The SJW Podcast

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The SJW Podcast – Episode 25
Guest: Sandeep Saib
Sandeep Saib is a passionate mental health advocate, public speaker and Expert by Experience whose work is rooted in lived and living experience. Between 2012 and 2016, Sandeep faced Anorexia Nervosa, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and survived a suicide attempt. Rather than allowing these experiences to define him, he transformed them into a lifelong mission to educate, empower and support others while championing equality, diversity and inclusion within the mental health sector.
Today, Sandeep is a qualified Mental Health First Aider and volunteers his time with organisations including Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA), James' Place, Samaritans and other charities, using his voice to challenge stigma and advocate for better mental health support.
Alongside his advocacy work, Sandeep serves as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Network Committee Member and Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador, helping to create psychologically safe workplaces where conversations around mental health are encouraged, supported and normalised.
In this powerful episode of The SJW Podcast, Sandeep shares his deeply personal journey from surviving some of life's darkest moments to becoming a beacon of hope for others. Together, we explore recovery, resilience, men's mental health, eating disorders, purpose, and the importance of asking for help.
This conversation is honest, courageous and inspiring, reminding us that healing is possible and that our greatest struggles can become our greatest source of strength.
Viewer discretion is advised as this episode discusses mental illness, suicide and recovery.
Follow Sandeep's work, social channels and mental health documentary here:
https://linktr.ee/ssaib
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🎙️ Meet Our Guest: Kameka McLean
Kameka McLean is an award-winning HR leader, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategist, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Beginning her career in Human Resources at just 16 years old, Kameka built an extraordinary path into leadership without the benefit of mentors, sponsors, or visible role models who looked like her. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief that talent should never be limited by background.
Today, Kameka is recognised as one of the UK's leading voices on diversity, equity and inclusion within financial services and beyond. She has helped organisations recruit hundreds of diverse professionals, advised senior leaders on building inclusive cultures, and continues to champion equitable opportunities across the workplace.
As a British-Jamaican leader, Kameka brings authenticity, lived experience, and practical expertise to every conversation. Her work extends beyond recruitment—she is committed to transforming workplace culture, improving employee wellbeing, and ensuring organisations create environments where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Through her leadership, coaching, and public speaking, Kameka inspires individuals to own their voice, embrace their potential, and lead with purpose, while challenging organisations to move beyond performative diversity towards meaningful and lasting inclusion.
Join us on The SJW Show as Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Kameka for an inspiring conversation about courage, representation, leadership, workplace culture, mental wellbeing, and the power of opening doors for the next generation.
Because representation isn't just about having a seat at the table—it's about making room for others to join you.
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The SJW Podcast – Episode 23
Turning Pain Into Purpose with Cheyenne Upson
In Episode 23 of The SJW Podcast, Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Cheyenne Upson, founder of Chey Ministries International, for a powerful conversation about faith, healing, identity and purpose.
Born from her own journey of overcoming pain, rejection and personal struggles, Cheyenne has dedicated her life to helping others discover their God-given purpose and walk boldly in their calling. Through prophetic encouragement, outreach, preaching and digital ministry, she continues to inspire people around the world to transform their pain into purpose and their testimony into impact.
During this inspiring episode, Cheyenne shares her personal story of healing, discusses the challenges of leadership and ministry, and offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating rejection, anxiety, identity struggles or spiritual growth. She also reflects on the importance of empowering women and young girls and reveals the lessons God has been teaching her in this season of life.
This episode is filled with honesty, vulnerability and hope, reminding listeners that no experience is wasted and that purpose can emerge from even the most difficult seasons.
About Cheyenne Upson
Cheyenne Upson is the Founder of Chey Ministries International, a faith-based movement committed to empowering, healing and transforming lives through Jesus Christ. Her ministry focuses on prophetic prayer, outreach, preaching engagements, digital media and spiritual encouragement, helping people discover their identity and purpose.
Passionate about supporting women, young girls and emerging leaders, Cheyenne creates spaces for healing, growth and transformation. Through her authenticity and unwavering faith, she continues to inspire individuals around the world to rise above limitations and walk confidently in their calling.
Connect with Cheyenne
TikTok: @CheyEmpowers
Instagram: @CheyEmpowers
YouTube: Chey Ministries International
Facebook: Chey Upson

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🎙️ Podcast Episode 22 — Tomi Ayede
The SJW Show Podcast returns with another powerful and thought-provoking conversation as Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with award-winning DEI professional, spoken word artist, and founder Tomi Ayede.
In this deeply honest episode, Tomi shares her journey through identity, grief, belonging, culture, advocacy, and equity. From leading inclusion work within major institutions to using spoken word as a tool for healing and storytelling, this conversation explores what it truly means to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Tomi currently works within Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leadership at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is the founder of Made2BMore. Recognised with the DEI Rising Star Award and nominated for the BPIC Inspiring Diversity Champion Award, her impact continues to inspire communities across the UK and beyond.
Together, Jasmine and Tomi unpack:
• Identity and belonging within the diaspora
• Grief and healing through storytelling
• Equity and representation in leadership spaces
• The power of lived experience
• Advocacy, inclusion and community impact
This is more than a podcast episode. It is a conversation about humanity, resilience, purpose and using your voice to create change.
🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms
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🎥 http://www.youtube.com/@TheSapphireCommunityGroup
🎙 https://thesjwpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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🎙 The SJW Show Podcast
Episode Title: Youth Media, Ethical Storytelling & Global Impact
Guest: Lily Mott – Founder, Be the Change Media Network
In this powerful episode of The SJW Show, host Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi sits down with Lily Mott, founding director of Be the Change Media Network, to explore the power of youth voices, ethical storytelling, and the role media plays in shaping a more just and informed world.
Launched during the Black Lives Matter protests in Washington DC in 2020, Be the Change Media Network began as a response to the urgent need for young people to tell their own stories. Since then, Lily has built a global platform featuring over 280 podcast episodes and a growing network of 35+ young creators under 25, all committed to creating meaningful conversations about social change.
In this conversation, Jasmine and Lily dive into the responsibility that comes with having a voice in the digital age, discussing the balance between viral content and ethical storytelling, the importance of media literacy, and how young creators can use their platforms to inspire action rather than simply attract attention.
The episode also explores the vision behind the Be the Change Media Academy, a new initiative aimed at equipping the next generation with the tools, confidence, and integrity needed to tell impactful stories and lead through media.
Together, they reflect on the deeper question behind it all:
What does it truly mean to “be the change”?
This episode is a must-listen for young leaders, aspiring podcasters, storytellers, and anyone passionate about using media as a force for positive global impact.
✨ Key themes:
• Youth leadership and media power
• Ethical storytelling and responsibility
• Media literacy in the digital age
• Building global youth networks
• Turning platforms into purpose
🎧 Listen now and discover why meaningful media matters.
Closing reminder from the episode:
“You don’t need millions of followers to change the world.
You need integrity, intention, and impact.”
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