Our Guest Is
Storytelling Podcasts
They’re usually alone. They know no one. What little resources they have come from family or are doled out slowly by the government. There are many obstacles in their way and they’re expected to overcome them on their own. The surprising thing is, they usually do. “Our Guest Is” introduces us to this resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors. Every other week we are joined by a different guest—tune in to hear about their journey in their own words. This show is presented by My East Coast Experience Media in partnership with RBC. Co-produced by My East Coast Experience Media and Ubuntu Media. Executive Produced by Ifeanyi Emesih. Distributed by Ubuntu Media.
Location:
Canada
Genres:
Storytelling Podcasts
Description:
They’re usually alone. They know no one. What little resources they have come from family or are doled out slowly by the government. There are many obstacles in their way and they’re expected to overcome them on their own. The surprising thing is, they usually do. “Our Guest Is” introduces us to this resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors. Every other week we are joined by a different guest—tune in to hear about their journey in their own words. This show is presented by My East Coast Experience Media in partnership with RBC. Co-produced by My East Coast Experience Media and Ubuntu Media. Executive Produced by Ifeanyi Emesih. Distributed by Ubuntu Media.
Language:
English
Contact:
9023058172
Email:
israeliekanem@gmail.com
Episodes
Our Guest Is: Jorge Mora
7/25/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
Today's episode features Jorge Mora, originally from Mexico and with an accounting background. He is dedicated to improving accessibility in all the provinces of Nova Scotia. Jorge's journey is driven by his passion for creating a more inclusive society, advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Through his work, he aims to break down barriers and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility in all aspects of life. His efforts inspire others to join the cause for a more equitable future.
Duration:00:38:16
Our Guest Is: Christine Eruokwu
6/27/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today's episode, we meet Christine Eruokwu, founder and owner of Kaima Designs, an African-inspired clothing brand that prioritizes poverty reduction through girl-child education and women empowerment initiatives in West Africa. Christine talks about her journey to New Brunswick as an international MBA student, her mission in starting Kaima Designs in 2017, and co-founding United Colours of Fashion (UCOF). Christine mentors international students, sits on the board of three non-profits in Saint John, and in 2023 she was named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada.
Duration:00:48:45
Our Guest Is: Farhan Pir Muhammad
6/13/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Farhan Pir Muhammad, director of audit services at Emera. Farhan was awarded the 2021 HRM award for outstanding volunteer services, the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and was named of the most inspiring immigrants in Atlantic Canada in 2023. He joined our podcast to talk about his family’s journey to Canada, his volunteer work, and what he hopes for his kid’s future in Atlantic Canada.
Duration:00:28:41
Our Guest Is: Mohammad Al Masalma
5/30/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today's episode, we meet Mohammad Al Masalma, founder and owner of Mosy Photography, one of the top 10 photography studios in Halifax. Mohammad tells us about his experience as a Syrian refugee, how moving to a place to he'd never even heard of before inspired him to give back to the community including through his work with ISANS, and his incredible journey as a self-taught photographer. In 2023, he was named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada.
Duration:00:32:52
Our Guest Is: Rany Ibrahim
5/16/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Rany Ibrahim, director of Economic Development and Trade for the Government of Nova Scotia. He tells us about coming to Canada as a student, his decision to live as a “cosmopolitan Canadian,” and why he decided to stay in Halifax even after most of his friends chose to leave.
Duration:00:37:45
Our Guest Is: Aris Hernandez
5/2/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Aris Hernandez, international student recruitment officer, university relations, Mount Saint Vincent University. He speaks about how moving here helped him feel safe about who he is, living an openly gay life, and building a “new family” here in Nova Scotia.
Duration:00:35:21
Our Guest Is: Christine Qin Yang
4/18/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Christine Qin Yang, manager of Market Development, Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. She first appeared on the cover of My Halifax Experience Magazine and joined our podcast to talk about finding her first job here, the importance of mentors in finding your way in a new country, and working to make Halifax even better for other Asian immigrants.
Duration:00:27:16
Our Guest Is: Ossama Nasrallah
4/4/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Ossama Nasrallah, former banker and now a serial entrepreneur. He describes the vast changes Halifax has undergone since he arrived. His growing ties to the waterfront, and the importance of Subway in his early political awakening.
Duration:00:35:33
Our Guest Is: Pernille Fischer Boulter
3/21/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Pernille Fischer Boulter, founder and owner of Kisserup International Trade Roots. Her story starts in Europe and moves across the Atlantic to where her job search included inspiration from John Risley, led to the founding of her own company and eventually the writing of her book, Tales from an Immigrant Entrepreneur, that offers a roadmap to other immigrants.
Duration:00:31:49
Our Guest Is: Mary Navas
3/7/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Mary Navas, a marketing associate at National Public Relations. She tells us about being bullied as a young student back home, how she began her time in Halifax as a student at Saint Mary's convinced she had made the wrong choice, and her growth into a confident young woman who knew what she wanted and where she fits.
Duration:00:34:27
Our Guest Is: Duanes Jones
2/21/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Duane Jones, founder and owner of ArtPaysMe. He talks about quickly moving away from early dreams of working in finance to focus on his true passion, how that led to moving to Nova Scotia with his brother to go to school, and his eventual awakening on such issues as gender identity, social justice, and fast fashion.
Duration:00:33:08
Our Guest Is: Ali Duale
2/7/2023
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Ali Duale, the first Muslim MLA elected in Nova Scotia. He tells about what it was like raising a young family in a refugee camp, his move to Nova Scotia, becoming a firefighter, and making a name as someone who gives back to his community. This quality found its ultimate expression via his decision to enter politics and become a member of Nova Scotia’s Legislative Assembly.
Duration:00:43:57
Our Guest Is: Shivani Dhamija
10/11/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Shivani Dhamija, founder and owner of Shivani's Kitchen. Her story is one of resilience, as she struggled to find her place after moving to Canada. She tells about her job search going nowhere, how a contact convinced her to stay in Halifax, and the opportunities to be your own boss.
Duration:00:24:15
Our Guest Is: Dr. Paula Mendonça
9/28/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Dr. Paula Mendonça, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She speaks about her passion for food security and how she became involved in the skin care industry.
Duration:00:19:44
Our Guest Is: Saida Gazie
9/14/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode we meet Saida Gazie, a newcomers' program coordinator at Veith House. She recounts her move to Canada and her transition away from engineering to her current role helping new arrivals find their place in the community.
Duration:00:17:09
Our Guest Is: Dr Paul Banahene Adjei
8/30/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Dr. Paul Adjei, interim dean, associate dean of graduate programs, and associate professor at the School of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland. He speaks about drawing his indigeneity from his Ghanian roots, the importance of gaining knowledge and wisdom from our elders, and how he fell in love with Newfoundland immediately after accepting the position at Memorial.
Duration:00:21:23
Our Guest Is: Joyce Liu
8/17/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode, we meet Joyce Liu, founder of Lumi Studios, which provides videography, photography, and design-centred media and production. She relates what it was like going to a “Nova Scotia” high school in China and speaks about her love of cameras and filming from an early age.
Duration:00:15:50
Our Guest Is: James Mullinger
8/3/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s episode we meet James Mullinger, writer, publisher, and professional comedian. James talks about being embraced by the Maritimes, meeting his wife and moving to New Brunswick, continuing his career as a comedian, and discovering the region’s entrepreneurial work ethic.
Duration:00:28:45
Our Guest Is: Georges Hanna
7/20/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants, but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
In today’s episode, we meet Georges Hanna, owner of Smart Income. He tells us about his own journey as an entrepreneur, helping immigrant business owners through ISANS to start and grow their business in Nova Scotia, and the importance of adding value to other people’s lives through what you do.
Duration:00:17:25
Our Guest Is: Vinita Savani
7/5/2022
Our Guest Is introduces us to a resilient group of people typically grouped together under the term immigrants but perhaps better described as entrepreneurs, community builders, and survivors.
On today’s inaugural episode we meet Vinita Savani, RBC regional president for Atlantic Canada. She tells us about her parents eventually coming to Canada, her own move to Atlantic Canada in the middle of a pandemic, the importance of international students to the regional economy, and the role of RBC in giving back to the communities it serves.
Duration:00:16:23