Western students’ The Black Aspiration Project podcast is redefining health care

Katherine Guo / GAZETTE Two Western University students, Kaya Anderson and Ulrica Samuels are redefining health care — one interview at a time. Kaya, a third-year gender and women’s studies student, and Ulrica, a fourth-year kinesiology student, are the co-hosts of The Black Aspiration Project podcast, where they interview Black healthcare workers and advocates for Black health. Intersectionality is central to the podcast, as Kaya and Ulrica explore how race, gender identity and sexual identity intersect with health care and the community. “An intersectional approach is always important because people’s experiences are influenced by their identities,” says Kaya. “Listening to people who have studied health or health care or Black communities is important for improvements in better health outcomes.” The podcast first launched in the winter of 2023. Interviewees come from diverse backgrounds, extending beyond just healthcare professionals. The Black Aspiration Project podcast host Kaya Anderson in Lawson Hall, March 28, 2024. Desmond Mahood / GAZETTE For example, Kaya and Ulrica interviewed Fatimah Jackson-Best, a professor from McMaster University, on the topic of advocacy on mental health, anti-Black and gendered Islamophobia. They interviewed Kevin Blanks, a high school literature teacher and English PhD student, on the topic of critical theories...