The Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast

Learn the top tips and all you need to know to immigrate to Canada. David Akinmoluwa, a Canadian Immigration Consultant, sits down with me to discuss how to immigrate to Canada successfully and how to facilitate easy application. He addresses a wide range of questions from student permit, work visa, skilled workers program, spousal sponsorship, provincial nominee program, and more. If you are looking to move to Canada, this is a conversation you do not want to miss. For more about David, check out https://crestimmigration.ca/ or contact by phone or WhatsApp at (587) 974-8942 or by email, david@crestimmigration.ca Watch the video of our conversation on YouTube and don't forget to subscribe, @Real Talk with Ije. Connect with me directly on social media @unrealtalkpod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

From not knowing his biological father to being in foster care and facing abuse. In today's episode, I sit down with Arys Déjan for an in-depth and deep conversation about how he overcame trauma through writing and producing music. Arys is a recording artist, writer, poet, dancer, model, podcast producer and host. He is the founder of the Who and How Club as well as the Who and How Podcast. He is also the founder of The Quiet Council, a management agency, and the creator of RAM-PAGE, an event series that promotes safe space, dialogue, open communication and positivity among people looking to overcome barriers.  Visit https://www.arysdejan.com/ to stay tuned to Arys' new single and for all his work. Follow him on Instagram @only1arys and @whohowclub --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

Did you have to westernize or change your name to get a job in the diaspora? Did you know the Minister of Justice of Alberta, Kaycee Madu had to do the same when he was articling as a law student? There are simple things individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions can do to successfully leverage diversity. In this episode, Frankline Agbor, the founder and Executive Producer of Diversity Magazine, the largest multicultural publication in Canada, shares his success tips and tools on how he grew his private business through diversity. LINK TO MAGAZINE: Diversity Magazine – The Multicultural Magazine I Telling The Untold Stories LINK TO ALBERTA JUSTICE MINISTER'S INTERVIEW: Kaycee Madu reflects on his journey to justice minister: ‘Racism is real’ | Globalnews.ca --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's conversation, I sit down with an Indigenous Engineer, Professor Jessica Vandenberghe, to uncover the truth about Canada's history with institutionalizing residential schools, the impact that remains today and how we can be allies with supporting truth and reconciliation. Professor Vandenberge is an Industrial Engineer and the Assistant Dean of Engineering, Community and Culture at the University of Alberta. She is a consultant, public speaker, and STEM mentor. She serves on a number of boards and councils and also co-hosts a podcast called, Unsettled: Truth and Conciliation. Today's episode may be triggering for some people so please take care while listening and feel free to reach out to mental health support in your community. For those in Alberta and Canada, mental health support can be accessed through: Mental Health Support in Alberta: Mental Health | Alberta Health Service or Mental health support: get help - Canada.ca If you found this episode meaninful, please consider leaving a rating on Apple podcast or wherever you listen and connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Clubhouse: @unrealtalkpod. I'm always happy to hear from you! List of Resources and Information discussed on the show: 2008 Apology by Prime Minister Stephen Harper: 2008 Federal Apology to Residential School Survivors - YouTube 2017 Apology by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Tearful Justin Trudeau apologizes to residential school survivors in Newfoundland - YouTube Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action: Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, six years later - YouTube The Calls to Action Report: calls_to_action_english2.pdf (gov.bc.ca) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada, Calls to Action: Final Report | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca) We Will Stand Up Documentary: nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up by Tasha Hubbard - NFB Home Fire Documentary: Home Fire - Ending the Cycle of Family Violence - YouTube Secret Path: Gord Downie's The Secret Path - YouTube Journey Home Documentary: Journey Home - YouTube Jordan's Principle: Jordan’s Principle | Assembly of First Nations (afn.ca) Jordan River Anderson: Honouring Jordan River Anderson (sac-isc.gc.ca) Tina Fontaine: Jury finds Raymond Cormier not guilty in death of Tina Fontaine | CBC News The Blanket Exercise: Blanket Exercise Workshop - KAIROS Canada --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In this episode, I sit down to chat with Kiko, an experienced social worker who supports autistic children and their families. We debunk myths, unlearn misconceptions, and relearn truths and how to better support autistic individuals. We also discuss stimming, masking, and more. If you enjoyed the conversation, consider subscribing to the podcast and leave a rating in Apple podcasts or where you listen. Don't forget to check out the video on YouTube and subscribe on there too and share. Your support ensures these conversation gains awareness and reaches more people to keep the conversation ongoing.  Learn more about my guest and join our community on Instagram and Twitter @unrealtalkpod. If you would like to feature as a guest on the podcast or you want me to share your story, contact me directly by email, unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In this episode, I sit down with Nwamaka Agbakoba, the Founder and President of Green Onyx Foundation, a nonprofit organization advocating for children and families with disabilities in Africa. Nwamaka shares strategies and tools organizations and communities can utilize to better support persons with disabilities including through education. This episode is timely and loaded  with information for everyone regardless of whether you have a disability. Nwamaka is an accomplished corporate leader, with a background in finance and has worked on a number of microfinance and international development projects including with the World Bank and the Gates Foundation. She is also the founder of MKCurvy, an inclusive African inspired clothing line for modern, curvy women. She has lived experience with disabilities, living with rheumatoid arthritis and being a mother to a son with mild cerebral palsy.   If you enjoy the conversation or learned something new, consider subscribing to the podcast, sharing it and leaving a rating on Apple podcast or where you listen. Doing so ensures this conversation reaches more people and contributes to raising awareness.  Join our community on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Clubhouse @unrealtalkpod. Send me an email: unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

This is the third episode within the Hear me out Miniseries, highlighting the voice of persons with special needs. In today's episode I sit down with Carlos Gonzalez who shares his personal story living with cerebral palsy, immigrating from Mexico to Canada for university, and overcoming fears and challenges. Carlos is the Community Education Coordinator of Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta and also co-hosts My Life Without Limits Podcast. This episode will definitely lift your spirits, warm your heart and inspire you in new ways you never thought possible. If you enjoy the conversation or learn something new, please consider subscribing to the podcast, share with a friend and connect with me on social media. Carlos' Podcast My Life Without Limits (podbean.com) Visit Cerebral Palsy Alberta for supports -HOME | cerebralpalsyalberta (cpalberta.com) Follow the podcast on Instagram Unfiltered Real Talk with Ije🎙 (@unrealtalkpod) • Instagram photos and videos Unfiltered Real Talk with Ije - YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

This is the second episode within the Hear me out Miniseries, highlighting the voice of persons with special needs. I recently discovered that South Africa has the highest rate of FASD on the planet! Some communities in South Africa experience a prevalence as high as 28%. According to a 2018 publication by CanFASD, the rate of FASD in Canada is 4% which is approximately 1,485,158 Canadians in a country with about 37 million people. South Africa's population is approximately 58 million people and yet the nation has such a mammoth rate. I sit down with a South African friend who works in the area of human services to understand this issue and she shares some of the key influences of the alarming high rates in South Africa.  If you enjoy the conversation or learn something new, consider subscribing to the podcast and joining our community on Instagram and YouTube @unrealtalkpod. You can also leave me a voice message on Anchor.fm or send me a personal email to unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com. Your support helps these conversations on the podcast gain visibility in order to bring about social action and policy changes. I do really appreciate your time, and thank you kindly for stopping by to listen. Unfiltered Real Talk with Ije - YouTube Unfiltered Real Talk with Ije🎙 (@unrealtalkpod)  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

Hey friends! Thank you for stopping by and clicking play. This is the first episode in the Mini series titled, Hear me out. This mini series was inspired by my conversation in Episode 5 with a young lady with partial hearing loss. If you haven't checked out that episode, please do so and thank you. In this episode, my guest, Kellina shares tips and strategies for creating content for the deaf community and influencing with inclusion. Kellina is a trailblazer and an advocate for the deaf community. She is currently a graduate student, an entrepreneur, a YouTuber, content creator and an upcoming author. She is born into a hearing family. If you enjoy this episode, please join our community on social media including Clubhouse and Instagram @unrealtalkpod and share with me what you enjoyed.  Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already done so and follow on YouTube so you never miss an episode. Check out our new website, where you can also leave us a Voice Message! The Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast (podpage.com)  For sponsorships, to feature as a guest or if you would like me to share your story, send me a private email at, unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com. Thank you so much for stopping by to listen.  Subscribe and watch on YouTube: Real Afro Talk with Ije - YouTube Follow Kellina on Instagram, @DeafQueenBoss Visit her Website, Coach | Mental Health Coach (kellinaempowerment.com)   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

Today I sit down with a black Muslim woman from the Oromo community to address the islamophobia problem in Canada. Tia is a young mother of three, passionate about raising awareness and speaking out against any form of violence and injustice. She recently granted an interview to Global News TV, check it out here: Edmonton police investigate reported attack on Black woman wearing hijab | Globalnews.ca In today's conversation, we discuss a variety of issues including misunderstandings and misconceptions about Islam and the Muslim community, the rising attacks against women wearing Hijabs, and the need to join the movement to end racism.  Don't forget to hit the subscribe button if you haven't done so. Check out our conversation on video on YouTube: The Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast. Join the conversation with our community on Instagram and Clubhouse, follow @unrealtalkpod. If you would like me to share your story or you're interested in being a guest on the show, send an email to unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's conversation, I sit down with another Haligonian I met some years ago when I lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Odette Mimi Gbeve-Bassett is a Togolese Canadian who immigrated to Canada after 15 years living a refugee camp in Ghana. She is passionate, resilient and ambitious young lady who did not let her experience in the camp stop her from pursuing her dreams. She shares her journey and experience in the refugee camp and coming to Canada to pursue her education and graduating with a Masters in Laws. She talks about the impacts of living in refugees camps on the mental health and wellbeing of children as well as how to support children and youth in home and hosting countries.  Mimi is very passionate about supporting children and youth living in camps and has established a nonprofit with the sole goal of helping young people pursue education and to thrive in global society. Visit home (daree.org) to learn more about her nonprofit, donate or volunteer if you can. You can also check out her YouTube Channel: (41) A Moment With Mimi - YouTube for more about her.  If you enjoyed the conversation, consider sharing the podcast to support someone else and connect with me on Instagram or Clubhouse: @unrealtalkpod. For contributions or if you would like to be a guest on the show, email, unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com. Don't forget to check out the video of this conversation on YouTube: (41) Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast - YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's episode, I sit down with a Registered Nurse, Lucetta Marrah, who has been working as a nurse in Canada for almost 12 years. She started her journey as a Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN and decided to challenge herself by advancing her education to become an RN. She gave up a fulltime, high earning job to return to school. Lucetta shares the study strategies that she used to ace the RN board exam at the first trial. She addresses what people who have failed the board exam can do as well as tips for men seeking to pursue a career in nursing but concerned about stereotypes or the nature of the work. Also discussed in this episode are the realities of being a nurse in the middle of the pandemic, the everyday challenges, including caring for persons with COVID-19. This episode is loaded with many life lessons and tips to kickstart that ambition, dream or vision that you have been waiting or longing to begin. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing, rating, leaving a comment and following the podcast on social media @unrealtalkpod as well as on YouTube. Check out the video recording of the conversation on YouTube at the Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's episode, my guest, Dr. Onyinye Kammelu shares her journey to becoming a pharmacist at just 23 years old! She received her first degree by age 20 and at age 23, she had a doctorate degree in pharmacy with honors! This young lady is a powerful force and releases major gems on how to stay focused to achieve exceptional academic success in the midst of difficulties and challenging environments. This conversation is so timely and key for students and young ladies seeking career success. Also discussed in this episode is addressing some questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Onyinye currently works as a Pharmacist in Amazon Pharmacy in the United States where she is currently changing the world of retail pharmacy as we know it. This conversation is also available on video, check it out on YouTube at Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast - YouTube. If you enjoyed the conversation, please consider subscribing and rating the podcast wherever you listen. You can also connect with me on Podroom and on social media @unrealtalkpod. Join the Real Talk family by following for exclusive information on upcoming episodes and inspirational journey from people in our community.  You can also leave a voice note on Anchor.fm. For show contribution and sponsorship, please email unfiltererealtalk@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

There is so much information out there about COVID-19 vaccine and I decided to sit down with a Medical Doctor, Dr. Johnson Fatokun, to discuss the truths, lies and worries about the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Johnson is a family physician in Alberta and serves as a member of the Primary Care Network (PCN) committee. He is tasked with providing governance, leadership, strategic direction and priorities for the PCN’s. Residents have been quoted as saying, “The community not only hired a community doctor, they hired a community ambassador.” He is passionate about elderly care and has worked in emergency medicine. Dr. Johnson also works as a full-time Pastor in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta and is the National Youth Adviser for RCCG YASM Canada; he is passionate about empowering young black adults to be successful.  This conversation was also recorded by video, do please check it out on YouTube at Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast - YouTube and do not forget to hit the subscribe button. If you enjoy today's episode, please consider subscribing to and rating the podcast wherever you listen and follow the podcast on social media @unrealtalkpod to connect with me directly. You can also email your questions or feedback to unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com or send me a voice note on Anchor.fm.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

How does a very intelligent student, averaging over 90% in all courses end up on academic probation? In today's episode, my guest, Chukwuemeka Ezekiel shares his journey to immigrating from Nigeria to Canada at the age of 15 years old and some of the challenges he faced studying in Canada. This episode is loaded with major life lessons particularly for newcomers moving to Canada for school.  Ezekiel is currently in his final year of university, studying Mechanical Aviation in Ontario. He is the founder and CEO of Semz Custom Shoes and the co-founder of Steal Masta Card Game.  If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a rating wherever you listen. Also subscribe to the podcast on YouTube, Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast. I would love to connect with you on social media - Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @unrealtalkpod (@unrealtalkpod)  or send me an email to: unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's episode, my guest, NiLo, discusses her journey to becoming the first black-owned business exclusively for afro hair in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. NiLo worked in the corporate world in New York for a number of years before starting her very first natural hair business in North Carolina and subsequently moving to Canada to start Afrodisiac Natural Shop in Edmonton, which she has been running successfully, going from $6,000 in sales to six figures in a two year period. We discuss top strategies for black women venturing into business and must-have skills and tools for running a successful small business. NiLo also drops gems that worked for her such as hiring an accountant first, paying all staff before paying yourself, reinvesting your profits back into the business, and creating a community around yourself and  your business.  This episode was recorded on VIDEO and you can watch it on the Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast YouTube channel, link to watch: Unfiltered Real Talk Podcast - YouTube If you enjoy the conversation, leave us voice message on Anchor, follow on social media @UnRealTalkPod and make sure to leave us a comment about what you enjoyed. Also rate the podcast on spotify, apple or wherever else you listen to the podcast.  NiLo is the marketing director of Melanistic Magazine, which features a new take on Edmonton's ethno-cultural lifestyle with particular focus on black experience. She is behind the Afro-Indie Book fair initiative which showcases a variety of black authors in our community. She is a storyteller and author and has published two children's book. She is also a podcaster and cohosts the Black Multiverse Theory Podcast. For more about Afrodisiac Natural Shop, visit, https://afrodisiacnaturals.com AFRODISIAC NATURAL STORE. For more about NiLo, visit her Instagram page, @thatgirlyoushouldknow ***ECHO ALERT- we apologize for the echo  nature of the audio, we were trying out a new device.** --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's episode my guest and I discuss women in business and some of the core reasons why women, in particular black women, African women and women of Afro heritage are limited in the business and entrepreneurial world. My guest is Rehana Malik-Mbanga, the CEO of Stimbok Corporation. She is a serial social entrepreneur whose business model is founded on social sustainability and to helping women business owners start up and successfully run their businesses. Stimbok has projects and initiatives in different parts of Africa where they are supporting women entrepreneurs thrive in their business ventures.  Rehana is also an activist and is passionate about supporting women of afro-heritage achieve their full potential. She is the founder of Women Talk Africa in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and runs a blog called Embracing the plus size me. For more about Stimbok corporation and it's work, visit, www.stimbok.com. If you enjoy today's episode, subscribe to the podcast and follow the podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @UnRealTalkPod and leave us your comments and feedback.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's episode, my guest, Dami Ochang of Dami-Fierce Clothing, shares her journey to becoming a fashion designer in Alberta, Canada. Dami discusses some of the challenges she faced on her journey, how she overcame the challenges and offers advice and tips to prioritizing pursuing your dreams. For more information about Dami or her clothing line, visit, www.damifierce.com or on Facebook, Dami-Fierce Clothing | Facebook To support the podcast, subscribe, rate, like and leave a comment on the podcast where you listen and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @UnRealTalkPod. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

In today's episode, my guest, Sharon Obiye and I, talk about new year resolutions and why we feel it is a fad. We discuss integrating a lifestyle of goal setting and planning instead of resolutions, the importance of tailoring goals to individual unique needs, and the need to regularly review goals to adjust to changing priorities and needs. Sharon emphasizes the need to roll over goals that are not accomplished to the next year rather than setting new goals or making new resolutions each new year. Also discussed in this episode are: types of goals, timeline for goals, and tips for low budget self-care routines. Sharon is a returning guest. If you enjoy today's episode, subscribe and rate the podcast wherever you listen. Also follow the podcast on social media @UnRealTalkPod and share your feedback. Show contribution and collaboration, email unfilteredrealtalk@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message

Is your teeth so white because you're so dark? Is that your real hair? How come your English is so good? Does your cultural name suggest you can't speak English? Did you have to change your name to get a job in the diaspora? In today's episode, my guests, Yemi and Ijeoma share their experiences with overt prejudice, stereotypes and racism while living in the diaspora. We touch on the importance of preserving your identity and remaining true to your culture while understanding that some immigrants may not necessarily want to be associated with their roots for good reasons. We also talk about stereotypical and prejudicial statements including those from our own people while highlighting that all people are beautiful and we must do better to respect and assimilate into each other. We recognize that fear and comfort is sometimes involved when migrating to a different country and emphasize embracing some of the traditions of where you are while keeping your identity in focus.  Ijeoma is a writer, licensed food judge and the co-host of the Africa in my Kitchen Podcast. Yemi is an economist and the podcast producer, host and CEO of Tunuka Media. If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting us by subscribing to the podcast, following us on social media @unrealtalkpod, and rating the podcast wherever you listen. Following us, sharing, rating the podcast and leaving a comment in the podcast and on the social media pages help us to gain more visibility and to continue to reach out to more people, spreading more inspiring stories for life changing shifts.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unfilteredrealtalk/message