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Blackout Podcast Episode 398: Jule Rochelle - Certified Sexologist & Embodiment Coach Jule Rochelle is an artist of life, embodied intimacy coach, and trauma-informed Sexologist certified in the Somatica® Method. With a background spanning bodywork, somatics, coaching and sacred sexuality, she brings depth, intuition, playfulness and a healthy dose of magic to her work. Jule believes that living a life infused with Eros is a pathway home to ourselves. Through her work, Jule supports individuals and couples in releasing shame, becoming more deeply connected to their bodies and desires, and creating relationships rooted in authenticity, consent, vulnerability and emotional intelligence. She believes pleasure is our birthright and a worthy pursuit- and that healing doesn’t always have to be so damn serious. Sometimes it happens through laughter, curiosity, touch, play and the courage to be fully seen. At the heart of Jule’s work is a desire to help people move from living primarily in their heads into a more embodied relationship with their hearts, bodies and desires. She sees herself as a catalyst and creatress: someone who helps people gently unravel old patterns, soften their edges and weave new ways of relating- to themselves, to one another and to life itself. Learn more @onda_embodied_intimacy

Blackout Podcast Episode 397: Julia Tynes - Singer/Songwriter/CEO Julia Tynes is a Halifax-area singer-songwriter, entertainer, educator, choreographer, and CEO whose work brings together soulful music, vibrant live performance, and community connection. Inspired by retro pop, soul, Motown, and R&B, Julia is known for her warm, engaging performances and her ability to connect with audiences of all ages. After spending 13 years building her professional career in Toronto, Julia returned to Nova Scotia, bringing her experience from Canada’s largest music and entertainment market back home. An award-winning and nominated artist, she has been recognised by the African Nova Scotian Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia, and her original music has received national radio play across Canada. She has performed at major events throughout Eastern Canada, shared stages with acclaimed artists, and built a reputation for creating memorable, high-quality live experiences. As CEO and Artistic Director of Julia Tynes Music Inc., Julia has expanded her work beyond the stage to include music education, school and library programming, workshops, choreography, artist mentorship, and large-scale community events. Through her company, she brings together professional musicians, dancers, educators, and community partners to make exceptional live music accessible to diverse audiences. Whether she’s writing and performing her own songs, leading her band, inspiring students, or producing a major event, Julia’s work is rooted in creativity, connection, and her belief that music is for everyone. Check her out @juliatynes

Blackout Podcast Episode 396: Philip Okunaiya - Financial Professional & Community Leader Philip Okunaiya is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and MBA graduate, with a career spanning financial services, fraud intelligence, audit, and risk management. Beyond his professional career, Philip is deeply passionate about community development and creating opportunities for others. He currently serves as President of the Association of Nigerians in Nova Scotia (ANNS), where he is focused on strengthening the Nigerian community, building partnerships, creating opportunities for newcomers, and helping immigrants thrive in their new home. His commitment to service extends beyond Canada; he has also served for many years with Dream Rite, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to education, empowerment, and creating opportunities for young people in Africa. At the heart of Philip’s story is a belief that success is most meaningful when it creates a positive impact beyond oneself. His journey from Nigeria to Canada, his experiences in professional and community leadership, and his passion for mentorship, service, and empowering others provide a rich perspective on resilience, reinvention, leadership, and building a meaningful life across borders. @nurturingpotentials

Tanya Suenfa is the co-founder of MO GATO Mauritian Delicacies, a small Mauritian food business she started with her husband, Hans, in Halifax in 2022. Tanya grew up in Mauritius surrounded by family cooking and baking, and food has always been a huge part of her life. She created MO GATO to share the flavours, traditions and beautiful multicultural heritage of Mauritius with her community in Canada. From the Classic Napolitaine shortbread cookies to a variety of the business’s own flavour creations to Mauritian savoury favourites and homemade treats, everything is made with love and a taste of home. MO GATO can be found at Halifax Brewery Farmers Market (Alexander Keith Brewery building) every Saturday, 8am–1pm, as well as at local markets, festivals and special events throughout the year. Find out more @mogato.ca

Chad W Johnson is a Halifax/Dartmouth-based videographer, photographer, filmmaker, mental health advocate, and creative entrepreneur behind ChadJPictures. Through his work, Chad captures authentic stories, artists, events, and meaningful moments while bringing his own approach to visual storytelling. His passion for filmmaking comes from wanting to create work that connects with people and gives a platform to voices, experiences, and stories that deserve to be heard. Chad is also passionate about mental health awareness and using his platform to encourage people to speak openly about their experiences and remind others that they don’t have to go through difficult moments alone. From music videos and documentaries to interviews, events, and creative projects, Chad continues to build his craft and explore different sides of storytelling. Check him out @chadjpictures

Nik Davis - Photographer He grew up watching his dad film the family with old digital cameras, spent his college years designing video games, and now he's one of Halifax's most authentic photographers, but he'll be the first to tell you he doesn't identify 100% as a photographer. Meet Nik Davis, a creative who's all about connection, intuition, and having fun with the craft. In this episode, Nik takes us behind the lens of his journey: from making anime music videos as a kid, to studying video game design, to picking up a camera and building a business that's all about serving people. He breaks down how he chooses that one perfect shot from hundreds, why he's more about the vibe than the gear, and how he balances serving clients with staying true to his own creative voice. Nik also opens up about his honest take on AI, the environmental impact, the ethical concerns, and why he believes creatives will always crave the real thing. He shares his thoughts on being "in between" creative spaces, his love for behind-the-scenes content (think Jackie Chan movies), and the high school film teacher who changed the way he watches movies forever. Whether you're a photographer, a creative, or just someone figuring out their next move, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out; just show up and have fun. Learn more @nikdavisphotography

She grew up running around a veterinary college, spent three years in med school hating it, ran away to the circus for a bit, and now she's a PhD researcher in adversarial machine learning who doesn't really believe in AI. Meet Patti—a woman who refuses to be put in a box. In this episode, Patti takes us on a journey through her winding career path: from microbiology and immunology to computer science, from fire-spinning festivals to DJing under the name DJ Patti.K. She breaks down what AI actually is (statistics on steroids), why she thinks the cons of AI outweigh the pros, and how she's using her research to stay sharp while questioning the technology she studies. Patti also opens up about her passion for lowering the barriers to computer literacy, her work with Tech Girls Canada, and why she's launched a DJ collective called Freak Alantik to create space for racialised queer DJs in Halifax. She shares how she balances being a researcher, a musician, a parent, and a community builder—all by knowing her values and staying true to herself. Whether you're curious about AI, looking to start a creative project, or just trying to figure out how to be in multiple places at once, this episode is for you. Patricia (Patti) Kibenge is a 2nd-generation Ugandan-Canadian living and loving in Kjipuktuk, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. She is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Dalhousie University in her final year of studies. Her research is in Adversarial Machine Learning (AML), which is an emerging field that combines cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, investigating attacks on machine and deep learning algorithms and defences against such attacks. In her spare time, she is a DJ, host, promoter and now also a mermaid. She can most likely be found working on her laptop at a café in the North End, supporting her 5-year-old's multiple interests and always surrounded by music. Find out more @patti.kibenge @dj.patti.k @freeqatl @blk.itnetwork

Takeover Productions - Media Collective Takeover Productions is a Halifax-based media collective and event platform dedicated to spotlighting and strengthening the city’s vibrant local arts, music, and nightlife scenes. Built to champion the creative community from the ground up, the Instagram account serves as a digital stage featuring artist interviews—like their popular “30 Second Takeover” series—music videos, event coverage, and local business promotions. Beyond digital media, the brand organises accessible nightlife and networking events designed to bring Halifax creators, DJs, and musicians together under one roof to collaborate and grow. The platform was co-founded by Mitchell Hurley and Ben MacDonald, two Haligonians driven by a shared mission to unite the local creative ecosystem. MacDonald leads the creative side as the primary videographer and editor, while Hurley, who brought the “Takeover” name from his roots in Halifax’s car culture, frequently hosts interviews and engages directly with the community. Together, they created Takeover to ensure emerging talent has a platform to be seen and heard, creating a grassroots home for Halifax’s next generation of artists and nightlife organisers. Check them out @takeover.hfx

Joelle El Kassir is a Lebanese-Canadian entrepreneur, photographer, and business owner based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is the founder of IFL Photography, where she has spent over 15 years capturing meaningful stories through photography and videography, and the owner of Pizza Town PT Caffè Halifax. Passionate about creativity, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, Joelle enjoys building businesses that bring people together while inspiring others to pursue their dreams with resilience and purpose. Find out more @imagesforlife_canada @pizzatownhalifax @joelleelkassir

Candace Mayers- Jewelry Designer/ Founder of Creative Fashion Hub Candace Mayers is a Trinidad-born creative who was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her passion for fashion, design, and culture has shaped a creative journey rooted in community, storytelling, and self-expression. Beginning her career as a jewelry designer and founder of C.Francis Jewelry, Candace has since expanded her vision by founding Creative Fashion Hub in Nova Scotia. Through the Hub, she is building an inclusive community that connects and empowers designers, stylists, models, photographers, and other creatives while helping strengthen the region's fashion industry through collaboration, education, and opportunity. Find out more @cfhatlantic https://www.myblackoutpodcast.com/blackout-podcast-episode-389-candace-mayers-jewelry-designer-founder-of-creative-fashion-hub/

When people ask for "African prints," they're usually asking for Kente—but Omolala knows there's so much more. That's why she started Ova Afrique: to educate, preserve, and celebrate the rich tapestry of West African fabrics and the stories behind them. In this episode, Omolala takes us inside her world, from sourcing 40-year-old Aso Oke for a Human Rights Commission project, to creating custom bags that carry the names of women who preserve culture. She shares the meaning behind her brand's name (a blend of family names and "Afrique" with a French touch), why she chooses to use cowrie shells despite their misunderstood history, and how she's bringing authentic African craftsmanship to a global audience. Omolala also gets vulnerable about her journey with self-doubt, the fear of being seen, and the mentors who pushed her to step out of her shell. She reflects on the influence of her mother, a serial entrepreneur who taught her resilience and shares why she believes "your story is your strategy." Whether you're an entrepreneur, a culture enthusiast, or just someone trying to find your voice, this episode is a masterclass in authenticity and courage. Check them out @ovaafrique @nourish.offline

Melānie Mendez Munden is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans fashion, film, and the visual arts. Her creative practice is driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to explore the connections between artistic disciplines, using a variety of mediums to bring her ideas and vision to life. Expanding her platform for meaningful conversations, Melānie is launching her new radio show, WOW: Women of Wisdom, on 88.7 Cove FM, airing Thursdays at 7:00 PM. The show celebrates the voices of women through authentic, inspiring conversations and stories rooted in truth, resilience, and lived experience. Each week, Melānie will interview remarkable women from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, mothers, physicians, scientists, artists, and leaders in the wellness community, sharing their journeys, wisdom, and insights to empower and inspire listeners. Learn more @mekizokeikaikoa @coffee_withmelanie

André Myette - Theater Director / Wrestler / Actor If you live in Colchester County, chances are you’ve crossed paths with André Myette. As the Executive Director of the Marigold Cultural Centre, André is a major driving force in Truro's arts scene, but that’s just one of the many hats he wears. Originally from Antigonish, André moved to the area for business college and spent over 20 years working as a graphic designer, web designer, and video editor. A true multi-hyphenate, he is also a long-time actor and director with the Hubtown Theatre Society, a popular local DJ, and a go-to trivia host. You might even recognise him from the New Breed Wrestling ring as "Old School" André Myette, where he laces up his boots to raise money for the Colchester SPCA. Deeply committed to his community, André has served on the boards of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and the Mosaik Credit Union, and has spent years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters. When he finally gets a moment of downtime, he loves nothing more than kicking back at home to watch movies with his wife and their four cats. Learn more @marigoldcentre

Ilona is a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran, having turned an early fascination with aviation into a position as a helicopter pilot at one of Canada’s Tactical Helicopter Squadrons. After thirteen years in the CAF, Ilona was released following an injury. She continued in aviation for several years as a civilian helicopter flight instructor. Before & throughout her career in aviation, creativity & craft always played a large role in Ilona’s life, cultivated at an early age when she was encouraged to learn by creating – from sewing & knitting to building & painting. As an adult, Ilona learned the art of wire-wrap jewellery through evening classes, while posted to Comox, BC. This particular craft quickly became the focus of her creative energy. Now residing in Halifax, NS, Ilona took skills from both her career in aviation & instruction, and her creative practice into entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Mable & Rose Handmade, a creative costume jewellery repair & upcycling business that values secondhand materials, hands-on experiences and community. Check her out @mable_and_rose

He showed up to the East Coast Sessions feeling uncomfortable in his outfit, until he put it on and felt like himself. That's JR Slotta: an artist who's always willing to try something new, even when it pushes him outside his comfort zone. In this episode, JR breaks down his viral East Coast Sessions performance at the skate park, the story behind the song "On My Mind," and why he chose that track over the original plan. He also dives into his creative partnership with producer Josh Bragg, how they make magic happen across Discord calls, and what fans can expect from their upcoming EP I Don't Mean to Breg. JR also shares his unfiltered take on social media, why Instagram works for him, why TikTok doesn't, and the pressure artists face to be influencers on top of creators. And in a raw moment, he opens up about his relationship with his parents, the fights that defined his teenage years, and how moving away helped him become a better person. Check him out @jrslotta