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🎙️ The SJW Show – Episode 27: Kaia Allen-Bevan

In Episode 27 of The SJW Show, Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Kaia Allen-Bevan for a powerful conversation exploring youth activism, racial justice, education, creativity and the importance of using your voice to create meaningful change.

Kaia began speaking out against racial injustice at just 16 years old and has since developed a growing platform across activism, public speaking, poetry, visual art and youth leadership. From organising Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Brighton and delivering a TEDx Talk to founding YouthTheGap CIC, her journey demonstrates what can happen when young people refuse to wait for permission to lead.

During the episode, Jasmine and Kaia explore the difference between performative and genuine allyship, the inequalities that remain within education, the role creativity can play in activism and healing, and why young people must be involved in designing the systems and solutions intended to serve them.

Kaia also shares the vision behind YouthTheGap CIC, her thoughts on building inclusive and representative leadership, and what she would say to a young person who feels ignored, underestimated or afraid to speak up.

At the heart of this episode is a simple message: young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow — they have the ability to lead, influence and create change today.

Episode 27 Theme: Youth, Activism & Reimagining Education

🎙️ Hosted by Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi
The SJW Show – Sharing stories. Amplifying voices. Inspiring change.

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✨ MILDRED TALABI: VISIBILITY, COURAGE, REINVENTION & PURPOSE

What happens when you have the courage to be seen, reinvent yourself and let go of something good to make space for something greater?

This Sunday, I’m joined on the SJW Podcast by the incredible Mildred Talabi — writer, speaker, former journalist and author of four published books, including her popular LinkedIn manual, Start Being Visible.

Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Careers & Business, Mildred has built a community of more than 50,000 followers on LinkedIn, using her platform and experience to help women increase their confidence, visibility and personal brands online.

But this conversation goes far beyond personal branding.

We talk about:

✨ Why so many talented women struggle to put themselves forward
✨ Building confidence and becoming more visible
✨ The biggest lessons from building a community of 50,000+ people
✨ Knowing when it's time to close one chapter and begin another
✨ Mildred's decision to close her coaching business
✨ Having the courage to reinvent yourself
✨ What excites her about the next chapter of her journey
✨ How surviving a brain tumour changed her perspective on life, success and purpose
✨ Faith, leadership and personal growth
✨ What she would tell someone who feels professionally invisible
✨ The advice she would give to every young woman trying to find her place in the world

And, of course, we put Mildred through our SJW Podcast quick-fire round:

💭 Success or significance?
💷 What would you do with £1 million tomorrow?
🌍 What is the most powerful thing we own?
❤️ What is purpose?
🔥 What does courage mean to you?

One of the biggest messages from this episode is simple:

Stop hiding what you have to offer.

You don't have to have everything figured out before you take the next step. Sometimes courage is simply deciding to show up, use your voice and allow yourself to be seen.

As Mildred reminds us:

“Just Do It. Go at Life with all you have. Opportunities rarely find people hiding. The world changes when you have the courage to step out for your purpose.”

🎧 SJW Podcast – Episode 26
🎙️ Guest: Mildred Talabi
📅 Out Sunday 6 September 2026

🔗 CONNECT WITH MILDRED

🌐 Website:
https://www.mildredtalabi.com

🌐 Start Being Visible:
https://www.startbeingvisible.com

💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi/

📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mildredtalabi

▶️ YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/mildredtalabi

📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mildredtalabi/

𝕏 X / Twitter:
https://x.com/mildredtalabi

🎵 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@mildredtalabi

Make sure you're tuned in this Sunday! 🎧💙

#SJWPodcast #MildredTalabi #StartBeingVisible #Visibility #WomenInLeadership #PersonalBranding #Leadership #Purpose #Confidence #WomenInBusiness #Reinvention #WomenEmpowerment #Podcast #NewEpisode

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The SJW Podcast – Episode 25

Guest: Sandeep Saib

Sandeep Saib is a passionate mental health advocate, public speaker and Expert by Experience whose work is rooted in lived and living experience. Between 2012 and 2016, Sandeep faced Anorexia Nervosa, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and survived a suicide attempt. Rather than allowing these experiences to define him, he transformed them into a lifelong mission to educate, empower and support others while championing equality, diversity and inclusion within the mental health sector.

Today, Sandeep is a qualified Mental Health First Aider and volunteers his time with organisations including Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA), James' Place, Samaritans and other charities, using his voice to challenge stigma and advocate for better mental health support.

Alongside his advocacy work, Sandeep serves as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Network Committee Member and Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador, helping to create psychologically safe workplaces where conversations around mental health are encouraged, supported and normalised.

In this powerful episode of The SJW Podcast, Sandeep shares his deeply personal journey from surviving some of life's darkest moments to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Together, we explore recovery, resilience, men's mental health, eating disorders, purpose, and the importance of asking for help.

This conversation is honest, courageous and inspiring, reminding us that healing is possible and that our greatest struggles can become our greatest source of strength.

Viewer discretion is advised as this episode discusses mental illness, suicide and recovery.

Follow Sandeep's work, social channels and mental health documentary here:
https://linktr.ee/ssaib

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🎙️ Meet Our Guest: Kameka McLean

Kameka McLean is an award-winning HR leader, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategist, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Beginning her career in Human Resources at just 16 years old, Kameka built an extraordinary path into leadership without the benefit of mentors, sponsors, or visible role models who looked like her. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief that talent should never be limited by background.

Today, Kameka is recognised as one of the UK's leading voices on diversity, equity and inclusion within financial services and beyond. She has helped organisations recruit hundreds of diverse professionals, advised senior leaders on building inclusive cultures, and continues to champion equitable opportunities across the workplace.

As a British-Jamaican leader, Kameka brings authenticity, lived experience, and practical expertise to every conversation. Her work extends beyond recruitment—she is committed to transforming workplace culture, improving employee wellbeing, and ensuring organisations create environments where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Through her leadership, coaching, and public speaking, Kameka inspires individuals to own their voice, embrace their potential, and lead with purpose, while challenging organisations to move beyond performative diversity towards meaningful and lasting inclusion.

Join us on The SJW Show as Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Kameka for an inspiring conversation about courage, representation, leadership, workplace culture, mental wellbeing, and the power of opening doors for the next generation.

Because representation isn't just about having a seat at the table—it's about making room for others to join you.

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Turning Pain Into Purpose with Cheyenne Upson

In Episode 23 of The SJW Podcast, Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Cheyenne Upson, founder of Chey Ministries International, for a powerful conversation about faith, healing, identity and purpose.

Born from her own journey of overcoming pain, rejection and personal struggles, Cheyenne has dedicated her life to helping others discover their God-given purpose and walk boldly in their calling. Through prophetic encouragement, outreach, preaching and digital ministry, she continues to inspire people around the world to transform their pain into purpose and their testimony into impact.

During this inspiring episode, Cheyenne shares her personal story of healing, discusses the challenges of leadership and ministry, and offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating rejection, anxiety, identity struggles or spiritual growth. She also reflects on the importance of empowering women and young girls and reveals the lessons God has been teaching her in this season of life.

This episode is filled with honesty, vulnerability and hope, reminding listeners that no experience is wasted and that purpose can emerge from even the most difficult seasons.

About Cheyenne Upson

Cheyenne Upson is the Founder of Chey Ministries International, a faith-based movement committed to empowering, healing and transforming lives through Jesus Christ. Her ministry focuses on prophetic prayer, outreach, preaching engagements, digital media and spiritual encouragement, helping people discover their identity and purpose.

Passionate about supporting women, young girls and emerging leaders, Cheyenne creates spaces for healing, growth and transformation. Through her authenticity and unwavering faith, she continues to inspire individuals around the world to rise above limitations and walk confidently in their calling.

Connect with Cheyenne

TikTok: @CheyEmpowers

Instagram: @CheyEmpowers

YouTube: Chey Ministries International

Facebook: Chey Upson

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🎙️ Podcast Episode 22 — Tomi Ayede

The SJW Show Podcast returns with another powerful and thought-provoking conversation as Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with award-winning DEI professional, spoken word artist, and founder Tomi Ayede.

In this deeply honest episode, Tomi shares her journey through identity, grief, belonging, culture, advocacy, and equity. From leading inclusion work within major institutions to using spoken word as a tool for healing and storytelling, this conversation explores what it truly means to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Tomi currently works within Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leadership at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is the founder of Made2BMore. Recognised with the DEI Rising Star Award and nominated for the BPIC Inspiring Diversity Champion Award, her impact continues to inspire communities across the UK and beyond.

Together, Jasmine and Tomi unpack:
• Identity and belonging within the diaspora
• Grief and healing through storytelling
• Equity and representation in leadership spaces
• The power of lived experience
• Advocacy, inclusion and community impact

This is more than a podcast episode. It is a conversation about humanity, resilience, purpose and using your voice to create change.

🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms

🌐 www.sapphirecommunity.org
📧 info@sapphirecommunity.org
🎥 http://www.youtube.com/@TheSapphireCommunityGroup
🎙 https://thesjwpodcast.buzzsprout.com

#SJWShow #Podcast #TomiAyede #DEI #Belonging #Equity #Identity #Leadership #BlackVoices #Community #Advocacy

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🎙 The SJW Show Podcast

Episode Title: Youth Media, Ethical Storytelling & Global Impact
Guest: Lily Mott – Founder, Be the Change Media Network

In this powerful episode of The SJW Show, host Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Lily Mott, founding director of Be the Change Media Network, to explore the power of youth voices, ethical storytelling, and the role media plays in shaping a more just and informed world.

Launched during the Black Lives Matter protests in Washington DC in 2020, Be the Change Media Network began as a response to the urgent need for young people to tell their own stories. Since then, Lily has built a global platform featuring over 280 podcast episodes and a growing network of 35+ young creators under 25, all committed to creating meaningful conversations about social change.

In this conversation, Jasmine and Lily dive into the responsibility that comes with having a voice in the digital age, discussing the balance between viral content and ethical storytelling, the importance of media literacy, and how young creators can use their platforms to inspire action rather than simply attract attention.

The episode also explores the vision behind the Be the Change Media Academy, a new initiative aimed at equipping the next generation with the tools, confidence, and integrity needed to tell impactful stories and lead through media.

Together, they reflect on the deeper question behind it all:
What does it truly mean to “be the change”?

This episode is a must-listen for young leaders, aspiring podcasters, storytellers, and anyone passionate about using media as a force for positive global impact.

✨ Key themes:
• Youth leadership and media power
• Ethical storytelling and responsibility
• Media literacy in the digital age
• Building global youth networks
• Turning platforms into purpose

🎧 Listen now and discover why meaningful media matters.

Closing reminder from the episode:
“You don’t need millions of followers to change the world.
You need integrity, intention, and impact.”

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🎙 SJW Podcast – Episode 19

Safeguarding, Faith & Building Cultures of Accountability

In Episode 19 of the SJW Podcast, we are joined by Tina Pokuaah, Founder of Kesis Consulting — an international safeguarding trainer, consultant, woman of faith, mother, and recognised next-generation trailblazer.

With over 15 years’ experience across education, social care, international development, and multiple global sectors, Tina supports organisations to build safer, accountable, and inclusive cultures. Her work centres on protecting children, young people, and adults at risk, while equipping leaders and organisations to respond effectively to safeguarding and domestic abuse concerns.

In this powerful 30-minute conversation, Tina shares her journey into safeguarding, explores why safeguarding is not just a policy requirement but a cultural responsibility, and unpacks what faith-informed, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practice looks like in real life. Drawing on her global experience across the UK, Africa, the USA, and the Middle East, Tina offers insight, challenge, and hope for leaders navigating complex safeguarding landscapes.

Tina holds a BSc in Psychology, a Diploma in Children and Young People, and an MA in Children, Youth and International Development. She was recognised as a Next-Generation Trailblazer by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, affirming her leadership and impact in the safeguarding field.

This episode is essential listening for leaders, practitioners, faith communities, and anyone committed to protecting those most at risk and creating environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported.

🎧 Release date: 1 February at 6PM
🔗 Listen now: https://thesjwpodcast.buzzsprout.com

🔗 Connect with Tina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-pokuaah-bsc-dip-ma-8a98a413a

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