In this episode of Bees in a Pod, Mo and Mash are joined by Rachid & Sofian Ghailaine, both Taekwondo instructors at the Teviot Centre. Rachid and Sofian dive into the history and philosophy of Taekwondo, highlighting its academic journey from white to black belt and beyond. They discuss the physical, mental, and psychological aspects of training, the personal impact Taekwondo has had on their lives, and how it fosters discipline and personal growth. The conversation also touches on community engagement through family participation and the evolution of the Taekwondo club at the Teviot Centre.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

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In this episode of Bees on a Pod, hosts Mo and Mash welcome Cameron Bray, who shares insights about his role at the innovative community space R-Urban in Poplar, East London. 

Cameron discusses R-Urban's multifaceted activities, including food growing, community kitchens, workshops, and sustainable practices like composting and anaerobic digestion. The conversation covers Cameron's background in architecture, his upbringing in Delhi, and how his experiences have shaped his passion for community building and sustainability. They also delve into the challenges of turning food waste into resources, fostering communal spaces, and the importance of local ownership and engagement in community projects.

00:33 Cameron Bray's Background and Role at R-Urban

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♻️🥦Connect with Cameron & R-Urban!

In this episode of Bees in a Pod, host Mo sits down with Shah Kamali, an up-and-coming MMA star, and Tanveer, a community activist aiming to bring MMA opportunities to East London's Tower Hamlets. Shah shares his journey from growing up in Stepney Green to becoming a professional mixed martial artist, while Tanveer talks about his introduction to MMA and the significance of martial arts in community building. 

They discuss the establishment of Tiger Style MMA at the Teviot Center and its impact on mental and physical well-being, particularly for young men. The conversation delves into the values of discipline, resilience, and confidence imparted through martial arts, as well as plans for expanding their programs to include youth and children.

Tiger Style MMA happens at the Teviot Centre, Wyvis St, E14 6QD, every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm-9pm.

00:46 Meet Shah Kamali: Rising MMA Star

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Bee Hosts Mo and Mash speak to the members of the community at the Teviot Festival!

The Teviot Centre, managed by Leaders in Community (LiC), is a vital hub for the neighbourhood, offering resources, programmes, and a safe space for people of all ages. LiC is a youth-led charity dedicated to empowering individuals through leadership opportunities, community projects, and personal development initiatives. This episode highlights the incredible work being done to support the area and the people who call it home.

Episode Highlights:

• Stories from residents about the Teviot Centre’s positive impact.

• Insights into the creative and professional development of local talent.

• Reflections on sustainability and community-driven projects.

• Testimonials from volunteers on their experiences and growth.

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⁠Instagram: leadersincommunity⁠

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⁠Instagram: communitytales⁠

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⁠https://www.licprojects.org⁠

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Community Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/53b0abfa1126/teviot-centre-newsletter-sign-up⁠

Youth Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/61441081f643/youth-opportunities-newsletter

In this episode we speak with a Gen-Z leader - Beatriz! Beatriz talks to us about her experiences as a young leader going through life, growing up and what supported her in becoming her best self. Join us as we explore her journey through her women's empowerment course, and gain a little bit of insight into the world of Gen-Z.

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https://www.instagram.com/leadersincommunity ⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Community Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/53b0abfa1126/teviot-centre-newsletter-sign-up⁠

Youth Projects: ⁠ https://mailchi.mp/61441081f643/youth-opportunities-newsletter

Happy South Asian heritage month!

In this episode we speak with Founding member of Leaders in Community, an award winning youth charity in Tower Hamlets. We take a deep dive into managing and growing a youth charity, and take a quick detour with host Mo about his experiences as a young person joining Leaders in Community, and eventually growing into his role.

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https://www.instagram.com/leadersincommunity ⁠⁠⁠⁠

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https://www.licprojects.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/communitytales⁠

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Community Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/53b0abfa1126/teviot-centre-newsletter-sign-up⁠

Youth Projects: ⁠ https://mailchi.mp/61441081f643/youth-opportunities-newsletter

Happy South Asian heritage month!

In this episode we speak with one of our youth alumni, and community projects lead, Humaira Begum, taking a deep dive into her South Asian Heritage.

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 / leadersincommunity   ⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Community Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/53b0abfa1126/tevio...

Youth Projects: ⁠ https://mailchi.mp/61441081f643/youth...

In this episode, hosts Mo and Mash chat with Dr. Marta, a researcher passionate about making food systems fairer and more sustainable. Dr. Marta shares her journey from studying environmental sciences to researching community food projects in London. Learn about the importance of food democratisation and sustainability, and how local communities are taking charge of food security.

Dr. Marta explains how grassroots movements are creating resilient neighbourhoods and changing how we think about food access. Discover the challenges and successes of these community-driven projects, and hear inspiring stories from various food cooperatives and community gardens.

Dr. Marta also discusses the impact of government policies on food systems and the power of local action. Whether you're interested in food security, urban gardening, or community activism, this episode offers practical insights and ideas to help you get involved and make a difference in your community.

Link to Marta's Report: https://bit.ly/3zMvCUc

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⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/leadersincommunity ⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersincommunity⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.licprojects.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/communitytales⁠

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Community Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/53b0abfa1126/teviot-centre-newsletter-sign-up⁠

Youth Projects: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/61441081f643/youth-opportunities-newsletter

It's been a while, but we're back for Season 2! Get strapped in for a seasoned with loads of great conversations and guests lined up!

In this episode, the Bees discuss their grind in training for the London 10k, some interesting videos and campaigns coming up, and give you the low down on what's happening at our Community Centre, the Teviot Centre.

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• ⁠https://www.instagram.com/leadersincommunity⁠

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Community Projects: https://mailchi.mp/53b0abfa1126/teviot-centre-newsletter-sign-up

Youth Projects: https://mailchi.mp/61441081f643/youth-opportunities-newsletter

Rebecca Evans-Merritt is an environmental advocate known for intertwining sustainable living with cultural heritage. Through her work at the Women's Environmental Network and initiatives like the 'Climate Sisters,' she revives traditional eco-friendly practices. Her focus is on empowering communities and promoting sustainable fashion.

In this episode, Rebecca Evans-Merritt discusses her role in the Women's Environmental Network, her sustainable fashion journey, and leading the Climate Sisters program, aimed at empowering women in environmental activism. She highlights the influence of cultural heritage on sustainability, sewing's therapeutic benefits, and how community projects foster financial independence. Rebecca also explores the importance of inclusivity in sustainability and her path to social and political engagement.

Key topics:

• Rebecca's sustainability journey and network role.

Follow Rebecca Evans-Merritt: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/revansmerritt/⁠

Check out Women's Environmental Network: ⁠https://www.wen.org.uk/⁠

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• ⁠https://www.instagram.com/leadersincommunity⁠