YOSTiXX Podcast

ANNIVERSARY EPISODE! Thanks for one year of support for the podcast. To all of the guests past (and future), for all of the subscriptions, shares, comments. It's been awesome, so I figured why not run through all that went down in the year since the first episode, and highlight the stark difference a year can make for your life. Leaving MLSE, working at NBC (briefly), picking up more gigs, and finding the L-word again! Enjoy!

Every success story has to start somewhere, and Dijah SB's story is no different. We've been friends for a while, and to actually witness the growth that they've experienced over the years, it's been quite the show to see, so we breakdown how that's been going, and also the music - it's always about the music. Connect with them everywhere & BUMP THE MUSIC: https://linktr.ee/dijahsb

TWENTY EPISODES!! WE MADE IT!! As you know, the topic of Mental health & Therapy are very common on this podcast, and I'm grateful to finally have psychotherapist, Jhanelle Peters, on the show to uncover some more themes in relation to Black Mental health. While she's not currently taking more clients, absolutely follow her on all socials, and hit her up for any questions that may or may not have been answered here. Enjoy! Website: https://www.jpeterspsychotherapy.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jpeterspsychotherapy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JhanellePeters

We're baaaaaaaaack!! It's been a while, but it's 2021 and it's time for more conversations. Martika is BACK, and if you remember our first episode on Episode 2, you know this is going to be a good one as well. We dive into what 2020 was like for us, the growth we went through, and we even, for the first time on this show, take in some listeners' questions and provide some hilarious answers (but you can be the judge of that). Follow Martika on everything: Twitter - https://twitter.com/mamateeks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mamateeks/?hl=en Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/mamateeks https://www.martika.ca/

For the love of self, and for the love of the game of Basketball, for many it's one in the same, but the complexities of love itself deserve a conversation each and every time, but Toronto Raptors basketball is an extension of the overall Love that myself, and my lovely guest, Imman, possess. We were part of the early days of tweeting about the Raptors before 'Raptors Twitter' was even a thing, so we reflect on those dark days, appreciate what's happened in the Kyle Lowry Era, and also what are the expectations for the future of the team as it moves into a new frontier, given the nonsense the year 2020 has presented. Be sure to check out Imman (https://twitter.com/_nopename) & the rest of her amazing co-hosts on 'Dishes & Dimes' - https://twitter.com/dishesdimespod And Imman's secondary podcast deserves some ears as well, 'Pick N Roll With It' - https://twitter.com/PicknRollWitIt

Parenthood isn't easy by any means, and there's no comparison to the roles that Mothers & Fathers play, but for the Dads out there who don't only play the role of just showing up, they can definitely be forgotten. I'm joined by a dear friend, and a great Dad, Darren Messam, as we talk about the importance of Fatherhood , our own relationships with our own fathers, his personal journey with his daughter, and obviously because of the nature of our friendship, sports will come into the conversation as well. Find him: https://twitter.com/FreeTown30 https://www.instagram.com/ddmessam/ For all of your tech troubleshooting needs, inquire with him as well: escproblems@gmail.com

Down bad is one way to put it, but the emotions were heavy over the course of the past week, but a brief hiatus was also necessary. When grief comes about, it heightens loss in many avenues that you just take time to focus on, which can be a detriment to one's soul, so I had to get some thoughts out. I don't think I'm a bad person, but unfortunately sometimes it comes into question, based on the views of others. One day at a time, I'll get better, which is a lesson we can all learn about ourselves. Enjoy.

In this week's solo episode, it's all about looking back at some of the lessons learned and experiences lived through, in this long ass year that is 2020. There are a myriad of things that has gone on, and through this journey of now 15 episodes of the podcast, it has been very fulfilling on a personal level. I look at some highlights, give flowers to those currently in my life, and take advantage to defend Pascal Siakam, and slander the Los Angeles Clippers one more time, because why not? Enjoy!

I finally got one of my coworkers on the show! The beautiful Jerome Cheng joins me to talk about our working relationship, the state of the world in 2020 through our separate lenses, his journey into working at MLSE, the importance of great allies, and notable lessons learned to carry forward. Follow him on everything, and watch all the great things he helps bring to life for Toronto FC. https://twitter.com/blackdragonroll https://www.instagram.com/blackdragonroll/

Some may know him as Schooly, like how I was introduced to him as, other may know him by his government name (which we won't expose here), but he goes by Anthony Bezel as an artist, and it speaks to more than just a current identity. It's been quite the journey, which he's still on, to ascending in his career. We discuss how that process has been, how he convinced me to join Twitter in 2009, and also what the challenges of growth as an artist in Toronto he's had to experience & learn from. Find him on socials: https://twitter.com/AnthonyBezel https://www.instagram.com/anthonybezel/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/49gqT8n44ObyDqQehxNGAy?si=jZEGvjH_TEGUcz_0A2ygFg Black Woman Business of the Week: Doms Lens [You absolutely want to book with her] https://www.instagram.com/domslens/

Cheyenne Chante has been a dancer for as long as she's been able to walk, and really even before that. This week we touch on her journey to becoming a dance teacher & choreographer, while also ascending in her own artistry, being part of many movies, TV series' & music videos. The Dance scene in Toronto, in the 2000s, was an important time, so she gives insight on that as well, as it played a major role in her development. We also touch on personal growth (much like EP10 - Growing Pains), and how the lessons of the past, and the most important thing - THERAPY - has helped her shape her perspective & outlook on life. ENJOY! This week's Black Woman Business Shoutout is: Jesa Sweet Tooth https://www.instagram.com/jesa_sweet_tooth/ Find Cheyenne everywhere: IG - https://www.instagram.com/cheyennechante/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2jFC3tutzpN-eCAbepZOg

I'm joined by Ryan Chung, who has been an on-air personality for one of Canada's Radio homes for Black music (Hip Hop, R&B, Soca & Reggae/Dancehall). He also dabbles in on-camera work - a Jack of all media trades, really. I have the pleasure of chatting with him about various topics, including the importance of championing Black Canadian artists, how we can truly retain our talent to flourish on home soil; Ryan's start up in radio; a brief but in-depth history of Black radio in Toronto, the importance of strengthing healthy relationships amongst Black Men, which carries into the protection of Black Women, and what true community can look like among Black people. Find him: https://twitter.com/RdotChung https://www.instagram.com/rdotchung/ https://rdotchung.ca/ 100% Canadian Playlist https://li.sten.to/KWWjGZX Support Black Women Businesses 808co - https://www.808co.ca/ The Diana Tracy Collection - https://www.dianatracy.ca/

It's a term for a reason, but there are a lot of challenges when it comes to growing as an individual. Personally, professionally, platonically & romantically, there are various ways to adjust & process the pain that comes with that growth. My friendship with TJ & Nathaniel (no guvvies for them) goes back to 2010, when we met on Twitter. We've each taken many paths to get to where we are in 2020, and especially these two. We dive into what made their friendship grow, how it blossomed into a relationship, and even the after effects when a break up happens, but a friendship can still remain. The first recording of the show in my humble abode, so definitely enjoy this one! Keep the people of Lebanon in your thoughts & help out if you have the means https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-lebanon-alive-help-combat-poverty-and-hunger?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link As always, support Black initiatives in your own communities Toronto - https://linktr.ee/britany_murphs

I'm back for Part 2 of 'All in the Family' as I flip it over to my Mother's side of the family. My Aunt, Tanya Hayles, has always been a constant support in my life, and we deep dive into our relationship, how she created the Black Moms Connection, her parenting journey, her media appearance whirlwind during a whole ass pandemic, the functioning dysfunction of most families, and a whole lot more. It's a great listen, so definitely be sure to listen & share! https://twitter.com/teehails https://www.blackmomsconnection.com/

Black Mental Health Matters, but historically, it's always been a neglected conversation, not only amongst the community, but within the family. I have definitely seen the wear and tear it causes when issues aren't discussed, and problems aren't addressed. This mini-series within the Podcast will feature family members talking about our own challenges with mental health, and how these conversations among us can bring about healing within our families. I'm Jamaican on both sides of the family, so culturally, that carries its own weight for how mental health is discussed, and that's why I feel this is significant, amongst many other reasons. Part one features my Uncle from my Father's side of my family, Kwame Barrett, who is the 2nd youngest of 5 siblings (all Brothers), and him & I share a very unique relationship that has seen him be a father figure for me. There has been much left unsaid since the untimely passing of his Mother & my Grandmother, Valrie Barrett, and we touch on that, amongst many other topics revolving our family, in hopes that others can start having the conversations in their own homes.

When it comes to platonic friendships, often times when they're great, they migrate to romantic. They don't always work out, but thankfully in some cases, the friendship stills remains. Britany Murphy, a Writer, Editor, Comicbook Nerd, Movie fanatic, and Queen of Sarcasm, is that person, and we'll touch on that, plus her gig which has placed her in rooms with some celebrities that you'd never imagine would happen. Visit her Linktree for ways to Donate & Support Black causes https://linktr.ee/britany_murphs Follow her and her written work https://twitter.com/britany_murphs https://www.instagram.com/britany_murphs/ https://britanyamurphy.journoportfolio.com/

When it comes to my friendships with Men, they're not always the best, but Xavier Lewis has been one who's always been there since we crossed paths in high school al the way back in 2006. I have the pleasure of having him on as a guest as we discuss Canadian politics, his love of comic books and how they relate to his life, the development of our friendship, and the tolls of fatherhood. He's a multi-faceted creator in his own right, and the other half of Essenex Productions. Find him on IG, where he posts many memes https://www.instagram.com/elewsivethoughts/?hl=en ---SIGN PETITIONS--- Stand With Bre - www.standwithbre.com Justice For Breonna Taylor - www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-ju…or-breonna-taylor Justice For Oluwatoyin Salau - www.change.org/p/talahassee-poli…toyin-toyin-salau Justice For D'Andre Campbell - www.change.org/p/patrick-brown-j…-d-andre-campbell Donations for various organizations - linktr.ee/britany_murphs

Sajae Elder is a Writer & Producer, but also a very hilarious woman who was instrumental in the creation of the iconic Toronto-based, all women's podcast (now defunct), GYALCAST, which boosted a lot of careers for its collective. We touch on that era, its abrupt end, dealing with Imposter Syndrome as a Black creative, how to create & curate a great playlist, embarrassing TDotWire memories, and our love of Black Women in general. Miller Eats - https://twitter.com/millereats & https://www.instagram.com/millereatsyummy/ Praise Break (For Backsliders) Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76L2CAaR20qBTNomcwYaRK?si=-hROP3ESTiq-ItkSEmgiyQ PETITIONS: Stand With Bre - https://www.standwithbre.com Justice For Breonna Taylor - https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor Justice For Oluwatoyin Salau - https://www.change.org/p/talahassee-police-justice-for-oluwatoyin-toyin-salau Justice For D'Andre Campbell - https://www.change.org/p/patrick-brown-justice-for-d-andre-campbell Donations for various organizations - https://linktr.ee/britany_murphs

What has been quite some time coming, Chicago's own (South Side to be exact), Delancey Finney (Co-host of 'Spit Sessions') joins me for a much needed candid conversation during a wild time in the world where systemic racism is at the centre of attention, and no one can look away from it. We reflect on our journeys, our friendship which started from Twitter, and just how we, as Black men, can cut down the toxic masculinity label associated with us as a whole. #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor - https://justiceforbreonna.org/ #JusticeForRegis - https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-regis-korchinski-paquet #JusticeForDAndre - https://www.change.org/p/patrick-brown-justice-for-d-andre-campbell Listen to 'Spit Sessions' - https://www.spitsessions.com/ Follow Delancey on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/dullantsy

A large part of my personal growth years coincided with my best professional growth years, and between 2016 & 2018, they were spent at Vice Canada. A great friend I had the pleasure of working with and continue to work with now that our time at Vice is done, is Jabbari Weekes. We sat down and talked about our experiences there, and what being a Corporate Mandem in media (in Canada) looks & feels like. Watch the short series, 'Next Stop' here - https://youtu.be/jkrWiATmrxE

Joined by the lovely multi-displinary artist & Dance Party partner, Martika Gregory, we talk about our experiences with Separation & Divorce, the importance of therapy, and also why self-love is the key to a better you. Enjoy! Where to find Martika: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamateeks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mamateeks Personal Website: https://www.martika.ca Hustler's Agenda: https://hustlersagenda.com Dance Party Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2H4ukROHFyb6S8NnP7spLu?si=pDfs53MJSG-xSiEvFTDt7A

YO, it's STiXX. Jordan Hayles to be exact. I decided to make a podcast and utilize it to have conversations with my friends which will get really personal and intimate. A step outside what would be expected of me, so I hope you enjoy. This first episode is just a brief introduction to what the show will be and rundown as to who I am, and how my life has been in the past few months. Follow @YOSTiXXPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/YOSTiXXPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yostixxpodcast/ That's My Word & It STiXX