Conversations with the Future

About Conversations with the Future

High school students in this generation seem to be losing motivation. Conversations with the Future is all about inspiring teenagers to start working towards their dream careers while they are in high school. Okey Okafo will interview exceptional teens with big dreams, and these insightful conversations are definitely going to shift your perspective and empower you to take action!

Publisher

Okey Okafo

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Oct 2022

Latest episode

1 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Sept 2025

   Signing Off, But the Future Is Yours.

   This is the final episode of Conversations with the Future. Around this time three years ago, I released the first episode of the Conversations with the Future Podcast. This project has been like my baby throughout almost my entire high school experience. I started this project because I noticed that there was a lack of motivation amongst my peers, and so I wanted to create something that would encourage teenagers to reach higher, dream bigger, and know that the work for a bright future can start right now. In this podcast, I have interviewed 20 amazing young individuals from diverse backgrounds - aspiring doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, and so much more! My hope has always been that these conversations served as a spark of motivation for those listening, a platform that I wish I had when I was trying to figure out my own career path and how to pursue it. As some of you may know, I graduated from high school back in May of 2025, and I am about to start university! But because I am no longer a high schooler and I am starting an exciting but demanding new chapter in my journey, I have decided that now is the right time to bring the Conversations with the Future podcast to a close. So before I go, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who listened, supported, and shared the podcast over the past three years. Thank you to my incredible guests who gave their time to share their wisdom and stories. I am sad, but so very grateful. This has been Conversations with the Future. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey. And remember: we are the future of this world, and the future is yours to shape. Background Music: One Love by Keys of the Moon

2. 

   16 Aug 2025

   Episode 15 - A Conversation with Henry

   In this episode, Okey has a deeply insightful conversation with his long-time friend Henry, an incoming Grade 12 student in the IB Diploma Programme who is passionate about food security, environmental sustainability, and agriculture. In the future, he would like to work in a space where he can influence sustainable developments and protect the environment, whether that be through research, policymaking, or diplomacy. As the host of his very own podcast “Feed the Future,” Henry is speaking with experts and community leaders, exploring innovative solutions to world hunger crises from different perspectives and lenses. As a leader of the Ridley Action Alliance, he is galvanizing his peers to engage in local community initiatives combatting food waste and redirecting surplus food to those in need. For everybody who is passionate about environmental science and climate change or interested in how we can sustainably feed a growing population, this is the episode for you! Want to Learn More About Henry and His Work? Listen to Henry’s “Feed the Future” Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CO5EwGQ3XrLnxxT3pVhMN (https://open.spotify.com/show/0CO5EwGQ3XrLnxxT3pVhMN) The Ridley Action Alliance Prepares Meals for Village of Hope Niagara: https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7HR2EP84G/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7HR2EP84G/) The Ridley Action Alliance Prepares Meals for Community Care: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9IE8Qvu_W/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9IE8Qvu_W/) Yale Sustainable Food Program (YSFP) Podcast: https://www.sustainablefood.yale.edu/chewing-the-fat-podcast (https://www.sustainablefood.yale.edu/chewing-the-fat-podcast)

3. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Episode 14 - A Conversation with Joti

   Host Okey interviews Joti, a Loran Scholar, who discusses his Braille-based communication device and his aspirations to develop technology that improves quality of life for all, highlighting the impact of science and advocacy.

4. 

   26 Dec 2024

   Episode 13 - A Conversation with Dan

   In Episode 13, Okey is having a chat with a Grade 12 student named Dan, an exceptional visual artist who has been widely recognized for her versatile artistic abilities, her amazing talent, and her unique style! Dan desires to pursue a career in the world of animation, a highly profitable and competitive career path. By listening to this interview, not only will you learn about Dan’s journey as a young artist so far, but you will learn about the process of art university applications, and both the opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing art careers! Want to Explore Some Art Resources? Ethan Becker Discord Server: discord.gg/ethanbecker (Https://discord.gg/ethanbecker) Realm of Morro Discord Server: https://discord.gg/JVaUkQRnKs (https://discord.gg/JVaUkQRnKs) Sycra's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@Sycra (www.youtube.com/@Sycra) An Article By Dan: AI vs. Artists: https://www.thetigertimes.ca/opinion-ai-vs-artists-can-ai-replace-creativity/ (https://www.thetigertimes.ca/opinion-ai-vs-artists-can-ai-replace-creativity/)

5. 

   11 Nov 2024

   Episode 12 - Exploring Tech Careers (EYF x CwtF)

   To kick off Season 3, Conversations with the Future hosted a fantastic event called the “Exploring Tech Careers Webinar” in collaboration with Excel Your Future, an amazing federal level not-for-profit organization supporting students interested in STEM. Okey interviewed Najib, a Computer Engineering student at Western University; Tim, a Software Engineer at Amazon; and Shuja, a Medical Science and Computer Science student at Western University! This episode is the official recording of the webinar, and by listening to it, you will all learn about the various opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for those wishing to pursue a career in the dynamic industry of tech, as well as the skills and experiences needed to realize your goals! Want to Learn More About Excel Your Future? Official Website: excelyourfuture.ca (https://excelyourfuture.ca) Instagram Handle: @excelyourfuture (https://www.instagram.com/excelyourfuture/) Want to Connect with the Panelists? Najib Masokun: linkedin.com/in/najib-maskoun-124577180/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/najib-maskoun-124577180/) Shuja Sayyid: linkedin.com/in/shuja-sayyid/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuja-sayyid/) Timothy Art: linkedin.com/in/timothyart/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyart/) Resource Recommended by Shuja: Fast.ai

6. 

   12 May 2024

   Episode 11 - A Conversation with Alex and Bobo

   In the eleventh episode of Conversations with the Future, Okey is having a chat with Alex and Bobo, twin brothers in Grade 12 who have distinguished themselves as incredible mathematicians and dedicated STEM students in their academics and extracurricular activities. Bobo aspires to become an applied mathematician in the field of academia, and Alex aspires to become a mechanical engineer, building upon his strong foundation in mathematics. They are getting ready to head to very prestigious universities, and in this episode, they share some incredible strategies that have helped them get where they are. If you are interested in math, engineering, or STEM in general - this is the episode for you.

7. 

   13 Apr 2024

   Episode 10 - A Conversation with Brian

   In the tenth episode of Conversations with the Future, Okey is having a chat with his new friend, Brian. Brian is a 12th grade student who has a particular interest in psychology, a subject that attempts to unravel the mysteries of the brain. Brian has many academic and extra-curricular accomplishments in the areas of psychology, neuroscience, and literature, such as co-founding The Neuro-Psy-ience Club at Ridley! Brian looks forward to continuing his studies into the graduate and postgraduate levels so that he can do research in psychology and related fields. I cannot wait for you all to learn from Brian’s experiences and learn valuable lessons from this intelligent, insightful, and reflective individual. LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIAN ****************************** Article - Brian Wang, Semi-Finalist in the JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu7NtynOqdz/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFJtMzlXUGd2aUJlNzlydGR1SnJxUVJVWk5uQXxBQ3Jtc0trSTU1TkFRTWhTZUVTQzNDRkZxd2RwLV9oY3hqcVhDR1JoTEc2SFJtMlBGMXRqMmthR184TVBxRGY0SEo0VGFDMklHYVkwWTBIWFFrT2JjLUVIWXFCdW5JLXpvc0x2WFFlVElaUzJKcnpfNThYdVZPSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCu7NtynOqdz%2F&v=YmQsg4marho) Article - Winners of McMasters Annual Local Brain Bee: https://pnb.mcmaster.ca/mcmasters-ann... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXR6OVAxS19GbnhQeVJDU1hGbEdJaVNscTYwQXxBQ3Jtc0trUXI3RjAxbG9qRVI0QWRlbS1NMWpxdUZ6dHRZbjdYRVQyYUtNdnlxdGk0UU9GZ1RGdUlBYWxBTE5leWRFLXdqRmtxS1lXZG81bURIWjZEMVNLTTFWeTBvM2d4bWVtSlZIQ1lmWUlScjJQU241SXpmcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fpnb.mcmaster.ca%2Fmcmasters-annual-local-brain-bee%2F&v=YmQsg4marho) Documentary - Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams: https://www.pbs.org/video/wpt-documen... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFZESGpVVlh2YzBTYnBCVUJ0ZjEtN05BejktZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuYnkwbzYwc01GSTFtZFpEQV9NQ3cyWGZ3VGFlLWR5dmhjdS0zWlRobmYtMnpOeGVTQklzenEzeEdscERLY0FLNS1uenJWQkgyNUFJeHlLUG5zMFJ1ZW9HNDdweXdjbzh5c3Nmc2NoNnE0WW8zdmxmOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fvideo%2Fwpt-documentaries-vel-phillips-dream-big-dreams%2F&v=YmQsg4marho) Study App Recommended by Brian: https://www.ankiapp.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa25SSUw2MmplSkpfaF81bUtrY0JfQkk0MW1tQXxBQ3Jtc0tsMEtWNWFrWjFPOWRsdTJENVE2UTFzVG94STViVVRlY3JHZlg4NEFuNEViTlBITGNpUmxVRWdkV1lzaVlzaXJkRHY3MVhFbUUzdE1qQzZxVFAxeHRYYVZkc0VsTGQ0alVRa05tNzFHYWRBai0wUDhGdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ankiapp.com%2F&v=YmQsg4marho) MUSIC CREDIT *************** One Love by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2dzYVdHNk5HbXJwVDM4REFYRVJUMjZNZlNLZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuYkltT0dpYURoVGFpTVFNLTNMZVhyNHpQQzQ1bnRhNW1BbFM3SzhJczVoR3pfTzRDdDJlSTZaUkZlVFVDUnpTa2x6N1NVV0tYek5HTHFGaGdmS3ZiclBGSlROaURIYXd1R0sxblZNdDhyNDlqWW1Scw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fkeysofmoon&v=YmQsg4marho) Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkp6RGdiNzFOUXY0WWR1NTV2eUtlSG5MZTVoUXxBQ3Jtc0ttY1ZXTV92LU5XWTMtMHg1aDlFWnZaWEZadjdETlE2a1ZkSVlJejZyZ21YeDVGczVCaEhoZVU3RGI1OU5NQ3pvbjNCQ1BwZmdIOWlXcFJYN3lTZlc0SWdxNy13NmRfclNLY0VVOFZ4QXdSUkRxSXY2SQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Flicenses%2Fby%2F4.0%2F&v=YmQsg4marho) Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ (https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/)

8. 

   12 Mar 2024

   Episode 9 - A Conversation with Charlotte

   In this episode, Okey is having a chat with his friend Charlotte, a 12th grade student who aspires to become a professional hockey player after playing Division I Hockey at the University of Wisconsin! During her career, she hopes to coach and inspire the next generation. As a multi-sport athlete who has a number of amazing athletic accomplishments at a young age, Charlotte shares many insights in this episode that will be helpful to student-athletes in high school who want to learn how they can play their elite sports at the top level. Learn More About Charlotte: ⁠Charlotte's Official Instagram Page⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/charlotte_pieckenhagen_06/) Article: PIECKENHAGENS REPRESENT CANADA TOGETHER (https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/pieckenhagens-represent-canada-together-2023-u18wwc) Article: Ridley crew a force on and off the water (https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/ridley-crew-a-force-on-and-off-the-water/)

9. 

   4 Nov 2023

   Episode 8 - A Conversation with Young Entrepreneurs

   In this episode, Okey interviews three high school entrepreneurs: Emma, Taha, and Jemimah. These are exemplary students who are running successful businesses and also thriving in their academics at the same time! This interview is split up into three segments that follow the initial stages of entrepreneurship, which are the ideation, the planning, and the execution. In each of these segments, our young entrepreneurs will be sharing their valuable insights and business experiences, and my hope is that by the end of this episode, you will all have the necessary information to embark on your own business ventures as high school students! Watch this Episode on YouTube (https://youtu.be/Vd6qfHTJnNA) Learn More About Emma: Emma’s LinkedIn Profile (http://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-m-229bb626b) LivEm Jewelry Website (https://livemjewelry.com/) The Massis Sisters Support the Shoebox Project Ridley Students Pack Shoeboxes for the Shoebox Project Personal Instagram: @emma.massis Business Instagram: @livemjewelry Learn More About Taha: Taha’s LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-taha-ahmad/) Personal Instagram: @_tahaahmad_ Business Instagram: @mtxvisuals Learn More About Jemimah: Jemimah’s LinkedIn Profile Blitz Bundles Website (http://blitzbundles.myshopify.com/) Personal Instagram: @luuvjj Business Instagram: @blitzbundles

10. 

    10 Sept 2023

    Episode 7 - A Conversation with Nantume

    In the first episode of Season 2, Okey is having a chat with Nantume, an international student from Uganda! She aspires to be a human rights lawyer to ensure social equity and uphold people's rights. Nantume has a passion for helping the less fortunate, supporting the underprivileged, and shaping a brighter future for generations to come. During this interview, I am confident that each of you will be inspired by Nantume's story. I can't wait for you all to learn about how the challenges Nantume has faced in her life have helped her become the changemaker that she is today! Watch this Episode on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj3_WII-xys&list=PLGDoWVTrehQLY8NBsDadMt45VcYEQyqZe) Learn More About Nantume: Nantume’s LinkedIn (http://linkedin.com/in/nantume-masturah-b06b55218) Youngsters’ Appeal Instagram Page (https://www.instagram.com/youngstersappeal/) The Story of Nantume’s Personal Project (p.35) (https://www.schoolmanagementplus.com/publications/wellbeing-international-schools-magazine/wellbeing-in-international-schools-summer-2022/?fbclid=IwAR3LoFXxyknKwKX9IvVCBxauFUqBk_cU-pnugvswVe2btNfsvwFB9ZaYYRg) Period Poverty Petition (https://www.change.org/p/ban-the-cycle-around-period-poverty?recruiter=1299621338&recruited_by_id=53268620-bc07-11ed-bab2-b381af0559b6&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_content=cl_sharecopy_35602232_en-GB%3A10) Nantume on the Empathy to Impact Podcast (https://empathytoimpact.transistor.fm/21)

11. 

    5 Jul 2023

    Episode 6 - A Conversation with Ada

    In the last episode of Season 1, Okey is having a chat with his big sister, Ada, who hopes to pursue a career in medicine and become a pediatrician! As you listen to this conversation, you will learn from how Ada has persevered through challenges to achieve her goals. You will also learn about the importance of serving your community, and also having a heart that empathizes with others and cares for their needs. I have no doubt that the lessons you learn from this final episode will benefit you during your high school career and throughout your life.

12. 

    21 May 2023

    Episode 5 - A Conversation with Arianna

    In this episode, Okey will be chatting with Arianna, an ambitious high school student who is on-track to graduate from high school early this year to get a head start on her post-secondary studies. Arianna sees a lot of value in having the opportunity to explore different fields throughout her career and to make changes on a larger scale, which is why she has decided to pursue a career in business! From her "fast-tracked" high school education to the tough decisions she's had to make about her future career, Arianna has a ton of wisdom to share, so I truly hope you all learn something new and valuable from this episode! Blyth Academy Student Profile (https://www.blytheducation.com/meet-our-students/arianna) Arianna’s LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianna-tan-287a34257/?originalSubdomain=ca) Once in a Lifetime Experience at Blyth Academy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjmFQ6s8mDI)

13. 

    10 Mar 2023

    Episode 4 - A Conversation with Catherine

    In the fourth episode of the podcast, Okey will be chatting with Catherine, a 12th grade leader who has been involved in a number of activities that showcase her passion for the well-being of her community and social reform! In this episode, Catherine will be talking about her experience writing a university-level research paper in the realm of international relations and political science, creating an online communications presence for parents' Chinese restaurant, and writing a blog that is focused on social justice. Catherine has so many amazing accomplishments, but make sure you are listening carefully to the helpful insights she shares and thinking about how you can apply what you learn from this episode to your own high school journey. Enjoy! Catherine’s LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-he-9027ba1a6) Catherine’s Blog (https://thecajor.com/)

14. 

    14 Feb 2023

    Episode 3 - A Conversation with Shakeela

    In Episode #3, Okey is having a chat with his good friend Shakeela, a talented actor and musical performer in 10th grade who brings joy and beauty to everyone around her through her gift of creativity! Shakeela is no stranger to the stage. In this episode, she will be talking to us about her experiences as both an actor and a musician and comments on both the highlights and the challenges she has faced along the way. I have no doubt that the insights that Shakeela shares will encourage you to start pursuing your own passions! Enjoy this special episode of Conversations with the Future. Canadian Tire | Ahead by a Century - Commercial (https://www.facebook.com/fortyorkvfx/videos/canadian-tire-ahead-by-a-century/5018305234859406/) Shakeela’s Linktree (https://linktr.ee/Shakeela.v1) Shakeela’s Instagram (http://instagram.com/shakeela.v1/)

15. 

    10 Dec 2022

    Episode 2 - A Conversation with Tom

    In Episode #2, Okey is having a chat with Tom, a 12th grade leader and budding tech entrepreneur who is looking to use technology to drive positive change in our society. By the end of this episode, you will learn from Tom's personal experience and be inspired to start taking charge of your future! You'll learn how you can be a leader in your community and how you can develop skills that will truly benefit you in your career after high school, whatever that may be. Enjoy! Tom’s LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hu-276019200/)

16. 

    10 Oct 2022

    Episode 1 - A Conversation with Lauren

    In the first episode of this podcast, Okey is having a chat with Lauren, a 10th grade author and STEM enthusiast who desires to pursue a space-related career and attend an Ivy League school for university! If you do not know what you are interested in, by the end of this episode, you are going to be inspired to go and find out what that is. This insightful conversation will give you an idea of some of the steps YOU can take to start working towards your big dream, while you are in high school. Click play. Lauren’s LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-moriarty-902ab0229) Click these links to buy Lauren's books from Amazon: Our Solar System (https://www.amazon.ca/Solar-System-More-Lauren-Moriarty/dp/B092PB9715/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1NC4P4ZXG3VLP&keywords=lauren+moriarty&qid=1664929646&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQ0IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1) Everything You Need to Know About Black Holes (https://www.amazon.ca/Everything-Need-About-Black-Holes/dp/B096Z2M73Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1NC4P4ZXG3VLP&keywords=lauren+moriarty&qid=1664929646&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQ0IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-3)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,854

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 56 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

62

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

60

Contact Conversations with the Future

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.