**End of Season 1** Multi-award winning Baby Girl, yes you read that correctly, Kelechi Okafor is my tenth and final guest this season. If you're on social media, Kelechi Okafor is probably no stranger to you. I've been following Kelechi for years so I am thrilled that I got a chance to speak with Kelechi and gain more of an understanding of who she is and where she comes from. The Nigerian-born south-Londoner opens up about breaking cultural boundaries, social expectations, and much more. Allow us to take you on the final trip this season. A quote from Kelechi: ‘Society teaches us that we must fall into categories somehow. All I know is that I'm just a Baby Girl.’ A message from me (Lisa) to you: Thank you for the support you have shown Mind The Gap these past ten months. I never thought I’d get this far and I did it with your help. Thank you.  I hope you have enjoyed tuning in more and more as the months passed by. I certainly found myself falling more in love with the journey. If there’s anything I hope you took from this season, apart from the laughs of course is, how important it is to embrace your true self in all you do. This is definitely not the end of the journey. So I’ll be seeing you. Best, Lisa x Mind The Gap is available across all podcasting platforms. **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER** Kelechi Okafor - @kelechnekoff (Instagram & Twitter) Kelechi’s website: https://www.kelechiokafor.com/ Picture credit: Yellow Belly Photos **I do not own the rights to the episode picture used**

Actor and entrepreneur Joivan Wade, joins me on the penultimate episode of Mind The Gap. For many of us, we first saw the British actor on the web series Mandem On The Wall. The show was a big hit and gained millions of views. But the multi-talented young Londoner didn't stop there. There was a lot to cover on this episode, from the wall to Hollywood, Joivan has proved time and time again that whatever he puts his mind to, he can and will achieve. Listen as we discuss the influence his Jamaican roots have had on him, how his Black-British identity is significant to his journey, and the lack of diversity in the film industry here in the U.K. Mind The Gap is available across all podcasting platforms. **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER** Joivan Wade - @joivanwade (Instagram & Twitter)

In this episode I am joined by the co-founder of UK Black Pride, Lady Phyll.  You will hear Lady Phyll take you on a trip, travelling all the way back to her roots, upbringing and how all this has played a role in the woman she is today. The work she has done for the LGBTQ+ community cannot be overlooked. Founded in 2005, UK Black Pride is Europe's largest celebration for LGBTQI+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent. UK Black Pride puts together a yearly event to celebrate diversity. Website: www.ukblackpride.org.uk Not to mention the work Lady Phyll does for Kaleidoscope Trust which was established in 2011. The non-profit organisation works to fight for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people in countries around the world where they are discriminated against. Website: www.kaleidoscopetrust.com Listen as we unpack the journey. **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER** Lady Phyll - @ladyphyll (Instagram) UK Black Pride - @ukblackpride **I do not own the rights to the picture used** Picture Credit: Corinne Cumming.

Ikram Mohamed is first generation in her family to be raised in the U.K. Her parents left everything they knew in Somalia to move to the U.K. As Ikram grew into her teens her parents became more and more concerned that her religious and cultural beliefs would be affected by her environment. Hear how Ikram navigated her identity with her unique life experiences in this episode. This episode was featured on The Voice Online Newspaper. Have a read: https://www.voice-online.co.uk/entertainment/sponsored/2021/03/19/mind-the-gap-keeps-our-culture-alive/ **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER** Ikram Mohamed - @ikzzrima (Instagram) Follow and listen to her Ikram, Najma and Zahur on their podcast - The M Word Podcast  Instagram: @themwordpodcast

Love Island contestant Samira Mighty was one of the originals on the hit show Love Island U.K. When she found out she was going into the villa, she knew her life would change but when she came out, it wasn't all glitz and glam.  On this episode, Samira opens up about coming from a mixed heritage, the challenges she faced dealing with societies black beauty standards and the impact this has had on her overall mental health. Plus, we went on to discuss her time on X-Factor Celebrity back in 2019 and her journey transitioning from being known as a social media influencer to a music artist. For anyone suffering with mental health, below are further links and numbers that you can call. NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/ MIND - www.mind.org.uk SAMIRITANS - www.samaritans.org SANELINE -  0300 304 7000 CALM - 0800 58 58 58 DISCLAIMER: There are many services available, please do your research to ensure you get the right help that is best for you. **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER** Samira Mighty - @mightysamira (Twitter) @samiramighty (Instagram)

Welcome back to Mind The Gap! It's the first episode of 2021 and I’m kicking it off with award-winning actor and filmmaker Femi Oyeniran. You may first have heard of Femi when he was playing the character Moony in Kidulthood but he has since then continued to make a mark in Black-British culture. He has directed films like The Intent which was a huge success. Not only did the film appear worldwide on Netflix but also sold out cinemas. Not to mention the fact it was funded and shot independently. In this episode, we explore Femi's Black-British experience and how this has influenced Femi in his content making. Films referenced: Kidulthood  The Intent Against All Odds (link -) **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER** Femi Oyeniran - @femioyeniran

On this episode I am joined by Madusha and Linda.E as we look back on the previous episodes of Mind The Gap in 2020. Thank you to both Madusha and Linda.E as well as the entire Mind The Gap family for being a part of the journey. I look forward to bringing you new fresh content in 2021. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: @gl_mindthegap Instagram: @generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: @ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKERS INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS** Linda.E - @imlindae Madusha - @m.a.d.u.s.h.a

Founder of Rant + Rave, Atem Mbeboh,  joins me on this episode to discuss what it was like for him at age fifteen coming to the UK from Cameroon trying to figure out his identity. Whilst also trying to uphold the family pressures he was facing with regards to his studies and career.  Atem has also very kindly created a playlist, titled 'Mind The Gap - Time Capsule' on Spotify which includes a selection of tracks from his childhood. Spotify playlist link: https://spoti.fi/3m1SkMv **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: gl_mindthegap Instagram: generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER - Atem Mbeboh** Twitter: Atemm

Daniel Jacob joined me on this episode to discuss the stigma attached to homosexuality among the African and Caribbean community. I am pleased to be able to share this with you on a month where we are celebrating black culture and life. It is important that we stick together moving forward, accepting one another and loving our differences.  In this episode you will hear about Daniel's journey in pushing through cultural pressures as a gay man and how he was able to overcome the obstacles he faced. **AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT** You can share your experience and thoughts by sending in a video via email to [email protected] - Please use the subject line 'GET INVOLVED'. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: gl_mindthegap Instagram: generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya* Across all social media platforms: ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER - DANIEL JACOB aka Vinegar Strokes** Twitter: theonlyvinegarstrokes Instagram: theonlyvinegar

British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi discusses what it was like leaving everything he had ever known as a child living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to come to the UK in hopes of a better life for him and his family. During his youth, he struggled to embrace his culture as he tried to conform to the pressures of society in the UK. In an attempt to fit in,  he found himself speaking less and less Lingala, his mother tongue, and soon discovered that by doing so he lost sense of his identity. In this episode, Eddie Kadi opens up about being his true-self and why realising the importance of language saved him. **FOLLOW MTG ON SOCIAL MEDIA** Twitter: gl_mindthegap Instagram: generationallens **Presented & Produced by Lisa Wahinya** Across all social media platforms: ohsooolisa **GUEST SPEAKER - Eddie Kadi** Twitter: Eddiekadi Instagram: comeddiekadi