Unfiltered Wisdom: A How-To Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs, offering practical insights for innovators and available exclusively on Amazon. Jacquelyn eagerly welcomes opportunities for new creative projects, speaking engagements, and initiatives that foster community-building efforts. Learn more @thesupernovamarket

A chat with F$rgo at the ECMAsCheck him out @fsrgoo

A chat with aRENYE at the ECMAsCheck him out @rennygramm

On the way to the forefront of Afrobeats in Canada, aRENYE continues to deliver extraordinary performances around the country and release undiluted, free-spirited music.Check him out @rennygramm

Scott Ellis is a proud Nova Scotian who currently lives in rural Nova Scotia with his partner Brogan Regier.Scott is set on making Nova Scotia the best place it can be. He has dedicated efforts to improving our environment, supporting small businesses, and enhancing our mental health system, all with the goal of creating a better place for Bluenosers.Scott Ellis is a community-oriented leader from Nova Scotia with extensive experience in advocating for mental health and supporting individuals with eating disorders. He currently serves as the Clinical and Operations Manager at Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. Ellis is a survivor of anorexia nervosa and uses his personal experience to help others in similar situations. Ellis is also an author; his book "Chasing Numbers: Sleep, Starve, Repeat" details his personal journey with an eating disorder.In addition to his work in mental health, Ellis has been involved in politics, having run for the Progressive Conservative Party in Nova Scotia in 2021. His campaign focused on understanding and addressing the struggles faced by his community, particularly regarding mental health issues.

Loïc is a Rwandan barsmith from The Umbrella Collective based in P.E.I Canada, his main style is hip-hop, but he has also worked on Afrobeat, Dancehall and RnB-themed instrumentals.His delivery is effortless and groovy while providing the listeners with an insight into his life, he describes his music as therapy sessions where he shares his ambitions, fears, hopes and achievements.Loïc grew up in a musical house, with his grandmother playing a major influence on his musical taste. She had a cultural dance troop that helped him navigate music and dance as one and the same. He started rapping at the age of 13 after three friends dared him to write a rap, and he fell in love with the craft. 15 years later, he is still striving to better himself.Find out more @theumbrellacollective_

Tamara Steele is a long-time arts administrator and non-profit director by day but has always been an artist at heart.Her musical talent was fostered from a young age as she grew up learning from her grandmother to play piano and watching her father sing in calypso/soca bands in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After high school, Tamara moved to Prince Edward Island to study classical music at UPEI.A singer for as long as she can remember, Tamara has sung both lead and backing vocals in many bands over the years covering many genres including R&B, Soul, Rock, Reggae, and Salsa Fusion.Currently, Tamara plays bass and sings backing vocals with the Charlottetown-based Hip-Hop band, The Umbrella Collective.Find out more @theumbrellacollective_

DJ Hotcue is a DJ / Producer from Weymouth, Nova Scotia who, in a few short years, has grown his career from humble beginnings in a small rural Nova Scotian town to DJing at major events and opening for renowned hip-hop artists.DJ Hotcue developed a love for DJing in high school when he was a part of an eight-week DJ course called Rhythm that was taught by Gerald Wheatley and Craig Muise. From there, he gained some of his first performance opportunities at high school dances.He made his official debut at a wedding & later a Family Reunion. In recent years, DJ Hotcue performed at events such as NBA Canada Tours: Campus Pass, All-Star Skills Challenge,  NBA Nation Tour  NSMW 2022 & 2023 and has opened for acts like Ice Cube, DJ Yella of NWA, Fetty Wap, Sean Kingston, Ace Hood, Joyner Lucas & many more.He’s also started producing and releasing music since the pandemic.Check him out @djhotcue

For over a dozen years, Caitlyn Hamblin turned a passion for supporting others into a dynamic career.This journey led to the launch of Cait Collabs, a project dedicated to fostering collaboration.Evolving further, she founded Cait Creative, where she now thrives as a Creative Consultant, supporting clients with their online presence and marketing goals.Find out more @cait_collabs

Anna is a 25-year-old adventurer who found herself in Halifax back in 2018 to explore something new, something different, and unknown.These last 6 years have been a rollercoaster of challenges and self-discovery.In January 2024 after years of wandering and trying to find her place, she travelled back home to Moscow, feeling drained and exhausted from life in Halifax. Being away from home for over 3 years took its toll, and she was desperate for peace and healing. That's when her Mom stepped in; first by sending her to a retreat and secondly by believing in her to lead/guide AUM practice in Halifax.Now, about AUM practice itself.It's an incredible release. It's like a washing machine for your soul, a beautiful spring cleansing. It's about releasing all the baggage you've been carrying inside, the stuff that's been weighing you down for months, weeks, years. The screaming part? Well, you can be angry, mad, scream, shout, cry, laugh, love, hug, dance like crazy – it's all about being your true self.AUM practice, while recognized in Europe, remains relatively unknown in Halifax and across Canada. Recognizing its transformative power and the importance of emotional release, Anna felt compelled to introduce the practice in Halifax. She truly believes that if this practice has helped her, it can undoubtedly benefit others as well.It's time for Halifax to experience the deep serenity and empowerment that AUM practice offers firsthand.Learn more @aumhalifax

Kayo describes his sound as ‘Future meets Fugees’ - A lush blend of hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats mixed with a raspy delivery, unique cadence, catchy melodies and a certain vibration that could only stem from his island upbringing.He is the 2023 ANSMA Artist of the Year, 2023 Music Nova Scotia Music Awards, DJ of the Year, and was also recently awarded the 2023 R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for his album, TRIP.He has toured with the likes of Classified, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 Kes the Band, Teddyson John & Jimmy October and has worked with heavyweights like Kardinal Offishall, JRDN & Quake Matthews.Check him out @kayomusic_