🌍Healing, Humanity, and Hope with Hamza Haq

In this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes award-winning actor and advocate Hamza Haq, star of the acclaimed medical drama Transplant. Through storytelling rooted in empathy and purpose, Hamza shares how portraying Dr. Bashir Ahmed — a Syrian refugee rebuilding his life in Canada — has transformed his understanding of resilience, identity, and representation ❤️

Hamza reflects on the responsibility of telling refugee stories with authenticity, the emotional preparation required for the role, and the importance of creating space for complex, human portrayals of Middle Eastern and Muslim characters on screen. He also opens up about balancing a demanding acting career with fatherhood, gratitude for the show’s global impact, and why storytelling can be a bridge to compassion and understanding.

From the realities of displacement to the universal desire for belonging, this conversation highlights how art can inspire empathy and remind us of our shared humanity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Hamza Haq’s journey starring in the award-winning series Transplant
• The emotional responsibility of portraying refugee experiences
• How empathy and research shape authentic performances
• Balancing family life with a demanding acting career
• The importance of representation in television and film
• Why stories about resilience and belonging matter now more than ever

Hamza’s hopes for how audiences connect with Bashir’s journey

We also have a flaverful second interview with Bay Area chef and entrepreneur Ericka Means, founder of Catering by Erica, to talk about passion, perseverance, and the power of cooking from the heart ❤️

Ericka shares how a single catering experience in 2007 inspired her to leave her job, attend culinary school, and build a thriving catering business known for soulful flavors, joyful energy, and exceptional service. With over a decade of experience and more than 100 five-star reviews, she reflects on the lessons food has taught her about focus, confidence, creativity, and legacy.

From adapting to new dietary trends to building self-belief as a business owner, Ericka opens up about the real journey behind entrepreneurship — and why she’s determined to pass her knowledge and recipes down to the next generation,