Blackout Podcast

Israel Ekanem
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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. 18h ago

    Patricia (Patti) Kibenge - Multi Hyphenate

    She grew up running around a veterinary college, spent three years in med school hating it, ran away to the circus for a bit, and now she's a PhD researcher in adversarial machine learning who doesn't really believe in AI. Meet Patti—a woman who refuses to be put in a box. In this episode, Patti takes us on a journey through her winding career path: from microbiology and immunology to computer science, from fire-spinning festivals to DJing under the name DJ Patti.K. She breaks down what AI actually is (statistics on steroids), why she thinks the cons of AI outweigh the pros, and how she's using her research to stay sharp while questioning the technology she studies. Patti also opens up about her passion for lowering the barriers to computer literacy, her work with Tech Girls Canada, and why she's launched a DJ collective called Freak Alantik to create space for racialised queer DJs in Halifax. She shares how she balances being a researcher, a musician, a parent, and a community builder—all by knowing her values and staying true to herself. Whether you're curious about AI, looking to start a creative project, or just trying to figure out how to be in multiple places at once, this episode is for you. Patricia (Patti) Kibenge is a 2nd-generation Ugandan-Canadian living and loving in Kjipuktuk, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. She is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Dalhousie University in her final year of studies. Her research is in Adversarial Machine Learning (AML), which is an emerging field that combines cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, investigating attacks on machine and deep learning algorithms and defences against such attacks. In her spare time, she is a DJ, host, promoter and now also a mermaid. She can most likely be found working on her laptop at a café in the North End, supporting her 5-year-old's multiple interests and always surrounded by music. Find out more @patti.kibenge @dj.patti.k @freeqatl @blk.itnetwork

    Patricia (Patti) Kibenge - Multi Hyphenate

  2. Aug 31

    Takeover Productions - Media Collective

    Takeover Productions - Media Collective Takeover Productions is a Halifax-based media collective and event platform dedicated to spotlighting and strengthening the city’s vibrant local arts, music, and nightlife scenes. Built to champion the creative community from the ground up, the Instagram account serves as a digital stage featuring artist interviews—like their popular “30 Second Takeover” series—music videos, event coverage, and local business promotions. Beyond digital media, the brand organises accessible nightlife and networking events designed to bring Halifax creators, DJs, and musicians together under one roof to collaborate and grow. The platform was co-founded by Mitchell Hurley and Ben MacDonald, two Haligonians driven by a shared mission to unite the local creative ecosystem. MacDonald leads the creative side as the primary videographer and editor, while Hurley, who brought the “Takeover” name from his roots in Halifax’s car culture, frequently hosts interviews and engages directly with the community. Together, they created Takeover to ensure emerging talent has a platform to be seen and heard, creating a grassroots home for Halifax’s next generation of artists and nightlife organisers. Check them out @takeover.hfx

    Takeover Productions - Media Collective

  3. Aug 24

    Joelle El Kassir - Photographer / Restaurant Owner

    Joelle El Kassir is a Lebanese-Canadian entrepreneur, photographer, and business owner based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is the founder of IFL Photography, where she has spent over 15 years capturing meaningful stories through photography and videography, and the owner of Pizza Town PT Caffè Halifax. Passionate about creativity, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, Joelle enjoys building businesses that bring people together while inspiring others to pursue their dreams with resilience and purpose. Find out more @imagesforlife_canada @pizzatownhalifax @joelleelkassir

    Joelle El Kassir - Photographer / Restaurant Owner

  4. Aug 17

    Candace Mayers- Jewelry Designer/ Founder of Creative Fashion Hub

    Candace Mayers- Jewelry Designer/ Founder of Creative Fashion Hub Candace Mayers is a Trinidad-born creative who was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her passion for fashion, design, and culture has shaped a creative journey rooted in community, storytelling, and self-expression. Beginning her career as a jewelry designer and founder of C.Francis Jewelry, Candace has since expanded her vision by founding Creative Fashion Hub in Nova Scotia. Through the Hub, she is building an inclusive community that connects and empowers designers, stylists, models, photographers, and other creatives while helping strengthen the region's fashion industry through collaboration, education, and opportunity. Find out more @cfhatlantic https://www.myblackoutpodcast.com/blackout-podcast-episode-389-candace-mayers-jewelry-designer-founder-of-creative-fashion-hub/

    Candace Mayers- Jewelry Designer/ Founder of Creative Fashion Hub

  5. Aug 10

    Omolola Adeyemi – Culture Driven Brand Builder & Storyteller

    When people ask for "African prints," they're usually asking for Kente—but Omolala knows there's so much more. That's why she started Ova Afrique: to educate, preserve, and celebrate the rich tapestry of West African fabrics and the stories behind them. In this episode, Omolala takes us inside her world, from sourcing 40-year-old Aso Oke for a Human Rights Commission project, to creating custom bags that carry the names of women who preserve culture. She shares the meaning behind her brand's name (a blend of family names and "Afrique" with a French touch), why she chooses to use cowrie shells despite their misunderstood history, and how she's bringing authentic African craftsmanship to a global audience. Omolala also gets vulnerable about her journey with self-doubt, the fear of being seen, and the mentors who pushed her to step out of her shell. She reflects on the influence of her mother, a serial entrepreneur who taught her resilience and shares why she believes "your story is your strategy." Whether you're an entrepreneur, a culture enthusiast, or just someone trying to find your voice, this episode is a masterclass in authenticity and courage. Check them out @ovaafrique @nourish.offline

    Omolola Adeyemi – Culture Driven Brand Builder & Storyteller

  6. Aug 3

    Melānie Mendez Munden - Multidisciplinary Artist

    Melānie Mendez Munden is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans fashion, film, and the visual arts. Her creative practice is driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to explore the connections between artistic disciplines, using a variety of mediums to bring her ideas and vision to life. Expanding her platform for meaningful conversations, Melānie is launching her new radio show, WOW: Women of Wisdom, on 88.7 Cove FM, airing Thursdays at 7:00 PM. The show celebrates the voices of women through authentic, inspiring conversations and stories rooted in truth, resilience, and lived experience. Each week, Melānie will interview remarkable women from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, mothers, physicians, scientists, artists, and leaders in the wellness community, sharing their journeys, wisdom, and insights to empower and inspire listeners. Learn more @mekizokeikaikoa @coffee_withmelanie

    Melānie Mendez Munden - Multidisciplinary Artist

  7. Jul 27

    André Myette - Theater Director / Wrestler / Actor

    André Myette - Theater Director / Wrestler / Actor If you live in Colchester County, chances are you’ve crossed paths with André Myette. As the Executive Director of the Marigold Cultural Centre, André is a major driving force in Truro's arts scene, but that’s just one of the many hats he wears. Originally from Antigonish, André moved to the area for business college and spent over 20 years working as a graphic designer, web designer, and video editor. A true multi-hyphenate, he is also a long-time actor and director with the Hubtown Theatre Society, a popular local DJ, and a go-to trivia host. You might even recognise him from the New Breed Wrestling ring as "Old School" André Myette, where he laces up his boots to raise money for the Colchester SPCA. Deeply committed to his community, André has served on the boards of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Mosaik Credit Union, and has spent years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters. When he finally gets a moment of downtime, he loves nothing more than kicking back at home to watch movies with his wife and their four cats. Learn more @marigoldcentre

    André Myette - Theater Director / Wrestler / Actor

  8. Jul 20

    Ilona Inman - Pilot / Instructor / Creative Jewellery Repair & Upcycling

    Ilona is a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran, having turned an early fascination with aviation into a position as a helicopter pilot at one of Canada’s Tactical Helicopter Squadrons. After thirteen years in the CAF, Ilona was released following an injury. She continued in aviation for several years as a civilian helicopter flight instructor. Before & throughout her career in aviation, creativity & craft always played a large role in Ilona’s life, cultivated at an early age when she was encouraged to learn by creating – from sewing & knitting to building & painting. As an adult, Ilona learned the art of wire-wrap jewellery through evening classes, while posted to Comox, BC. This particular craft quickly became the focus of her creative energy. Now residing in Halifax, NS, Ilona took skills from both her career in aviation & instruction, and her creative practice into entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Mable & Rose Handmade, a creative costume jewellery repair & upcycling business that values secondhand materials, hands-on experiences and community. Check her out @mable_and_rose

    Ilona Inman - Pilot / Instructor / Creative Jewellery Repair & Upcycling
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Israel Ekanem
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ℗ & © 2020 Blackout Podcast
  • Show Website
    Blackout Podcast