In this last episode of the Visions & Tones Podcast in 2024, Dr. T helps document the brief experiences and reflections of four International Students, and one Black African-Australian student who just graduated University as the Class of 2024. Take some time and listen to Maureen Malid, Emmanuel Chiloba, Calvin Yego, Marvin Lutakome and Bunyere Kwabo as they share inspiring stories as the Class of 2024 from the University of Newcastle (Australia) in the land of the Awabakal People. 

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See you in 2025!!!

Join us in an in-depth conversation with Dr. Oluwafemi Adeagbo, an assistant professor and applied social scientist renowned for his collaborative HIV-related research. In this episode, Dr. Adeagbo shares insights from his groundbreaking study on the barriers and facilitators to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Hispanics and Black/African American men who engage in same-sex relationships in Iowa.

Originally from Nigeria and now based in the U.S., Dr. Adeagbo opens up about his motivations behind exploring health disparities within the LGBTQ community and discusses the challenges he faced on his journey to becoming a distinguished researcher. Through this engaging dialogue, discover how personal experiences and societal expectations shape research dynamics and influence healthcare perceptions.

We delve into Dr. Adeagbo’s recent findings, shedding light on the implications of limited PrEP awareness, stigma, medical insurance issues, and the impact of social and professional perceptions on individuals' decisions to seek health interventions. He emphasises the significance of tailored public health approaches to effectively reach underserved populations without further marginalising vulnerable communities.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into global health challenges and innovative solutions aimed at advancing public health, particularly within marginalised and resource-constrained settings.

To access Dr. Adeagbo's paper -https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20499361241267151 

To read more about PreP (World Health Organisation) - https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/prevention/pre-exposure-prophylaxis

NSW Health (Australia) - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv/Documents/prep-patient-information-booklet.pdf

National Department of Health (South Africa) - https://knowledgehub.health.gov.za/elibrary/updated-guidelines-provision-oral-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep-persons-substantial-risk 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States of America) - https://www.cdc.gov/hivnexus/hcp/prep/index.html

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In this episode of the Visions & Tones podcast, Dr. T delves into the contentious theme of the so-called "independent voice" within modern media, activism, and faith. Through careful observation, he discusses the critical misconceptions surrounding the exemption of independent voices from critique and their potential complicity with dominant media powers.

Dr. T provides insights into how the narratives of independent voices may still align with the agendas of mainstream media, despite claims of autonomy. With examples stretching from prominent media figures like Candice Owens and Piers Morgan to South African media dynamics, the episode challenges the notion of true independence in media and highlights the inevitable bias that can pervade so-called independent platforms.

The conversation further emphasizes the significance of skepticism when engaging with independent content creators who proclaim impartiality. Dr. T urges listeners to critically assess the underlying affiliations and biases of these voices, advocating for a balanced understanding of media narratives, irrespective of their claimed neutrality.

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In this insightful episode of the Visions & Tones podcast, host Dr. T engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Joshua Sarpong, a doctoral admissions specialist at the University of Auckland. Originally from Ghana, Dr. Sarpong has studied at prestigious institutions including the University of Ghana and the University of Oslo, and earned his PhD in Education in New Zealand. His work focuses on the tension between universities' need for diverse funding sources and the risks this poses to academic freedom.

The discussion delves into the concept of neoliberal higher education, exploring how it shifts focus from public to private good and how it affects universities globally. Dr. Sarpong introduces his concept of "strategic entrepreneurialism," which seeks to balance financial needs with the core mission of teaching and research.

Together, they explore themes from Dr. Sarpong's research, such as the impact of globalization on higher education, winners versus losers in academic competition, the rise of managerialism, and the decline of collegiality. The conversation also touches on the role of activism in education and the societal implications of these trends.

Join the discussion to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in the evolving landscape of higher education.

Paper discussed: Sarpong, J. & Adelekan, T. (2024). Globalisation and education equity: The impact of neoliberalism on universities’ mission, Policy Future in Education 22(6), 1114-1129.

Others: Sarpong, J. (2023). Performance funding and the academic profession: a New Zealand case study. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 13(3), 502-514. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-12-2022-0288 

Sarpong, J. (2023). Reconciling research autonomy and marketisation in New Zealand universities: the idea of strategic entrepreneurialism. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841241.2022.2157069

Sarpong, J. (2022). Research and disciplinary differences versus funding allocation in New Zealand's higher education system. Issues in Educational Research, 32(1), 374-393.

Sarpong, J. (2022). A university that withstands financial uncertainties in complex times. Pacific-Asian Education Journal, 33(1), 119-133.

Sarpong, J. (2021). Research autonomy and “marketisation” in higher education: A case study of two New Zealand universities (Doctoral dissertation, ResearchSpace@ Auckland).

Sarpong, J., Sturm, S., & Gunn, C. (2020). A university beyond aid: The challenge to the academic freedom and success of Ghanaian universities of over-reliance on donor funding. In Teaching and Learning Practices for Academic Freedom (Vol. 34, pp. 145-162). Emerald Publishing Limited.

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In this captivating episode of the Visions and Tones podcast, we sit down with Rugare Gomo, a keynote speaker, high-performance coach, and accomplished writer with a fascinating background as a professionally trained lawyer. Originally from Zimbabwe, Rugare shares his journey from his upbringing to his life in Australia, where he completed his education at Monash University.

Rugare discusses his recently published memoir, "Dreams: Forging My Own Path," highlighting the importance of representation and authenticity. As the first gay, black, African-Australian to publish a memoir, Rugare provides insight into his cultural identity, personal growth, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Throughout the conversation, Rugare touches on themes of self-discovery, the pursuit of happiness, and the complexities of identity. He also reflects on the kindness he experienced in Australia and the lessons learned from shifting his career from law to coaching and public speaking. Join us for an inspiring dialogue about the human spirit, authenticity, and living life on one's terms.

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Join us on this episode of The Visions & Tones as new co-host Eddie Onoka, alongside Dr. T, welcome Leong Brown, an upcoming lawyer and a great solicitor. Dive into an insightful conversation covering the complexities of migration, the impact of AI on the legal industry, and personal stories of overcoming challenges as migrants in Australia.

Leong Brown shares her experiences growing up in Australia after migrating from Sudan and discusses the interplay between voluntary and non-voluntary migration. Eddie and Leong offer unique perspectives on the implications of AI in the legal field, the future of work, and the role of accountability and support within the African diaspora community.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on identity, integration, and the importance of collective support in fostering a strong and inclusive community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of migration, law, and personal growth.

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Welcome to this episode of the Visions and Tones Podcast! Today, we delve into the transformative community engagement work being done by Samisoni Rabo and his team in Fiji. 

Sami shares about the impactful projects he's spearheading in his homeland. Learn about the Waikete Youth Ministry, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through various developmental programs, including education, health awareness, and agricultural business ventures.

Discover how this initiative is addressing pressing issues like school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, and climate change, while fostering a sense of community and unity. Sami also discusses the importance of government support, the role of the church, and the involvement of local families in making these programs a success.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about creating positive change and building a brighter future for the youth of Fiji. Tune in and be inspired to make a difference in your own community!

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Visions and Tones podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of talking to the talented Leah Tregier, a published author and a poet. Leah shares her journey through grief, which inspired her to write her poetry collection, Midnight Blooms and Mourning Dew.

In this episode, Leah opens up about her personal experiences, the symbolism behind her book's title, and how poetry became her lifeline during a challenging time. She also discusses her upcoming projects, including a children's book aimed at helping young readers understand grief.

Join us as Leah reads two of her poignant poems and offers insights into the complex emotions associated with loss. This heartfelt conversation is not to be missed.

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to check out Leah's work and follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook - @TheSoftWord.

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Welcome to another insightful episode of the Visions and Tones podcast with Dr. T. In this episode, Dr. T engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Lesedi Kgatla, a sociologist from the University of South Africa, who has dedicated her research to understanding depression among Black people.

Dr. Lesedi Kgatla shares her personal journey and professional insights, discussing her groundbreaking paper titled "My Journey in Researching Depression Among Black People: Experiences of a Researcher in a Sensitive Study." She delves into the stereotypes and cultural perceptions that shape the understanding of depression within Black communities and how these perceptions affect individuals' willingness to seek help.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of addressing mental health in academic and professional environments, the role of social media in shaping mental health perceptions, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for open discussions about mental health.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, sociology, and the intersections of culture and psychology. Please note, this discussion is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you are struggling with mental health issues, seek help from a qualified professional.

Article: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol29/iss4/12/ 

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In this insightful discussion, Dr. T hosts two remarkable guests, Dr. Edith Botchway-Commey and Dr. Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu, who bring their extensive expertise to the table. Dr. Edith, a passionate neuropsychology researcher from Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, and Dr. Levi, a senior lecturer and academic lead in rural health at Western Sydney University, delve into the mental health experiences of first-generation voluntary African migrants.

The episode explores the motivations behind their systematic review, which investigates mental health challenges, help-seeking behaviours, and the impact of cultural and systemic factors on African migrants.The guests also emphasise the need for culturally sensitive community services and advocate for continued dialogue and education within both migrant and local communities.

Tune in to discover how these dedicated researchers are paving the way for better mental health outcomes and fostering a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by African migrants worldwide.

Article: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298634 

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