Podcast
Feature Friday
Hosted by ANS Lab | BNV Media · EN
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.
You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms as well as YouTube!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ansyouthlab/featured
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneNorthEnd
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S3E2: "Province House is the People's House" with Suzy Hansen
2w ago00:59:45Tap to summarizeOn this month's episode of Feature Friday, we're excited to host MLA Suzy Hansen on the pod! Suzy is the MLA for Halifax - Needham and she chats about what it actually takes to serve community inside and outside the Legislature. She also walks through her roots, the role church played in keeping Black communities connected, and why music has always been her therapy. Suzy Hansen is a Canadian politician who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2021 Nova Scotia general election and re-elected in the 2024 Nova Scotia general election. She represents the riding of Halifax - Needham as a member of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party. As of August 2025, Hansen serves as the Official Opposition critic for Housing, African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, the Human Rights Commission, and Communications Nova Scotia. She also serves as the Caucus Whip. Prior to her election, Hansen was a former board member of the Halifax Regional School Board and other boards and an active volunteer. She was also one of four Black Canadians elected to the Nova Scotia legislature in 2021 and 2024.
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S3E1: "Purpose Builds Confidence" | PART 2
Feb 1300:40:04Tap to summarizeSeason 3 is here! In part 2 of the premiere, Aaliyah shares a day in the life in med school and Trev reflects on his origin story and what brought him to where he is today. We've got a great season of guests this year and can't wait to share with you the amazing episodes coming your way soon!
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Season 3 Premiere | Purpose Builds Confidence | PART 1
Jan 3000:36:30Tap to summarizeSeason 3 is here! In part 1 of the premiere, Aaliyah and Trev catch up on life updates and reflect on what they've learned from past seasons — then Aaliyah shares what led her to med school, how purpose fuels confidence, and why trying new things can change your whole trajectory. They also talk identity, ambition, community, and pushing past the fear of not "belonging." We've got a great season of guests this year and can't wait to share with you the amazing episodes coming your way soon!
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S2E12: "Start Where You're At" with Nevell Provo and Corvell Beals
Dec 2601:21:10Tap to summarizeOn the season finale of season 2, we're honoured to have brothers and entrepreneurs Nevell Provo and Corvell Beals join the pod! The episode traces their journey growing up in North Preston, where basketball wasn't just a game — it was a foundation. They break down how elite-level athletics, from Team Canada to NCAA competition, shaped their confidence, discipline, and willingness to take risks long before business ever entered the picture. Nevell and Corvell dive deep into their transition from sports to entrepreneurship, explaining how problem-solving, leadership, and resilience became the backbone of everything they've built — from Smooth Meal Prep to the rise of R&B Kitchen, a community-rooted business that gained momentum during COVID by serving people first. Beyond business, the conversation explores the real realities of entrepreneurship — failure, financial pressure, mental toughness, and why "chasing failure" is often the fastest path to growth. They speak candidly about putting God first, aligning personal priorities, developing discipline, and how self-development directly determines how far a business can go. A major theme of the episode is community responsibility. Nevell and Corvell share why they chose to build and stay in Nova Scotia, how mentorship and visibility change what young people believe is possible, and why creating access — not just success — is the real legacy. The episode closes with powerful advice for youth, emerging entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling limited by their environment: believe in yourself, learn how to learn, and understand that you are capable. This is more than an interview — it's a blueprint for turning adversity into opportunity and using success to lift others along the way. We'll see you in 2026! 00:00 - Introduction to Nevell Provo and Corvell Beals 04:25 - Leadership & Giving Back 10:45 - Taking Risks & Leaving Home to Chase Opportunity 15:30 - Discovering Entrepreneurship Early 19:45 - Creating Opportunity in Nova Scotia 23:40 - The Birth of Smooth Meal Prep & R&B Kitchen 29:15 - COVID: Crisis Turned Opportunity 31:45 - Hardships, Failure & Mental Toughness 36:00 - Faith, Discipline & Personal Development 38:45 - Learning, Mentorship & Self-Education 44:30 - Teaching, Giving Back & Leading by Example 50:45 - Loyalty to Community & Generational Vision 56:30 - Expanding Beyond Traditional Industries 1:05:30 - Advice to Youth & Emerging Entrepreneurs 1:14:30 - One Word Checkout with Nevell and Corvell!
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S2E11: "My Music Found My Audience" with Kye Clayton and Jody Upshaw | PART 2
Dec 1200:54:21Tap to summarizeOur guests for this month's Feature Friday are Kye Clayton and Jody Upshaw. Kye Clayton is a Halifax-based artist, producer, and certified audio engineer pushing the sound of Nova Scotia forward. As Manager of Youth Power and Innovation at Hope Blooms, he empowers youth through music and mentorship. A two-time ANSMA Award winner — earning the Lieutenant Governor Award and Portia White Youth Award — Kye has performed at the ECMAs, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Magnetic World Festival, and opened for Xzibit. Through his collective LDN and upcoming project Live by Faith, Not by Sight, Kye continues to inspire creativity and community growth. Jody Upshaw is a radiant force of emotional truth and feminine power whose brand essence lives at the intersection of beauty and battle, vulnerability and victory. With every lyric, every look, every live moment, she creates a space for women to rise, release, and reclaim their power. From her single being featured on the hit HBO series Euphoria to being named Music Nova Scotia's 2022 Artist in Residence. earning multiple East Coast Music Award nominations, and taking home the African Nova Scotian Music Association's Rising Star Award, Jody has captivated audiences with her signature blend of raw vulnerability and ethereal glamour. Jody embodies liberation through art. Her mantra to #FreeTheGirls from toxic narratives and limiting beliefs isn't just personal - it's communal. Beyond her artistry, Jody is passionate about empowering the next generation of musicians, particularly within the African Nova Scotian community. She envisions using her industry experience and authentic understanding of the creative process to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and professional development support to emerging artists navigating their own journeys toward artistic and commercial success. It was a pleasure hosting Kye and Jody in part 2 of their episode! Show notes: 00:11 – Roots & heritage 02:40 – "What does community mean to you?" 04:34 – Social media awareness + protecting your mind 06:52 – Being a positive representative (even when others aren't) 11:35 – Giving back "with a real heart" 12:08 – Jody on community + the legacy of Three Mile Plains 17:03 – Finding community beyond where you live 21:12 – Music community + chasing purpose professionally 23:07 – What's next: projects + release plans 25:08 – Ten years from now: Kye's vision + leadership 33:50 – Jody's 10-year vision 35:12 – Career highlights 39:41 – How "Jody + Kye" started 48:58 – One word check out with Jody and Kye!
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S2E11: "My Music Found My Audience" with Kye Clayton and Jody Upshaw | PART 1
Nov 2800:49:22Tap to summarizeOur guests for this month's Feature Friday are Kye Clayton and Jody Upshaw. Kye Clayton is a Halifax-based artist, producer, and certified audio engineer pushing the sound of Nova Scotia forward. As Manager of Youth Power and Innovation at Hope Blooms, he empowers youth through music and mentorship. A two-time ANSMA Award winner — earning the Lieutenant Governor Award and Portia White Youth Award — Kye has performed at the ECMAs, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Magnetic World Festival, and opened for Xzibit. Through his collective LDN and upcoming project Live by Faith, Not by Sight, Kye continues to inspire creativity and community growth. Jody Upshaw is a radiant force of emotional truth and feminine power whose brand essence lives at the intersection of beauty and battle, vulnerability and victory. With every lyric, every look, every live moment, she creates a space for women to rise, release, and reclaim their power. From her single being featured on the hit HBO series Euphoria to being named Music Nova Scotia's 2022 Artist in Residence. earning multiple East Coast Music Award nominations, and taking home the African Nova Scotian Music Association's Rising Star Award, Jody has captivated audiences with her signature blend of raw vulnerability and ethereal glamour. Jody embodies liberation through art. Her mantra to #FreeTheGirls from toxic narratives and limiting beliefs isn't just personal - it's communal. Beyond her artistry, Jody is passionate about empowering the next generation of musicians, particularly within the African Nova Scotian community. She envisions using her industry experience and authentic understanding of the creative process to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and professional development support to emerging artists navigating their own journeys toward artistic and commercial success. It was a pleasure hosting Kye and Jody in part 1 of their episode! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Kye and Jody 02:54 - Planting seeds for the next generation 03:30 - Jody's early grind & family influence 06:40 - Representation, radio, and Nova Scotia pride 12:20 - Kye's path from hoops to hip-hop 13:42 - First songs, LDN collective & DIY come-up 19:10 - Grief, growth & taking music seriously 20:01 - From high school buzz to real momentum 25:01 - Writing, freestyling & creative process 28:14 - Choosing the positive path 31:34 - Jody's sound, R&B lane & "Free the Girls" 37:02 - Collaboration, confidence & beating imposter syndrome 44:22 - Creating for yourself vs. your audience 47:45 - Outro, contests & community
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S2E10: "A Marble in Honey" with Nathan Simmons | PART 2
Nov 1400:41:24Tap to summarizeOur guest for this month's Feature Friday is Nathan Simmons. Nathan is an actor of compelling presence and range, best known for his role as Elgin Williams on the supernatural horror-mystery series FROM. Hailing from the historical Black communities of East and North Preston in Nova Scotia, Simmons brings both authenticity and nuance to his craft. He graduated from the acting program at the Fountain School of the Arts in 2017, laying a solid foundation in theatre before making the transition to screen. Early in his career, Simmons distinguished himself in Canadian theatre, earning recognition and accolades for his stage work in Halifax and beyond. His screen credits include appearances in the legal drama Diggstown, the sketch comedy series This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and independent films like Black Cop. In FROM, Simmons' character Elgin arrives in the enigmatic township after having premonitions that forewarn the arrival of the town's grim dangers. His portrayal combines youthful urgency with an underlying sense of dread, capturing the show's tension between the ordinary and the unfathomable. Off-screen, Simmons is also a musician, often performing live in Halifax venues — a testament to his multi-dimensional artistic instincts. With a bright future ahead, he continues to cultivate roles that challenge him and expand his profile across North American productions. It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the muti-talented Nathan Simmons! Show notes: 00:00 - Nathan on his acting style 02:07 - You're Never Fully Ready for Success" 03:31 - Trade-Offs, Missed Gigs & Success as Bubbles 05:11 - Self-Development & Working for Tomorrow 08:34 - Video Games, Gamified Storytelling & Coding 11:29 - Dungeons & Dragons, Storytelling & Black Creativity 16:36 - Hustling on Set: Locations, Crew Work & Learning Film 20:30 - Assistant Work for Sterling K. Brown 23:01 - Film Budgets, Long Days & Why Details Matter 27:04 - From, I'm Black & 0 to 60 – Black Excellence on Screen 32:25 - Nathan on Collective Producing 36:15 - One Word Checkout with Nathan!
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S2E10: "A Marble in Honey" with Nathan Simmons | PART 1
Oct 3100:56:17Tap to summarizeOur guest for this month's Feature Friday is Nathan Simmons. Nathan is an actor of compelling presence and range, best known for his role as Elgin Williams on the supernatural horror-mystery series FROM. Hailing from the historical Black communities of East and North Preston in Nova Scotia, Simmons brings both authenticity and nuance to his craft. He graduated from the acting program at the Fountain School of the Arts in 2017, laying a solid foundation in theatre before making the transition to screen. Early in his career, Simmons distinguished himself in Canadian theatre, earning recognition and accolades for his stage work in Halifax and beyond. His screen credits include appearances in the legal drama Diggstown, the sketch comedy series This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and independent films like Black Cop. In FROM, Simmons' character Elgin arrives in the enigmatic township after having premonitions that forewarn the arrival of the town's grim dangers. His portrayal combines youthful urgency with an underlying sense of dread, capturing the show's tension between the ordinary and the unfathomable. Off-screen, Simmons is also a musician, often performing live in Halifax venues — a testament to his multi-dimensional artistic instincts. With a bright future ahead, he continues to cultivate roles that challenge him and expand his profile across North American productions. It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the muti-talented Nathan Simmons! Stay tuned for part 2 coming November 13th!! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Nathan Simmons 01:57 - Grade-3 heartbreak: skipping the Annie audition & sensing the calling 06:15 - University pivot: sciences → theatre 13:17 - Imagination as a superpower 16:13 - Presence & prep work 18:22 - Nathan's acting technique 27:10 - A teacher's nudge 40:32 — "Marble in honey": Philip Akin's metaphor for truth in performance 45:41 — On FROM: good people, taking your space, humility vs. knowing your worth
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S2E9: "Turning Impulsivity into Possibility" with Damini Awoyiga
Sep 2600:59:23Tap to summarizeOur guest for this month's Feature Friday is Damini Awoyiga. Damini is a student, an activist, a spoken word poet, and the former Halifax's Youth Poet Laureate (2023-2024). Damini is the founder of Damini Creatives and the Afro-Indigenous Book Club, a book club created to encourage young people to read books written by Black and Indigenous authors and to share the realities and experiences of Black and Indigenous Canadians. Damini was the Junior Artist in Residence for Wellness Within, a community organization working for reproductive justice, prison abolition, and health equity; CBC's artist-in-residence for the Michaelle Jean Foundation Canadian Black Summit held in July 2022, where she hosted an interactive community poetry booth. She is also a freelance journalist for CBC Mainstreet. She has also enjoyed being a board member of the Nova Scotia Girls Institute for Resource and Learning (NS GIRL), and she is a member of the HRM Youth Advisory Committee. Damini has received multiple awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award. She recently spoke at her first TEDx Talk at TEDx Argyle about the power of creativity, becoming the youngest TEDx Argyle speaker at the age of 18. Damini loves to dance, write, create, sing, and perform poetry about social justice issues she cares deeply about. It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the inspiring Damini Awoyiga!
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S2E8: "All Things in Time" with Tyree Haley
Aug 2901:11:37Tap to summarizeOur guest for this month's Feature Friday is Tyree Haley. Tyree Haley is a model, actor, and fitness coach with a deep passion for helping others unlock their full potential. Now based in Thailand, he runs a wellness retreat on the island of Koh Tao and teaches English part-time, supporting Thai locals in his community. Originally from Halifax, Tyree previously worked as an African Nova Scotian recruiter and served on the board of the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI). He has also walked in New York, Paris and most recently Thailand Fashion Week respectively. Ty lives by the motto "All things in time"—a reflection of his belief that with patience, perseverance, and passion, anything is possible. He's deeply connected to his ancestral roots and is committed to amplifying Nova Scotia's presence on the world stage. It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the inspiring Tyree Haley!
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