This week’s episode of human2human with Stacy Ike features lyricist, writer, and rapper AJ McQueen. AJ opens up about the journey of self-acceptance, sharing how men often struggle with projecting insecurities onto others and the importance of shedding old beliefs for true growth. We dive into embracing one's inner child, personal evolution, and staying authentic in the music industry. AJ also discusses how support from fans and acts of service are powerful ways to show love and encourage transformation. This is a powerful conversation, we hope you enjoy!

SHOW NOTES | TAKEAWAYS

00:00 Introduction and Childhood Experiences

02:55 The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Self-Love

08:07 Changing vs Evolving: Shedding Old Beliefs and Behaviors

10:50 Overcoming the Fear of Others' Perception

27:21 The Power of Self-Forgiveness and Embracing Your Inner Child

28:41 The Evolution of Personal Style: From Black to Blue

32:39 Navigating the Music Industry with Authenticity and Positive Influences

41:2 The Importance of Fan Support and Acts of Service

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS

Special shout out to Joshua Dada of Entertainment Connect

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Videographer: Cameron Gordon & Jarvius Parson

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike 

Coordinator: Emma Jackson

Editor: Kea Bradley

BTS Footage: Crystal Ike 

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

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This week on Human2Human, Stacy sits down with comedian and actor Tone Bell for a raw and hilarious conversation about using laughter as a tool for healing. They dive into the art of letting go, why trendy language isn’t always real communication, and how social media is reshaping modern love.

SHOW NOTES | KEY TAKEAWAYS:

00:00 Introduction and Comedy Career

01:26 Using Laughter to Process Challenging Situations

03:05 Letting Go of What You Can't Control

09:13 Authentic Communication in Relationships

11:58 Navigating the Challenges of the Entertainment Industry

22:09 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships

29:37 Unlearning and Personal Growth

33:39 Understanding Attachment Styles

35:36 The Value of Time

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Editor: Kea Bradley 

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike 

Coordinator: Emma Jackson

Graphics: Danielle Onwuka 

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

Special shout out to Black Future House and REVOLT

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This week’s episode of human2human with Stacy Ike features film director, producer and world renowned photographer, Simon Frederick. Simon and Stacy explore the nuances of making a living through art. They discuss the importance of confidence versus arrogance, learning to manage your ego and using self-doubt to fuel creativity. Simon also shares his personal journey with cancer and what his experience taught him about life, family and storytelling.

SHOW NOTES | KEY TAKEAWAYS:

00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery

02:57 Fashion as a Form of Expression

05:53 The Roles We Play: Father, Husband, and Artist

08:53 Navigating Identity in the Creative Industry

12:12 The Power of Self-Trust and Confidence

17:54 Balancing Art and Making a Living

20:47 Simon's Journey with Cancer

24:13 Vulnerability in Storytelling

33:19 Navigating Confidence and Arrogance

36:14 Managing Egos on Set

38:08 Cultural Influences on Storytelling

42:21 The Importance of Family in Culture

43:49 Embracing Self-Doubt in Creativity

46:37 The Challenges of Documentary Filmmaking

51:13 Lessons from Family and Mentorship

58:01 Redefining Success

01:02:10 Unearthing Hidden Stories of Black Women

01:05:00 The Permission to Believe in Yourself

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Shooting Director: Shaun Holder

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike

Editor: Kea Bradley 

Graphics: Danielle Onwuka

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

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This week’s episode of human2human with Stacy Ike features Nigerian singer and songwriter Reekado Banks. Stacy and Reekado discuss his creative process, what he has learned from collaborating with other artists and how his relationship with time has evolved. He also reflects on the vulnerability involved in expressing emotions through music and the experience of making music after his mother's passing.

SHOW NOTES | KEY TAKEAWAYS:

00:00 Finding Your Voice in Collaboration

02:47 The Relationship with Time and Process

06:10 Family Influence and Personal Growth

08:49 Vulnerability in the Creative Process

12:04 Navigating Emotions in Music

14:59 The Importance of the Process

17:50 Healing Through Music

21:12 Starting a New Label

23:47 Building Relationships in the Industry

26:58 The Hard Work Behind the Art

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS:

Special thanks to 3daysAgency and Mikey Akin 

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Videographer: Adrian J. Martin

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike

Editor: Adrian J. Martin & Kea Bradley 

Graphics: Danielle Onwuka 

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

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James and Stacy take a deep dive into what it means to have “audacity.” The audacity to be great, the audacity to let go of the desire to be liked, and the audacity to turn your dreams into your reality.

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This week’s episode of human2human with Stacy Ike features actor and producer Jimmy Akingbola. Stacy and Jimmy get human2human about belonging, identity, and how to define HOME. They dive into the impact of fatherhood and foster care, the challenges of navigating cultural identity across nations, and the strength found in self-acceptance.

SHOW NOTES | KEY TAKEAWAYS:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:51 The Power of Vulnerability

06:13 Navigating Male Friendships and Vulnerability

09:05 Complex Relationships with Fathers

11:57 The Impact of Foster Care on Identity

14:51 The Journey of Letting Go

18:06 Therapy and Mental Health Awareness

20:59 Cultural Identity and Acceptance

23:54 The Struggle of Being Bi-National

26:47 Reflections on Personal Growth and Authenticity

40:53 Exploring the Concept of Home and Belonging

46:06 Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance

52:51 Navigating Rejection and Resilience

01:00:18 Leaning Into Vulnerability and Fear

01:06:01 Embracing Multiple Identities and Connections

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Shooting Director: Shaun Holder

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike

Editor: Kea Bradley 

Graphics: Danielle Onwuka

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

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This week’s episode of human2human with Stacy Ike features Adjani Salmon, creator of the BBC hit series Dreaming Whilst Black. In this conversation, Stacy and Adjani get human2human about the intricate relationship between vulnerability, creativity, and leadership. They discuss challenges of expressing feelings through art, the importance of trust in collaborative projects, and the necessity of developing a language to articulate artistic visions in business.

SHOW NOTES | KEY TAKEAWAYS:

00:00 The Art of Vulnerability in Creativity

02:53 Navigating Trust and Leadership in Creative Projects

06:08 The Importance of Language in Artistic Expression

09:06 Balancing Perspectives in Co-Creation

11:59 Self-Doubt as a Catalyst for Growth

14:56 Understanding Identity and Personal Growth

17:55 Healing Through Art and Therapy

22:58 The Importance of Supportive Relationships

27:20 Navigating the Cost of Creativity

32:47 Exploring the Dynamics of Relationships and Creativity

38:02 Representation and Authenticity in Storytelling

44:39 From Struggles to Success: A Journey in Filmmaking

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike

Shooting Director:  Shaun Holder

Audio: 180 House, Soho 

Editor: Kea Bradley 

Graphics: Danielle Onwuka

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

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This week’s episode of human2human with Stacy Ike features actor and new author Jay Ellis. Stacy and Jay dive into an honest conversation about disappointment, balancing dreams with reality and the self-discovery that comes with any creative process. Jay opens up about writing his first book while managing personal experiences and the lessons he's learned about self-forgiveness.

SHOW NOTES | KEY TAKEAWAYS:

00:00 Navigating Disappointment and Expectations

03:13 The Dynamics of Family and Creative Partnerships

06:03 Growing Up: Opinions and Self-Discovery

08:48 The Journey of Vulnerability and Learning

11:59 Reframing Disappointment and Goal Setting

15:04 The Process of Writing and Life's Interruptions

18:01 Balancing Dreams and Reality

20:53 Forgiveness and Being Present

25:47 The Importance of Being Present

28:09 Challenges of Touring and Performance

30:35 Parenting Perspectives and Personal Growth

34:51 Understanding Friendships and Male Bonds

39:59 The Power of Saying No

41:43 Navigating Public Perception and Identity

46:11 Learning About Love and Human Experience

49:31 Curiosity and Cultural Understanding

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate, leave a review, and while you’re at it share it with someone you love, or like, as long as you share it!

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

CREDITS:

Executive Producer & Host: Stacy Ike

Associate Producer: Tiffany Ike

Videographer: ​​Damola Ajanaku

Audio Engineer: Tori McJunkin

Editor: Kea Bradley 

Research: Emma Jackson

Graphics: Danielle Onwuka

Theme Music: Pieces by “After The Fall"

Music released by: Chill Out Records

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Back to human2human, we missed you!!

Your support means so much. Throughout the season don't forget to subscribe, rate, leave a review and share the episodes with your community.

Stay connected between episodes and follow us on social media:

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Substack | https://stacyike.substack.com/

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

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We made it and alone is worth celebrating! Join Stacy as she reflects on the lessons, experiences and interpersonal relationships of 2023 and give yourself the space to ask the questions, listen to your answers, and design a plan on how you can move forward in the year ahead.

Happy Happy Holidays, wishing you an incredible New Year!

KEY POINTS:

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Stay connected between episodes and follow Stacy Ike on social media!

IG | @human2humanwithstacyike

IG | @onetakestace

Youtube | youtube.com/onetakestace

TikTok | @human2humanpod 

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