Feature Friday
ANS Lab’s Feature Friday is now a podcast!
The goal of our long-standing Feature Friday initiative has always been to give you a platform to share your experiences, expertise, and passions. This platform hosts holistic conversations promoting stellar ANS community members and true allies, placing a focus on the fantastic work being done in the community to help close the employment gap for Blacks and ANS between the ages of 18-35. We inspire our audience by exploring your personal stories, what drives you, and your accomplishments. This year’s 12 podcast episodes, which come out the last Friday of every month, are hosted by Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver, with giveaways of two $50.00 e-gift cards for every episode thanks to ongoing collaboration with ShiftKey Labs. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms as well as YouTube!
Feature Friday Podcast | Meet the Hosts, Aaliyah and Trevor! | Episode 1
Meet Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver, our hosts for the Feature Friday podcast. This episode they take the time to introduce themselves and talk about their journeys. They also discuss …what to expect in future episodes, and how to participate in our gift card draws.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share to participate in our giftcard giveaway of two $50 e-gift cards made possible through our ongoing collaboration with ShiftKey Labs! Like and comment (could be your #OneWordCheckOut or tag someone you would like to see in the podcast) for one entry, and share this post to your story for an extra entry.
Show notes:
00:00 – Introduction
3:55 – Trevor’s journey (transitioning from law school to entrepreneurship)
8:00 – Aaliyah’s journey (studying in medicine)
10:05 – Colonial elements in medical school
23:00 – Aaliyah and Trevor’s roles at One North End and ANS Lab
33:45 – Listening to your emotions and finding peace from within
40:16 – Getting involved with healthy hobbies
43:20 – The importance of community and family
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
Feature Friday Podcast | Meet the Hosts, Aaliyah and Trevor! | Episode 1
Meet Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver, our hosts for the Feature …
Meet Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver, our hosts for the Feature Friday podcast. This episode they take the time to introduce themselves and talk about their journeys. They also discuss …what to expect in future episodes, and how to participate in our gift card draws.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share to participate in our giftcard giveaway of two $50 e-gift cards made possible through our ongoing collaboration with ShiftKey Labs! Like and comment (could be your #OneWordCheckOut or tag someone you would like to see in the podcast) for one entry, and share this post to your story for an extra entry.
Show notes:
00:00 – Introduction
3:55 – Trevor’s journey (transitioning from law school to entrepreneurship)
8:00 – Aaliyah’s journey (studying in medicine)
10:05 – Colonial elements in medical school
23:00 – Aaliyah and Trevor’s roles at One North End and ANS Lab
33:45 – Listening to your emotions and finding peace from within
40:16 – Getting involved with healthy hobbies
43:20 – The importance of community and family
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
Colonial elements in western medicine
Representation matters. #podcast
Healthy hobbies are essential!
"Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed" with Nickaya Parris | Episode 2
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday episode is Nickaya Parris! …
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday episode is Nickaya Parris! Born in the North End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in the Community of Uniacke Square, Nickaya Parris …is a recognized role model within the African Nova Scotian community, who she pays major homage to as they have crowned her with resiliency and plasticity while showing her the importance of self-discipline and hard work. Nickaya allows her passion for nutrition, healthcare, and underserved communities to lead her daily.
Currently working at the Population Public Health level as a Food Security Policy Analyst for the Provincial Government of NS, Nickaya is also a Registered Dietitian (RD) and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) Degree in Nutrition and Food Science and a Certificate in Food Security from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) Nutrition & Dietetics with a Clinical Nutrition Specialization from the University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
It is an honor to host Nickaya as this is a full circle moment as Nickaya was the original “hostess with the mostess” for our “Feature Friday.”
Show notes:
00:00 – Introducing Nickaya Parris
6:00 – Nickaya’s vocalness and how she uses her outgoing personality to her advantage
17:20 – Importance of family structure and support
23:30 – Nickaya’s different perspectives of growing up
34:24 – Interpreting culture from an ANS perspective
43:00 – Touching on historic ANS communities
55:20 – Finding self guidance from within
1:02:00 – Being a role model in the community
1:07:00 – What is Nickaya up to currently?
1:20:25 – One word check out!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
"Create Once, Distribute Forever" with Ross Simmonds | Episode 3
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Ross Simmonds! Born and …
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Ross Simmonds!
Born and raised in Preston, Ross Simmonds is the founder & CEO of Foundation, a global marketing agency that provides services …to organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups to global SaaS brands. Ross was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs and one of the top marketers in the world by BuzzSumo and SEMRush.
Ross is also a well sought out public speaker, an angel investor, and the author of multiple books.
It was a pleasure hosting the influential Ross Simmonds for our Feature Friday this month!
Show notes:
00:00 – Introducing Ross Simmonds
7:30 – How Ross was able to leverage his knowledge in the marketing world to find success
13:40 – Recognizing potential in yourself
17:45 – Challenges that Ross has faced along his path to success
28:40 – How to network with confidence
31:45 – Create more than you consume | Using social media consciously
38:40 – Finding and being a healthy role model
1:05:00 – The importance of reciprocal relationships
1:30:00 – Managing your time properly
1:45:00 – Harnessing the fear of failure and judgment
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
"My Superpower is my Vulnerability" with Gary Beals | Episode 4
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Gary Beals! Gary Beals is …
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Gary Beals!
Gary Beals is a Juno nominated artist celebrated for his soulful voice and captivating performances. Born and raised in Cherry Brook, …Nova Scotia, Gary’s journey in music began at a young age, singing in local church choirs and talent competitions. His breakthrough came on the inaugural season of “Canadian Idol” in 2003, where his magnetic voice propelled him into the spotlight, establishing him as one of the show’s standout contestants, securing a notable second place finish.
Following that success, he released his self-titled debut album in 2004, solidifying his reputation in R&B and soul music. A career spanning 20+ years, Gary has consistently enchanted audiences with dynamic performances and heartfelt music, releasing four studio albums that reflect his personal and artistic evolution. His commitment to his craft is evident throughout. Recognized for his contributions to Canadian music, he has received numerous awards and honours, including the Premier of his home Province declaring November 22, 2003, as “Gary Beals Day”.
Gary’s journey is a testament to his passion, perseverance, dedication, and his unwavering authenticity. With his soulful voice, timeless music, and undeniable talent, he continues to inspire and empower audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to host the empowering Gary Beals for our Feature Friday this month!
00:00 – Introduction
3:00 – Gary’s journey into music
6:20 – What inspires Gary’s music
12:05 – What was Gary’s experience like on Canadian Idol
17:35 – The importance of support
24:50 – Gary’s musical creation process
31:55 – Finding strength through perseverance
37:20 – Gary’s role models
39:50 – Gary’s journey to embracing his true self
48:40 – Current projects Gary is working on
51:40 – One Word Checkout!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
The importance of believing in one another!
In this clip from episode 4 of Feature Friday, a @one_north_end …
In this clip from episode 4 of Feature Friday, a @one_north_end initiative brought to you by their @anslab, guest Gary Beals and our hosts Trevor and Aaliyah chat about supporting …one another and giving people their flowers when they deserve it!
🚨🚨CONTEST ALERT🚨🚨
To participate in our giftcard giveaway of two $50 e-gift cards made possible through our ongoing collaboration with ShiftKey Labs, don’t forget to:
1. Follow @one_north_end and @anslab
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments
4. Share this post to your story
Comment your #onewordcheckout for an extra entry!!
#podcasts #podcasting #newpodcast #anslab #anspodcast #canadianpodcast #halifaxnews #garybeals[+] Show More
"Stand in Your Truth" with Guyleigh Johnson | Episode 5
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Guyleigh Johnson! …
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Guyleigh Johnson!
Guyleigh Johnson is an Author, Artist, Advocate, Facilitator and
Filmmaker from the vibrant community of Dartmouth North. Carrying
the essence of her roots, …she stands at the forefront of social change
using her art and voice to amplify.
A hard-working, solution-oriented professional with 10+ years of experience and knowledge in community engagement, arts facilitation and project management using a client-centred framework. She has a passion for collaboration and community development implemented through an Afrocentric lens of collective care, responsibility and value. With strong communication and relationship building skills she has been facilitating workshops over the last ten years within organizations, schools and businesses for youth ranging from age ten to thirty.
Partnering with many organizations locally and nationally to develop and design programs, initiatives and workshops. As an artist and advocate many of the workshops/programs are centred around exploring the power of storytelling from a personal perspective geared towards inner healing and creating space for self. She is very intentional in curating spaces where people can feel seen and supported.
We were delighted to host the talented Guyleigh Johnson for our Feature Friday this month!
Show notes:
00:00 – Introduction to Guyleigh
1:55 – Guyleigh’s passion for community
4:15 – What inspired Guyleigh to become a writer
13:05 – Guyleigh’s writing process
20:10 – Guyleigh’s advice for facilitating
22:45 – How Guyleigh translates her skills from reading and writing into everyday life
24:15 – Revisiting Guyleigh’s books
31:10 – What does Guyleigh define as art?
33:00 – How does Guyleigh build her skillset?
39:50 – Turning failures into successes
43:40 – Who are Guyleigh’s mentors?
46:35 – What keeps Guyleigh grounded?
49:55 – How Guyleigh translates her work into film
54:10 – Cultivating your talent when growing up
56:45 – Discovering the power of intention
58:20 – What’s new in Guyleigh’s life
59:25 – Advice from Guyleigh
1:02:55 – One Word Check-out!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
“How I Found Myself” with Aquakultre | Episode 6
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Aquakultre! Aquakultre is …
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Aquakultre!
Aquakultre is the artistic voice of Lance Sampson — an uncommonly versatile singer, rapper, composer and storyteller from Halifax, NS. Since winning …the 2018 CBC Searchlight competition, Aquakultre has released two Polaris-nominated albums and a multitude of genre-diverse, multi-media collaborations, establishing him as a significant musical and cultural presence. The live show is a warm-hearted party where all are welcomed by Aquakultre’s big voice and bigger stage presence. Through all his works, via poetic lyrics and straight-up jams, Aquakultre is on a mission to share his love for his unique and beautiful corner of the culture.
It was a pleasure hosting the influential Aquakultre for our Feature Friday this month!
Show notes:
00:00 – Introduction
11:45 – “You are what you eat”
35:12 – New show GeneratioNS
40:10 – Finding your identity
54:15 – Becoming Aquakultre
1:01:00 – Being the change you want to see
1:09:00 – Family and friends life
1:35:00 – Bringing different communities together
1:40:40 – Advice from Lance
1:45:00 – Upcoming news
1:53:00 – One word checkout!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
"Perfectly Me" with Keonté Beals | Episode 7
This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a …
This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. …
To learn more about what they do, head to their website: http://www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361.
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Keonté Beals!
Keonté Beals is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, performer, author, and entrepreneur from North Preston, Nova Scotia. In 2021, Keonté self-published his first children’s book ‘I Am Perfectly Me’ alongside his younger brother, Antonio Beals. The book sold thousands of copies and led to Keonté’s company, KBeals Entertainment, launching its publishing arm in 2022 following a launch of ‘Je suis parfaitement moi’ – an Acadian French translation of the famous English release.
Keonté and KBeals Entertainment headlined ‘The I Am Experience Tour,’ a Canadian school tour produced by the company and presented to thousands of kids all across Canada in provinces such as Ontario and Nova Scotia. Keonté illustrates all the “I Am” books as a multidisciplinary artist.
We were honoured to host the talented Keonté Beals for our Feature Friday this month!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More
"It’s Okay to Admit That You Are Still Not Okay" with Dr. Cinera Cartwright | Episode 8
This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a …
This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise.
To …learn more about what they do, head to their website: http://www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361.
Our guest for this month’s Feature Friday is Dr. Cinera Cartwright!
Dr. Cartwright obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at Dalhousie University with a double major in biology and psychology. She attended Dalhousie Medical School and obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2017. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Dalhousie University in 2023. She is currently the Clinical Academic Leader for the Transcultural Psychiatry Program at Dalhousie University, Department of Psychiatry. In this role, Dr. Cartwright is working to provide culturally competent psychiatric services to multiple underserved and equity deserving groups including Black/African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, Newcomers, and people experiencing homelessness.
It was a pleasure hosting the inspiring Dr. Cinera Cartwright for our Feature Friday this month!
Show notes:
00:00 – Introduction to Cinera
6:15 – The people in Cinera’s life that have inspired her
10:05 – How Cinera decided to choose a career path in Medicine
18:50 – Cinera’s experience in post secondary education
26:25 – The legacy of racism in Nova Scotia and how it has affected Black Nova Scotians in the education system
34:34 – Cinera and the passing of her Mom and how she still plays a role in her life
56:25 – Cinera on the importance of culture competency
1:04:00 – Cinera’s current work
1:10:40 – Resources for psychiatric support
1:16:05 – Navigating the mental health stigma that still exists
1:18:10 – One word checkout!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/[+] Show More