Y Square Pod

Episode 40 - Relocating to Salone In this segment of the "Y Square POD + Friends" series, Walid Joseph (Restaurant Owner) and Ajara Marie (Social Entrepreneur) join Yasmin and Yasmine to discuss tips and tricks for moving/relocating to Salone and navigating everyday life while sharing their individual stories as to what brought them back to Sweet Salone. Check out this new episode for more insight on what it means to move or relocate to Sierra Leone. Disclaimer: The conversations in the Y Square POD + Friends segments are in English, Krio, and sometimes Kringlish. Enjoy! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ysquarepod © Y Square POD

In this segment of "A Conversation with", Y Square POD had the pleasure to talk to our nation's Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (BSSSE) -- Dr. David Moinina Sengeh! Minister Sengeh is also the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). In this episode, Minister Sengeh discusses with Y Square POD the strides his team since the enactment of the Free Education policy as well as his on going projects as a member of Government and his personal life as a rapper and fashion life. As a youth himself, Minister Sengeh highlights the challenges faced by young people and shares his vision for Sierra Leone. Check out this episode to know more!

From #EndSARS in Nigeria to sexual violence surges in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zambia, the duo discuss a handful of some of the various social issues occurring concurrently across the continent. This episode laments on Africa's time to demand change amidst being haunted by a colonial and imperial past while proposing possible solutions for the present and future. Listen for more and please share your thoughts

In this episode, the duo learn more about the health infrastructure from doctor and author Bintu Mansaray! Bintu is a consulting Health doctor at Rainbo Initiative - the only center in Sierra Leone that offers probono psychosocial support and medical treatment to victims and survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Bintu tells Y Square POD about the challenges faced in the health system in Sierra Leone while highlighting some solutions and she shares with us her new found project -- her book; Amie and the Safe Keepers Project: Defeating the Coronavirus! Looking to contribute to children's literacy in Sierra Leone? Find out more in this episode! This episode is proudly sponsored by Clifftech Pro.

Happy October! In this episode, the Y Square POD duo talks about “WHAT A YEAR” 2020 has been. From reflections to lessons learned, Yasmin and Yasmine discuss the moments of opportunities for growth and gratitude the year has presented them and they suggest tips to ending the year strong. Enjoy this episode! What has the year 2020 taught you? Interesting Fact: Travelers coming to and leaving Sierra Leone must pay $80 for a COVID-19 test. Salone Proverb: Waetin briz don blo, e don blo This episode is proudly sponsored by Clifftech © Y Square POD

In the second segment of the "Y Square POD + Friends" series, Yasmin and Yasmine invite their friends Ernest Henry (Content Creator and Producer) and Aminata Kamara (Marketer and formerly at National Tourism Board) to give their take on the past, present and future outlook and perspective on tourism in Salone. Domestic tourism is relatively a new phrase and reality amidst Uncle Coro (COVID-19) but especially for Sierra Leoneans. Check out this new episode for more about what Sierra Leone has to hold for Sierra Leoneans and visitors alike. Disclaimer: The conversations in the Y Square POD + Friends segments are in English, Krio and sometimes Kringlish. Enjoy! This episode is proudly sponsored by Mercury International.

In this episode, Mabel Ironn Sky a painter and business consultant joins us! Salone is a beautiful country where we believe should be an artist's playground. Though that may be true, artistry does come with its constraints — from economic to social acceptance which happens not just in Salone. Mabel shares her perspective on how to empower artists and amplify their voices in this not to miss episode.

In this episode, the duo thought it fit to bring on a survivor to speak on the approaches to combating the embedded rape culture in Sierra Leone. Our special guest has served Sierra Leone as a Gender Advisor and she is recently an entrepreneur and author.  Eager to know who our guest is? You have to listen to the episode to find out and to learn more about her pragmatic approach and perspective to make Sierra Leone safer for women and girls :) Interesting Fact: Despite Sierra Leone being historically predominantly Muslim, though very secular nowadays. Sierra Leone has only had one Muslim head of state (the late Ahmad Tejan Kabbah), all of our heads of states have been Christian. Salone Proverb: No yu sef norto cos

Episode 32: A Conversation with Martin Michael. Behind The Man The duo was delighted to interview a fellow #SaloneTwitter member. Martin Michael is a lawyer and CEO of Mercury International. Martin discusses with Y Square POD the instrumental role the digital age has played in business, public life, and how it has shaped our cultural dynamic. He also talks about transitioning from his professional career in law to business and entrepreneurship and stresses the importance of leaving a legacy. Listen to learn more about Martin's incredible journey. This episode is sponsored by Mercury International *© Y Square POD*

In the new segment "Y Square & friends", the duo invite their friends to discuss on a hot topic. Dating Culture in Salone features Endimiyon Johnson and Mohamed Shour. In this episode, the duo along with their guests discuss the dating scene for young people primarily in Freetown, as well as tips and woes. Of course, it wouldn't be dating if ENTANGLEMENTS were not involved. Hook up culture in context to Sierra Leone is discussed as well as "underground".

In our 30th episode, Y Square Pod interviews a person such as ourselves — multifaceted, Sierra Leonean, and a woman! Vickie Remoe is a marketing and communications strategist who splits her time in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Accra, Ghana. Vickie tells us about her current project: C19 Dignity Project and the importance of controlling the narrative and pushing made in Sierra Leone content through her career of journalism and a TV show host. Listen to her compelling story of what it means to be young, a woman, and your own boss in West Africa. © Y Square Pod

In this episode, Y Square Pod discuss the very millennial and digital age driven term "Cancel Culture". Cancel Culture is when an individual or group is virtually made irrelevant by keypad warriors when their point of view differs from a mainstream collective's own without or rarely given the opportunity to be [re]educated. The duo also highlighted circumstances where Cancel Culture is essential and what it means to be "cancelled". Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone has amended its COVID19 curfew restrictions and uplifted domestic travel bans. Salone proverb: If yu sabi wass yu an, yu kin it wit big pipul dem. © Y Square Pod

*Episode 28 - A Conversation with ‘Gbenga Sesan: Behind The Paradigm* In this episode, the duo met with and interviewed ‘Gbenga Sesan from Nigeria during his visit to Sierra Leone in March 2020. ‘Gbenga is a social entrepreneur and digital rights/tech guru. He was featured in CNN as one is the Top 10 African Tech Voices on Twitter. Learn more about his inspiring story at @ysquarepod This episode is sponsored by C&E Solutions. For advertisement and collaboration enquiries, email us at ysquarepod@gmail.com © Y Square Pod

Inspired by the recent protests and calls for racial and social justice in the United States, the duo discuss institutionalized systems of discrimination in the Sierra Leonean context and why #BlackLivesMatter is equally important to people of African descent on the continent and the world at large. They also propose an agenda for change for future generations. The duo discuss issues on tribalism, regionalism, colorism and some forms of racism in Sierra Leone. If you're also tired of being tired, this episode is for you. Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone's only International airport is situated in Lungi, Northern Sierra Leone and not the capital Freetown. Proverb: Monki wok, babu it.

As the title implies, the duo spend this episode ranting about what grinds their gears in Mama Salone. From direct (mis)communication/(mis)information to “you've put on weight” to “hi dear”, the duo do not hold back the punches in this comical episode. For those living in Sierra Leone or from Sierra Leone living abroad, this will hit home for you. And for future visitors/residents of Sierra Leone listen with an open heart and mind. Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone has the highest deaths in the West African Sub region in Mano River Union (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire). Proverb: No ide yu layt unda bushel

Y Square Pod is joined by the writer and communications specialist Ngozi Cole who talks about her love for writing, her background and everything you need to know about working in communications for the development sector. Our guest a shares useful tips on how to position yourself as a young professional. Ngozi is also the mastermind behind the online literature platform Poda Poda Stories. Enjoy a conversation with Ngozi Cole. Find our guest: @ngozicole Poda Poda Stories: @podapodasl - www.poda-poda.com Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ysquarepod Y Square Pod

In this episode the duo discuss the views of Faith & Religion in Sierra Leone. Fun fact ;) Sierra Leone is one of the top 10 religiously tolerant countries in the world! The unique concept of "ChrisMus" in Sierra Leone and the spirit of coexisting. The duo also went on an intentional tangent about the intriguing culture in Sierra Leone of combining the first names of parents that are bestowed on their offspring. This was inspired by a Twitter thread. Enjoy! Interesting fact: The Sierra Leone police was created by the British in 1894, making it one of West African's oldest police force. Salone proverb: God nor dae gi lod weh yu nor go abul tot.

In this episode, the duo were opportuned to steal a moment of photographer Trevor Stuurman's time during his brief stay in Sierra Leone last month on International Women's Day (March 8) at Fashion Designer's - Madam Wokie garden party. Trevor is a South African Visual Artist and Storyteller and was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30. Listen to more of Trevor's incredible story here by #YSquarePod This episode is sponsored by Consult DSA.

Episode 22: Uncle Coro(na), is this life? The duo are back!

S03E07 - We Answer Your Questions ft @ysquarepod In the final episode of the season, the duo answer questions they received from listeners. They reminisce on the past year piloting 3 seasons, their existing and past projects and what awaits them in the future as they transition from a podcast to a content creation collective. Interesting fact: Leaf based dishes (*Plasas*) are popular meals in Sierra Leone. Proverb: Put yu yai dong mek yu si yu nos

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE talks about her plans for #TransformFreetown and her transition from private to public sector. Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone is one of the world's youngest democracies since 2007. Salone Proverb: Put yu yai doing mek yu si yu nos.

We couldn't help but ask ourselves what we deserve with our special guest; storyteller extraordinaire The Cowfoot Prince. Listen to this hour long episode as Usifu Jalloh lets us into his past, his present and future as an educator, storyteller and an architect for social change and cultural awakening. Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone has been inhabited for over 2500 by West African settlers. Salone Proverb: Get get nor want. Want want nor get. © Y Square Pod

In episode four of the season, Ysquarepod are joined by Rakie Sesay who is an mechanical engineer, self taught graphic designer, mixologist for The Chemist and entrepreneur. Listen to the episode to find out more about her story and life here in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Guest: Rakie Sesay Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone's housing architecture tends to be tribal by nature. Salone Proverb: If yu listen pan makit noise, yu nor go buy wetin yu want. Guest socials: @thatafrogirlkiks Y Square Pod : @ysquarepod

Ready for episode 3 of the season! This episode features chartered accountant, tax expert and serial entrepreneur Alfred Akibo-Betts. Alfred shares his story of working in the public sector, to making his side hustle his main and venturing into the world of business and entrepreneurship. He is the co-founder of Freetown Business School. Learn more about Alfred's story. Interesting Fact: Whoopi Goldberg and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have Sierra Leonean roots! :) Salone proverb: Tok haf, lef haf.

It's Thursday and Y Square Pod are back with a new podcast episode! Guests for each episode of Season 3 will join us. This Season will be dedicated to creators in Sierra Leone making an impact in the country. S03E02 - Creating social impact in Sierra Leone through tech, entrepreneurship and agriculture feat. Morris Marah Interesting fact: River Rokel is the longest River in Sierra Leone. *Salone proverb:* “Push push di stop pan wi wall”. Guest Details: @sensitechhubsl | @saful_resort_sl | www.marahfarms.com Find us @ysquarepod on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter © Y Square Pod

We are back with Season 3! Guests for each episode of Season 3 will join us. This Season will be dedicated to creators in Sierra Leone making an impact in the country. S03E01 – In between Continents feat. Kadija Kanu of @kkafrique Interesting fact: Humpback whales visit the coast of Sierra Leone every October and November. *Salone proverb:* 'Wata weh na fo yu nor go run pass yu'. Guest Details: www.kkafrique.com Find us @ysquarepod on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter © Y Square Pod

The last episode of Season 2 is here!

A BRAND new Y Square Pod episode is OUT!

Y Square Pod is BACK!! S02E05 - Taking Breaks & Rainy Season Interesting Fact: The Chimpanzee is Sierra Leone's designated national animal Books to check out: Key Person of Influence - Daniel Priestley The Good Immigrant - edited by Nikesh Shukla Don't Touch My Hair - Emma Dabiri (Yasmin made a reference to the Poro Society -- a male secret society in Sierra Leone...the word she butchered LOL) Check out Burna Boy's new album: African Giant! African Proverb: However long the night is the dawn will break #YSquarePod

A brand NEW Y Square Pod episode is here! SO2E04: Sababu & Nostalgia Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone is a religiously tolerant country. Sababu is the Krio expression for nepotism. The duo discusses the pros and cons of ‘Sababu' before taking a trip down memory lane on the topic of nostalgic childhood games, stationery and hairstyles. African Proverb: “For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Follow us at @ysquarepod #YsquarePod

This week Y Square Pod is back with Episode 3 of Season 2! S02E03 – Humble and Honest (The Game Episode) In this episode the duo share their June affirmations before playing the game that exposes the differences in American and British English. In the theme of language, they also discuss the national language spoken in Sierra Leone (Krio) and where some of the words are derived from. Yasmin and Yasmine touch on how language and food impact culture and identity. Interesting Fact: The year Sierra Leone gained Independence (1961) and the year Sierra Leone became a Republic (1971). African Quote: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” – By Nelson Mandela Don't forget to use #YSquarePod

Y Square Pod is back with Episode 2 of Season 2! S02E02 – Our Entrepreneurial Journeys in Sierra Leone In the episode the duo discuss the pros and cons of being self-employed in Freetown Sierra Leone. We also talk about support systems, mentors, our respective businesses and the glamorization of entrepreneurship. Interesting Fact: The flag colours and their meaning. African Quote: “Only entrepreneurship can create opportunity where none seemingly exists” – By Tony Elumelu Notes from episode: AWEC – African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative Opportunities of Africans Tony Elumelu Foundation Don't forget to use #YSquarePod

S02E01 - Travel in Africa! In this episode, the duo talk about travel hacks, tips & experiences in Africa & why everyone who can should travel within the continent. Interesting fact: surrounding islands of Sierra Leone African proverb: A roaring lion kills no game #YSquarePod

In the last episode of Season One, the duo look to the older generation on Salone Trade (Salone then)& turn to their mothers & Aunty Ada (the family cook) for insight. The duo offer their perspective on Salone Tide (Salone now) from a millennial lens. Featured are: Dr. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim; Senior Lecturer at Fourah Bay College (FBC) - University of Sierra Leone (USL) Yvonne Tagoe - Founder & Owner of Mama Lu's Kitchen; Former Executive Assisant to former President Ernest Bai Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone Aunty Ada - Beloved family cook Interesting Fact - natural resources & cash crops Proverb - "HAWεVA TIN TRANGA TETE, I DE DכN." (Kono Proverb) However bad things are, they won't last. #YSquarePod

S01E06 – Mediocrity Is The New Excellence In this episode, the duo (Yasmin Metz-Johnson of @yasmin_tells and Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim of @minabilkis) discuss mediocrity in some aspects in Salone and question why is the bare minimum is accepted and celebrated here in Sierra Leone. How it effects us and why the lack of patriotism of the nation may be one of the contributing factors to low standards alongside, politics, education and more. Interesting Fast: The 3 Seasons in Sierra Leone References in episode 6: Board Houses: ‘Bod Ose' in Krio Bunce Island: Slave Fortress Gola Rainforest: Black and British: A forgotten History Documentary by David Olusunga Sierra Eye: Sierra Leonean Magazine Terms used: ‘The Make Do Complex” Sycophancy SLPP: Sierra Leone People's Party APC: All People's Congress African Proverb: “For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Follow and join the conversersation! @ysquarepod #ysquarepod

In this episode, the duo (Yasmin Metz-Johnson of @yasmin_tells & Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim of @minabilkis) talk about how having too many friends in a small knit community can be problematic in regards to the millennial hook up culture in Freetown. Sponsored by: Ori From Sierra Leone Ori is a unisex natural shea butter body & hair line infused with carrier & essential oils. There are 3 products: body, hair & bug repellent. 5% of our proceeds goes to Girl Up Vine Cub Sierra Leone. FB, Twitter & IG: @orifromsierraleone Tel: +23278280081 Launch: Date: Friday, March 15 2019 Time: 7pm Venue: New Brookfields Hotel Interesting fact: Animals found in Sierra Leone African proverb: "If the full moon loves you, why worry about the stars?" - Tunisia © YSquare Pod

On our fourth episode, @ysquarepod (Yasmin Metz-Johnson of @Yasmin_Tells & Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim of @minabilkis) discuss the terms 'JC' and 'Homebase' in Sierra Leone and the perception of both groups & introduce a unique perspective contrary to the polarized two…Returnee (R). What are you in your country? Feel free to tell us & follow the conversation on Twitter, FB &/or Instagram. Sponsored Ad: Mama Lu's Kitchen offers unique and authentic Sierra Leonean snacks, smoked meat & fish all sourced locally. Address: NP Station, Campbell St, Freetown, Sierra Leone IG: @mama_luskitchen
+23278016300 Interesting fact: Sierra Leone is Anglophone & not Francophone! :) Intro & Outro: We Are Waiting (poem) Poet: @minabilkis (Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim) Director: @black_supahero (Abu B. Yillah) of @young_salone (The Young Sierra Leonean) Proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go to together” - Old African Proverb #YSquarePod

On our third episode, @ysquarepod (Yasmin Metz-Johnson of @Yasmin_Tells & Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim of @minabilkis) discuss the terms 'suffa posh' and 'gentri' alongside identity, classism and names in Sierra Leone today. Do you have of another term for 'suffa posh' where you are from? Leave your comments below and follow the conversation on FB, Twitter & Instagram: @ysquarepod using the hashtag #YSquarePod *Correction: Fourah Bay community is in the East end of Freetown, not West -Interesting fact: 16 ethnic groups in Sierra Leone -African Proverb: from Tanzania -Movie reference: The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) -Song titles: Suffer Posh - Innocent -Boku Tok - Preacher Man Toute le monde est corrompu et* tout le monde a son prix - Everyone is corrupt, everyone has their price. (French quote, source unknown) #YSquarePod

S01E02 - #DemSay & Valentine's Day On this Valentine's Day episode, @ysquarepod (Yasmin Metz-Johnson of @Yasmin_Tells & Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim of @minabilkis) addresses misconceptions & myths in Salone society. Have you ever heard of these #DemSay questions? Leave your comments below and follow the conversation on FB, Twitter & Instagram: @ysquarepod using the hashtag #DemSay Interesting fact: Fourah Bay College African Proverb: by Chinua Achebe #YSquarePod

Yasmin Metz-Johnson (@yasmin_tells) & Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim (@minabilkis) are the co-hosts of the podcast Y Square. They touch on different topics about living & working in Sierra Leone & offer their perspective through a millennial lens. To follow the conversation, listen to the podcast & follow the conversation on our following pages: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @ysquarepod