Life in Black & White (and all the shades in between)

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 deeply inspiring story about resilience, courage, and finding your true voice through hardship.
Florence’s memoir, Coconut, has received glowing reviews and was featured on the Graham Norton Book Club. Her second book, The Stolen Daughter, is a powerful historical novel inspired by a family secret - the story of one of her ancestors forced into slavery.
Florence was also shortlisted for Penguin Random House’s WriteNow London workshop in 2018.
This conversation will remind you that no matter where you come from or what you’ve faced, your story matters - and it’s never too late to rewrite it with courage and heart.
With love, Ivana & Yaw xx
 
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GET FLORENCE'S BOOKS:
The stolen daughter: https://bit.ly/3LlYeWU
Coconut: https://bit.ly/3Wcu3I2
 
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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.
We also tackle big questions, like why self-development should be taught in schools and how understanding your own mind can uncover the genius within you.
This conversation is raw, inspiring, and a must-listen for anyone ready to break free from old patterns and start living with purpose.
Tune in and discover how your mindset could be the key to the life you’ve been searching for.
Love,
Ivana & Yaw

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, Dipti shares practical insights on how communication, curiosity, and thoughtful debate can help us bridge divides, update old beliefs, and foster deeper understanding.
Tune in to learn how small shifts in thinking can lead to bigger connections—and a more open-minded, empathetic way of navigating the world.
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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 with confidence, mental health, and personal growth, offering heartfelt advice for aspiring artists and young dreamers alike. Plus, Charlotte reflects on the joys and lessons of parenting, giving listeners a glimpse into how life off-stage shapes her journey.
Tune in for an intimate conversation packed with insight, inspiration, and practical guidance for anyone chasing their dreams while staying true to themselves.
 
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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 of encouragement for couples navigating cultural diversity.
With love,
Ivana & Yaw 
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https://thecommunicationdoc.com/home
 
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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 learning, listening, and showing up for our children in ways that truly honour who they are.
Whether you’re parenting across race or simply want to raise more empathetic, aware kids, this episode will challenge what you think you know - and leave you with powerful takeaways you can start using today.
With love,Ivana & Yaw
 
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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:
The little known benefits of bilingual parenting
The challenges no one talks about
Practical ways to keep multiple languages alive at home
How language shapes our kids’ identity and confidence
Whether you're just getting started or deep into the bilingual journey, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, relatable stories, and real tips you can actually use.
Tune in, and let’s explore the beautiful chaos of multilingual parenting together.
Love,Ivana & Yaw xx
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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:
Why this is more common than people think
How racism and unconscious bias works
The difference between being “not racist” and being anti-racist
And most importantly - what needs to change if we want to raise better humans and build a better world together
This episode isn’t about blame - it’s about courage, self-reflection, and change.
It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s exactly the kind of conversation we all need to have.
With love,Ivaana & Yaw
 
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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 negative self-image, and inspire people to chase their dreams.
Tessa used to be an indoor skydiving coach. Yep, flying in the air kind of thing! She loved helping people face their fears and do something they didn’t think they could do. Now, she brings that same energy into her work with Dennis - helping people feel calm, strong, and confident during their photoshoots. She even trained with a top supermodel, Coco Rocha, to become the best at what she does.
Together, Dennis and Tessa make photoshoots more than just pictures - they’re powerful, life-changing moments.
Tune in to hear how they help everyday people feel bold, beautiful, and ready to take on the world—one photo at a time.Love,Ivana & Yaw
 
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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 simple words and actions can shape relationships, self-worth, and even the future our kids grow up in.
💛 Why kindness is not weakness💛 How manners model respect for both kids and adults💛 Real-life moments that reminded me how powerful small gestures can be💛 Easy ways to bring more kindness into your daily life (without adding pressure)
Whether you’re a mum trying to raise kind little humans or just someone who wants to feel more grounded in a fast-paced world, this episode will leave you with a full heart.
Because kindness isn’t just nice. It’s necessary.
With love,Ivana & Yaw
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