The Black Circle

Hosted by Zoe Cornibert

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A podcast to platform Black UK based Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Disruptors and Taste Makers. The Black Circle aims to engage guests in informal but nuanced conversations, around work and life and how we contextualise these experiences through the lens of our Blackness.

Listen to episodes

49 recent

June 7, 2026Episode 491 hr 23 min

Rewriting Black Masculinity with Dean Atta

In this episode of The Black Circle Podcast, Zoe Cornibert sits down with BAFTA-winning writer, poet and storyteller Dean Atta.Best known for The Black Flamingo and the award-winning short film Two Black Boys in Paradise, Dean has built a body of work that explores identity, belonging, race, masculinity and queerness with honesty, tenderness and depth.Together, they discuss growing up as a mixed-race child of Greek Cypriot and Jamaican heritage, navigating identity, the impact of Section 28, the power of storytelling as activism, and why representation still matters.

May 24, 2026Episode 4844 min

Building Beauty For Black Women with Jameila Donaldson

What does it mean to build a beauty brand that truly understands Black women?This week, Zoe sits down with Jamelia Donaldson, founder of TreasureTress, Europe’s first and largest natural hair product discovery platform, for a conversation that goes far beyond haircare.From growing up in a world where textured hair was often framed negatively, to building a platform rooted in representation, sisterhood and community, Jamelia shares the realities of disrupting an industry that was never built with Black women in mind.The two discuss beauty standards, entrepreneurship, identity, community-building, the business behind TreasureTress, and why creating intentional spaces for Black women and girls matters now more than ever.A conversation about culture, care, ownership and redefining Black beauty on our own terms.

May 10, 2026Episode 4744 min

From Grime to Trainer Empire with Jason Black AKA J2K

From the early days of grime and pirate radio to building globally recognised brands like Crep Protect and HYPHNT, Jason Black aka J2K joins me for a conversation on culture, entrepreneurship, sneaker/trainer culture, community and building with real intention.We also get into SOLE INTENT, his upcoming initiative supporting hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica through creativity, community and action.

April 26, 2026Episode 4659 min

Can You Say Anything? The Reality of Comedy Today With Dane Baptiste

Can you really say anything anymore… or are there lines you just don’t cross?This week, I’m joined by comedian Dane Baptiste for a conversation that goes beyond the stage. From starting out in comedy to building a career across TV, live shows and podcasting, Dane shares what it actually takes to last in the industry.We get into the reality behind the laughs, whether the industry has truly moved forward or just improved its optics, and the ongoing conversation around boundaries, cancel culture and who gets to say what.

April 12, 2026Episode 4551 min

The Truth About Breaking Into UK Media with Remel London

What does it really take to build a career in media when the doors aren’t opening for you?This week on The Black Circle, I’m joined by Remel London, presenter, producer and founder of The Mainstream, a platform creating real access for the next generation of creatives in TV, film and media. Hosting major red carpets and becoming the only UK press at ESSENCE Fest, Remel’s journey is a masterclass in initiative, resilience and building your own lane.

March 29, 2026Episode 4448 min

The Property Game with Kazeem Alli-Balogun

Property is often sold as the end goal. But in reality, it’s just the vehicle.In this episode, I sit down with Kazy, a developer with over a decade in the game, to break down what it actually takes to build something that lasts.We talk about why cash flow is everything, how credibility is built over time, and why the industry is less forgiving than it used to be. The shortcuts don’t work anymore, and the standard is higher than ever.This is a conversation about playing the long game, making better decisions, and understanding what success in property really requires in today’s market.

March 15, 2026Episode 4335 min

You Are Art: Jade Pearl on Colour, Energy and Creating With Intention

In this episode of the podcast, Zoe sits down with multidisciplinary creative Jade Pearl to explore the deeper meaning behind creativity, colour and wearable art.Drawing from colour psychology, intuition and lived experience, she creates pieces designed to shift how people feel when they wear them. The conversation explores creativity as identity, the power of recommendation in creative industries, and how authenticity attracts the right opportunities.

March 1, 2026Episode 421 hr 6 min

From Podcast to Asset: The Discipline Behind the Growth

In this episode of The Black Circle, we’re joined by financial educator and founder of The Savvy Wallet, Ato Jay. Known for breaking down money in a way that is practical, relatable, and actionable, Ato has built a platform that empowers people to think differently about wealth, ownership, and long term security.

February 16, 2026Episode 4151 min

Making Space for New Voices in TV | Ria Hebden

Season 3 of The Black Circle starts here.In this episode, TV presenter and founder Ria Hebden shares how she built her career in television without waiting for permission, including getting herself onto BBC One and ITV without an agent.We talk about backing yourself before anyone else does, shaping representation from within the industry, why playing it safe is the real risk, and what it truly means to be an agent of change.

October 26, 2025Episode 3547 min

Play, Pleasure & The Power of Bold Ideas with Kangwa Saili

What happens when we stop whispering about sex and start learning through play?In this season two finale, Zoe sits down with Kangwa Saili designer, storyteller and co-founder of Clits, Tits & Other Bits (CTOB) the bold card game turning taboo topics into open, empowering conversations.Kangwa shares how she’s using creativity to reframe sex education, close the pleasure gap and push for female de-sexualisation all while reminding us that confidence starts with knowledge.Together, they unpack what it means to build bold, do it scared, and create space for women to own their bodies, voices and power.🎙️ The Black Circle platforming the very best of Black UK change-makers, innovators and disruptors.