The UpNUp Podcast

'People, Places, Things' w/ Hussein Ugas

What happens when someone takes their darkest chapter and turns it into a lifeline for an entire community? In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we sit down with Hussein Ugas — Executive Director and Co-Founder of Rahma Recovery Center in Federal Way, Washington. Hussein's journey from homelessness and addiction on the streets of Minneapolis to founding two Washington state firsts is one of the most powerful stories we've ever had the privilege of sharing on this platform. In this episode we cover: (00:46) The opening of House of Du'a — WA's first faith-centered recovery home for Muslim women (8:09 & 28:31) How stigma and silence kill more people in immigrant communities than the drugs themselves (9:16) The Recovery Farm, Narcan training, and what's next for Rahma Recovery (30:09) How Hussein went from homeless and battling addiction to nonprofit founder (38:21) Why there is no word for "addiction" in the Somali language — and how it affects an entire community (45:50) The founding of Salaam House — WA's first accredited culturally responsive sober living home for Muslim and East African men (53:29) What "culturally responsive" recovery actually looks like in practice (1:14:17) Narcan training — how he's trained 400+ people to save lives in their own communities Whether you've been touched by addiction, work in recovery, or simply believe in the power of community — this episode is for you.

'Just A Conversation' (Spotlight Series) w/ 'Acts On Stage'

Welcome back to another episode of 'Just a Conversation' Today Robel is joined by three incredible brothers from 'Acts On Stage' - Jeremy Rubin (writer), Isiah Anderson Jr. (director), and Josh Webb (actor) - representing three different generations of Black men who've come together for their powerful production "Black Man Goes to Therapy." This conversation gets real about mental health, vulnerability, and how the stories we carry can either hold us back or move us forward. What We Cover: • Why Black men struggle with seeking mental health support • How theater creates safe spaces for healing and vulnerability • The importance of multi-generational conversations about mental health • Breaking down stigmas in the Black community around therapy • The creative process behind bringing sensitive topics to the stage • How community and brotherhood support mental wellness Key Takeaway: "We put on these masks because we feel like we have to fit in. How exhausting is that? The hope is that people can start having conversations with loved ones and be okay being vulnerable." Perfect timing for Mental Health Awareness Month - this conversation could save lives. Acts On Stage - "Black Man Goes to Therapy": Show Dates: May 21-31, 2026 Location: Acts On Stage Theater Tickets: ActsOnStage.com

'Just A Conversation'(Spotlight Series) w/ OG Mambo

Welcome back to another episode of 'Just a Conversation' our spotlight series! Today I'm joined by OG Mambo, a Zimbabwe-born, Seattle-raised hip-hop artist who's been grinding in the Pacific Northwest music scene for years. This conversation gets real about the journey, the struggles, and what it actually takes to build something lasting in music. As well as how the Puget Sound Regions music landscape is growing with more potential than ever before! Whether you're an artist, creator, or someone who believes in the power of consistency and community, this conversation will resonate with you. What We Cover: 02:47 - OG Mambo introduction 07:23 - Background and journey into music 12:10 - Zimbabwe heritage and cultural identity 20:15 - The importance of consistency in music 25:01 - Opening for major acts and industry recognition 32:39 - Being students of the game 41:30 - Highlighting Seattle hip-hop artists 49:07 - Building community through music 54:04 - Making a difference vs. making a point

'8 Year's Young' (Anniversary Episode)

Eight years. March 31st, 2018 to March 31st, 2026. In this special anniversary episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared together. From those early days in a little room to the platform we've built as a community - this one's for everyone who's been part of the story. We're sharing our gratitude for the day ones, the guests who trusted us with their stories, and every listener who chooses to spend their time with us. Plus, we're giving you an exclusive audio preview of our 8-year anniversary film. To our podcast family who aren't on social media - this episode is especially for you. You'll get to experience our visual anniversary piece through audio, capturing the essence of what these eight years have meant to us. Thank you for believing in this vision. Thank you for being part of this journey. Keep your vision intact. Keep moving forward. And keep it on The UpNUp.

"Just A Conversation" (Spotlight Series) w/ Carlos Banks

Welcome to the first episode of our 2026 season and the launch of our 'Just A Conversation' series! In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Carlos Banks, Regional Director for iUrbanTeen Northwest, to discuss how his organization is transforming the lives of Black and Brown youth by exposing them to career pathways in STEM, arts, and skilled trades. Carlos brings a unique global perspective to youth development work, having spent seven years in South America where he became fluent in Spanish. Now he's channeling that experience into connecting young people with industry professionals right here in the Pacific Northwest. What We Cover: 01:26 - Introduction of Carlos Banks and iUrbanTeen mission 08:17 - What makes iUrbanTeen different - connecting youth to industry professionals 14:06 - AI hackathon announcement for high schoolers 15:22 - Paid work experience program - $25/hour opportunities 19:04 - STEM+Arts+Trades approach and why it works together 31:42 - Seattle gala April 4th - "Illuminating Futures" event details 39:23 - Success metrics - 20,000+ youth served, 86% to college/trade school 40:15 - Travel as education and opening doors for youth 44:39 - Carlos's original poetry - "Awakening" Whether you're a parent, mentor, educator, or someone who cares about youth development, this conversation offers valuable insights into programs and opportunities that could change a young person's trajectory. Connect with iUrbanTeen: Website: iurbanteen.org