Blackout Podcast

Tia Upshaw is a serial entrepreneur, mother of 3, nominee for Business Leader of the Year 2022 & 2023 Halifax Chamber of Commerce, nominee for RBC Woman of Influence 2021,2022 & 2023 and founder & CEO of Blk Women in Excellence. She is a mentor with Rise & Scotia Bank women's mentorship initiative in partnership with the Forum.She also is a well-known motivational speaker, entrepreneurship content creator ( Afrocentric lens) & facilitator with success stories attached to her facilitations. Find out more @blkwomeninexcellence

Lingjie was born in China, Shanghai and lived in Japan for 8 and a half years. She started working in the hospitality industry at an American dive bar in Tokyo.She moved to Canada and met the owners of DearFriend Matt Boyle and Jeff van Horn through the NSCC hospitality program and started working as a server.Having worked with and learned from so many amazing bartenders in Halifax, Lingjie got introduced to the cocktail world which opened her horizons. Due to her Chinese and Japanese background, she wants to bring more Chinese & Japanese cultural ingredients and creativity into the drinks she makes.The Chinese liquor “baijiu”, is an amazing spirit, with a long history, and culture as well as different aromas and special flavours. Check out Lingjie @lingjie_0708 

Moashella Shortte is a mother, educator, author, entrepreneur, and child and youth advocate.   She received her formal training at Mount Saint Vincent University, earned an Early Childhood Management Certificate at St. Mary’s University and was granted a “Baccalauréat en sciences humaines” from “immigration et communautés culturelles”, in Montreal. She spent most of her formative working years at the East Preston Day Care and Family Resource Centre and ultimately became its Executive Director. In 2018, she co-founded Learning4YoungMinds, a company offering online and in-person workshops teaching empathy and socialization to young children; anti-racism training for educators and student support workers; and writing support for BIPOC youth. She currently serves on the ECE advisory committee and is filling the role of lead faculty for the Africentric Cohort of the ECE program at the Nova Scotia Community College. Moashella defines her mission as providing as many learners as possible with exceptional learning experiences that will help them build a strong, positive foundation for learning for life!Find out more @moashellamshortte

As a teenager, Chris had managed to narrow down his future to either becoming a Buddhist monk or running the race to be successful. For various reasons, he chose the latter, but he's always kept one foot in the world of subtle energy and strange events.As a roughneck, he studied alternative health modalities, and when his encounter with the fossil fuel industry motivated him to study renewable energy, he kept an eye out for hints about the kind of energy he studied in that context. These dual interests have all stayed active, recently leading to two books - one on the spiritual side of programming, and one a children's book on health.Chris has an ongoing interest in combining technology with spirituality and hopes to continue his exploration of the weird overlap between those fields in the years to come. He believes there is a lot we don't know about the world - and that learning more about it all is a great way to spend his finite time on the planet. His current research on time and quantum mechanics has really stretched his brain, and he hopes to use that flexibility to work on similar projects - he's interested in bioinformatics and music, but also open to whatever else comes across his path.Find out more about ChrisCheck out his GitHub

Wyndolyn Brown started Empowerment For Hope, a non-profit organization based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.Empowerment For Hope helps and supports girls, women and gender-diverse persons from other marginalized communities involved in sex trafficking or at risk of being involved, which in turn results in addiction and or homelessness.Find out more @empowermentforhope

Using a songwriting ability seldom found in musicians of his age group, 19-year-old Joe Hubley takes inspiration from Motown-soul, funk, and synth-pop artists to intricately craft a sound that is uniquely his own while paying a crafty homage to his musical predecessors. Hubley made waves coming up in Halifax's fruitful all-ages scene, becoming known for his incredibly enigmatic live shows and commanding stage presence.Coming off his first solo tour across Atlantic Canada in the Fall of 2022, Joe Hubley is preparing for the release of his latest single 'Post Up' - available on all streaming services on Friday, April 7th. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Em Bowden-Gil (Arc5ive), as well as production from Colleen Shaw and Braden Kamermans at Üthful Music in North-end Halifax.Check him out @hubleyjoe

Alyssa is a self-taught artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia.Currently immersed in painting with acrylics on birch gallery panels. Her works are inspired by everyday moments captured first with her camera and then with her paint brushes.Alyssa is captivated by bringing light and depth to her paintings while leaving behind visible brush strokes to maintain a painted look and feel.She sells original paintings and accepts commission work.Find out more @watercoloursmakemesmile

Blessing Owowa is the Creative Director and Owner of DB Pearlz Designs, an Afrocentric fashion brand with a unique selling point of blending the best of modern Western and African fashion cultures. DB Pearlz Designs specializes in apparel making (bespoke and ready-to-wear), accessories (bags, purses and headpieces), footwear and custom-fit tailoring services using quality African and Western fabrics.You can follow Blessing on her business social media handles (Facebook & Instagram: @dbpearlzdesigns) as well as her website: https://www.dbpearlzdesigns.com.

Paollo13 is a Lebanese-Canadian rapper hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, known for his lyrical prowess and undeniable talent. Born and raised in the vibrant and multicultural community of Halifax, Paollo13 found inspiration in the rich diversity of his surroundings and used it as fuel to craft his own unique style of music.In 2022, Paollo13 released his highly anticipated debut studio album, "Stunted Growth," which was met with critical acclaim and cemented his place as a rising star in the Canadian hip-hop scene. The album, released by Black Buffalo Records, showcased Paollo13's impeccable flow and sharp lyricism, highlighting his ability to tackle complex themes with ease.Paollo13's talent and hard work have earned him several accolades throughout his career. He won the Hopscotch Festival's "Each One Teach One" competition, which recognizes emerging talent in the hip-hop community. He has also collaborated with renowned artists such as Ghettosocks, Aquakultre, Marv Won, Sonnyjim, and GMD Jets, further solidifying his status as a respected and sought-after artist.Despite his success, Paollo13 remains grounded and committed to using his platform to give back to his community. He is passionate about using his music to inspire and empower others, especially those from marginalized communities, and continues to work tirelessly to make a positive impact through his art.As Paollo13's star continues to rise, there is no doubt that he will continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop and inspire countless others with his music.Check him out @paollo13

Allie White, with RE/MAX NOVA, has qualified for the esteemed RE/MAX Platinum Club Award, which honours high-achieving real estate professionals for their service to buyers and/or sellers during the past year.Allie White has been serving her community as a real estate agent with RE/MAX NOVA for 1 year and 4 years as an agent. She has extensive experience in renovations, investment properties, and commercial real estate.Amongst Allie White's list of achievements, she earned a position in the top 20 at RE/MAX NOVA in 2022 and was awarded the 100% Club award in 2021.Learn more @allierealty

Ugochi is a skilled development strategist, with over a decade of experience in investment banking, business development, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.She is an intellectually curious professional who is self-motivated and persistently innovates ideas to create prime and viable solutions for businesses to succeed and stay ahead.Find out more on her LinkedIn @ughochiwest

Stak is an acclaimed producer/songwriter that grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to Canada about 7 years ago.Because of his passion for music, Stak started writing his own songs and later found his love for beat-making. He is fondly known for his unconventional blend of Afrobeats and RnB as his choice of music and is the powerhouse to most of Arenye’s music.He is the current Director of Million Vibes, a media collective boasting the finest Afrobeats artists on the East Coast. Check him out @stak_01

A native of Andros, Bahamas, Danielle Gaitor, M.Sc. B.Sc., is a scientist, author, and creative.She hopes to inspire all youth to love themselves unapologetically and to stand firmly in who they are.Her debut book is dedicated to all black girls and boys around the world, teaching them about self-care and self-love. Look out for more from her coming in the near future!Learn more @danielle.gaitor

Kolade Kolawole-Boboye is the Co-founder & Brand Management of LDN Records INC, a Director and Alumni at Hope Blooms.Kolade sees himself as a lifelong learner that wants to build relationships with others through creative entrepreneurial collaborations.Kolade is a member of the Hope Blooms Board of Directors, a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Architecture Award for Outstanding Design in Greenhouse, successfully pitched to the CBC’s Dragons Den & a Recipient of CBC’s Dragons Den Top Pitches of all Time 2016, Hosted the 1st outdoor musical performance on spring garden in collaboration with Spring Garden Business Admin.Kolade is a creative, outgoing, dedicated individual who wants to build and expand his experience through creative work.Check him out @koladeboboye

Frantik is a songwriter/ recording artist based in Halifax Nova Scotia.With influences ranging from HipHop, RnB, bedroom pop and Jungle Frantik tells vivid stories about his experiences and the world around him.He hopes that his music can help others to be comfortable in their own skin and be the best that they can be. Check him out @frantikmusic

Bria is a mixed media and digital artist, jewellery maker, graphic facilitator, DJ + small business owner. Their business Bria Makes Things sells original art prints, vinyl stickers, greeting cards, handmade jewellery and accessories, and other handmade creations.Find out more @encouraginghonesty and @briamakesthings

Chassidy Sule was born & raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has one of the most outgoing/ friendly personalities.She created a fitness page initially as a mental health healing journey and to track her fitness progress. This, later on, turned into a passion for fitness and creating content relating to fitness.Chassidy is big on wanting to help others grow as she feels everyone should win, not just herself.She is an influencer in the making & as a content creator, it takes patience, practice, creativity & dedication. Chassidy is committed to staying focused on this interest not only as it makes her happy, but also in hopes of it impacting someone else’s life in a positive way.If you’re looking for a positive genuine influence on your health or fitness journey make sure to follow her fitness-orientated page @getfitwithchass

“PenDragon”: (she/her) an Indigenous/2SLGBTQIA+ flow artist who utilizes face paint and props to create unique characters that engage the audience in an immersive world of artistry and movement. Debuting as a performer in 2021, she has appeared on multiple stages in venues across Halifax and Nova Scotia, including Electric Pines Music Festival, Underground Love Affair, New Affiliation HFX, East Coast Emo Night, Future Winter, and the Atlantic Sex Show!When she’s not appearing on stage for flow, Sweeny spends her time creating visual art and body paintings under her other business: “PenScratch Paintings: Art by Lauren D. Sweeny”, a small but growing business in Kjipuktuk(Halifax), NS. Self taught with no formal art education, Sweeny draws inspiration from her love of music, movement, and the creative humans around her.Concierge and Harm Reductionist by Day, Flow Performer, Visual Artist, and Body Painter by night, Lauren is a colourful soul with many layers.All upcoming shows, bookings, inquiries, links, and information can be found here 

Meghan is settled on the east coast of Canada in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. She’s a St. Mary’s University graduate where she completed a double major in psychology and philosophy. Meghan has made efforts to help people that cross her path in whatever capacity they need.In addition to working in the financial industry, she is a podcaster, digital creator and business owner.She wants others to have the life they want, and she’s showing others how to do it while she curates that for herself. In her newest venture, Meghan wants to provide everyone with an experience that doesn’t require a passport or plane ticket. All it takes is one experience to open up a whole new world and a shift in lifestyle.Check her out @meghanbetter

Ugochukwu Onyekwere is a Nigerian photographer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Over the last five years, Ugo's work has encompassed a wide range of photographic genres, including portraiture, documentary, event, and fashion photography.Ugo's passion for the creative process has recently translated into video production, where he is experimenting with creative and stylistic approaches to story-telling through directing and post-production.He also expresses martial arts through kickboxing and fitness exercises, and he enjoys motivating those around him to stay fit.Check him out @joseph.u_

Daniella originates from sunny and beautiful Ghana in West Africa and was born into a very close-knit large family of six. She now resides in what she likes to call her second home, Canada. She has been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit and absolutely loves it, and from her travels, she sees the beauty and art in everything, from sunsets to clouds, to faces and fabrics. From her infancy, she has gravitated towards art, fashion or anything of a creative nature. She has styled for fashion shoots and enjoys bringing beauty out of everyone! Having been gifted her artistic ability by God, she tries to showcase Him in all aspects of her work. When she noticed that her creativity could evoke beautiful emotions, she thought it important to share this gift with the world! She has done book covers like that of “Afraid of the Dark” byGuyleigh Johnson and completed her full-length illustration of the book titled “Father Song – the book” by Owen O’ Sound Lee in 2022. She published her website, where she sells commissioned pieces, daniellasam.net Daniella is a fun-loving Christian, who loves to enjoy everyday life, as she sees each day as a blessing. Recruiter by day and artist as a lifestyle, Daniella loves to collaborate and make connections wherever she goes with her bubbly personality and enthusiastic zeal for life!Check out @ellabubbly

As a lifelong artist, Gloire Paluku also Known as Aelfaz Arts grew up in Makindye, Kampala, Uganda, born in D.R. Congo in 2001. He does not have a lot of school experience as an artist but joined a few classes as he was in high school because art was all the things he wanted and a part of his Gene. Aelfaz is always looking for the next opportunity to translate his everyday experiences, with the major of painting into artistic expressions and world since 2010. His approach and output are constantly evolving as he hones his personal style. However, he refuses to be typecast and works hard to ensure he does not repeat himself.No matter what, Aelfaz Arts approaches each project with complete enthusiasm and total dedication. The image that he is living in now largely influences his creativity and art as a whole where he has always been pushing hard creativity and his passion to the higher boundaries and enjoys trying different styles. He always comes up with inter-discipline for his art in his finding of new different ideas to make his art stands out and it preaches too.Check out @aelfaz_

A storyteller by ‘nurture’, Erica Meus-Saunders left the Bahamas and moved to Nova Scotia six years ago to attend film school. After graduating in 2017, she quickly became immersed in the film industry, working in various crew roles, and creating a few short docs, in which she held multiple roles as director, producer and camera.Her short doc, The Dreamers - 9 mins, (producer & director), has played at FIN: AtlanticInternational Festival (2019), The Emerging Lens 2019 and the Halifax Black Film Festival 2020, and most recently “Music Resistance” (producer & director), has played at FIN 2022, HIFF2022, and St. John’s International Women's Festival 2022.She’s just completed a scripted short, “Eua-Lander” through AFCOOP’s Film 5 program, which is currently on its festival run and has played at FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival (2022)and Silver Wave Film Festival (2022). Erica is also the current Executive Director of the AtlanticFilmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP).One of her favourite quotes is, “If your dreams don’t scare you just a little, they’re not big enough.”Check out @ericameuss

DeRico is a 7th-generation African Nova Scotian. He is the Senior Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister, of the Province of Nova Scotia, in the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives.He is a founding member of two non-profit organizations in Halifax, ACCE HFX, and Gamechangers902. DeRico Symonds holds an undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Study (2012) and an MEd in counselling through Acadia University (2018). DeRico is also a nationally certified therapist with the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy association.DeRico volunteers his time with a multitude of endeavours such as supporting communities through incidents of violence, mentoring youth, making, and creating community connections and leading fundraisers for community members in need.“If we all do a little, nobody has to do a lot alone” – DeRico SymondsMore info www.dericosymonds.ca