Y Square POD

By YSquare Podcast

YSquarePod is co-hosted by Yasmin Metz-Johnson of @yasmin_tells & Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim of @minabilkis. Two young women who have returned to their country of origin (Sierra Leone, West Africa) who now live & work in Freetown (the capital) offering their perspectives on life in Sierra Leone through a millennial lens.

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S02E04 Sababu & Nostalgia

Y Square PODJun 17, 2019

00:00

36:45

Episode 40 - Relocating to Salone

In this segment of the "Y Square POD + Friends" series, Walid Joseph (Restaurant Owner) and Ajara Marie (Social Entrepreneur) join Yasmin and Yasmine to discuss tips and tricks for moving/relocating to Salone and navigating everyday life while sharing their individual stories as to what brought them back to Sweet Salone.

Check out this new episode for more insight on what it means to move or relocate to Sierra Leone.

Disclaimer: The conversations in the Y Square POD + Friends segments are in English, Krio, and sometimes Kringlish. Enjoy!

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ysquarepod

Nov 26, 202001:10:14

Episode 39: A Conversation with David Moinina Sengeh!

In this segment of "A Conversation with", Y Square POD had the pleasure to talk to our nation's Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (BSSSE) -- Dr. David Moinina Sengeh!

Minister Sengeh is also the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). In this episode, Minister Sengeh discusses with Y Square POD the strides his team since the enactment of the Free Education policy as well as his on going projects as a member of Government and his personal life as a rapper and fashion life. As a youth himself, Minister Sengeh highlights the challenges faced by young people and shares his vision for Sierra Leone. Check out this episode to know more!

Nov 12, 202050:39

Episode 38 - Africa Wants Better, Africa Demands Better, Africa Deserves Better

From #EndSARS in Nigeria to sexual violence surges in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zambia, the duo discuss a handful of some of the various social issues occurring concurrently across the continent.

This episode laments on Africa’s time to demand change amidst being haunted by a colonial and imperial past while proposing possible solutions for the present and future. Listen for more and please share your thoughts 🌍

Interesting fact: Sierra Leone is home to the second drone corridor in all of Africa.

Salone proverb: Wata nor dae jomp ol

#AfricaIsTheFuture

Oct 29, 202033:05

Episode. 37 - A Conversation With: Bintu Mansaray (Behind the Doctor)

In this episode, the duo learn more about the health infrastructure from doctor and author Bintu Mansaray!

Bintu is a consulting Health doctor at Rainbo Initiative - the only center in Sierra Leone that offers probono psychosocial support and medical treatment to victims and survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Bintu tells Y Square POD about the challenges faced in the health system in Sierra Leone while highlighting some solutions and she shares with us her new found project -- her book; Amie and the Safe Keepers Project: Defeating the Coronavirus! Looking to contribute to children's literacy in Sierra Leone? Find out more in this episode!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Clifftech Pro.

Oct 15, 202034:35

Episode 36 - Lessons of 2020

Happy October!

In this episode, the Y Square POD duo talks about “WHAT A YEAR” 2020 has been. From reflections to lessons learned, Yasmin and Yasmine discuss the moments of opportunities for growth and gratitude the year has presented them and they suggest tips to ending the year strong. Enjoy this episode! What has the year 2020 taught you?

Interesting Fact: Travelers coming to and leaving Sierra Leone must pay $80 for a COVID-19 test.

Salone Proverb: Waetin briz don blo, e don blo

This episode is proudly sponsored by Clifftech

Oct 01, 202034:05

Episode 35 - Tourism in Salone

In the second segment of the "Y Square POD + Friends" series, Yasmin and Yasmine invite their friends Ernest Henry (Content Creator and Producer) and Aminata Kamara (Marketer and formerly at National Tourism Board) to give their take on the past, present and future outlook and perspective on tourism in Salone. Domestic tourism is relatively a new phrase and reality amidst Uncle Coro (COVID-19) but especially for Sierra Leoneans. Check out this new episode for more about what Sierra Leone has to hold for Sierra Leoneans and visitors alike.

Disclaimer: The conversations in the Y Square POD + Friends segments are in English, Krio and sometimes Kringlish. Enjoy!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Mercury International.

Sep 17, 202001:02:06

Episode 34 - A Conversation With Mabel Ironn Sky (Behind the Artist)

In this episode, Mabel Ironn Sky a painter and business consultant joins us! Salone is a beautiful country where we believe should be an artist’s playground. Though that may be true, artistry does come with its constraints — from economic to social acceptance which happens not just in Salone. Mabel shares her perspective on how to empower artists and amplify their voices in this not to miss episode. 😉

This episode is sponsored by Mercury International

Sep 03, 202033:40

Episode 33 - Rape Culture in Sierra Leone (From a Survivor's Lens)

In this episode, the duo thought it fit to bring on a survivor to speak on the approaches to combating the embedded rape culture in Sierra Leone. Our special guest has served Sierra Leone as a Gender Advisor and she is recently an entrepreneur and author.
Eager to know who our guest is? You have to listen to the episode to find out and to learn more about her pragmatic approach and perspective to make Sierra Leone safer for women and girls :)
Interesting Fact: Despite Sierra Leone being historically predominantly Muslim, though very secular nowadays. Sierra Leone has only had one Muslim head of state (the late Ahmad Tejan Kabbah), all of our heads of states have been Christian.
Salone Proverb: No yu sef norto cos

Aug 20, 202001:38:23

Episode 32 - A Conversation With Martin Michael: Behind the Man

Episode 32: A Conversation with Martin Michael. Behind The Man

The duo was delighted to interview a fellow #SaloneTwitter member. Martin Michael is a lawyer and CEO of Mercury International.

Martin discusses with Y Square POD the instrumental role the digital age has played in business, public life, and how it has shaped our cultural dynamic. He also talks about transitioning from his professional career in law to business and entrepreneurship and stresses the importance of leaving a legacy.

Listen to learn more about Martin’s incredible journey.

This episode is sponsored by Mercury International

Aug 06, 202001:23:06

Episode 31: Dating in Salone

In the new segment "Y Square & friends", the duo invite their friends to discuss on a hot topic.

Dating Culture in Salone features Endimiyon Johnson and Mohamed Shour. In this episode, the duo along with their guests discuss the dating scene for young people primarily in Freetown, as well as tips and woes. Of course, it wouldn't be dating if ENTANGLEMENTS were not involved. Hook up culture in context to Sierra Leone is discussed as well as "underground".

Jul 23, 202058:32

Episode 30 - A Conversation with Vickie Remoe: Behind the Woman

In our 30th episode, Y Square Pod interviews a person such as ourselves — multifaceted, Sierra Leonean, and a woman!

Vickie Remoe is a marketing and communications strategist who splits her time in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Accra, Ghana. Vickie tells us about her current project: C19 Dignity Project and the importance of controlling the narrative and pushing made in Sierra Leone content through her career of journalism and a TV show host.

Listen to her compelling story of what it means to be young, a woman, and your own boss in West Africa.

Jul 09, 202053:27

Episode 29: Cancel Culture - Is It Necessary?

In this episode, Y Square Pod discuss the very millennial and digital age driven term "Cancel Culture". Cancel Culture is when an individual or group is virtually made irrelevant by keypad warriors when their point of view differs from a mainstream collective's own without or rarely given the opportunity to be [re]educated. The duo also highlighted circumstances where Cancel Culture is essential and what it means to be "cancelled".

Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone has amended its COVID19 curfew restrictions and uplifted domestic travel bans.

Salone proverb: If yu sabi wass yu an, yu kin it wit big pipul dem.

Jun 25, 202023:51

Episode 28 - A Conversation with ‘Gbenga Sesan: Behind The Paradigm

*Episode 28 - A Conversation with ‘Gbenga Sesan: Behind The Paradigm*

In this episode, the duo met with and interviewed ‘Gbenga Sesan from Nigeria during his visit to Sierra Leone in March 2020.

‘Gbenga is a social entrepreneur and digital rights/tech guru. He was featured in CNN as one is the Top 10 African Tech Voices on Twitter. Learn more about his inspiring story at @ysquarepod

This episode is sponsored by C&E Solutions.

For advertisement and collaboration enquiries, email us at ysquarepod@gmail.com

Jun 11, 202027:27

Episode 27 - Racism & Discrimination in Sierra Leone

Inspired by the recent protests and calls for racial and social justice in the United States, the duo discuss institutionalized systems of discrimination in the Sierra Leonean context and why #BlackLivesMatter is equally important to people of African descent on the continent and the world at large. They also propose an agenda for change for future generations.

The duo discuss issues on tribalism, regionalism, colorism and some forms of racism in Sierra Leone. If you're also tired of being tired, this episode is for you.

Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone's only International airport is situated in Lungi, Northern Sierra Leone and not the capital Freetown.

Proverb: Monki wok, babu it.

Jun 04, 202040:15

Episode 26 - The Rant Episode

As the title implies, the duo spend this episode ranting about what grinds their gears in Mama Salone. From direct (mis)communication/(mis)information to “you’ve put on weight” to “hi dear”, the duo do not hold back the punches in this comical episode. For those living in Sierra Leone or from Sierra Leone living abroad, this will hit home for you. And for future visitors/residents of Sierra Leone listen with an open heart and mind.

Interesting Fact: Sierra Leone has the highest deaths in the West African Sub region in Mano River Union (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire).

Proverb: No ide yu layt unda bushel

May 28, 202028:48

Episode 25 - A conversation with Ngozi Cole: Behind The Pen

Y Square Pod is joined by the writer and communications specialist Ngozi Cole who talks about her love for writing, her background and everything you need to know about working in communications for the development sector. Our guest a shares useful tips on how to position yourself as a young professional. Ngozi is also the mastermind behind the online literature platform Poda Poda Stories.

Enjoy a conversation with Ngozi Cole.

Find our guest: @ngozicole

Poda Poda Stories: @podapodasl - www.poda-poda.com

Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ysquarepod

Y Square Pod

May 14, 202030:26