For Common Good, The Podcast.

Episode Nine: Meet Renz Robley

Welcome to the ninth episode of For Common Good, The Podcast, where I speak to cultural practitioners and creative change-makers from across the globe, getting insight into their journeys, their work and also discussing ways to promote social change through the arts. It was my absolute pleasure to chat with Renee J Robley aka Renz, the chief cook and bottle washer behind the wildly popular HomeMadeZagat blog. She describes herself as a little girl with a big appetite who is all about food infused with some of her Caribbean ingredients.  Renz is also a mother of one and has been a Security Administrator with a leading HR Software company for the past seven years. Having obtained her primary and secondary education in her hometown Trinidad and Tobago, She then pursued tertiary education in the USA and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Technology in Management Information Systems then pursued teaching for a few years. During that time she got really interested in forensics, so  then pursued, a Bachelor’s in Technology in Computer Forensics and last a Masters of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Information Security. "Being a woman in the tech space is a bit (laugh) daunting at times. But it's fulfilling. And has been great to also have been highlighted as a part of the women of Silicone Valley this year. As a youth I was very passionate about pursuing a nontraditional profession hence my attraction to IT, specifically security. Having explored the arts through dance and sports as a tennis player, athletics, netball, from an early age I once considered physical therapy but then I got into a programming class and my focus shifted. I also wanted to be a pilot, a mason, woodworker. Haha. Living on my own in the US, I was forced to eat out or prepare my own meals. This allowed me to experiment with various dishes at home which eventually lead to the creation of my food blog. HomeMadeZagat. HMZ has become my pride and joy after my 3-year-old Zayne," says Renz. What started off as a blog initially, just trying other people's food and rating it, slowly shifted to it being more Caribbean based. Specifically trying to highlight her Tobago experiences with food and share a little history and memories with it all. HMZ has grown way past Renz's own expectations and has been highlighted on Essence and other food publications. "I'm pretty happy to be able to represent in this food space being an immigrant...woman...of color...with no food background". - Renz To see what Renz has got cooking visit https://www.homemadezagat.com

Episode Eight: Meet Jimmy Ko Ko

Welcome to the eight episode of For Common Good, The Podcast, where I speak to cultural practitioners and creative change-makers from across the globe, getting insight into their journeys, their work and also discussing ways to promote social change through the arts. It was my absolute pleasure to catch up with fellow U.S. State Department, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus, Jimmy Ko Ko. Joining us from Myanmar is Jimmy Koko. At just 28 years old, Jimmy has been in the dance industry for the past 11 years, getting his start in Hip Hop and Breakdance. He is the owner of the popular street dance studio, The Dance Lab and in the past has managed Project_K and Antheia which are the well known kpop dance groups in Yangon. Jimmy is also one of the main administrators of Myanmar Street Dance Community. In 2017 he became a member of International Hip Hop Organization Zulu Nation. Over the years, Jimmy has organized and participated in several local and international events An award winning performer, Jimmy is the winner of Myanmar’s Got Talent 2016 and most recently was a judge on the first season of Dancing with the Stars Myanmar 2019. I m proud to call Jimmy my friend and I can't wait to see what he does next. You can keep with Jimmy at the links below! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jimmykoko.tdl/ [https://www.instagram.com/jimmykoko.tdl/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gimmychan [https://www.facebook.com/Gimmychan] Website: https://www.facebook.com/thedancelabmyanmar/ [https://www.facebook.com/thedancelabmyanmar/]

Episode Seven: Meet Garth Voisin

Welcome to the seventh episode of For Common Good, The Podcast, where I speak to cultural practitioners and creative change-makers from across the globe, getting insight into their journeys, their work and also discussing ways to promote social change through the arts. It was my absolute pleasure to catch up with fellow Arimian, Garth Voisin to learn more about his work. Author of The Journey Continues- EVOLVE, founder and creator of The Dear Men Project, Garth has been on a journey. One of sharing, motivating, inspiring both Body and Mind. From assisting with physical transformations as a Personal Trainer and Coach to creating better thinking habits as a Life Coach/Consultant, Garth shares his experiences along the Journey hoping to encourage others to simply lead better lives. Coming from the country of Trinidad and Tobago, Garth Voisin has been on a journey since leaving his family and home. Through countless obstacles, trials and experiences, Garth takes on a positive outlook on all challenges and has utilized this energy to achieve so much throughout the years. After years in the fitness industry , and an expanding wealth of accomplishments under his portfolio , Garth holds the titles of model,  personal trainer, nutritional advisor and now author, life coach and motivational speaker. He continues to spread his idea of living a healthier lifestyle and his message of "Inspiring both body ad mind," in his writing and dialogues.  Certified in both Fitness and Nutrition BY AAAI (American Aerobic Association International) and ISMA (International Sports Medicine Association) in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the holder of the World Bodybuilding Federation Fitness Model Competition title of 2009 (WBFC, GA) and winner of the Krave Kover model search competition in 2009, held in Dallas, Texas. Garth continues to promote his self help books and speaking at events about encouragement and empowerment.  His goal is to help others believe in themselves by sharing his experiences and and writing in a way that is relatable and motivating. Join the JOURNEY! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iamgarthvoisin/ [https://www.instagram.com/iamgarthvoisin/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJourneyContinues [https://www.facebook.com/TheJourneyContinues] Website: https://dearmenproject.com/ [https://dearmenproject.com/]

Episode Six: The EAST TALKS Edition

Welcome to the sixth episode of the For Common Good Podcast, where I speak to cultural practitioners and creative change-makers from across the globe, getting insight into their journeys, their work and also discussing ways to promote social change through the arts. Joining me today for this special EAST TALKS Edition are Nickisha McClean-Parris, Sheldon Manoo and Crissy-gail Edwards. EAST TALKS the Open Mic Series is a joint venture between EAST YARD, the East Trinidad based community arts centre I founded in 2017 and Nicki Consulting, which provides support to creative and small entrepreneurs and is run by Nickisha McClean-Parris. In this episode we discussed arts for social change, collaboration between artists, mental wellness and all things creative with artists Sheldon Manoo and Crissy-gail Edwards. These two seasoned performers will soon grace the EAST TALKS stage on opening night and we can't wait. Shelson's life is almost totally centered around music, he is a sales clerk at Simon’s Musical Supplies Ltd, the premier musical instrument and accessories store in Trinidad and Tobago. He is the founder of The Indigenous Movement, a nonprofit organization that promotes local content and has started a local charting system in partnership with the online radio station, islandjammers.listen2myradio.com and the Express Newspaper. A seasoned performer, Sheldon is an instrumentalist, a lyrical 'expresser' and also a vocal artist and has been a member of several local music bands over the years. Sheldon joined arts activist group Artists Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT), founded by Rubadiri Victor, being the first Vice President of that organization, where he was the Project Coordinator for major projects such as Project Memory, The Guild of Masters and Indigenous. Crissy-gail (whose real name is Christal-gail Edwards) is a trinbagonian creative WHO has been writing poetry since the age of seven. She says that she has rights to the development of the land and its people’s self awareness. She plans to be not only self-esteemed but group-esteemed. She is proud to be a Trinbagonian Carib Goddess, a jeweler, a designer, a herbalist, a cannabis & mushroom advocate. She even does tours and takes others on magical journeys. Crissy-gail has been performing spoken word for over 12 years, is a mother who home schools her own children and teaches mothers to do the same with a reading clinic. She has a podcast that is aired on over 7 online platforms called SHE WAS A CARIB. She uses the podcast platforms to showcase her creativity and to reach out to other like minded individuals. Do enjoy and you can check out the video version of the interview at www.kevonfoderingham.com/channel

Episode Five: Meet Jennifer Williams-Baffoe

Welcome to the fifth episode of the For Common Good Podcast, where I speak to cultural practitioners and creative change-makers from across the globe getting insight into their journeys, their work and also discussing ways to promote social change through the arts. Joining me today is Jennifer Williams-Baffoe. Jennifer is currently the Virtual Learning Environment Manager for The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, additionally, Jennifer leads the award winning Virtual Learning Environment space at Central Saint Martins - Digital Fluency http://digitalfluency.myblog.arts.ac.uk – A digital development platform for staff and students, in addition Jennifer delivers creative management courses for the the fashion schools at Central Saint Martins and The London College of Fashion and mentors at the number one Royal College of Art on the MA in Digital Direction. Jennifer resided in Ghana for a number of years consulting for The United Nations and The World Trade Organisation on their Ethical Fashion Programme. Jennifer has also consulted for The British Council, The Mayor of London, The African Foundation for Development and The British Fashion Council among others. Author of The British Fashion Council’s Designer Manufacturer Handbook, the publication has since helped thousands of people to develop best practice when managing their creative businesses. Drawing on over 20 Years experience in business development, training and management Jennifer now focuses mainly on digitally engaged and distance learning. Jennifer is passionate about the digital arena and how this can be applied to aid digitally engaged learning within educational spaces. Jennifer is in her second phase of completing a Masters in Academic Practice at The University of the Arts London. Jennifer is founder/director of Willbaforce a site about her creative industry work and Willbaforce Academy an online school with useful tips , podcasts and resources for navigating the global creative industries and is excited to be making strides in developing an the teaching platform which is in early stages of development. To contact Jennifer please email: willbaforceltd@me.com or go to www.willbaforce.com.