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THE CANADIAN IN ME by Mutu Jean

THE CANADIAN IN ME by Mutu Jean

By Mutu Jean

This podcast is all about sharing stories and experiences....we want to build communities one story at a time. My name is Jean Claude Mutuku, an African Immigrant who believes in community building and civil participation.

I believe that everyone has a story to share...my hope is that this platform will become a space on which we all share our stories and experiences.

Lots of great stuff in the pipeline. I hope you will stay tuned. Also, I hope to bring more guests to the podcast.
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How Did We Get Here: The Rise of Crime Among Canadian Youth? (EP #1)

THE CANADIAN IN ME by Mutu JeanJan 28, 2024

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15:50
How Did We Get Here: The Rise of Crime Among Canadian Youth? (EP #1)

How Did We Get Here: The Rise of Crime Among Canadian Youth? (EP #1)

According to Statista, "in 2022, the total number of homicides by shooting in Canada increased by 45 numbers (+15.1 percent) since 2021. With 343 numbers, the total number thereby reached its highest value in the observed period." In this series, I explore this topic a bit further. I hope to spark a conversation with the hope that it will lead us to a clear path forward. I am confident that conversations such as these could provide us with an insight to truly understand why many young people are falling victim to senseless crime.


Tag along as we explore this topic further.


#Canada #Immigrants #Community #Safery #Violence #Policy #Solotions

Jan 28, 202415:50
New Year, New Beginnings (Edited)

New Year, New Beginnings (Edited)

2024 is here and it is that time of the year...a time where we set new goals and aim for new heights. In the host explore the idea of becoming less judgemental. He concludes by providing four approaches to becoming less judgemental. #selfimprovement #growth #Development #Community #Canada #English #Podcast

Jan 13, 202410:15
Festive Seasons - A Call for Generosity in Desperate Times

Festive Seasons - A Call for Generosity in Desperate Times

With around 2 million Canadians relying on food banks, we are called to take action and take care of our communities.


#Foodbanks #Hunger #Canada #Ontario #Immigrants

Dec 18, 202307:04
EP 03: Mindful Thanksgiving Celebrations

EP 03: Mindful Thanksgiving Celebrations

It is Oct,21,2021 and it is Thanksgiving. As families gather to share a meal, it is important to reflect on the significance of this holiday. In this episode, Jean Claude Mutuku shares his view on the holiday. He stresses on the importance of being mindful and sensitive during the celebration of this popular North American celebration

Happy thanksgiving

Oct 11, 202116:05
EP 02: Learning to Listen - Chance's Take on Canadian Indigenous Issues

EP 02: Learning to Listen - Chance's Take on Canadian Indigenous Issues

With more unmarked graves being discovered, it is clear that Canada has a lot of healing to undergo. It is also clear that the time for real reconciliation is overdue. In This podcast, @ChanceMutuku gives us his immigrant view on indigenous issues. He shares his thoughts on how immigrants should approach reconciliation talks.

Enjoy this engaging discussion and feel free to connect with us should you have a comment or thoughts to share. 

Jul 17, 202132:46
Ep 01 (A) Settlers on a Land that was taken.

Ep 01 (A) Settlers on a Land that was taken.

As an immigrant who rejoices being part of such a beautiful country, Canada, I am still learning how to digest its its history. I am learning how to become a responsible and mindful immigrant on this ever given land that I now call my home. In these series, I will explore what it means to be a settler in a country that is still healing from its troubled past. I will talk to people who have a better understanding of the relationship between #IndigenousPeople of #Canada and all other actors..the state, industries, and immigrants. Tune in as we embark on this wonderful journey of learning.
Jul 05, 202104:30
EP 27: Happy Black History Month 2021

EP 27: Happy Black History Month 2021

Happy Black History Month. February is a month of acknowledgement. We are all invited to learn, connect and rebuild bridges that were erased.
Feb 28, 202119:54
EP 26: Let's make 2021 a FRUITFUL year

EP 26: Let's make 2021 a FRUITFUL year

This year, I did not make any new year resolution...if anything, I promised myself that this year will be dedicated to finishing some unfinished projects from previous years. In this particular podcast, I touch on this subject..I also talk briefly about an event that I hosted last week. Enjoy

Jan 22, 202116:42
EP 25: Happy 2021- A year of ACTION

EP 25: Happy 2021- A year of ACTION

Let 2021 be a rear of ACTION. -Start new projects if you haven't. -Finish old ones
Jan 02, 202108:53
EP 24: Moments worth celebrating- Happy 2021

EP 24: Moments worth celebrating- Happy 2021

I want to wish you a happy 2021. I wish you nothing but blessings, Good Health and positivity.
Dec 26, 202012:52
EP 23: There should be no place for intolerance - 2020 in Review (part 01)

EP 23: There should be no place for intolerance - 2020 in Review (part 01)

2020 has been an interesting year, with so many ups and downs; however, we are still pushing strong. This year will go down as one of the most memorable years for doing many...including myself.  In this podcast, I touch on a few issues that happened in 2020. I also talk about a recent story that has shocked so many people at the University of Windsor. 


Nov 30, 202013:01
EP 22: Successful Transitional Stories by Africans in the Regions of Waterloo

EP 22: Successful Transitional Stories by Africans in the Regions of Waterloo

I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion organized by the University of Waterloos African Graduate Student Association. In this podcast I talk about what I learned from that panel discussion. Enjoy!
Nov 03, 202017:23
EP 21: Tales of Mentorship...a BIRTHDAY SPECIAL

EP 21: Tales of Mentorship...a BIRTHDAY SPECIAL

Isaac Newton once said that "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants."  This quote resonated well with me. In this special edition, I reflect on the impact of my mentors in my life. I am a firm believer that mentorship is imperative to our communities' development. I believe that people need to share tools, talents and experiences in order to build capacity and societies that care nurturing, rich and diverse.

Enjoy..

#Mentorship #Youth #Community #CommunityBuilding #Leadership 

Oct 22, 202012:13
EP 20: Hiking through OCTOBER

EP 20: Hiking through OCTOBER

2020 has been quite eventful. However, in the midst of everything, I have managed to learn a few things about myself....I LOVE HIKING. As a resident of Gatineau, I have had the privilege of discovering and enjoying various trails found in Gatineau Park. In this podcast, I talk about my experience and how hiking has helped me survive in 2020. Enjoy

#Podcast #Hiking #Walking #Discovery

Oct 17, 202007:45
EP 19: Mental Health Awareness - A journey worth taking

EP 19: Mental Health Awareness - A journey worth taking

I have spent the past few weeks learning about mental health and the importance of mental wellbeing. I am finding my journey quite rewarding and transformative. What started as a simple 25 days awareness challenge is quickly turning into a passion. I am quickly realizing that Mental Health is an issue worth my time and energy.

Here is a quick update about my journey thus far..

#MentalHealthAwareness

#MentalHealthChallenge

#MentalHealthMatters

#Endthestigmaaboutmentalhealth

Sep 18, 202014:26
EP 18: A Labour Day Special...THANKS

EP 18: A Labour Day Special...THANKS

It is #LaborDay is a special day for all workers. This episode a dedication to all the #PSW #MigrantWorkers #Police #Custodians.
Sep 07, 202016:18
Ep 17: Learning about Mental Health

Ep 17: Learning about Mental Health

I have embarked on the journey to self educate myself bout Mental Health...and the importance of talking about it. #mentalhealth #selfcare #blacklivesmatter #blackyouth
Sep 05, 202015:37
EP 16: Quick Summer Update (Mentorships and Community building).

EP 16: Quick Summer Update (Mentorships and Community building).

In this episode I provide a quick update on what I have been up to. I talk about mentorship and what we are doing to provide young people with mentorship.
Jul 31, 202009:02
EP 15: Walking in my Father's Shoes I Celebrating Indigenous Peoples I Black Lives Matter

EP 15: Walking in my Father's Shoes I Celebrating Indigenous Peoples I Black Lives Matter

This podcast is special for various reasons. Firstly, it is Fathers Day. Like so many, I use this day to celebrate my father. In this episode, I reflect on my relationship with my dad.
Secondly, this day is The National Indigenous Peoples Day. In this episode, I talk about the importance of learning about indigenous peoples and their cultures.
I conclude the episode by talking about Black Lives Matter.
Note: Please, feel free to suggest topics. Cheers!!
#Blacklivesmatter #Indigenouspeople #Canada #Podcast
Jun 22, 202021:39
EP 14: We belong here - my race against RACISM

EP 14: We belong here - my race against RACISM

EP Fourteen is a reflective monologue in which I share with you my thoughts on what is happening in our society. As a PODCAST focussed on "building communities," it is our responsibility to talk about the importance of building communities free of racism. Yes, this topic might make many people uncomfortable; however, we have to address it. We have to come to a mutual understanding that a BLACK PERSON's skin colour should never be HIS / HER death sentence.
#BlackLivesMatter #MylifeMatter #EndRacism #Peaceandlove #SocialChange #Canada #Ontario
Jun 06, 202014:13
EP 13: YES IN MY BACKYARD - Promoting Affordable housing through Advocacy

EP 13: YES IN MY BACKYARD - Promoting Affordable housing through Advocacy

It is very difficult to imagine a community without housing. Unfortunately, housing affordability and low vacancy rates remain problematic for many in our communities. To learn more about this topic, we have invited Martin Asling to chat with us about his thought on this topic. He was also very generous to share with us his journey with the Yes In My Backyard movement.
To learn more about Martin's initiatives, please follow them on:

Facebook Page: Waterloo Region Yes in My Backyard
MeetUp: Waterloo Region Yes in My Backyard
May 23, 202032:34
EP 12: Peace Talks with Ahmed Ullah
May 16, 202032:20
EP 11: Mother's Day Special

EP 11: Mother's Day Special

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.” —Maya Angelou
In this episode, Jean Claude Mutuku shares a shore reflection on the importance of Mother's day. This episode dedicated to my mother and all the mothers out there. Also, I dedicate this podcast to all the mothers who have lost their children due to injustices and other reasons. Happy mother's day.
#HappyMothersDay #Mothers #Parents #Family #Mother's Day
May 10, 202006:58
EP 10 - Part B: "I am not a Dictator, I am a Director" - Nick Okot

EP 10 - Part B: "I am not a Dictator, I am a Director" - Nick Okot

In this second segment of our discussion with Nick Okot, he narrates about the challenges that he has faced as a director. He also talks to us about his work and how he has evolved and grown as a filmmaker. He mentions the importance of preparation in achieving results.
"I wanna change people's perspective...[their] mindset" Nick Okot
#Film #Community #Storytelling #CommunityAwareness #Directing #Socialchange #SocialJustice #Waterloo #RegionofWaterloo #Canada #Ontario #CanadianPodcast #OttawaPodcast #CanadianImmigration #ImmigrationtoCanada
May 01, 202029:17
EP 09 - Part A: Artists have a responsibility to transform Society - Nick Okot

EP 09 - Part A: Artists have a responsibility to transform Society - Nick Okot

Our guest Nick gave us a good story of his journey as an Artist, Filmmakers and storyteller. He also shared with us his view on the role of art in transforming society.
NOTE: This podcast is divided into two episodes. Make sure to check out the second episode next week.
#Art #Artist #Community #Storytelling #Society #Director #ShortFilms #Filmmaking
Apr 25, 202039:39
EP 08 - Part B : Communities Beyond Confinement (Effects of COVID - 19 on youth work) - Josh Brown

EP 08 - Part B : Communities Beyond Confinement (Effects of COVID - 19 on youth work) - Josh Brown

In this second segment of this podcast, we talk about the impact of COVID - 19 on community development initiatives. Josh shares with us a few touching stories of how community members are engaging in acts of kindness during these challenging times.
#Community #Youthwork #Waterloo #Canada #communitydevelopment #Communitystories #covid-19
Apr 22, 202032:60
EP 07 - Part A: Communities beyond confinement - a conversation with Josh Brown

EP 07 - Part A: Communities beyond confinement - a conversation with Josh Brown

Today we had an engaged conversation with Josh Brown about community building. Josh is an intern with Adventures 4 Change. In this first segment, he shares with us his journey as a youth leader working in a diverse community.
#Community #Youthwork #Waterloo #Canada #communitydevelopment #Communitystories #covid-19
Apr 21, 202023:20
EP 06: Motivation and Productivity amidst COVID-19

EP 06: Motivation and Productivity amidst COVID-19

In this podcast, I take on the subject of #productivity. I share my thoughts on what #productivity means to me in this pandemic. Yes, this is a sensitive topic, but I thought I should share my perspective in order to reassure my friends that we are all on the same boat.
I also took this opportunity to share some tips/ideas on how to make the best out of this situation. This is all in the name of peace, love and solidarity.

#Productivity #CODID-19 #Pandemic #Canada #Hope #Faith #Wegotthis #Motivation
Apr 08, 202013:46
EP 05: All 4 One - One 4 All (Fighting COVID - 19)

EP 05: All 4 One - One 4 All (Fighting COVID - 19)

It has been almost 3 weeks since I found myself confined inside my room...The transition has been hard, but I am glad to know that my inconvenience might be saving lives. Yes, it is nothing compared to what so many brave women and men are going through (frontline healthcare professionals and so many servicemen and women), but its something.
We have all seen or heard about the effects of COVID-19...We all agree that it is real, deadly, and disruptive. In this monologue, I reflect on the current reality.
BIG THANKS to everyone who is working tirelessly to fight COVID-19.
#COVID-19 #CANADA #STORRTELLING #STAYATHOME #HEALTHCARE #DOINGMYPART #SELFISOLATION #FAITH
Apr 02, 202020:05
EP 04: My Reflection on Jean Vanier’s Mistakes

EP 04: My Reflection on Jean Vanier’s Mistakes

The News of Jean Vanier’s dark past has made me question a lot of things. This news has taught me that we (humans) are broken beings.... Most importantly, it has taught me that “being human” is all about empowering each other during moments of darkness… it’s about speaking up when things are not right... I have learned that:

Trust should be earned...and valued
Empowerment is key….we should learn to empower each other

#JeanVanier #Canada #Ontario #CatholicChurch
Feb 24, 202017:57
EP 03: February is a month of LOVE and DISCOVERY

EP 03: February is a month of LOVE and DISCOVERY

In this episode, I talk about valentine's day...I elaborate on the importance of seeing love as a journey. I also talk about BHM and my continuous effort to learn more about black people's contribution to Canadian society. Enjoy!!!
#Valentinesday #BlackHistorymonth #Canada #Ontario #Discover #Love
Feb 16, 202016:50
EP 02: Black History Month - An Immigrant's Perspective

EP 02: Black History Month - An Immigrant's Perspective

In this episode of the Canadian In Me, I reflect on the significance of Black History Month.
As a young immigrant from the #DRC, I never knew what BHM meant. In fact, I never saw any value in celebrating it. However, with growth comes knowledge and experience.....as we speak, I am a true believer in what this month means.
I have learned to value February. Over the years, I have dedicated February to educating my self about the contribution of Black People, not only to Canadian society but to the whole world. How about you? What does BHM mean to you?
#BlackHistoryMonth #RosaParks #Culture #SocialJustice #Canada #Ontario
Feb 08, 202013:54
EP 01: Think Globally & Act Locally - Addressing Climate Change

EP 01: Think Globally & Act Locally - Addressing Climate Change

There is so much buzz around climate change. Though this is a positive thing, the issue is often framed very broadly. There is nothing wrong with this approach; however, it often takes the urgency out of the subject.

So What?
We need to get involved. We need to make climate change an issue; a personal issue. Using this approach will increase the urgency of the subject at hand.

In this podcast, I talk about the subject of climate change. I also explore ways in which we can tackle the issue at a grassroots level.

Music:
Song One: Infection by Chance Mutuku ft Alex Moher
Song Two: Akatambala by Said Karoli ft Hanson Baliruno
Feb 08, 202021:07