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U RADIO ON AIR
Digital Ethnocultural Radio station focused on diverse communities of Canada presented by U Multicultural.
u talk
U Multicultural has been positioned as a broadcaster and media platform focused on diverse communities. The idea of implementing the web-based radio station for the ethnocultural communities of Manitoba and Canada is another unique component of the media platform. U Radio is the digital hub, where diverse communities can share their voices, music, and stories.
U Talk is a Talk Show hosted by Ryan Funk, highlighting native-born and new Canadians’ cultures and experiences.
Everyone has a story to tell. Those who moved to Canada have a wealth of knowledge and experiences that I and many others may never have. This radio show allows people to learn from personal experiences, struggles, backgrounds, and cultures of communities that may not have their voices heard.
latest episodes
U Talk Ep 40 – Marco Castillo
What is music? What is it about sound waves played in a specific order, pitch, and tempo, that causes an emotional reaction in a person, and what is it that drives someone to pursue it as a career?
Marco Castillo is a Brazilian-Canadian musician and songwriter based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Entranced by music since he was a child, Marco has a passion for creating and performing and teaching.
U Talk Ep 39 – Morden Immigration
The process of moving to a new country can be incredibly confusing. For those looking to come to Canada and are looking to move to a smaller city in the countryside, the Morden Immigration program canhelp.
Known for its MPNP Skilled Worker Support Program, Morden Immigration has been recognized for its program. Shelly Voth is the Immigration Coordinator and walks us through the program and why moving to Morden is an excellent opportunity for newcomers.
U Talk Ep 38 – Women of Colour Community Leadership Initiative
On March 27, A stop Asian Hate Rally took place here in Winnipeg.
I spoke with Jennifer Chen and Ting Fang from the Women of Colour Community Leadership Initiative about the rally and the organization.
As a women’s organization, WCCLI is a community where women of colour’s unique experiences, leadership, and contributions are valued and celebrated to empower women and create positive change. They oppose racism, sexism, and gender-based violence. Their goals are to foster and promote equality, opportunity, leadership, access to services, and inclusion through unique grassroots programs designed by women of colour and encourage civic engagement.
U Talk Ep 37 – Festival du Voyageur
Festival Du Voyageur is a highlight in the Manitoban winter. Although people couldn’t attend in person and celebrate with others in large crowds, the festival did host online programming this year.
Darrel Nadeau is Executive Director, which means he oversees the organization year-round and with ten full-time staff.
I asked Darrel how this year’s event went, French Canadian culture and what people can look forward to next year.
U Talk Ep 36 – RAVEN
In Canada, we often hear politicians and individuals talking about reconciliation, but what does that really mean. According to RAVEN, a registered charity, reconciliation needs to recognize the land our indigenous nations have been living on for centuries and recognize their rights.
Susan Smitten tells us more about RAVEN and their mission to raise funds for Indigenous People’s access to justice.
Want to check out RAVEN’s funds, projects, and ongoing mission visit https://raventrust.com/
Season One
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U Talk Ep 35 – Art for Aid
Art has been an integral part of civilization since humanity’s genesis share massive epics of heroes, capturing the essence of life around us or telling a story about our world or personal journey. However, if some don’t have access to the supplies or resources they need, we may never see the world’s next great prodigies. Art for Aid is a not-for-profit organization that does just that, put art supplies in the hands of those who have none.
Colleen Gray is both an artist and the founder of Art For Aid. She discusses the importance of sending resources to remote schools in indigenous communities. https://www.artforaid.ca/
U Talk Ep 34 – Tolani Olanrewaju
Secondary School can be a challenge, finding your work-life balance, staying focused on your studies. But it’s also an exciting experience, learning new things and meeting people from all over the world.
Tolani is pursuing a STEM career and was recently elected as the International Student’s representative for the upcoming school year at the University of Manitoba.
U Talk Ep 33 – Lifesaving Society Manitoba
Moving to Canada can be an exciting experience, and there are numerous elements that one needs to learn when settling in their new home. One thing people may not realize is essential when moving is water safety. Canada has many sources of open water, with some provinces experiencing severe flooding during spring.
Dr. Christopher Love is the Water Smart® & Safety Management Coordinator for Lifesaving Society Manitoba. Their mandate is to educate on safe water practices and reduce the number of fatal drownings.
U Talk Ep 32 – Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Over the pandemic’s duration, we’ve seen multiple human rights violations. Discrimination and racism have surfaced, but many communities have come together to stand against hatred. There was the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd’s death, rallies have begun to stand against the increase of anti-Asian racism. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights tells the stories of human tragedy and triumph, bringing the conversation of humanity’s rights to the forefront. Maureen Fitzhenry is the media relations person at the museum. We discuss how they dealt with COVID-19 restrictions and the importance of uniting communities and speaking out against injustice.
U Talk Ep 31 – Stopping Anti-Asian Racism
With the ongoing pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in racism and hate crimes against Asians. Since the onset of COVID-19 during 2019 and 2020, over 600 anti-Asian racism incidents were reported to the elimin8hate.org and covidracisim.ca. On March 27, a Stop Asian Hate Rally took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, organized by the Women of Colour Community Leadership Initiative Manitoba and Manitoba Chinese Family Centre.
I spoke with Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba board member Jié Yang about the rally and the increase in anti-Asian racism.
U Talk Ep 30 – Lambert Wilson
Science, technology, and match are miraculous tools, and many who enter the field of STEM are driven to figure out how our universe works.
Lambert Wilson is a Research And Teaching Assistant at The University of Winnipeg and has studied in Ghana, Italy, and Canada.
Lambert is a Strong professional with a Master’s degree focused on Molecular Diagnostics and Biotechnology.
U Talk Ep 29 – Gloria Makafui Dovoh
Schooling in different countries can have diverse experiences, with drastically different teaching principles.
Studying in both Ghana and Canada, Gloria Makafui Dovoh has an in-depth perspective from both countries and has utilized that knowledge in her studies.
She is an Experienced Outreach Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the civic & social organization industry.
U Talk Ep 28 – Monika Feist
A little good added to the world can go a long way. Monika Feist has dedicated her life to helping others.
Monika’s life’s passion and activities have been as a recognized workforce development advocate and change leader for equity and employment access issues regarding immigrants, women, other abled individuals, indigenous peoples, and youth.
U Talk Ep 27 – Wab Kinew
You don’t have to hide your background or culture to succeed, as they can be valuable tools in giving a new perspective and outlook on situations.
For the Manitoba New Democratic Party leader, Wab Kinew, his experiences and indigenous background are strengths.
Before his political career, Kinew was a writer, journalist and even dabbled in music. He feels incredibly blessed and honoured for his current role as the representative of Fort Rouge.
U Talk Ep 26 – Yevgeniya Tatarenko
It is never a bad idea to diversify yourself through your passions, hobbies, or career.
Yevgeniya Tatarenko is one of those individuals who could be considered a jack of all trades, always excited to add another feather into her cap.
Starting a Ukrainian School in Morden, Manitoba, teaching fire dance, marketing, journalism, and history passions, Yevgeniya is always on the move.
U Talk Ep 25 – Paola Saad
Merchandise trade between Canada and Brazil totalled $7.7 billion in 2019. With so much money involved, many work to establish the connections between businesses in Canada and Brazil.
Paola Saad is one of those individuals. A member of the Brazilian community herself, Paola travels between her office in Toronto and Brazil to establish these partnerships and help government organizations along the way.
U Talk Ep 24 – Virgil Hilario
If you identify as part of the, LGBTQ+ community it can be incredibly nerve-wracking when expressing who you are to society. The decision to come out of the closet can be even more challenging if your coming out may not be accepted by your family or community.
Pinoy Pride Vancouver is a Social and Support Group for the Filipino-Canadian LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends and supporters. They work with a community steeped in traditional values towards understanding and acceptance.
U Talk Ep 23 – Alex Sangha
What is our purpose in life? For many, including myself, we go years without finding what we’re passionate about and what we wish to bring into the world.
For Alex Sangha, he knew he wanted to help others, either through social work, writing, or directing through Sher Film. Coming out later this year, Sher Films’ Emergence, Out of the Shadows, explores the taboo topic of being gay and lesbian in the South Asian community of Metro Vancouver and abroad.
U Talk Ep 22 – Jamie Banias
There’s a vast amount of information that one needs when immigrating to Canada. However, through all the information around banking, getting a job, a learning English, information on our indigenous population is light.
That’s where Jamie Banias comes in. As the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, she and others work at improving knowledge and awareness of our indigenous peoples to newcomers.
U Talk Ep 21 – Leslie Wilder
As technology develops the world is becoming more interconnected, and business is becoming increasingly international dependent.
There is no better source to learn from those pursuing education in international business than Leslie Wilder, who has both the knowledge and experience.
U Talk Ep 20 – Casimiro Nhussi
Our culture is in everything we do. It influences our food, music, and our dancing.
Casimiro Nhussi embraces that principle but gives it a personal flair. Musician, choreographer, and artistic director of Nafro Dance Productions, Casimiro is heavily involved in art and has been since he was a young boy.
U Talk Ep 19 – Sharan Tappia
To recognize what women do in society and for each of us, each day was why Asian Women in Winnipeg was started.
Sharan Tappia is one of the founding members. She shares a little about her life and how her experiences led her to help create the organization.
U Talk Ep 18- Keisha Paul
International business is fascinating, working with others to overcome cultural and language barriers to achieve success.
Keisha Paul seems to have figured out the code.
Owner of Keisha R. Paul Consulting, and has worked in countries around the world. Keisha knows the value of formal education and practical experience.
U Talk Ep 17 – Xavier Mutshipayi
Xavier Nkunda Mutshipayi is a painter living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who shares his journey moving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, his inspirations, and some of his secrets to finding success as an artist.
U Talk Ep 16 – John Allan
John Allan is a Trainer, educator, writer, presenter. A dedicated education specialist with diverse experience-driven to learn, teach and innovate. John touches on the shift to online learning during the pandemic and services for educators and students.
Want to help others access the internet and technology? Instead of throwing out your old computer, donate.
U Talk Ep 15 – Ally Nazarie Gonzalo
Representation in media is important. However, many people never get to see someone like themselves in movies, magazines, or on the Internet. When people of colour or other minority groups are showcased in media it’s often in the form of tokenism.
Ally Nazarie Gonzalo, an immigrant from the Philippines and a member of the FillipnX community, wanted to change that through his photography.
U Talk Ep 14 – Tatjana Brkic
Tatjana Brkic has an impressive resume, say the least, Mentor HEC Paris, Consultant UNEP, Red River Applied Business Research & International Business Faculty, and Participant TEDx Active.
She also helped create Square Metre for Peace, an inspirer and facilitator of a grassroots movement working together for positive peace locally, nationally and internationally.
U Talk Ep 13 – Taiwo Luro
Taiwo Luro is a massive proprietor of technology and believes if you don’t get on board with it, you’ll fall behind. A Career Consultant/E-Learning Specialist, Taiwo has applied his personal and professional experiences to help newcomers find and succeed in their careers.
U Talk Ep 12 – Kelly Bado
Music has always been a part of bilingual singer-songwriter Kelly Bado’s life. She combines her African heritage, la chanson française, and American gospel to create a unique sound.
Coming from West Africa, she never expected her style would come across as enjoyable here in Canada.
U Talk Ep 11 – Andrew Unger
What is a Mennonite?
Andrew Unger is the Daily Bonnet creator, a satirical website that breaks down Mennonite culture and life. He recently had a book published called ‘Once removed,’ a humorous book about Mennonites that explores the real costs of “progress.”
Andrew shares The Plautdietsch Code: Knacking the Mystery of Mennonites.
U Talk Ep 10 – Jewel White
Manitoba has a flourishing Filipino Community, and a region that has seen significant growth in that community is the Pembina Valley, a rural region south of Winnipeg.
Jewel Miralles White is part of the Morden Filipino community and is a licensed veterinarian.
Although her license wasn’t recognized when she first moved, she was dedicated to continuing practicing here in Canada, following through on exams and state boards.
U Talk Ep 9 – Rena Elbaze
Winnipeg and Manitoba have a vibrant Jewish community and have been home to many since the mid-1870s.
This year, the oldest synagogue in Winnipeg, Congregation Shaarey Zedek, is celebrating its 130th anniversary.
Rena Secter Elbaze is the Director of Engagement and Education, a new position since 2016.
U Talk Ep 8 – Miguel Hernandez
How do you succeed in the media industry? Well Miguel Hernandez, seems to have cracked that code.
Miguel has been heavily involved in media, working for video productions both in front and behind the camera. He has also been involved in animation.
Miguel has been passionately sharing his experiences for media creating tutorials on the Grumo Media YouTube Channel on how people can make a living teaching online.
U Talk Ep 7 – Elton Hubner
Elton Hubner is a journalist, photographer, owner of Eyes Multimedia, and now an award-winning filmmaker with his passion project, The Fit Generation.
Born in Brazil to European immigrants, Elton has visited dozens of countries and has lived in Canada for the past ten years.
U Talk Ep 6 – Laura Castillo
Laura Castillo was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her parents were political refugees who fled the dictatorship in Chile. Laura’s family would then move back to Chile when she was 12.
The experiences of her parents and her own living in Chile inspired Laura to dedicate herself to teaching. She is an EAL/ESL teacher and launched online classes through BRIDGES English Language School.
U Talk Ep 5 – Sweta Rajan
Work can have its ups and downs, but many immigrants may experience unfair biases and microaggressions from colleagues or employers beyond cultural and language barriers.
That’s what Sweta Rajan experienced when working in the United States. After moving to Canada and into more senior roles at businesses, she created spaces where diverse voices are valued equally. She would later work with other immigrant women to make the organization Immigrant and International Women in Science.
U Talk Ep 4 – Sadudee and Janfong Sae-Phan
Sadudee and Janfong Sae-Phan moved from Thailand to Canada, searching for a new life and opening a Thai restaurant. That journey would separate them for three years, as Janfong worked abroad, creating the avenue for her family to come over.
U Talk Ep 3 – Sonja Lundstrom
The Scandinavian Cultural Centre of Winnipeg is a volunteer-driven organization, with members joining clubs of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with Sonja Lundstrom, President of the Swedish Cultural Association of Manitoba.
U Talk Ep 2 – Adolfo Cuetara
Featuring Adolfo Cuetara, Executive Director of the CFDC. Adolfo moved to Canada from Spain in 2012 and continued to pursue a career in paleontology.
U Talk Ep 1 – Ethno Fest 2020
Featuring Reuben Garang, Alma De La Torre, Ana Lopez and Luana Cunha from Ethno Fest 2020.
share your voice with u radio
U are welcome to get in touch with us to share your story because U Talk is about YOU talking about what matters to you! We always welcome creative ideas and partnerships so do not hesitate to get in touch with us! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
Three steps to take part in U Talk:
- Write to us to discuss your idea, topic of interest or concerns;
- Discuss the further process with our Host and set up date and time;
- You Talk for U Talk.
This is it! Pretty simple, right?