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

About 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! 😊

Publisher

ivanapoku

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Aug 2023

Latest episode

4 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

66 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Feb 2026

   Can AI Really Support Mental Health — Or Is It Making Things Worse?

   Can AI really support mental health — or is it quietly changing how we connect, feel, and heal? In this thought-provoking episode, psychotherapist Susie Masterson explores the growing role of AI in mental health and therapy, including tools like ChatGPT. We unpack the benefits, risks, and ethical dilemmas of using artificial intelligence for emotional support — especially for women and vulnerable communities. We talk openly about algorithmic bias, false empathy, emotional dependency, and why AI can sometimes collude with harmful thoughts rather than challenge them. Susie also explains why human connection still matters deeply, and how technology may be reshaping relationships, vulnerability, and self-regulation in ways we don’t always notice. This conversation is honest, nuanced, and essential listening if you’re curious (or concerned) about the future of AI, therapy, and human connection. In this episode, we cover: 👉 How AI is being used for mental health support 👉The lack of regulation around AI therapy tools 👉 Why dependency on AI can affect emotional processing 👉 Algorithmic bias — and how it impacts women and underrepresented groups 👉 The illusion of empathy and connection in AI 👉 Ethical concerns in AI development 👉 Whether AI could increase isolation and disconnection 👉 How users can challenge and correct AI bias Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to AI and Mental Health 04:18 – The Role of AI in Therapy 12:45 – Algorithmic Bias and Its Implications 20:57 – AI’s Impact on Women and Vulnerable Populations 29:17 – The Future of Relationships in an AI World 36:40 – Navigating the Messiness of Life with AI If this episode made you pause, question, or rethink your relationship with technology, please like, subscribe, and share — it really helps get these conversations out into the world. SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: https://buymeacoffee.com/thepokus (https://buymeacoffee.com/thepokus) CONNECT WITH SUSIE: Website: https://www.ultraliving.uk/ (https://www.ultraliving.uk/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiespeaksforwomen (https://www.instagram.com/susiespeaksforwomen) LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susie-masterson (http://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-masterson) FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550640089772 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550640089772) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_in_black__and__white/ (https://www.instagram.com/life_in_black__and__white/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@life.in.black.whi (https://www.tiktok.com/@life.in.black.whi) A big shoutout also to Time Capsule Productions: https://www.timecapsuleproductions.co.uk/ (https://www.timecapsuleproductions.co.uk/) #neuroplasticity #bias #chatgptinsights #chatgptvideo #AIandMentalHealth #TherapyAndTechnology #AlgorithmicBias #AIethics #WomenAndMentalHealth #HumanConnection #AItherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #EthicsInAI #Vulnerability #EmpathyAndAI

2. 

   7 Jan 2026

   Unconscious Bias EXPLAINED: How Our Brains Decide Who We Trust

   Can we really change our beliefs — and bridge cultural divides? In this powerful conversation, Dipti Tait, The Hypnotherapist, breaks down the science of soft wiring in the brain and how our beliefs, biases, and snap judgments are formed — and more importantly, how they can be changed. We explore why humans are wired to divide, where identity and culture come into play, and how the brain’s need for shortcuts can shape how we see others. Dipti explains how neuroplasticity allows us to update old belief systems, improve communication, and build stronger, more understanding relationships — even across deeply opposing viewpoints. This episode is an honest, thoughtful discussion about identity, culture, racism, media influence, and the lost art of healthy debate. It’s not about convincing anyone — it’s about listening, understanding, and finding common ground in a world that feels more divided than ever. If you’re interested in psychology, human behaviour, cultural identity, bias, or meaningful conversations — this episode is for you! In this episode, we cover: • What soft wiring is and how it changes belief systems • Why snap judgments are a natural brain reflex • The psychology behind division, identity, and culture • How communication can bridge cultural and ideological gaps • The role of media in shaping perception • Racism, urban environments, and lived experience • Why debate should be about understanding, not winning • How vulnerability creates deeper human connection Key takeaways: ✔ Beliefs are not fixed — they can change ✔ Most people aren’t as divided as we think ✔ Cultural differences can unite us ✔ Open conversations lead to real understanding SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: https://buymeacoffee.com/thepokus (https://buymeacoffee.com/thepokus) CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550640089772 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550640089772) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_in_black__and__white/ (https://www.instagram.com/life_in_black__and__white/) CONNECT WITH DIPTI TAIT: https://diptitait.com/ (https://diptitait.com/) A big shoutout also to Time Capsule Productions: https://www.timecapsuleproductions.co.uk/ (https://www.timecapsuleproductions.co.uk/)

3. 

   24 Dec 2025

   The unspoken hardships of parenting: mental health, support & society

   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,” and how mental health quietly shapes both motherhood and fatherhood. From postpartum depression and fear of judgement, to feminism, identity, and the myth of the “perfect mum,” this episode pulls back the curtain on what parenting really looks like. BUY US A COFFEE & SUPPORT THIS PODCAST https://buymeacoffee.com/thepokus/membership (https://buymeacoffee.com/thepokus/membership) FOLLOW LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550640089772 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550640089772) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pokus/ (https://www.instagram.com/the_pokus/) Visit AfterBirth London: https://www.afterbirth.london/ (https://www.afterbirth.london/) A big shoutout to Time Capsule Production: https://www.timecapsuleproductions.co.uk/ (https://www.timecapsuleproductions.co.uk/)

Reach and audience

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

Spotify

5.0 / 5

33 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

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

Quality

59

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

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

Guest appearances

Books guests

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