In this powerful episode of The Blackout Podcast, host Israel sits down with Mario Rolle, a dedicated clinical therapist and social worker whose mission is to support the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of Black men through a holistic, community-centred approach.

Mario opens up about his unexpected journey into social work, from his early life in the Bahamas, where rugby and a mentor changed his trajectory, to becoming a guiding force for marginalised men in Nova Scotia.

He shares:

The reasons why he focuses on Black men’s mental health and the systemic barriers they face.

The importance of addressing root causes (like poverty, trauma, and social determinants of health) rather than just symptoms.

How relationship-building is the foundation of effective therapy.

Behind-the-scenes stories of creating the Black Men’s Health Conference and Summit, a transformative safe space where men connect, heal, and advocate for each other.

Mario also gets real about vulnerability, mentorship, and playing it forward, reflecting on how his own struggles shaped his purpose.

Additionally, a fun and mind-blowing moment at the end reveals the magic of connection, both personal and mathematical.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about mental health, community healing, or the power of showing up for one another.

Mario's career has been shaped by his commitment to education and addressing social issues, stemming from his experiences in the inner city of Bain Town in Nassau, Bahamas.

With a double degree in Criminology and Sociology from Saint Mary’s University and further education at Dalhousie School of Social Work, Mario actively engaged with various organisations, volunteering his time and expertise to support marginalised communities.

His leadership at Nova Scotia Health and transition to Correctional Services Canada showcased his dedication to addressing complex social and mental health needs.

Mario currently contributes his wealth of experience and expertise to the Office of Workplace Mental Health, providing essential navigation support for employees and managers within the public service.

His journey reflects unwavering dedication to effecting positive change, rooted in academic rigour and enriched by hands-on experience.

Mario's passion for fostering resilience, empathy, and well-being is poised to make a lasting difference within the public service and beyond.

Check him out on LinkedIn

In this episode of Blackout Podcast, we sit down with Francis Njoku—artist, visionary, and founder of UCamp Studio—as he unravels his extraordinary journey from struggle to self-discovery.

Born into a Nigerian family where art was seen as rebellion, Francis fought societal expectations, parental doubts, and even a devastating fire that wiped out everything he owned—except his art books. That moment became his metanoia—a turning point that birthed UCamp Studio, a universal hub for creativity, and later UCraft Store, a platform uplifting indigenous African artisans in a $752 billion global craft market.

Francis opens up about:

• The pain of pursuing passion in a culture obsessed with "money or nonsense"
• How music, dance, and marijuana shaped his artistic awakening
• Why Black and White Stain Each Other—his defining masterpiece—mirrors life’s duality
• The radical philosophy behind "You don’t need much to live abundantly"
• His 100-day art project celebrating infinity, sustainability, and breaking mental scarcity

Raw, philosophical, and deeply inspiring, this conversation explores how art isn’t just what you create—it’s how you live. From crashing his mom’s car as a reckless teen to skydiving through life’s risks, Francis proves that true rebellion is reinvention.

Francis Njoku is a visionary artist and artepreneur from Eastern Nigeria, passionately redefining the creative landscape. With a mission to elevate visual art as both an admirable profession and a powerful industry for sustainable impact, Francis blends purpose with creativity to inspire a new era of African artistry.

Born into a humble home, Francis has turned life’s challenges into a soulful journey of expression, moving from seeking recognition to makinga lasting impact. His works and projects reflect deep environmental consciousness and a profound engagement with African social psychology, reshaping perceptions and inviting people to see abundance and beauty in everyday life.

He is the founder of UKRAFTstore.com and UKRAFT Limited, a bold e-commerce startup empowering African artisans by connecting their unique crafts to the global market. Rooted in sustainability and cultural heritage, UKRAFT was born in 2023 following five years of groundwork through UKAMP Studio, an art initiative that brought life to the streets of Owerri, Nigeria.

Francis believes that everyone is an artist and that our environment is the greatest canvas. Through his vision, he calls us to co-create communities built on creativity, sustainability, and shared humanity.

In this episode, we sit down with producer, beatmaker, and creative powerhouse Karaaku for an in-depth conversation about his journey in music, versatility across genres, and his upcoming Afro House EP.

Karaaku opens up about his unique creative process, from crafting beats with artists like Youngstak to mastering the art of mixing and vocal production. He also shares insights on transitioning from Logic to Ableton, the importance of collaboration, and how his background in graphic design fuels his all-in-one approach to music and visuals.

Plus, Karaku drops hints about his untitled 8-9 track Afro House project, packed with summer-ready vibes.

Whether you're an aspiring producer or a music lover, this episode is packed with gems on creativity, workflow, and the future of sound.

Born in Barbados, now residing in Halifax, Canada. Pushing sonic boundaries with a blend of Dancehall/Afro Dancehall, Reggae, Hip Hop/Soulful Rap, Melodic-trap, Afro beats, Amapiano, Afro House and more.

Innovating with blending genres together , Kuraaku crafts a modern style of sound while also sampling 70s, 80s 90s frequencies reshaped for the future, shaping modern music in a brand new unique way.

Check him out @kuraakuproductshanz

In this episode of The Blackout Podcast, we sit down with Amy Harrison, founder of Pixels and Pieces Design, to explore her 20-year journey in graphic design, branding, and entrepreneurship. Amy shares how she got her start in design, the evolution of design tools (from Adobe to Canva), and her experience navigating the industry, including an unforgettable internship at a major sci-fi publisher in New York.

We also dive into:

Starting a business—how Amy transitioned from corporate layoffs to launching her own design studio with help from the SEED program.

Branding secrets—why consistency matters and how to avoid the dreaded "I’ll know it when I see it" trap.

Neurodivergence in business—Amy’s late ADHD diagnosis, her coaching work with Solo School, and her upcoming book on neurodivergence.

AI vs. human creativity—why Amy isn’t worried about AI replacing designers (yet).

Amy Harrison is the Founder & Force of Pixels & Pieces Design. She is a graphic and web designer from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She holds a graphic design diploma, a BA (English) from Acadia University, as well as a Masters of Science in Publishing from PACE University in New York. She completed the CEED Entrepreneurship Program and is qualified Project Management Professional.

Amy’s why is ‘to empower others so that we see opportunity’. Her DIY friendly approach helps her clients gain confidence and see their potential. The intersection of neurodiversity, creativity, and practicality offer Amy’s clients a unique experience.

After spending time working in traditional environments like large government and academic institutions, she has cultivated her ideal lifestyle as an entrepreneur.

Find out more @pixelspieces

Raven Storm is an eclectic selector that brings infectious energy and a playful perspective to the decks.

Inspired by their intense desire to move and connect, their musical output exists under the ethos of making music for moving, thinking, feeling, and doing.

Raven is committed to bringing together a community of care and mutual inspiration through sharing space, art, and love via diverse mediums.

Check them out @theravenconspiracy

In this heartfelt episode of the Blackout podcast, host Israel sits down with Keonte Beals, artist, author, entrepreneur, and CEO/founder of KBeals Entertainment. The conversation explores Keonte's surprising journey from music to children's book publishing, revealing that he actually started writing children's stories before ever creating music.

Keonte shares the deeply personal inspiration behind his "I Am" book series, which includes titles like "I Am Perfectly Me," "I Am a King," "I Am Worthy," and "I Am a Queen." He explains how these books speak to his own inner child while helping today's youth develop self-worth and confidence. Listeners learn about Keonte's unique creative process—drawing characters first and letting the pictures tell the story—and how he's expanded his reach through translations into French, Arabic, and Braille.

The discussion delves into Keonte's school tour program called "The I Am Experience," where he combines readings, music, and interactive activities to create meaningful connections with children. He also opens up about the childhood emotional and psychological challenges that shaped him and how his work aims to provide kids with the support and affirmation he wished he'd had growing up.

Throughout the episode, Keonte reveals his entrepreneurial mindset, his approach to building a business team, setting boundaries, and finding authentic success by following his intuition rather than industry norms. The conversation showcases how Keonte's multifaceted talents have come full circle, connecting his childhood creativity with his adult passion for inspiring self-worth in the next generation.

Check him out @keontebeals

Rebecca Wilson is an artist and creative entrepreneur based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She runs Lucky Sprout Studio, a space for creative projects that range from illustration to design and beyond. Her watercolour work is known for its bold, graphic style, often featuring nature, symmetry, and intricate patterns. She also founded South Shore Sea Salt, a gourmet culinary sea salt business.

In addition to her studio work, Rebecca shares her art and behind-the-scenes process on YouTube, making videos about painting, creativity, and the realities of running an art business. With a background in Classical Studies, she loves finding ways to bring history and mythology into her work, keeping one foot in both the past and the present.

Find out more @luckysprout

Chef D, the creative force behind Chef D’s House, is a Toronto-born private chef who brings over 11 years of culinary expertise to Nova Scotia after relocating earlier this year due to military service. With a diverse background in Italian, Caribbean, and French cuisine—along with international culinary influences—they specialize in crafting what they call "munchies elevated": a fresh, gourmet twist on late-night cravings.

At Chef D’s House, the focus is on redefining "munchies" food—traditionally associated with late-night snacking—by offering thoughtfully prepared dishes that satisfy cravings without the hassle of deciding what to eat. For those seeking an enhanced experience, select infused options featuring THC or CBD are available, ensuring guests can enjoy their high alongside a delicious, elevated meal.

Currently, Chef D’s creations can be found at Dome Nightclub every Friday and Saturday, with delivery services available Sunday through Thursday from 8 PM to 4 AM (orders can be placed via Instagram DM to @chefds_kitchen). Follow their culinary journey on Instagram: @chefds_kitchen for food updates and @chefd_indahouse for a glimpse into their personality and behind-the-scenes moments.

Whether infused or classic, Chef D’s House delivers bold flavors and convenience, making late-night dining an unforgettable experience.

Check them out

@chefds_kitchen

@chefd_indahouse