Are We There Yet With Jermaine Curtis Liburd

Jermaine Curtis Liburd
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This isn’t a story about people who’ve already “made it”… This is about people who are on the way. Are We There Yet? is a raw, real podcast that explores the journeys of ambitious entrepreneurs, tech founders, creatives, and everyday grinders who are building something from nothing. Each episode dives into: The failures nobody talks about The wins nobody sees The pressure, doubt and discipline The sacrifices behind the scenes The mindset it takes to keep going when quitting feels easier We ask one simple question that holds everything together: “Are we there yet?” Not just in business…

  1. Mar 23

    Ep 15 - Paul Taylor Pt1| After 60 Years… He Finally Tells The Truth About Religion, Race & Identity

    🔥 This conversation will challenge how you see identity, religion, race, masculinity, education, and human behaviour.In this powerful 5.5-hour deep dive, Jermaine Curtis Liburd sits down with educator, cultural engagement specialist, and philosopher Paul Taylor (Paul Eme / Paul Obinna) to explore the psychological and philosophical forces that shape human identity and belief systems.Born in Preston in 1959 and raised in Blackburn, Paul grew up as a mixed-race child adopted into a white Christian family, navigating racism, belonging, faith, masculinity, and identity from an early age. He later became an educator in Manchester’s Moss Side during a complex social period, worked in prisons, and developed strong perspectives on discipline, culture, spirituality, and human consciousness. His journey offers rare insight into the intersection of race, religion, psychology, and education.This episode goes far beyond biography — it explores what shapes belief, behaviour, and personal evolution across a lifetime of experience.If you are interested in psychology, spirituality, philosophy, religion, race identity, masculinity, education systems, or human consciousness — this is one of the most thought-provoking conversations you will watch.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction & Context08:42 – Childhood Memories & Early Identity Formation32:10 – Growing Up Mixed Race in a White Family58:27 – Discovering Biological Parentage & Emotional Impact1:22:18 – Religion, Christianity & Moral Foundations1:48:05 – Anger, Masculinity & Emotional Development2:15:44 – Martial Arts, Discipline & Self-Control2:39:52 – Identity Conflict & Belonging3:05:36 – Choosing Education Over Boxing3:28:14 – Teaching in Moss Side: Social Reality of the 1980s3:55:02 – Authority, Discipline & The “Mr Taylor” Persona4:18:27 – Education System Failures & Youth Behaviour4:41:09 – Teaching in Prisons & Understanding Human Nature5:02:33 – Race, Culture & Belonging in Modern Society5:14:40 – Religion, Hypocrisy & Human Behaviour5:24:18 – Spiritual Perspective & Final Reflections5:30:00 – Closing Thoughts🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST“Are We There Yet?” is a long-form interview platform exploring the journeys, struggles, psychology, and philosophies of entrepreneurs, creatives, thinkers, and individuals with powerful life experiences. Hosted by Jermaine Curtis Liburd, the show focuses on honest conversations about growth, identity, success, adversity, and human development.📌 TOPICS COVERED• Identity and belonging• Adoption psychology• Mixed-race experiences• Religion vs spirituality• Masculinity and discipline• Anger and emotional development• Education systems and youth culture• Prison education insights• Race and culture debates• Human behaviour and consciousness• Personal philosophy and life lessons📲 FOLLOW & CONNECTSubscribe for more deep conversations on psychology, success, spirituality, and human development.#podcast #religion #philosophy #psychology #identity #race #education #spirituality #masculinity #selfdevelopment #mindset #humanbehavior #culture #jermainecurtisliburd

  2. Mar 23

    Episode 14 - Black Firefighter Speaks Out on Racism, Prison & Being Erased | Curtis McLardie

    Black firefighter speaks out on racism, prison, and feeling erased after 14 years in the UK Fire Service.This is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had on Are We There Yet?Curtis McLardie grew up in Moss Side, Manchester, born to a 16-year-old single mother and raised in the 12 Tribes of Israel faith. He went on to become one of the few Black firefighters in Greater Manchester — serving 14 years in the Fire & Rescue Service.In this 3-hour 20-minute interview, Curtis shares his experience of:• Alleged racism during Fire Service recruitment• A controversial senior officer's remark• Building a community boxing club from inside a fire station• Feeling marginalised despite national recognition• Being charged with £6 million worth of heroin and cocaine — and being unanimously found NOT GUILTY• Spending 3½ weeks in prison• Returning to work under suspicion• Resigning and rebuilding his life abroad• Fatherhood, premature birth trauma, and caring for a disabled partner• Reapplying years later — and feeling rejected againThis episode explores institutional culture, identity, masculinity, fatherhood, resilience and what happens when you serve a system that doesn’t feel like it serves you back.Curtis says:"I left the Fire Service… but the Fire Service hasn’t left me."This is a conversation about truth, healing, and accountability.Watch until the end.⏱ TIMESTAMPS (3:20:00)00:00 Introduction05:00 Born in Salford – Teenage Mother14:00 Moss Side Childhood24:00 Raised Rasta – Identity & Faith36:00 Masculinity & Race Growing Up48:00 Joining the Fire Service58:00 Recruitment Racism1:10:00 Deputy Chief Controversy1:22:00 Isolation Within the Service1:35:00 Serving Moss Side1:48:00 The Birth of the Boxing Club2:02:00 Media Attention & Community Impact2:15:00 Marginalisation Begins2:28:00 Coaching Certificate Conflict2:40:00 £6M Drug Charge2:52:00 Prison Experience3:02:00 Not Guilty Verdict3:08:00 Returning to Work3:14:00 Bullying & Resignation3:18:00 Rebuilding Abroad & Final Reflection#jermainecurtisliburd#arewethereyetpodcast#firefighterstory#blackfirefighter#racismdiscussion#institutionalracism#ukfireandrescue#manchesterpodcast#mosside#realstories#prisonstory#resilience#mensmentalhealth#britishpodcast#longformpodcast

  3. Mar 23

    Ep 13 - Stace Don| Where did Safeguarding collapse? My father raped me | This could've been stopped

    This is not just a survivor story.This is a 3 hour+ in-depth conversation about safeguarding failures, reunification policy, trauma recovery, and what happens when systems designed to protect children break down.In this powerful episode of Are We There Yet?, Stace Don shares her journey from being removed from danger at 18 months old… to being sent back into unsafe environments at 10. We explore attachment trauma, grooming psychology, court decisions, risk assessment gaps, mental health neglect, and the long-term impact of CPTSD.This conversation is not about blame — it’s about reform.We discuss:• Foster care and attachment disruption• Reunification and safeguarding checks• Cross-agency communication failures• Living with a known offender• Trauma, hypervigilance and CPTSD• Criminalisation of trauma survivors• Mental health system gaps• Prison day release and victim protection• Breaking generational cycles• What reforms could prevent this happening againThis episode is heavy, honest and necessary.If you work in safeguarding, social care, mental health, criminal justice or child protection — this conversation matters.Viewer discretion advised. Support links are provided below.00:00 Introduction & Safeguarding Disclaimer05:42 Removed at 18 Months – The Start of the Story18:30 Foster Care, Attachment & Feeling Safe35:10 The Park Incident & Identity Shock52:40 Reunification at 10 – Court Decisions & Red Flags1:12:15 Manipulation, Grooming & Silence1:32:50 Living With a Known Offender1:55:40 Fear, Isolation & Psychological Survival2:14:30 Escape, Pregnancy & Carrying Trauma2:32:10 CPTSD, Hypervigilance & Mental Health Gaps2:48:45 Criminalisation & Rock Bottom (2012–2019)3:02:20 Blogging, Healing & Finding Purpose3:12:40 What Would Have Saved Me?3:17:50 Survivor or Victim?3:19:00 Are We There Yet?Support Resources (UK):This episode discusses trauma, abuse and safeguarding. If you are affected by any of the topics discussed, support is available:🆘 If You’re in Immediate DangerEmergency Services (UK): Call 999If you can’t speak: Dial 999 and press 55 when prompted.🧠 Mental Health SupportNHS Mental Health Serviceshttps://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/Samaritans (24/7 emotional support)📞 116 123 (Free, 24/7)https://www.samaritans.org/Shout (Text support service)Text SHOUT to 85258https://www.giveusashout.org/🛡️ Abuse & Sexual Violence SupportNSPCC (Child Protection & Safeguarding)https://www.nspcc.org.uk/Helpline: 0808 800 5000NAPAC (Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse)https://napac.org.uk/Support line: 0808 801 0331Rape Crisis England & Waleshttps://rapecrisis.org.uk/24/7 Support Line: 0808 500 2222Victim Support (Crime Support Services)https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/Support line: 0808 168 9111👩‍👧 Support for Parents & FamiliesFamily Liveshttps://www.familylives.org.uk/Helpline: 0808 800 2222🧒 If You Are a Young PersonChildline (Under 19)📞 0800 1111https://www.childline.org.uk/#Safeguarding#FosterCare#ChildProtection#TraumaRecovery#CPTSD#SurvivorStory#SystemFailure#AreWeThereYet#jermainecurtisliburd

  4. Mar 23

    Episode 12 - From Care, Crack & Prison to Counsellor and Home owner – Derek Fredericks’ Untold Story

    Written off at 9. Addicted for 20 years. Nearly a decade in prison.This is the full story of Derek Fredericks.Born in Moss Side, Manchester in 1967, Derek Fredericks grew up in poverty as one of eight siblings in a mixed-race family. By age nine he was placed into care and labelled “maladjusted” by a psychologist — a label that followed him into school exclusions, addiction, crime, and multiple prison sentences.He started smoking cannabis at 12. Used heroin at 18. Spent over 20 years addicted to heroin and crack cocaine. Served approximately 7–8 years in prison.But on May 23rd, 2005, everything changed.In this 3 hour 27 minute episode of Are We There Yet?, Derek opens up about childhood trauma, the UK care system, addiction, prison life, shame, identity, race, belonging, and what true recovery looks like beyond just “getting clean.”After rehab, Derek returned to education at 39, trained in Health & Social Care, became a therapist, trained as a teacher, ran a private counselling practice for 15 years, and worked for 20 years at the same rehab that saved his life.This conversation explores:• Growing up in care in the UK• Addiction recovery and rehabilitation• Prison reform and lived experience• Childhood trauma and labelling• Education later in life• Moving from service user to professional helper• Building stability after chaos• Identity, race, and belongingIf you’ve ever felt written off, labelled, or trapped by your past — this episode is proof that transformation is possible.⏱ TIMESTAMPS (3:27:00 Total)00:00 – 05:08 | Opening: Written Off Early05:09 – 19:34 | Growing Up in Moss Side & Longsight19:35 – 34:50 | Poverty, Identity & Family Dynamics34:51 – 53:12 | Entering Care at 9 & Being Labelled53:13 – 1:12:28 | School Exclusions & System Failure1:12:29 – 1:32:40 | First Drugs at 12 & Crime Culture1:32:41 – 1:53:18 | Heroin, Crack & 20 Years of Addiction1:53:19 – 2:12:55 | Prison Sentences & Survival Inside2:12:56 – 2:28:44 | Shame, Identity & Hitting Rock Bottom2:28:45 – 2:43:22 | May 23rd 2005 – The Turning Point2:43:23 – 2:58:40 | Education at 39 & Becoming a Therapist2:58:41 – 3:12:30 | From Addict to Counsellor & Teacher3:12:31 – 3:21:48 | Working at the Rehab That Saved Him3:21:49 – 3:27:00 | Life After Recovery, Legacy & Reflection

  5. Mar 23

    Episode 11 - Tanzi |Married at 17. A Mum at 18. Divorced, Alone — Then She Rebuilt Her Life

    Married at 17. A mum at 18. Divorced at 24. A single mother for 13 years.This is a powerful female empowerment story about resilience, rebuilding after divorce, single motherhood, and transforming your life through fitness and self-belief.In this episode of Are We There Yet?, we speak with a woman from Bolton, UK, who followed a traditional path early in life — marriage, motherhood, responsibility — only to find herself separated at 20 and rebuilding alone by 24.The same year she divorced, she also lost her father.She graduated with a law degree — alone.She spent 10 years working as a carer while quietly surviving emotionally.For years, she lived in survival mode.Then fitness changed everything.Through personal development, discipline, and mindset transformation, she rebuilt her confidence, strength, and identity. She became a personal trainer to help other women overcome low self-worth, rebuild after divorce, and take control of their lives.This episode covers:• Getting married young and growing up too fast• Divorce and single motherhood struggles• Grief and losing a parent• Mental health and emotional resilience• Fitness transformation and mindset change• Building confidence as a woman• Starting again later in life• Healthy boundaries and self-worth• Wanting love again from a place of strengthIf you’re a woman who feels behind in life, rebuilding after heartbreak, raising a child alone, healing from divorce, or rediscovering your identity — this conversation will resonate deeply.You are not late.You are not behind.You are becoming.🎙️ Are We There Yet? — real stories of resilience, growth and transformation.00:00 – Intro & opening monologue03:45 – Growing up in Bolton & early identity11:30 – Islamic school, faith & expectations18:40 – Marriage at 17 & becoming a mum at 1829:20 – Separation at 20 & feeling isolated39:10 – Divorce, losing her dad & emotional impact48:30 – Graduating in law alone55:40 – Life as a single mum in survival mode1:04:30 – Working as a carer & putting herself last1:11:50 – Discovering fitness as healing1:20:10 – Mental transformation before physical1:27:30 – Becoming a personal trainer1:34:50 – Helping women rebuild confidence1:40:20 – Goals, freedom & future vision1:45:30 – Love, self-worth & final message1:47:30 – Are We There Yet? closing reflection🎙️ Are We There Yet?#jermainecurtisliburd#arewethereyet,#womenempowerment,#femalegrowth,#singlemumlife,#womensstories,#womensupportingwomen,#healingjourney,#selfworth,#survivorstory,#fitnessjourney,#mentalhealthawareness,#womenspodcast,#rebuildinglife,#inspirationalwomen,#resilience,#confidencebuilding,#personaltrainerlife,#womensvoices,#jermainecurtisliburd

  6. Mar 23

    Episode 10 - Kai Bunz| From Man United to Prison Before 18 | Survival, Prison & Redemption

    From Manchester United & Liverpool academies to prison before 18 — this is the unfiltered story of Kai Bunz.In this powerful 2 hour 34 minute episode of Are We There Yet?, Jermaine Curtis Liburd sits down with Kai Bunz, a Salford rapper and founder of Clean Hearted Savages, to explore growing up in Irlam and Chapel Street, youth exclusion, policing pressure, prison before adulthood, and turning survival into purpose.Kai speaks openly about being arrested regularly as a child, losing a promising football career after a broken leg at 11, being excluded from school at 14, and being sentenced to prison just one week before his 18th birthday for a Section 20 case he maintains he didn’t commit.We also discuss:• Life during the Salford riots and Operation Gulf• The mental impact of prison on teenagers• Starting independent UK rap during COVID• Accountability, growth and mindset shifts• Building Clean Hearted Savages as a movement rooted in integrity• Breaking cycles and helping the next generationThis episode explores UK street culture, prison reform, youth violence, Manchester rap, redemption stories, and personal transformation — without glorifying the streets.If you’ve ever felt written off, misunderstood, or forced to grow up too fast, this conversation will hit home.Subscribe for real long-form UK podcast conversations.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (2:34:00)00:00 – Intro: From football to prison03:20 – Growing up in Irlam, Salford09:10 – Moving to Chapel Street at 1415:30 – Arrested weekly as a child23:40 – Playing for Man United & Liverpool31:20 – The broken leg at 1138:10 – School exclusion & labels47:00 – Police pressure & targeting58:30 – Salford riots & Operation Gulf1:09:40 – Arrest at 16 (Section 20 case)1:20:50 – Prison before 181:34:30 – What prison does to teenagers1:47:10 – Accountability & mindset shift1:58:40 – Starting music during COVID2:09:20 – Independent UK rap grind2:18:30 – Clean Hearted Savages meaning2:27:40 – Growth, purpose & legacy2:34:00 – Final reflections#arewethereyet #jermainecurtisliburd #KaiBunz #salfordcity #ukpodcast #realstories #lifeafterprison #redemptionstory #CleanHeartedSavages

  7. Jan 15

    Episode 9 - Jake Rees | God, the Universe, and Healing — Where Do We Draw the Line?

    In a time where more people than ever are searching for healing, purpose, and belonging, new spiritual communities and movements are rapidly emerging.Some genuinely help people heal.Others raise difficult — and necessary — questions.In this episode of Are We There Yet?, host Jermaine Curtis Liburd sits down with Jake Rees, founder of Illumin8te and The Lighthouse Community, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation about belief, healing, power, and accountability.Jake opens up about his journey — growing up in Wythenshawe, childhood trauma, identity loss, a near-death experience, and the spiritual awakening that led him to create Illumin8te. We then go deeper, exploring the ethos behind the movement, its ceremonies, healing claims, and the responsibility that comes with leading vulnerable people.Jermaine approaches the conversation openly — but honestly — from a Christian perspective. This is not a debate, and it’s not a hit piece. No labels are applied. Instead, hard questions are asked, and viewers are invited to listen carefully and make up their own minds.📌Topics explored include:✨Trauma, identity, and the search for belonging✨Spiritual awakening vs psychological vulnerability✨What Illumin8te is — community, movement, or belief system✨Healing claims and how they’re supported✨Rituals, ceremonies, and altered states of consciousness✨God, the universe, and spiritual authority✨Power, accountability, and responsibility✨Where the line sits between community… and control✨This episode isn’t designed to tell you what to think.✨t’s designed to ask the questions many people are afraid to ask.Truth doesn’t fear questions.⚠️ Viewer NoteThis episode discusses spiritual practices, belief systems, and healing claims. Viewers are encouraged to think critically and seek professional, medical, or pastoral guidance where appropriate.#Christian #Christianity #JesusChrist #Jesus #Christ #Faith #Bible #God #Gospel #Truth #BiblicalTruth #ChristianApologetics #Discernment #TestTheSpirits #SpiritualDiscernment #SoundDoctrine #BiblicalWorldview #ChristianPodcast #ChristianYouTube #ChristianContent #AreWeThereYet #Spirituality #Healing #Faith #Truth #Belief #Religion #ChristianPerspective #SpiritualAwakening #ModernSpirituality #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #

  8. Jan 15

    Episode 8 - From Care Home to Crack Addiction to YouTube Star — The Untold Story of Cozzy Media

    In this powerful 2 hour episode of Are We There Yet?, Cameron Mears — known online as Cozzy Media — sits down for the rawest, deepest, and most emotional interview of his life.For the first time, Cameron opens up about everything he’s survived:Growing up in the care systemBeing stabbed and kidnappedLosing his best friend to murderFalling into crack addictionHitting rock bottomHis time in jailAnd how he turned a camera into the one thing that kept him aliveThis isn’t a story about YouTube.It’s a story about trauma, survival, loss, anger, addiction, redemption, and the fight to rebuild a life that was never built to last.Cameron doesn’t hold back.He relives his darkest moments right there in the chair.This is the REAL man behind Cozzy Media — the streets, the scars, the nightmares… and the rebirth.If you ever wondered why he films the way he does,why he runs toward chaos instead of away from it,or what demons he’s been carrying since childhood…this interview will answer everything.This is the deepest episode we’ve ever done.This is Cozzy Media like you’ve NEVER seen him.Watch until the end.The final question hits different.#cozzymedia #cozzy #arewethereyetpodcast #jermainecurtisliburd #manchester #careSystem #streetlife #addictionrecovery #traumasurvivor #ukyoutube #rawinterview #emotionalinterview #streetstories #ukpodcast #ukstreets #realstories #mentalhealthawareness #survivorstory #truecrimeelements #redemptionstory #viralinterview #deepinterview

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This isn’t a story about people who’ve already “made it”… This is about people who are on the way. Are We There Yet? is a raw, real podcast that explores the journeys of ambitious entrepreneurs, tech founders, creatives, and everyday grinders who are building something from nothing. Each episode dives into: The failures nobody talks about The wins nobody sees The pressure, doubt and discipline The sacrifices behind the scenes The mindset it takes to keep going when quitting feels easier We ask one simple question that holds everything together: “Are we there yet?” Not just in business…

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