A pair of Pinksocks, a kilt, and a simple greeting turned into a global cue for human connection. We sit down with Nick Adkins—author of Pinksocks: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection—to explore how micro-moments, empathy, and everyday courage can reshape hospitals, classrooms, and the way we show up for one another. 

From a life in startups to a TEDx stage, Nick maps how joyful guerrilla tactics became a movement rooted in love more, fear less. We hear the story of John, a lung transplant recipient whose tears on a surgical mask reframed Pinksocks as a bridge to true connection. We also dive into why the NHS embraced the symbol to boost patient engagement, how interactive QR codes in the book extend each story, and what it takes to lead with love when a tense encounter could turn violent—choosing compassion over escalation and changing the outcome.

Beyond healthcare, Pinksocks now supports social-emotional learning across dozens of schools, teaching empathy, inclusion, and anti-bullying. Nick’s playbook is practical and repeatable: pick a visible symbol, gift it with intention, celebrate others publicly, and let community carry the story. 

Your voice has the power to inspire, influence, and ignite change. We want to invite you to connect to us, sending your message that includes your name, company or organization name, the valuable service you offer to your community, and your email address to info at speakuppodcast.ca

Nick Adkins connection information:

Website:  https://pinksocks.life/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pinksocks.life

Twitter:  https://x.com/nickisnpdx

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pinksocks.life/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-adkins-b6932985/

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

A liberation story can start by a fire in Harare and carry into hospital hallways in Ontario. We sit down with a Pan-African equity champion, Chenai Kadungure, who leads the Black Physicians Association of Ontario to unpack what it really takes to improve Black health outcomes—beyond slogans and into the rooms where care happens. From a childhood steeped in service and liberation values to hitting a foreigner’s glass ceiling in South Africa, her path winds through a Rotary Peace Fellowship, newcomer advocacy, and a mission to make culturally appropriate care the standard, not the exception.

We talk about why racial concordance matters, how trust is built in barbershops, churches, and mosques, and what “culturally appropriate” looks like when the clock only allows 15 minutes per visit. She explains why BPAO is far more than a membership group, how pandemic outreach reshaped strategy, and how partnerships with Ontario Health, Women’s College Hospital, and Black Health Alliance anchor a Black Health Plan focused on real outcomes. Along the way, we explore the Rotary four-way test as a compass for truth, fairness, goodwill, and shared benefit—useful in global conflicts and local clinics alike.

Leadership here starts from the inside. We get honest about self-acceptance, faith, and mentoring, the weight of code-switching that feels like an uncomfortable shoe, and the liberating power of “never self-reject.” For young Black women stepping into leadership, the message is clear: you have nothing to prove. Read the global room, choose guides who see what’s coming, and build for a future where automation and changing work demand new courage. She’s also writing her first book, wrestling with imposter thoughts, and leaning into a global voice that promises bigger advocacy ahead.

If this conversation moved you, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find stories that spark action. Your voice can help change the way care is delivered and who it truly serves.

Connection information:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chenai-kadungure 

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

Rita and I sit down with author and chess teacher Marcus Braxton to hear how a wrongful charge led to a five-star urban novel, a growing sports podcast, and a mission to teach strategy and ownership to DC youth. Writing, chess, and entrepreneurship come together as tools to think ahead, build wealth, and give back.

• live reading from Sun Roof Hitters and how the book began behind bars
• turning a commissary store into legal fees and a lifeline
• validation from fellow inmates and the moment purpose clicked
• reframing success and starting Think First Chess Entrepreneurship
• weaving real DC streets into urban fiction that resonates
• launching Blockboy Sport Talk and building momentum post-release
• the impact of hearing not guilty and what redemption means now
• chess lessons applied to business, goals, and daily discipline
• teaching youth ownership, P&L basics, and long-term thinking

The book is on Amazon, Sunroof Hitters book one of the Sunroof Hitters series. The hardcover is available as well. Also, the ebook is available. Ebook is going on sale for as little as 99 cents on. Also check out the podcast Blockboy Sport Talk on YouTube.

Your voice has the power to inspire, influence, ignite change. We invite you to send us your message to [email protected]

Blockboy Sport Talk: https://www.youtube.com/@BlockBoySportsTalk

Book: Sunroof Hitters on Amazon

Social: @marcuslbraxtonsr | @SunroofHittersPage

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

We sit down with counsellor, writer, and former teacher Kim Fraser to explore how Chandler turns lived pain into a practical anti-bullying model for kids and families. From festival wins to global pitching, we unpack de-escalation, empathy, and why change starts with choice.

• validation from awards for a universal anti-bullying story
• bullying as learned behaviour beyond childhood
• insights from MIPJunior and MIPCOM networking
• Chandler’s expansion from short to feature film
• staying authentic without glorifying violence
• empathy lessons inspired by Malaysian wildlife
• personal Bronx bullying story and safety tactics
• practical tools to defuse aggression with unexpected kindness
• teaching roots that shaped a do-first curriculum
• truth-telling as a foundation for social change
• supporting children who are not yet ready to change
• VEU platform plans and 2026 timeline

Website:  https://deniseproductions.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kem.frasier/reel/DIA6B4mAk5A/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kem-frasier-a0012173

             https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kem-frasier-a0012173_attention-experienced-producers-and-executive-activity-7279253786307567617-QgKE

We invite you to connect to us by sharing your message that includes your name, company name, or organization name, the valuable service you offer to your community, and your email address to info at speakuppodcast.ca
You can also find our new video podcast channel, 

https://bit.ly/speakuppodcastvideo

You can find our audio podcast at www.speakuppodcast.ca
Please support our causeL Patreon.com/speakupinternational

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

A chemist slips into dark alleys after midnight (Dr. Zafra Lerman), climbs to an attic, and teaches a seminar that could cost her freedom. By morning, she is back on the university circuit, lecturing in plain sight. That contrast frames our conversation with Dr. Zafra Lerman—scientist, educator, and peace builder—whose work proves that knowledge can be both shield and bridge.

We start with her clandestine support for Soviet refuseniks: smuggling journals, collecting CVs, and hosting secret classes so isolated scientists could stay connected to a global community. From there, we explore how a childhood in a resource-poor Israel forged values of service, creativity, and grit, captured in a birthday letter that set her life’s compass. Those values later shaped the Malta Conferences, where scientists from across the Middle East—Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf—met with Nobel laureates to tackle shared problems like water scarcity, air pollution, climate change, and science education. In those rooms, propaganda gave way to proximity; former “enemies” discovered collaborators.

If you believe science can be a common language that outlives the loudest slogans, this story will stay with you. Listen, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that turn courage into action and ideas into impact.

Website: https://www.zafralerman.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman/

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

A single line from The Orange Blossom sets the tone: history isn’t distant—it breathes through our workplaces, classrooms, and homes. From that vivid reading, we sit down with educator, author, and cultural competency expert Jebeh Edmunds to explore how belonging is built step by step, not by slogans. Jebeh Edmunds offers a grounded plan to beat overwhelm—circle your top three priorities and move—and shows how scenario practice and simple language can transform tense moments into teachable ones.

We unpack psychological safety in concrete terms. It’s not a poster; it’s the feeling you don’t have to defend your hair or your lunch, the trust that leadership will address harm quickly and transparently, and the space to do your best work without shrinking yourself. Jebeh explains why recruitment without retention is a revolving door, and how managers can stop the spin with follow-through, clarity, and consistent repair. Her three C’s—Check, Correct, Connect—create a daily rhythm: check names and assumptions, correct bias and harm, connect beyond signs to real relationships.

Jebeh's journey—award-winning teacher to host of Cultural Curriculum Chat—adds heart and muscle to the playbook. She shares how to fold culture into literacy and history so students learn skills and see themselves, why asynchronous trainings helped her scale impact without burnout, and how joy keeps the work honest: dancing in the kitchen, family calls, and time to write. Along the way, we highlight practical ideas for nonprofits and arts groups, everyday actions families can take, and the moments that define success: when someone says “I’ll do better” and then proves it.

Ready to turn values into practice? Press play, pick your three priorities, and tell us the first change you’ll make. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.

Website: https://jebehedmunds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063708180388

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jebeh01/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd22jkdaivSe6Qp-W0WOriA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturallyjebeh_/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jebeh-edmunds-3b9334101

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

We sit with Donna Jones- Simmons —the co‑founder and architect of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women—to trace how a simple idea became a movement that documents excellence, accelerates careers, and reframes what leadership looks like across Canada. From five published books (with a sixth on the way) to fireside chats and biennial galas, Donna shows how visibility plus documentation turns into promotions, board seats, and public recognition.

We dig into her work at ACCES Employment, where speed mentoring connects newcomers directly to employers and the Speak English Cafe demystifies workplace language, idioms, and nuance. The results are tangible: faster hiring, stronger integration, and higher confidence. Donna also shares selection criteria for honourees—community leadership, impact with Black girls and women, and a track record of service—while explaining why archiving stories matters as much as awarding medals. When achievements are searchable and shareable, opportunity grows.

The conversation tackles tokenism head‑on. Donna’s approach is practical: lead with your business value, advocate for yourself, and turn identity debates into outcomes. She outlines mentoring tactics that build self‑advocacy, how to reframe tough questions without losing your voice, and why staying on topic earns respect. You’ll hear personal lessons on balance (including a legendary two‑graduations‑in‑one‑day story), the power of seizing hard opportunities, and what’s next: a trades symposium, continuing fireside chats, and Donna’s milestone as the first Black president of the Rotary Club of Toronto in 115 years.

If you care about mentorship, newcomer employment, inclusive leadership, and the future of Black excellence in Canada, this conversation is a masterclass in building systems that last. Listen, share with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help more people find these stories.

www.100abcwomen.ca

Like and follow Donna Jones- Simmons on:

Facebook: 100ABC Women www.facebook.com/100abcwomen

Instagram: @100_abcwomen www.instagram.com/100_abcwomen

Twitter: @100abcwomen

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

What if organization wasn’t about spotless rooms, but about a life that works when it counts? We sit with Janet Taylor—organiser, corporate trainer, and host of “Got Clutter? Get Organized”—to unpack how a layoff became a launchpad, why safety and boundaries protect both client and pro, and how one small step can reset a day, a home, and even a career. Janet takes us behind the scenes of corporate webinars, reveals the simple habits that fight burnout, and shares the moment a surprise email led to a crown on the Rachel Ray Show!

Janet’s philosophy flips common myths: neatness isn’t the goal—function is. She explains how to build systems that help you find things the first time, save money by stopping duplicate buys, and reclaim attention for what matters. We get real about hoarding boundaries and ethics, why she partners with mental health pros in those cases, and how a “gentle nudge” builds trust without judgment. From repurposing heirlooms—a travel trunk turned coffee table—to creating a monthly bill routine that paid off debt, her stories show how clarity eases stress, grief, and decision fatigue.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a gentle nudge, and leave a quick review—what’s the one small step you’ll take today?

Website: http://www.janetmtaylor.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/janetmtaylorbiz

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/janetmtaylor

YouTube:  https://youtube.com/user/janetmtaylor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/janettheorganizer

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetmtaylor1

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

A simple swim cap shouldn’t decide who gets into the water. That’s where our guest, inventor and author Tess Padmore, begins—transforming a personal challenge after a brain aneurysm into a patented headwear line designed for textured hair, chemo-sensitive scalps, alopecia, bald heads, and anyone who needs comfort, warmth, and confidence to participate. The story widens fast: disability-informed design choices, university partnerships that replace dollars with resources, and a feedback loop that turns customers into co-designers. Each detail points to something bigger—how inclusive products restore access to health, joy, and community.

We dig into the realities of living and working with a traumatic brain injury—what breaks, what blooms, and why resilience isn’t just grit but smart boundaries and rerouted problem solving. Tess shares how journaling rebuilt her voice, how she learned to ask for clarity when cognition shifted, and how lowering inhibition unlocked a new kind of leadership. Her practical playbook for founders is gold: research before spend, treat local universities as your R&D lab, iterate with real users, and measure success by choices you create, not vanity metrics.

By the end, “all you need is a head” reads like both a promise and a welcome. We talk joy—family, music, nerdy film love—and the global genealogy that helped Tess claim her voice and purpose. If you care about inclusive design, disability entrepreneurship, water safety, and the power of one determined builder to widen the circle, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the push to build the thing they can’t find, and leave a review to help more listeners discover thoughtful, human-centred stories like this.

Website: http://eggheadsoques.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eggheadsoques

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/eggheadsoques

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/tesspadmore

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show

What if the real fix for broken systems isn’t a better press release, but a better way to heal? We sit down with mediator and lawyer Leah Brown—founder and CEO of the Wayfinders Group—to unpack how leaders can move from fire-fighting to genuine repair when conflict, crisis, or scandal hits. Leah’s journey from aspiring violinist to M&A deal-maker to boardroom mediator reveals a throughline: she’s at her best bringing order to chaos and giving people language for what they’re afraid to say.

We also get practical about leadership in the storm: how to mediate at board level without retraumatizing participants, what to do when legal and PR responses fall short, and the daily disciplines—supervision, flotation therapy, sea-air walks—that keep practitioners resourced and safe. If you care about rebuilding trust, advancing ethical leadership, and turning conflict into a catalyst for cultural change, this conversation offers both a blueprint and a nudge to act.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who leads through change, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking into your team this week.

Website: https://leahtalks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbrown-frsa/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahtalks_

Thoughts on the podcast? Send us a text message.

Support the show