Episodit
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On today's episode, I'm in conversation with Professor Mia Mask and talk about her book 'Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western', and why she wrote this book. We discuss the film genre of the Westerns and look at issues of whitewashing and changing narratives including revisionist Westerns and critiques. We also chat about the portrayal of masculinity in film, the female cowboy, Pam Grier, and of course, the quote that continually inspires her.
Mia Mask is a Professor of Film at Vassar College. She is the author of Divas on Screens; Black Women in American Film. She edited the anthology Contemporary Black American Cinema. And, she published the jointly edited collection, Poitier Revisited: Reconsidering a Black Icon in the Obama Age. Her commentary has been featured on National Public Radio, the Criterion Channel and CNN’s The Movies. In 2023, she published Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western.
Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western takes place at BFI Southbank from 1 February – 18 March, including Mario Van Peebles in conversation on 9 February and the illustrated discussion Introduction to Black Rodeo on 10 February. For tickets visit whatson.bfi.org.uk
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode, director and actor Mario Van Peebles takes some time out to come on the podcast to chat about his career and life. We talk about the great influence his father, Melvin Van Peebles, has had in his career; his passion for the Western genre and why he made the film 'Posse', and 'Outlaw Posse'. We discuss the importance of telling the right story, legacy, heritage and representation, issues of whitewashing and other issues. We also chat about his classic film 'Swing Jack City', and of course, Mr. Van Peebles shares the quote that continually inspires him.
Actor, writer, filmmaker and activist Mario Van Peebles will be in Conversation on Sunday 9th of February 2025 at the BFI's 'Black Rodeo: A History of the Black American Western, to talk about his career to date, including his contribution to the western genre. Whether it be as an actor in Clint Eastwood’s Heartbreak Ridge and his father Melvin Van Peebles’ Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song or directing New Jack City, Baadasssss!, Posse and Panther, he has proved to be one of the US’s leading filmmakers and has the ability to write, act, produce and direct strong, independent work simultaneously.
In conversation: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=mario-van-peebles-in-conversation&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=
Outlaw Posse preview: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=outlaw-posse-preview&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
Puuttuva jakso?
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On today's episode I'm in conversation with Allison Shadock, an advocate for Glioblastoma (GBM) awareness and research. Recently her husband John sadly passed away from this malignant brain tumour. With Ali's consent, we made this episode to celebrate John's life and talk about how they both met, their lives together and how they both fought this cancer.
Allison Shadock is the widow to John, a Glioblastoma (GBM) warrior for over 5 1/2 years. John, a very healthy and active person, was given a terminal diagnosis with only six months to a year to live in 2019 at the young age of 35. As the couple navigated the brain cancer world, they found ways to enjoy a low key life and still find the positives in the situation. A diagnosis that can tear people apart, they realized they were a tight couple and became even closer!There is no cure for this cancer, with less than 2% of total cancer research funding going towards brain cancer combined with the unfortunate low life expectancy, Ali told John early on, we don’t need a cure today. We just have to get to the next step. Time after time and set back after setback, they kept finding ways to continue the fight, staying “Strong All Along” on their journey! Although no time will ever be enough, they cherished every extra day together and knew their love and positivity helped them immensely along the way!
From having no clue to what GBM was and turning their lives completely upside down in every way imaginable and having limited people that could relate to them, they knew they didn’t want that for others on this journey. Ali and John wanted to share their experiences and hopefully shed light on GBM so they could support others going through the unimaginable and unknown so they started the Instagram page “Strong All Along” Thus, Ali and John began to document their battle with GBM as a way to share their day to day as a cancer patient and spouse and bring awareness to others. Through this, they began to connect with others having gone through or currently going through a similar battle. Hoping to help them stay “Strong All Along” on their journey as well.
*This episode is dedicated to the memory of my friend, Claire Echavarry, who sadly passed away from GBM. I miss you, boss.*Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I'm in conversation with wife and husband medical practitioners Sarah and Ata Anane-Adusei. Sarah shares her career as a radiologist and why she chose this career path. She also stresses the importance for women and men to have regular breast screening checks. Ata talks about his career as a psychiatrist, why mental health and well-being is vital, and he gives his reasons why he believes certain communities do not subscribe to the idea of mental health checks.
The couple discuss their experiences of racism in their careers, the importance of representation within their respective career fields and encouraging an interest in STEM to young students. Sarah and Ata also talk about ongoing projects for communities, raising a family, their Ghanaian heritage and of course, they share the quote and saying that continually inspires them.
Dr Sarah Anane-Adusei's (FRCR, MBBS, MPharm) journey into medicine was far from conventional. From an early age, she was passionate about science, which initially led her to pursue pharmacy. However, her aspirations evolved, and she later embarked on a graduate-entry medical program, successfully gaining admission in Wales. During her early years as a junior doctor, she discovered a strong interest in Radiology, a field that uses imaging to diagnose and treat diseases. She is now proud to be a Breast Radiologist, a role that allows her to combine her technical expertise with compassionate patient care. Throughout this journey, she has been fortunate to have the support of family and friends. However, she recognises that many aspiring individuals may not have access to similar support systems. Together with her husband, she has co-founded MedAspire, a company dedicated to guiding and mentoring individuals pursuing careers in medicine and dentistry.
Dr. Ata Anane-Adusei (MRCPsych, MBBS, PGCert, LLM, BSc) specializes in Forensic Psychiatry. He has thoroughly enjoyed his training journey and the opportunities it has provided. Ata earned his medical degree at St. George’s, University of London, where he received world-class training in a diverse environment. He spent his early years as a junior doctor in Northampton and Somerset, gaining invaluable experience across various medical and surgical specialties.Before his medical career, he taught Chemistry in South London, helping talented students secure places at prestigious universities. He also holds an LL.M in Medical Law and Ethics from the University of Kent, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester.
He aspires to work as a consultant in Forensic Psychiatry with a focus on Neurodiversity, particularly within black and ethnic minority communities.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
With the upcoming release of Season 2 of 'Squid Game', on today's episode I chat with BAFTA Award winning Executive Producer Stephen Yemoh. We talk about his work on the Squid Game: The Challenge TV series, how he started off his career within the entertainment industry and also the importance of representation. We also talk about his heritage, his love for music, Liverpool F.C and of course, Stephen shares the quote that continually inspires him.
Stephen began his career working at Sky Sports on Soccer AM before moving on to work on a range of shows at Endemol including Fame Academy, The Match and Soccer Aid.As a freelance producer he’s worked on many reality and entertainment shows including Comic Relief, Love Island, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and two series of The Circle, and now currently works at Studio Lambert.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I'm in conversation with director, screenwriter and producer Miguel Faus and talk about his debut feature film "Calladita" ('The Quiet Maid'), the first European film that was funded via an NFT crowdfund that Miguel started. Naturally, Miguel and I talk about NFTs and the community, talk about the challenges he faced with funding and how Film Director Steven Soderbergh got involved. Miguel also discusses the film directors who have influenced him and of course, he shares the quote that continually inspires him.
Miguel Faus is a screenwriter, director, and producer from Barcelona. "Calladita" is based on a short film of the same title that Miguel made in 2020, which premiered at Palm Springs Shortfest and Malaga Film Festival, and was acquired by HBO Max. During development, the project was selected at DAMA Aid and at Jim Cummings' Short to Feature Lab.His previous short film, "The Death of Don Quixote" (2018), won the Melies d'Argent for Best European Short Film at the Sitges Film Festival, and screened at many other festivals around the world.
In 2021, Variety named Faus as one of ten "Spanish filmmakers to watch."
He graduated with distinction from the MA Filmmaking at the London Film School, and before that, he was a Film Critic in Spain, specializing in interviewing directors such as Pawel Pawlikowski, Olivier Assayas, Ulrich Seidl, Francois Ozon, Terence Davies, Whit Stillman, Isaki Lacuesta, Pedro Costa and Albert Serra.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I'm in conversation with actress and creator Zai Sylla. Zai shares how she started on her career path as a content creator, her immense interest in Black stories and lived experiences via the medium of books, film and TV, and the importance of reaching a wider audience in sharing these stories. During the course of our chat, We also go in-depth about why the film 'Wicked' has had such a profound effect on her, and what being a strong independent Black woman means to Zai. We talk also about reclaiming one's power, issues of mental health not only as a creator but also within Black communities; African Pantheons and Gods; her unique heritage, who makes the better Jollof rice, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.
Zai is an actress and creator who splits her time between London, New York, and occasionally LA. With a large audience of almost half a million people across Instagram, TikTok, and Threads, Zai is known for her standout recommendations on Black led stories across books, tv shows and movies, creating content that inspires and connects. She’s partnered with brands like P&G at the NAACP Image Awards and obtained a UK-wide TikTok billboard campaign spotlighting Black authors. Her recent film credits include The Kitchen, produced by Daniel Kaluuya.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I have the honour of chatting to the talented animator, director and screenwriter Neeraja Raj. We geek out over all things animation including Studio Ghibli, 'Wallace & Gromit', Stop-motion animation legend Ray Harryhausen, and anime.
Amongst other things, Neeraja shares which animation inspired her on her career path, her Malayali heritage and how other other cultures have had a profound influence on her. We talk about why she believes the importance of telling the right story, creating strong female roles, mental health within the industry, imposter syndrome, and the challenges she encounters
Neeraja also discusses the projects that she has worked on including 'The Girl Who Built a Rocket', commissioned by WaterAid; 'She Creates Change'- a Nonprofit film series for gender equality. We also talk about her time working at Aardman Productions, a series development with Disney, and her personal projects like 'Meow or Never', which is a personal favourite of mine.
Neeraja Raj is a director, screenwriter & animator based in London. She has featured on Variety’s 'Top 10 Animators to Watch, 2022' list and is a 'Forbes 30 Under 30 - Entertainment' honoree of 2023. With over 7 years of diverse artistic experience, she excels in creatively directing projects with a focus on exceptional craftsmanship and execution.
For more about Neeraja and her work, please check her website:
https://www.neerajaraj.com/Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
In today's episode I have the pleasure of talking to the hosts of The HIV podcast, Jess and Sarah. The ladies talk about their individual careers before embarking on their current path working together at a HIV support organization for 16 years and continue to do so. They share how The HIV Podcast came into fruition and why it is important to continually educate people about HIV. In the course of our conversation, we talk about the difference between HIV and Aids; stigmas and misconceptions, peoples' reactions to having a HIV diagnosis and the importance of dispelling myths. We also talk about what 'undetectable = untransmittable' means, the difference between 'PrEP and PEP', what an 'undetectable viral load' and 'Elite Controller' means. Sarah and Jess also talk about HIV within communities, what the Government should do about funding and awareness, and we also go off on a slight tangent and talk about other health issues. And of course, the ladies share the quotes that continually inspire them.
The HIV Podcast is a multi award nominated, weekly podcast listened to in 179 countries. It is a podcast where talking about HIV is done in the same way we talk about weekend plans. You will laugh, smile and feel good and learn something. Ironically what makes The HIV Podcast so radical, is just how ‘normal’ it is. Normalising HIV is the only way we are going to reduce HIV stigma.
You can find the HIV podcast on all major podcast platforms and you can follow them on Tiktok and Instagram @TheHIVPodcastThanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
In today's episode I'm in conversation with Structural Engineer Zainab Adigun. Zainab shares how her early love for buildings put her on her career path, talks about the mindset of an engineer, her passion for calculations, problem solving and redoing modules, the importance of Net Zero and sustainability, and the excitement her role gives her. She discusses the challenges she faces as a Black woman from the naysayers, how she deals with imposter syndrome, the importance of educating the youth and her advocacy for STEM. Zainab also talks about her faith, what being Yorùbá means to her, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.
Zainab Adigun, a Senior Structural Engineer at Carbon Clean, is making a significant impact in the construction and engineering industries. With a passion for sustainability and a dedication to innovation, Zainab plays a crucial role in a company that is mitigating the impact of climate change through innovative modular carbon capture solutions.
Zainab volunteers as a board member for the Association for Black and Ethnic Minority Engineers (AFBE) where she is the team leader for the Making Engineering Hot which works with young people from black and other ethnic minority groups to expose them to careers in engineering. Recently, Zainab was listed as one of 100 Finalists for the Top Women in Engineering 2022 Awards as recognition of her contribution in encouraging females to consider a career in engineering. She won the CN & NCE Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering awards in 2022. Zainab has also recently won the Institution of Engineering and Technology( IET) Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize Award in 2023. She is also a member of the IET, and the prize is awarded to an inspiring engineer working in the UK, who is able to engage and encourage young people’s involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Zainab loves structures around the world and explores different structures as a structural engineering presenter and contributor and has been featured on BBC News, National Geographic Channel and the Science Channel . From pyramids in Cairo, Egypt and enormous German Bunkers in Calais, France to large residential development projects in the UK. Zainab wants to know all about it and take you on the journey of exploring them with her.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
In today's episode I'm in conversation with Social Media Strategist Kadisha Kaur-Singh. Kadisha draws on her expertise and advises on how to grow one's platform, why being able to hit certain metrics is important, and the relevance of being part of an online community.
Kadisha also answers a few of my questions including whether everything is a numbers game; the many pressures content creators face to maintain followers, the dangers of short attention spans, the evolving of social language, and mental health .
Kadisha also shares stories about her unique mixed heritage and identity, music and of course, the quote that continually inspires her.
Kadisha is an experienced Social media manager and copywriter, with roles including being the Head of Content & Strategy for an App company and also a Social Media Manager at a well known Social Media Platform.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
Music Producer Coryell Hyatt is the latest guest on the podcast. Coryell talks about how he started off within the music industry and his journey ever since. We discuss what his creative process is like, popular music today and why artists and musicians are adapting for certain target audiences, especially with today's social media. The conversation also puts a spotlight on copyright & IP, the educating and development of a new generation of artists, the many challenges within the industry, and the ulterior motives of digital platforms.
Coryell also talks about his musical collaboration with Grammy Award winner Julian Marley, how important his faith is to him, his heritage and family and of course, Coryell shares the quote that continually inspires him.
Coryell 'Footsteps' Hyatt is an international multi-genre Music producer(and Artist) from London and Co-Founder of F and F Music Studios. Coryell collaborates with various music artists and musicians, and has also worked with media brands such as BBC, JD SPORTS, SBTV, CREP PROTECT. He is also a studio engineer and a Voiceover Artist for KISS FM.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and in today's episode I have a chat with Tonye-Faloughi-Ekezie, author and founder of Simone's Oasis Foundation. Tonye shares with us the story of her daughter, Simone, who has Down's Syndrome, and the journey it has taken her and the family on. Tonye talks about why it was important for her to create an educational and creative platform for black and African children to bring an awareness of Special Needs, representation, inclusivity and empowerment.
Tonye also discusses the many challenges that she has had to face including issues of cultural stigmas within the community, colonised mindset, and rejections. Despite all this, she reveals how important her faith is to her, why motherhood is the best role she has, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.
Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionate
advocate based in Lagos, Nigeria. She and her husband are proud parents to
two children, Ugo and Simone. Her advocacy journey took flight when her
daughter, Simone, was diagnosed late with Down syndrome, resulting in heart
complications during infancy. Simone’s recovery became a catalyst for Tonye's
unwavering commitment to special needs advocacy.
Drawing from her successful career as a TV and film producer, Tonye
recognized a significant lack of representation for black and African children,
particularly those with special needs. This realization spurred her to create
"Ugo and Sim Sim," the world’s first picture book series featuring a black main
character with Down syndrome. She is also the author of Nigeria's pioneering
baby board book, "Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables."
Fueled by her fervour, Tonye founded the Simone’s Oasis Foundation, an
organization that merges creativity with advocacy to reshape societal views on
special needs and neurodiversity. The foundation uses storytelling and artistic
expression to challenge norms and showcase the potential of every child,
regardless of their abilities. Their advocacy spans books, music, music videos,
animation, podcasts, and documentaries.
Tonye is a founding member of the Association of Children’s Authors and
Illustrators of Nigeria and actively contributes to the Creative Industries
Development Bill committee under the office of the Presidency. Her dedication
has made her a sought-after panelist, consultant, facilitator, and speaker on
creative arts and education, animation, parenting, early intervention, and
special needs advocacy.
In addition, Tonye co-produced and co-hosted two podcasts: "Special Mums
Africa: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting" and the award-nominated
"Represented – Storybooks and More for African Kids," co-hosted with her
son, Ugo.
Currently, Tonye is developing several new children's books with Ouida
Publishing.
Her leadership and impact have been recognized globally, with her selection
for the American Express Leadership Academy, which highlights outstanding
non-profit leaders. This acknowledgment fortifies her dedication to nurturing
purposeful leadership, resilience, and innovation within the non-profit sector.
Connect with Simone’s Oasis on all social media platforms, including
YouTube, @simonesoasis.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I chat with Sangeetha Kowsik , founder and creator of Ihsanishan Design. Sangeetha talks about her role as the serving Hindu Chaplain at NYU/Columbia, the importance of her faith and why she is affectionately called 'The Puja Queen'; and furthering interfaith dialogue.
We talk about her career as a designer, including her role as the previous Head Designer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, being a trained Arab/Islamic calligrapher and the influences that inspire her work.
Sangeetha and I also discuss the importance of representation and normalisation, dismantling stigmas and stereotypes, why she is a proud Tamil American and South Asian Indian, cultural inheritance, music, and of course, she shares a quote that continually inspires her.
You can learn more about Sangeetha and her work at Ihsanishan.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I have a chat with Film and TV Editor Radek Sienski. Radek shares how he started his career within the industry and what he's learnt thus far. He talks about the importance of a good edit, what attributes are needed to be an effective editor and the importance of a good working relationship with the director on the project. Radek also talks about other projects he's worked on including 'First Dates', 'The Write-Offs', 'Man vs Bee', and 'Save Our Squad with David Beckham'.
We also discuss his favourite genre to work on, fanboy over Jackie Chan films; what James Bond film he would like to re-edit; and of course, Radek shares a couple of quotes that continually inspires him.
Radek Sienski is a BAFTA-nominated editor whose work includes 'Save our Squad with David Beckham', and Apple TV's 'Slow Horses'.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode, Rishma Dhaliwal has a sit-down with me to nerd out over most things Hip-Hop related. Rishma shares her immense love for the music, why its cultural importance and influence is of continual importance and significance in society, and what, in her opinion, is insightful Hip-Hop. From the Old Guard to the up and coming talent of Hip-Hop, we chat about it all including whom she would like to interview for her magazine, and what one of her pet peeves is within the music industry. Rishma also talks about her experience working within the media industry as a PR specialist, the importance of inclusion and diversity, and tips for those wanting to succeed within the competitive industry of music. Rishma also reveals whom she would like in her line-up for a Block Party, and of course, she talks about the quote that continually inspires her.
Rishma Dhaliwal is the founder of 'I am Hip-Hop' magazine, and is also a PR and marketing specialist with over 15 years of experience working in media and PR.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I talk with writer and film director Nick Rizzini. Nick talks about how he started his career and why he believes directing is his true calling rather than acting. We also discuss in depth of our shared passion for NFTs, and talk about his new documentary, "Deep Down The Rabbit Hole"- a documentary about NFTs, community, hope and despair. Nick also discusses the importance of good branding, his favourite director, and shares the quote that continually inspires him.
Nick is a writer/director based in the UK. He founded The Queen Mab Company, an independent film and video production company in 2017. After studying classical acting at LAMDA, he wrote and directed his first short movie “Shhh” that has been screened both nationally and internationally, through international distributors. His most recent work is “Framed”, a micro-budget feature film he self produced.Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode, I chat with actor Enva Lewis. Enva chats about her film acting debut in 'How to Have Sex', and why the film is important in exploring issues of consent and relationships. Enva also shares how her heritage has shaped her identity, the importance of being grounded and being true to oneself, and her pride for being a Birmingham native. Enva and I also talk about her upcoming projects, and we also geek out over the works of John Hughes including her personal favourite. Enva recounts on which film-set she worked on that also happened to be the set of her favourite film director. And of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.
Enva Lewis starred in the much-lauded & critically acclaimed 'How to have Sex'. She will next be seen in Amazon Prime's 'My Fault: London', a film based on the novel by Mercedes Ron. She will also be appearing in Lena Dunham’s upcoming Netflix series 'TOO MUCH'.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I chat with Film director, producer and writer Zarrar Kahn. Zarrar shares with us how he started his career including his passion for theatre. We also talk about his debut feature film, 'In Flames', which was Pakistan's official submission for Best International Film at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024, and also premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. We chat about the topic of identity and cultural heritage, the themes of relationships, issues of trauma, society and the male gaze. Zarrar also shares the quote that continually inspires him.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! -
On today's episode I chat with Radio Producer, Photographer and Filmmaker Anthony Cheng. Anthony shares his story about his musical education as a classically trained pianist, how he started within the industry, and also talks about his podcast, FORTE, where he has conversations with musicians, artists and musicians about their lives and philosophies. We also discuss his upcoming independently-made feature length documentary called 'Hidden Music', which explores the life and works of renowned art-song composer Ian Venables.
Anthony and I also have an in-depth conversation about heritage and cultural Identity, and of course, Anthony shares with us the quote that continually inspires him.Anthony Cheng started out his visual exploration in digital photography for over a decade before venturing into filmmaking at the start of 2022. Both his extensive experience in classical music (studied under a piano scholarship at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama) and in radio production have informed his passion for storytelling. It is this privilege to understand the nature of being human and how we operate in this world that makes a career in journalism, in the most general sense, exhilarating. When not filmmaking, he is producing political and cultural programmes with John Pienaar and Alexis Conran at Times Radio, a national broadcasting arm of the Times and Sunday Times newspaper in London, UK.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ! - Näytä enemmän