Blackout Podcast

Israel Ekanem

Blackout Podcast: Intimate Conversations With Amazing People Who Do Amazing Things. It is about unfiltered truth. A space to talk openly about life, art, mental health, family, beginnings and endings.

  1. Nicolae - Musical Artist / Professional DM

    6D AGO

    Nicolae - Musical Artist / Professional DM

    Nicolae is an alternative R&B singer, rapper, drummer, and producer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His music blends soulful R&B, hip-hop honesty, and rock-leaning energy, with rhythm always at the centre. His latest release, Honey Blooded, explores desire and addiction through metaphor, pairing cinematic textures with an electric edge and deeply personal storytelling. Before stepping fully into his solo work, Nicolae built his reputation as a drummer, performing across Atlantic Canada and beyond. Alongside many other projects, he was a founding member and drummer for Lindsay Misiner & the 7th Mystic, a project that earned two Music Nova Scotia Award nominations and an East Coast Music Award nomination. In November 2025, he performed his first solo showcase at Nova Scotia Music Week, delivering a live-producing set as a singing and rapping solo drummer, building full arrangements in real time using live drums, vocals, and electronics. Outside of music, Nicolae is also a professional Dungeon Master, running hundreds of paid tabletop role-playing games for players around the world. Storytelling connects everything he does — from world-building at the game table to songwriting and live performance. Whether he’s on stage, in the studio, or guiding players through an imagined world, Nicolae’s work is rooted in creativity, connection, and inviting people fully into the story. Nicolae is based out of Kjipuktuk (Halifax), on the unceded territory of Mi’kma’ki. Check him out @musicbynicolae Nicolae Otieno Orengowww.musicbynico.com @israeliekanem

    43 min
  2. Amanda Martin – Owner / Founder - Sweet Cheesus Charcuterie

    JAN 26

    Amanda Martin – Owner / Founder - Sweet Cheesus Charcuterie

    What started as a simple side hustle for a single mom in Halifax has exploded into a thriving business crafting stunning charcuterie boards and tables for weddings, corporate events, and more. In this inspiring and down-to-earth conversation, Amanda shares her incredible journey: from buying her first house and needing flexible work, to landing a 250-person corporate gala and fitting four commercial fridges in her kitchen. She opens up about the realities of balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, the viral power of a genius business name, and how social media helped build a supportive local food community. Get the inside scoop on her creative process, the math behind a 32-foot charcuterie table, and the heartwarming moment her young daughter started passing out business cards for "Stella's Charcuterie." Amanda also gets real about the less-glamorous parts of the job (spreadsheets!) and reveals the profound influence of a father who taught her to "just make it happen." Tune in for a story of passion, perseverance, and pretty plates that proves you can build something amazing right from your own kitchen. Amanda Martin is the heart behind Sweet Cheesus Charcuterie, creating stunning charcuterie boards that turn any occasion into something special. With a love for fresh, local ingredients and beautiful presentation, Amanda brings people together through food. When she’s not designing boards, Amanda enjoys spending time with her daughter, who inspires her creativity and passion for making every gathering unforgettable. Find out more @sweet_cheesus_charcuterie @israeliekanem

    18 min

About

Blackout Podcast: Intimate Conversations With Amazing People Who Do Amazing Things. It is about unfiltered truth. A space to talk openly about life, art, mental health, family, beginnings and endings.