Blackout Podcast

Noémie (pronounced No-Emmy) is a Québecer of Haitian ancestry who has resided, worked and lived in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia) since 2016. She received an undergraduate degree (honours) in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2021 and is set to receive a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University in 2024.

Noémie has a passion for Health Equity research, and for sharing scientific knowledge in ways that can be understood and accessed by everyone.

She is particularly sensitive to issues of Black mental health and the lack of services for folks of African ancestry. Noémie embraces opportunities to educate the public on mental health topics, and to advocate for the cultural diversification of mental health care practitioners and scholars.

Find out more @almost_a_shrink

Meet Kevin Robert, a young real estate investor and mortgage broker. Throughout his time at Saint Mary's University, Kevin was working towards his goal of financial freedom through real estate investing. With self-education, frugal saving, and being surrounded by inspiring investors alike, he was able to start building his portfolio upon graduating from university.

Kevin purchased his first duplex in Truro, in November 2022 by using money that he saved while working throughout university. He describes how buying a duplex significantly decreased the cost of living via a tenant renting his other unit. A year later, he purchased his second duplex but this time, with none of his own money. By teaming up with an investor, he is able to continue growing his portfolio while simultaneously creating passive income for his partner.

As Kevin grows, he is dedicated to sharing his journey in hopes of helping and inspiring new investors looking to achieve financial freedom. He also recently became an Associate Mortgage Broker, in which he helps first-time home buyers and investors navigate the complex world of mortgages. He asks that anyone looking to chat real estate or mortgages message him on Instagram

@kevinrobertmortgages

Nahom is an illustrator, graphic designer, and writer, who specializes in visual and written storytelling. Originally from Ethiopia, he infuses his work with a mix of traditional and modern aesthetics, drawing inspiration from animation movies and ancient stories/myths from around the world.

With over five years of self-taught and hands-on experience, Nahom's diverse skill set includes digital art, sketching, photography, and creative writing. His artistic achievements have gained recognition, such as winning the Mi'kmaq Cultural Awareness Creative Competition in 2022 and contributing a design to the Halifax Public Libraries for the 40th anniversary of African Heritage Month.

Currently pursuing a business administration diploma at NSCC, Nahom has developed expertise in marketing and graphic design. Driven to defy the 'starving artist' stereotype, he strategically applies his creativity across various projects and mediums, in the pursuit of telling a story through words and design.

You can find Nahom and his works on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nahomassefaa and Instagram: @cest_nahom

Sasha Paul is a Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur who passionately navigates both the Accounting and Creative realms.

As the co-founder of Mauya, The Fine Arts Tribe, Sasha actively cultivates a community that nurtures creative connections and self-expression across diverse age groups and backgrounds. Through this platform, she thoughtfully crafts experiences that resonate with and represent fellow racialized individuals in her city.

Sasha aspires to leverage her skills to further develop meaningful encounters that can drive important discussions on mental health and financial well-being education through Art, within racialized communities.

Find out more @mauya_theabstract

@sasha_nauleen

An accordionist with a bag of pocket-sized instruments & a dedication to cultural ecology, Mary Beth Carty fuses traditional songs, instrumental tunes, & songwriting. With a live show that runs the gamut of emotions, transporting us from the heights of dance-paced ecstasy to the calm of contemplative airs, she has had the opportunity to tour in North America, Europe, and Africa. Most recently, Mary Beth has performed at the Celtic Colours International Festival, FrancoFest Halifax, and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, Louisiana. “She got the crowd singing along. It was something else!” - Bill Roach, CBC.

Mary Beth released her second solo album, “Crossing the Causeway” in November 2022. Since then the album has made several appearances on the Earshot! College Radio Charts in Canada has reached No. 1 on Richard Gilman’s Folk Radio DJ Chart, and No. 3 on the Folk Alliance International radio play chart. It has also been nominated for two 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Mary Beth’s debut solo album, 2017’s Les biens-nommés, earned nominations at the Nova Scotia Music Awards and the ECMA’s. It features original, accordion-fueled songs in French and English, with Donald MacLennan on violin and the Melchin brothers on double bass and percussion.

As a member of the former duo Bette & Wallet, Mary Beth was nominated Traditional Singer of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards. The duo toured extensively and released two albums, Voici… and Électrique. Their most popular song, “Squeegees,” transforms a public domain French-Canadian song into a humorous, bilingual anthem about urban winter hardships.

In addition to her work as a solo artist, Mary Beth is in demand as a guitar accompanist for Celtic fiddlers and has performed with many of the best, including Cape Breton’s Ashley MacIsaac, Colin Grant, and Chrissy Crowley. She is known for her distinct, rhythmic style, keen ear, and mastery of the unusual DADGAD tuning. Mary Beth is also a square dance caller and dance instructor and has done extensive research on dances from communities all over Eastern Canada.

Learn more @stompinmary

Teo founded TEO CREATIVE STUDIOS as a brand expert and entrepreneur with 11+ years of professional experience in marketing within the automobile and film industries while currently serving as the Program Coordinator for the Halifax Partnership.

He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and broadcasting and also possesses a degree in graphic design.

Inspired by his positive experiences since relocating to Halifax, Teo is passionate about sharing the vibrant diversity and positive energy he has discovered in Halifax with others.

Check him out @studioteo.ca

Over the past 25 years, Vanessa has had a rewarding career in both the social impact and for-profit sectors and has held positions in special events, fundraising, communications, marketing and B2B sales.

Through educating, mentoring, researching and writing, Vanessa now provides a One Stop Grant Shop.

A proud member of the Grant Professionals Association, Vanessa aims to deliver a higher standard of practice within the grant writing space. When not wearing her consulting hat, Vanessa is a passionate rock and ice climber as well as the President of Climb Nova Scotia.

She is a mother to two daughters and dog mom to Arthur, the Border Collie.

Her life motto is by Marie Forleo “Everything is Figureoutable”.

Find out more @vanessaburnsconsulting

Meet Taylor Milne, the multi-talented Annapolis Valley educator, entrepreneur, and actor extraordinaire. By day, she's shaping the minds of the future generation in an elementary school, ensuring an inclusive learning environment where barriers are broken, and dreams are built.

Beyond the classroom, Taylor takes on the role of the Director of Maritime Model & Talent Management, representing a diverse range of talent across the Maritimes. Her vision is to create an inclusive and supportive community, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual and fostering feelings of acceptance and empowerment. Breaking barriers and building dreams is not just a slogan for Taylor; it's a way of life.

But that's not all – Taylor is also the mastermind behind "The Thirsty Smuggler," a Mobile Bar Business that she runs alongside her family. Whether it's weddings, birthdays, festivals, or backyard BBQs, Taylor can craft a customized package tailored to your vision and budget. She brings the same dedication and individualized approach to bartending as she does to teaching and talent management.

A graduate of Acadia with a B.Sc in Psychology, Taylor initially planned to delve into counselling or psychiatry. However, life took her on a different path, one where she wears many hats and thrives on the excitement of meeting people, learning, and overcoming challenges.

Join Taylor on this episode as she shares insights into how she effortlessly juggles her three full-time roles while still managing to maintain a social life, spend quality time with her husband, family, and furry companion, and continues to film another season as a host on the documentary series, "Ocean Playground".

Tune in to discover the secrets behind Taylor's success in managing diverse careers and breaking barriers to build dreams.

Find out more @mmtmanagement

Real life.

Storytelling.

Melodies.

The B. brings an afro-futuristic vibe with every rhyme.

Check her out @bibi.wav

Kuraaku is a Music Producer/mixing engineer, graphic designer, video editor and creative director born and raised on the island of Barbados (Caribbean) also home to the queen herself Rhianna.

Now residing in Halifax, Ns, Canada, Kuraaku aims to push boundaries through his production helping to shape modern sound with his unique way of fusing genres with his background knowledge of dancehall, reggae, hip hop, trap and also through Afro beats and the amapiano world which has now become a huge influence in his music venture.

He is set to release his debut album titled « Big Man le boss » which is a project with a collective of artists from back in his country along with some new artists here in Canada showcasing versatility through genre-bending.

Kuraaku is also releasing an EP titled « Shesh »  in the spring with the collaboration of some talented artist friends here in the city of Halifax.

Kuraaku aims to become an emperor of sound in making an indelible imprint with his future productions/recordings with new and upcoming talented artists.

Check him out @kuraaku_