Life in Black & White (and all the shades in between)
We’re Ivana & Yaw—an interracial couple and parents to three boys (including twins). In our podcast, we dive into life, love, and parenting while exploring ways to make the world a better and happier place together. If you enjoy our conversations, we’d love your support! Leaving a review or sharing this podcast helps us more than you know. Thanks so much, and happy listening! 😊
Episodes
Motherhood. Fatherhood. Parenting. No one really tells you how hard it can feel behind closed doors. In this raw and honest episode of Life in Black & White podcast, we sit down with Candice Davis, the founder of After Birth London to talk about the unspoken hardships of parenting — the ones we don’t post on Instagram and rarely say out loud. We dive into the realities of becoming a parent, the pressure to “hold it all together...
Ever wondered what it’s really like to live with ADHD as an adult? In this episode, we're sitting down with Mhairi, who shares her story - her late diagnosis, the ups and downs in relationships, parenting struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster it brings.
We talk about coping strategies, why ADHD isn’t just a challenge but can actually be a superpower, and how just a bit of awareness can make a huge difference.
It’s honest, real...
In this episode of Life in Black & White, we chat with Julia Boccio, who went from copywriting to photography, and ultimately to becoming a successful rom-com author.
Julia shares the highs and lows of changing careers, navigating traditional publishing, and turning a viral wedding dance video into life-changing opportunities (yes, that includes meeting Patrick Swayze and Oprah!).
Julia opens up about the importance of mental h...
Following our recent run-in with online trolls, today’s episode of Life in Black & White is all about trolls, haters, and those unwanted opinions that seem to appear everywhere—whether it's on social media or in real life.
We share personal experiences, unpack why people throw shade, and explore how to protect your peace while staying confident in who you are. We also emphasise the importance of understanding the context behind...
Today we’re joined by the wonderful Florence Ọlájídé, a woman whose story will stay with you long after you hear it.
Born in Britain to Nigerian parents, Florence was privately fostered by a white family before being taken to Nigeria by her birth parents.
Her journey is one of incredible strength - overcoming loss, loneliness, poverty, and maltreatment, while fighting fiercely for her education and identity. It’s a moving and deepl...
In today's episode of Life in Black & White, we sit down with mindset coach Hayden Griffiths for an honest, no-filter chat about what it really takes to transform your life.
Hayden opens up about his journey from battling addiction to helping others rewrite their own stories. Together, we dive into how childhood experiences shape who we become, why mindset is everything, and how embracing vulnerability can unlock real success.
...
How much of what we believe is truly ours—and how much is “soft-wired” into our brains?
In this eye-opening conversation, the Hypnotherapist Dipti Tait dives into the science of soft wiring, showing how our beliefs and biases shape the way we perceive others.
We explore why identity and culture can be so divisive, the primitive roots of snap judgments, and how these hidden patterns influence our relationships.
More importantly, Dip...
Join us on this inspiring episode of Life in Black & White as we sit down with Charlotte Kelly, the talented voice behind the iconic band Soul to Soul. From navigating the highs and lows of the music industry to embracing the power of songwriting, Charlotte opens up about the challenges of fame, the role of cultural identity in her artistry, and the realities of performing live.
Beyond music, she shares her honest experiences w...
What happens when love meets culture?
In this episode of Life in Black & White, we chat with Dr. Melissa Cancel about how cultural differences shape marriage, communication, and even parenting.
From individualism vs collectivism to those “lost in translation” moments in everyday conversations, we explore why understanding (not judging) each other’s backgrounds is so important.
Expect honest stories, practical tips, and plenty o...
What happens when your child’s race isn’t your own?
In this raw and eye-opening episode, we explore the unspoken challenges of parenting across racial lines.
Joined by Sarah Wood, a fellow white mum raising mixed-race children, we dive into the complex realities of navigating identity, having tough conversations, and confronting the biases that society (and sometimes we) hold.
This isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about le...
Ever wondered what it’s really like raising kids to speak more than one language?
In this episode, we’re diving into our personal journey of raising bilingual children. Our boys speak English and Slovak, and we’re also introducing them to Ghanaian Chi.
We’re sharing:
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The little known benefits of bilingual parenting
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The challenges no one talks about
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Practical ways to keep multiple languages alive at home
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How language sh...
Can you go through life thinking you're kind, open-minded, and still discover a racist within you at 40?
In this bold and honest conversation, we sit down with our friend and psychophonetics counsellor Natalia Cervinkova, who bravely shares her personal story of uncovering deep-seated racial bias within herself: something she didn’t even realise was there.
We talk about:
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Why this is more common than people think
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How racism ...
Meet Dennis and Tessa: The Team Helping People Feel Brave and Confident
In this episode, we’re chatting with Dennis and Tessa from Dstnct Art Media - a creative duo who use photography to help people feel good about themselves.
Dennis is an award-winning photographer with over 7 years of experience. But he doesn’t just take pretty pictures - he helps people see how amazing they really are. His photoshoots boost confidence, fight n...
In a world that often feels loud, rushed, and disconnected, kindness can seem like a lost art - and good manners, an outdated concept. But what if these "small things" are actually the foundation of a more connected, compassionate world?
In this heartfelt episode, I’m diving into why kindness and manners still matter. From everyday interactions at the school gate to the way we speak to ourselves and our children, we explore how sim...
In this episode, we chat with the lovely Oona Alexander - a parenting mentor known for her pressure-free and empowering approach to navigating challenging behaviour in children.
Oona has helped countless families raise happy kids and feel good about themselves as parents. Her magic? She doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all method. Instead, she listens, adapts to each family’s lifestyle, and supports parents in a way that actually work...
Ever wonder why men and women seem to think so differently? You're not alone - and you're going to love this conversation. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating (and often hilarious) differences in the way men and women process thoughts, emotions, and everyday situations. From communication quirks to misunderstandings in relationships, we unpack it all with honesty, laughter, and plenty of "aha!" moments.
You’ll hear us lau...
Divorce can feel like the end of everything you knew - painful, terrifying, and utterly overwhelming. But what if it could also be the beginning of something beautiful?
In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Farhana, the UK's only Divorce Doula, whose own journey through heartbreak and fear led her to a life of strength, purpose, and peace. Farhana shares how she now walks alongside others in their darkest moments, offering t...
Do you ever feel like your past still shapes the way you think, react, or feel today? Maybe it’s that deep-seated fear of not being good enough or an overwhelming sense of guilt or anxiety that you can’t quite explain. What if the key to healing wasn’t just moving forward—but going back and reparenting the child within you?
In this heart-opening episode, we sit down with Jenny Barber, a certified tapping practitioner, to explore th...
Ever thought about changing careers but felt too scared to take the leap? In this episode, we chat with Julia Boggio, bestselling romance writer, who has made not one, not two, but three major career changes! She shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and practical advice for anyone considering a career switch.
We also dive into: ✅ The biggest fears around changing careers (and how to overcome them) ✅ The pros and cons of ma...
Chloe opens up about her own journey and how #TheBePlan is helping people make simple,...
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