Episodes
On Friday 4th October 2024, the akhi&saltfish Digital Network hosted perhaps our most important conversation yet, a Sickle Cell Community Roundtable discussing the experiences, challenges, and successes of those living with or dedicating their lives to supporting Sickle Cell Warriors.
Our conversation is authentically steered by the participants of the roundtable who dive deep into their experiences, sharing their toughest battles, inspirational successes and unwavering resilience.
Expect to hear:
Expert medical insights into what Sickle Cell is and community insights into what advocacy...
This is a very special episode from the akhi&saltfish Digital Network, where we supported Dr Marcella Daye by covering the action at her Step Together Ladies' Celebration Brunch, which marked the culmination of her latest participatory action research on health inequalities.
The setting for the day was the beautiful Delapré Abbey, and we extend our thanks to them for hosting us in their library.
Our live podcast from the event features a friend of the Network, Catherine Joy White, and her amazing sister, who were part of the brunch. They discuss the importance of movement in their lives a...
Last week we were joined by Farhana Williamson, PhD Student and author of Wonkhe article on the impact of misnaming people in research and how we can stop it: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-impact-of-misnaming-people-in-research-and-how-we-can-stop-it/.
We discussed, the meaning of our names, why correct pronounciation matters so much and how you can get it right, even if you get it wrong. Listen now: https://youtu.be/366TMFo0TO4
This week, we had to ask Farhana our seven signature questions so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where explore why her husband is so lucky, her relationship with Sam Fen...
If you've followed the show before, you'll know we love a good conversation about names as it brings a lot of unspoken experiences to the forefront and makes you question your own actions and experiences. Revisit Episode #28 of BOFD to listen back to our conversation with Jane Pilcher now: https://youtu.be/S7d_KFeMjnI
Today, we're joined by the amazing PhD student Farhana Williamson who talks about her early experiences with her name, originally hoping for people to call her Hanna, to then understanding the "happy" meaning beind her name and embracing it. Farhana then entered the world of ...
2023 was a crazy year in Combat Sports and my wish for 2024 is to make it bigger and better. Here’s how ⬇️:
1. Better information, advice and guidance for fighters on brain damage. Tris Dixon's book, Damage is a really impactful read that speaks of the untold damage happening to fighters in the training room, on the road and in the ring and with Floyd Mayweather Sr recently being diagnosed with dementia, fighters need to know the risks and early🙏🏽
2. More accountable judges and commissions. Let's face it - combat sports needs regulating. But it needs regulating to a high standard. Some ju...
2023 was a crazy year in MMA and my wish for 2024 is to make it bigger and better. Here’s how ⬇️:
Less champ champ fights. We’ve seen it. We know the Conor McGregor story we know the DC story. We love the Volk attempts but let’s see more champions clean out their divisions with at least 5 defences before we entertain this champ champ talk, please 🙏🏽
Better fighter pay. There is a whole lawsuit going on right now surrounding the UFC and fighter pay. Yes, baseline pay in the UFC is better than in most boxing promotions. But, sport for sport - the overall revenue share is far short of wher...
We're back with Part 2 talking all about Lunar New Year which starts TODAY!
In this episode expect to hear about the Year of the Dragon, the history of Lunar New Year, key phrases to learn, how to get involved if you're not Asian and watch Kahvan and Brittaney try a "Tangerine Medicine" which has been fermenting in salt for 2 YEARS!
Don't forget to check out Part 1 from 2022 where we delve into the customs of the celebration in detail a funny and nostalgic look back at our first ever episode!
🟥 YouTube: https://youtu.be/7aqfxhVJ5hQ
🟪 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Last week we were joined by Psychologist and founder of Positive Psychology for Life, Dr Kati Adeseko to discuss all things grief. An important coversation that will bring you an understanding of:
1️⃣ the 5 stages of grief 🔄
2️⃣ why they may look different to you ❤️🩹
3️⃣ the physical manifestations of grief 🧠
4️⃣ What you can do to help your staff through grief 🫶🏽
5️⃣ and much more!
It's one I reccomend you check out as soon as you can: https://youtu.be/WQY_TdjdT64?si=SAgt2NZx0h0cwJxZ.
This week, we had to ask Kati our seven signature questions so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where touch ...
Welcome to the first episode of Before Our Friends Die of 2024! This is a special one for us as it tackles the awkward, uncomfortable and challenging topic of grief but our hope is that by the end of the episode you’re a little less awkward, more familiar and aware of how to navigate grief if and when you or someone you love encounters it.
To help is through this conversation, we’re joined by the fantastic Dr Katere Adeseko-Pourseied (PhD, MSc, BSc, FHEA), a psychologist with research and teaching experience in (Child and Adolescent) Mental Health, Prevention/Early Intervention of Child an...
2023 was a crazy year in Boxing and my wish for 2024 is to make it bigger and better. That's why, I want to see:
1. An end to the Conor Benn saga. Get in front of the board and get the issue resolved so we can see you in the big fights we all want!
2. The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World keep and defend their undisputed title. Forget stripping them and degrading the outside belts. When we've figured out #1 in the sport - let him fight whoever is next for the whole Crown. One belt, one face, one name.
3. The Dream vs Tank. I'd love to see Gervonta Davis fight Devin Haney. It's t...
Last week we had a long chat with Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing. We spoke about his passion for sport, how it can develop individuals and communities for the better. He talked us through how he convinced Frank Smith to give him a job at Matchroom and what the perks of working for the biggest promoter in the world are. Check out part 1 here: https://youtu.be/FVo-kZR3fxc
We had to get to know Alex a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions. This episode touches on the import...
Eddie Hearn believes in my plans | Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development | SOFA SENSEIS #48
This week we are joined by Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing. He talks to us about his work with Northamptonshire Sport, England Boxing, looking after 200 boxing clubs across the country and where he is now, Matchroom Boxing, one of the biggest Boxing promoters globally. But this wasnt by chance, Alex pitched the concept for his role to CEO of Matchroom Boxing, Frank Smith. We talk all about that process too.
Alex has a passion for developing boxing, particularly embedding the sport within deprived communities to support them. He believes boxing provides yo...
This week we're back and getting to know the woman of many talents and titles, Catherine Joy White. Last week we hosted a JADE Conversation with her that covered:
➡️ How women of colour can contend with White Power
🥇The weight of being “the first”
🧘🏽♂️ The importance of knowing how and when to rest
🧵 Her book: This Thread of Gold, A Celebration of Black Womanhood📕
AND MUCH MORE! Listen Here: https://youtu.be/Ak0KKUMfbu8
As ever, we had to get to know Cat a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where touch on the magical connections she made at Oxford, her dream to live in New York and t...
This week we're back and getting to know Osaro Otobo. Last week we caught up with her to get an incredible insight into her career as an EDI expert and Education Consultant. We delved into the state of higher education, how it can improve it's work in EDI and why it's important to have good people around you to push you to be brave. Listen Now: https://youtu.be/apQ9T2QNeWM
As ever, we had to get to know Osaro a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where touch on what we can learn from Beycone and the importance of getting your dreams started:
Who has the most potential that you know?
W...
Today you join us for a special episode of Before Our Friends Die. We’re hosting a JADE Conversation (Justice, Anti-Racism against Discrimination and the fight for its Elimination) with Catherine Joy White and Dr Marcella Daye in association with the GEM Network.
Catherine Joy White is a gender advisor for the United Nations, writer, actor and filmmaker. She grew up between Northampton, Yorkshire and Wales before moving to Paris, Geneva and back to Paris again. She holds degrees from the University of Warwick and the University of Oxford. In 2022, she was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 li...
Christian Davis is a PhD researcher at the University of Leicester studying how race, gender, social class, and masculinity intersect to affect inclusion/exclusion in boxing gyms, and how local sports clubs and the local community influence the construction of urban identities. Fascinating work which we discuss on part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T1f0XX7roY
We had to get to know Christian a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions. This episode touches on the importance of postive role models and fin...
This week we are joined by PhD researcher, Christian Davis who talks to us about his work which gives an account of the social structures within a Leicester gym serving ethnic minority communities. It aims to understand how race, gender, social class, and masculinity intersect to affect inclusion/exclusion in this space, and how local sports clubs and the local community influence the construction of urban identities.
Our discussion covers Chris meeting the right people at the right time and benefitting from good role models who saw more for him than he saw for himself. Chris went to univ...
Continuing our work in Black History Month, we are joined by Osaro Otobo - a consultant in Education and EDI who has led on pioneering work such as Living Black at University, uncovering the experiences of Black students in university accommodation and has shaped a new era of inclusive, forward thinking SU's up and down the country!
Our episode delves into Osaro's experiences working with Spotify as a Brand Manager - creating playlists FOR MONEY! We also discover that a secret to her success is her network of people who encourage, nurture and challenge her to do more but we also unearth he...
This week we're back and getting to know Tré Ventour-Griffiths. Last week we caught up with him to get an incredible insight into his PhD looking into Black History in UK Towns, Counties and Coastal Cities - decentring the major UK ciites. Listen Now: https://youtu.be/T0LSOtMEKEI
As ever, we had to get to know Tré a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where touch on his hope for his children, the importance of confidence and more by asking him:
Who has the most potential that you know?
Who is the most influential person you know?
You are at your best when you are ______?
One thing you...
Today we are joined by Tré Ventour-Griffiths - a neurodivergent practitioner-academic [pracademic], public historian, writer-poet, public sociologist, and PhD Student and wow does he have knowledge to share!
Tré is a PhD student at Kingston University exploring British Black Caribbean histories in the Town and Country and today we deep dive into his work so far. Our fascinating chat unearths the genesis of the “hostile environment” dating back to 1919, the UK’s first Black Self Help Centre, MFM (Matta Fancanta Movement), and Bob Marley’s appearance in Northampton!
This Black History Month...
Sponsored by Luton Town FC & Friends with Simon Webbe...Get to know Linus Udofia | SOFA SENSEI'S #45
Linus Udofia, Top 10 British Middleweight and former British Title Challenger shared his incredible story of growing up in Nigeria to being signed by David Haye. Check it out now! https://youtu.be/tnuMx8LwPJc
We had to get to know Linus a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions:
Who is the richest person in your phonebook?
Who has the most potential that you know?
Who is the most influential person you know?
You are at your best when you are ______?
One thing you never regret doing?
Where do you see yo...
Linus Udofia EXCLUSIVE! David Haye | Bulletproof mindset | Conway | Life in Camp | SOFA SENSEI's #44
This week we're joined by Top 10 Middleweight in Britain, Linus Udofia! He talks in depth to us about his start in life, his exploration of martial arts and signing to David Haye's Hayemaker Ringstar.
We discuss some of his toughest moments inside and outside of the ring and touch on how his bulletproof mindset was formed to get him through those moments.
It was an inspiring chat with Linus and one where we got to know his thoughts on his middleweight contemporaries as well as why he believes doing the sweet science right is one way to avoid long term damage in the sport of boxing.
Li...
In case you missed it, Lamar Harrison, son of legendary British trainer, Oliver Harrison shared his incredible story of growing up in the boxing gym and developing large ambitions. Check it out now! https://youtu.be/4x5py9R_8hM
We had to get to know Lamar a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions:
Who is the richest person in your phonebook?
Who has the most potential that you know?
Who is the most influential person you know?
You are at your best when you are ______?
One thing you never regret doing?
...
Today we are joined by UK heavyweight soon-to-be pro, Lamar Harrison, son of legendary British Boxing trainer Oliver Harrison who launched the careers of household names including Amir Khan, Rocky Fielding and Martin Murray.
Lamar talks to us about his start in boxing, training with pros from a young age being 6ft 5 and making the choice between football and boxing.
It's a fun chat that touches on trash talk, dancing to help movement, Lamar's assessment of the UK division and the impact his father has had on his life choices. A fantastic episode that we really enjoyed and we express our ...
This week we're back with a whistle stop tour, getting to know Chief Commercial Officer of Fresh Food and Comodities at Tesco, Dom Morrey. Last week we caught up with him to get an invaluable insight into a 33 year career in retail spanning M&S, Tesco and more plus we had the opportunity to understand why Dom does what he does. Listen Now: https://youtu.be/hJgWnZvGGXQ?si=MI071qnJUWgSWccC
As ever, we had to get to know Dom a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where touch on his hope for his children, the importance of confidence and more by asking him:
Who has the most potential that ...
Dominic Morrey is the Chief Commercial Officer of Fresh Food and Comodities at Tesco PLC, the UK's LARGEST employer! For every £4 spent in the UK, £1 is spent in Tesco - Dom's role is huge.
Today we talk to Dom about his route into retail, which started with M&S and discuss the foundations of his work ethic as a working class Londoner.
We delve into Dom's day to day duties and his joy about working in a fast paced environment where he can create change and we speak of his mentoring relationship with Kahvan including some of the lessons they've learned. It's a good one!
Engage, comment,...
In case you missed it, Damien Denny, 5x Irish Amateur Champion and 18-4 pro who turned his hand at acting in the 1997 hit The Boxer with Daniel Day-Lewis shared his incredible story of boxing in the 80's in episode 40 of SOFA SENSEI'S watch here: https://youtu.be/TVGcovGTQqo
We had to get to know Damien a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions:
Who is the richest person in your phonebook?
Who has the most potential that you know?
Who is the most influential person you know?
You are at your best when you...
5 x Irish Boxing Champion Damien Denny joins us on the SOFA today to discuss his illustrious amateur career and his experience turning pro a little too early. We deep dive into his career and discuss a dip in his confidence once he suffered his first loss.
Being an 80’s fighter, he has a whole host of incredible stories including, crossing paths with Steve Collins, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn. Plus, signing to Frank Warren – who got shot in 1989 – to then signing with Barry Hearn of Matchroom.
Lastly, we discuss a stint in Hollywood for Damien as he trained and sparred 100's of rounds wi...
In case you missed it, Luke Herdman a Semi-Pro boxer, came on the show last week to discuss his journey getting back to fighting ways and giving himself a second chance. It's an incredible story of #success, #failure, #regret, and #redemption and it's episode 38 of SOFA SENSEI'S watch here: https://youtu.be/2B7jII3j1gs
We had to get to know Luke a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions:
Who is the richest person in your phonebook?
Who has the most potential that you know?
Who is the most influential pers...
Today we’re joined by the first Heavyweight fighter to join us on the sofa, Luke Herdman. He’s an absolute unit who has fought Joe Joyce and even Anthony Joshua but without a doubt, Luke’s biggest fights are the ones he has had with himself over the years.
Tune in to hear this inspiring story of success, failure, regret, and redemption plus, why Luke thinks Tyson Fury is beatable and why he’s stepping foot in the ring again for the relaunch of his boxing career.
Connect with him and wish him well in his next fight: https://www.instagram.com/lukeherdmanboxing/
CHECK OUT OUR SOFA SENSEI'...