On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Karenne Lienou (she/her) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about moving to Canada from Cameroon, her chaotic childhood with four brothers, and her love for Afrodance that led her to start a UBC club. Karenne shares some devious stories from her childhood growing up around nature with Ross, leaving him speechless. She tells Ross about how she started dancing at a young age and how she founded UBC Dance HipAfro as a space for people to come together through dance. Finally, she teaches Ross a few dance moves (with a catch).
Maydha is struggling to perform her duties as the executive producer. She’s wearing sunglasses indoors because the studio lights are too bright. She had a really fun night. Ross tries to break her. She might not be the strongest soldier, but she is definitely the most avoidant one!
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Karenne Lienou - @klienou | @ubcdancehipafro
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Soltan Sukareye
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme: Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme: S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Kevin Heieis (he/him) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about turning anxiety into confidence, how social media ruins confidence, and what it means to be AMS VP student life. They talk about how anxiety has impacted their lives and the lessons they’ve learnt from it. Kevin tells Ross about his recent election as the UBC AMS’ VP Student Life and how he plans on contributing to this role. He also reminisces about a big, burly coach who helped him through some tough times and plays us some music on the Ukelele.
The executive producer, Maydha Sood, is actually not in this episode. Josefina Bestwick and Roz Golshani fill in for Maydha and tell Ross about their “stalker” in their class who keeps inching closer with every passing lecture. Ross misses Maydha.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Kevin Heieis - @kev_heieis
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme: Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme: S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Josiah (he/him) and Elisha Ampadu (he/him) talk to Ross Oteri (he/him) about their lives growing up as twins, their bond, and their love for photography and videography. Ross and Maydha are completely taken by how similar the twins are and spend majority of the episode trying to see how deep the twin-bond goes. The Kofi twins demonstrate how twin-talk works and tell Ross about how they naturally complement each other in everything they do, making them the best team they can be.
Ross also tries (very hard) to explain Avatar: The Last Airbender to Maydha while she attempts to change the topic. Will Ross ever give up?
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Josiah Ampadu - @j.ampadu_ | @capturebykofi
Elisha Ampadu - @capturebykofi
Maydha Sood - @maydhasood
Credits:Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Soltan Sukareye
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme: Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme: S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Delielah Moste (she/her) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about her youthful radiance and reminisces about her son playing with Ross when they were mere tots. Delielah gets emotional (on multiple occasions) while sharing stories of her life with us. Ross and Maydha discuss dating prospects for Mrs. Moste and give her ideas on how to find the love she is looking for. Mrs. Moste also reveals the secret to staying physically and mentally young as you age, often leaving everyone in the room in tears.
Ross and Maydha touch some grass! Ross talks about hosting a horse show, and Maydha tells him about her first-ever camping experience. To get there, they must power through some technical difficulties first.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Delielah Moste (played by Ellie Martin) - @elizabethm820
Maydha Sood - @maydhasood
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme: Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme: S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Nicolas Costantino (he/him) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about family game nights, his grandpa Joe’s inspiring life, and his passion for Chemistry. He describes the differences between being Italian-American and Italian-Canadian, and reveals the truth about the existence of an Italian-Canadian Mafia. Nic teaches Ross how to play Bus Stop and tells him about the scandal that unfolded when his mother was found cheating at the game.
Maydha takes over the podcast after Ross is late because he was getting a slice of pizza. Ross is still shocked that she hasn’t seen the Marvel movies.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Nicolas Costantino - @nicolasc_c14
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme: Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme: S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Jazmine Wall-Gordon (she/her) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about her growing up in Hamilton, Ontario and her mixed race identity. Jazmine talks about becoming more comfortable with her blackness, fitting in, hair journey, and spills some high school drama. Ross also attempts and fails to uncover some of Jazmine’s secrets, including (but not limited to) her favourite thrift stores.
Ross and Maydha try their luck at filling the void left by Jimmy Kimmel by breaking some fresh news in their own "Early Afternoon" news segment.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Jazmine Wall-Gordon - @jazmine_w.g
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Soltan Sukareye
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme: Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme: S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Solomon Yi-Kieran (any/all) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about the AMS petition to bring the Skytrain to UBC, an old promise made by the city that is yet to be fulfilled. Solomon also tells Ross about their time in musical theatre and why their goal is to become a high school history teacher. They give answers to some of the common retorts about the Skytrain petition and make their case for the cause, encouraging Vancouver residents to sign it.
Sign the petition today: https://www.ams.ubc.ca/what-we-stand-for/campaigns/skytrain-to-ubc/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafbyj3ntcHCE0yuJ-BtZAtXBJ5fmIFBR-UorpjjF5cy0aAMZyWmJ9KDWMYCAQ_aem_KZX414SE0diNCAGJba4fAQ
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Solomon Yi-Kieran - @solomon.xyk | @ams_ubc
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Soltan Sukareye
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Maydha Sood (she/her) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about joining Valinof as the new podcast Executive Producer, co-President of Generocksity, and her history of environmental activism. Maydha talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her organizing methods, as well as the role of online activism. She also shares why she fell asleep watching The Avengers (2012) for the first time. Maydha tells Ross about her favourite show growing up: Doraemon. But the conversation gets suddenly interrupted by a surprise (uninvited) guest.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email valinofmedia@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Maydha Sood - @maydhasood | @generocksity
Credits:
Executive producers: Maydha Sood and Ross Oteri
Editor: Soltan Sukareye
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, I sit down in the beauty of the moment to talk about the bureaucracy of Valinof. I open the episode by giving a brief thank you to everyone who’s stuck with us in the revamping of the podcast and the establishment of Valinof Media. I also announce that I’ll be recruiting editor(s), a podcast producer, a social media manager, and a videographer (link to apply below). I describe my vision for Valinof Media as a media co-op providing digital entertainment to Canadians. Finally, I’ll need to step away from the podcast for 2-3 months to get everything in order. To stay updated on everything Valinof, follow the Instagram @valinofmedia.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Ash Dennis (they/she) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about their Metis heritage, growing up in Ladner, BC, and their work in different advocacy organizations. Ash shares how her Metis identity shaped them and the systemic issues still facing the community. They also talk about how they got started in advocacy through Pride and some of the challenges of being trans non-binary in a farming community. Ross and Ash also discuss the problem of infighting within organizations and how work can often go underappreciated. Finally, Ash spills the details on their involvement in the E-Sports world.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Ash Dennis - @asherupt
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
On today’s episode of Who Is with Ross Oteri, Moriani (he/him) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about the meaning behind his name, moving between Pakistan and Switzerland, and the value of friends. Moriani shares his first memories from Pakistan and Switzerland, as well as the culture shock from moving between the two. He also discusses his modelling career and how it differs from female modelling. Ross and Moriani discuss the ego, the dissolution of the ego, and the Default Mode Network. Moriani also talks about how downregulation is related to feelings of anxiety and depression. Finally, Moriani shares more about his clothing company, Pehchaan.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Moriani - @_moriani_ | @shop.pehchaan | shoppehchaan.com
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
Today on Who Is with Ross Oteri, Edmund Zhang (he/him) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about moving to Oakland, California, from China, and his longing for a place to call home. Edmund shares his first Oakland memory: witnessing a car robbery. He also talks about how some people in Canada have pre-judged him based on his Oakland accent and the similarities he shares with the main character in “Fresh Off the Boat.” Ross and Edmund discuss their love of hip-hop, and Edmund describes hip-hop's connection to identity. Edmund also talks about his foster family and his love of the Golden State Warriors. Finally, Edmund shares more about his clothing company, Hiraeth, before turning the tables on Ross.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Edmund Zhang - @_ygeddd
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
On this Who Is Wednesday, Christian Herholdt (he/him) talks to Ross Oteri (he/him) about growing up in South Africa and their experience immigrating to the United States and Canada. Christian talks about his experience as a half-English, half-Afrikaans South African and what attending a multicultural school was like. He also details how he navigated moving to Colorado in middle school and the challenges he faced as an immigrant. Ross and Christian compare the American school system to the Canadian and South African systems. Christian opens up about a school shooting that occurred at a neighbouring high school and the effect it had on him. Finally, Christian talks about his current interest in pre-Hispanic Meso-American culture.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Christian Herholdt - @mediatesiren554
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S.Henry
On this Who Is Wednesday, Daniel Anene (he/him) and Ross Oteri (he/him) talk about policy, advocacy, and the 2025 Canadian Election. Daniel talks about his love for his brother, growing up as a glass child (just like Ross), and how he was a troublemaker when he was younger. He also details his advocacy work in his youth council in high school, the Commerce Undergraduate Society, and the Student Legal Fund Society. Daniel talks about his time at DKE and has a message for people who stereotype those in Greek life. Finally, Daniel discusses why this election is so important for young people and offers one final pitch to get us to vote.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Daniel Anene - @cxrlydaniel
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Ellie Martin and Alex Hansen-Yang
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
Miranda Newell (she/her) and Ross Oteri (he/him) dive deep into the world of trauma. Miranda shares her experience with c-PTSD, the distinction between PTSD and her journey navigating her symptoms. Miranda also details the difference between stress and trauma and how an event can be traumatic for one person but stressful for another. The two also discuss a shared traumatic event: a stalker clown invading their class. They note trauma's portrayal in the media by contrasting 13 Reasons Why and Bojack Horseman. Finally, Miranda opens up about how a negative self-image can develop due to trauma and how she’s navigated feelings of guilt.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Miranda Newell - @mirandaclaire.fawn
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Luke Peters
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S. Henry
Alana Frith-Correia (she/her) talks in depth with Ross Oteri (he/him) about growing up in Bermuda. The two talk about the lonely, small-town feeling; the young but vibrant culture; and her family's relationship with Bermuda. Alana opens up about her past struggles with an eating disorder, and she explains how a sick body helps her to understand a sick world. She also opens up about her OCD and how it manifests for her. Finally, Gigi says hi.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You too may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Alana Frith-Correia - @alana_5_bda
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Luke Peters
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S.Henry
Introducing the Luke and Ross Power Hour**!
Luke Peters (he/him) and Ross Oteri (he/him) get experimental with it. Today, the two talk about head injuries, mob stories, and the summer of hate. Luke shares the story of how he got his ring from Turkish mobsters. Ross tells the story of how he thought he watched his friend die. The two knuckleheads share what grinds their gears. Finally, they detail their Mount Rushmore of haters.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You, too, may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Luke Peters - @lukepeters____
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Luke Peters
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S.Henry
**Closer to 40 minutes.
Carly Hibert (she/her) joins Ross Oteri on Who Is with Ross Oteri and talks about everything from her food-related lobbying and community alternatives to food banks to her work with Roots on the Roof and Farm to Table. Carly shares how the infrastructure and laws around food waste perpetuate the problems. She explains how community canaries, community fridges, and other community-oriented alternatives have better impacts than the traditional model. Carly also talks about modern-day slavery in Canadian agriculture. Finally, Carly gives home farming advice to my mom and Grandma.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You too may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Carly Hibert - @carlyhilbert02
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Luke Peters
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S.Henry
Manny Falade (he/his) joins Ross Oteri on Who Is with Ross Oteri and talks about his childhood experiences in Ireland, his passion for fashion, and his relationship with God. Manny shares how his faith has been a guide on his journey. He explains how he navigates the “University experience” while staying faithful. Manny also talks about his alias “Manny2fly” and his journey from a ‘hypebeast’ to a clothing connoisseur. Finally, Manny and Ross detail the differences between sibling culture in Nigeria and the “West.”
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You too may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Manny Falade - @manny2fly_
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Luke Peters
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S.Henry
Officer Cadet Ria Shinde (she/her) joins Ross Oteri on Who Is with Ross Oteri and talks about her experience in the Canadian Cadet Organizations and Canadain Armed Forces. Ria shares how she joined the program at 11 and ¾ years old, and how her commanding officer took her into the program early. She goes into the average day on base and details the role her gender and race played within the organization. Ria also talks about her interest in law, specifically medical malpractice. Finally, Ross and Ria get interrupted by a marching band.
Do you have a story to share? Do you have a question or need advice? You too may be featured on the show! DM @valinofmedia on Instagram or email oteriross@gmail.com
Contact:
Ross Oteri - @rossoteri | oteriross@gmail.com
Ria Shinde - @riashinde_
Credits:
Executive producers: Ross Oteri and Luke Peters
Videographer: Luke Peters
Graphic designer: Heath Johnson
Opening theme - Ethan Gohring | @Lyfe8k
Transition and Outro theme - S.Henry
