Guest Editor: Elladj Baldé

Start your day smarter with the most important world news, plus intriguing and offbeat stories. www.ozy.com [OZY]( [OZY]() Your World. Bold & Bright Oct 02, 2022 Guest Editor: Elladj Baldé Canadian figure skater Elladj Baldé had no sooner retired from competitive skating than his electrifying [TikTok]( performances propelled him to stardom. His passionate skating and tireless activism, promoting diversity and inclusion in figure skating and other causes, have earned him over 2 million followers. A first-generation immigrant, born to a Russian mother and Guinean father, Baldé's interests are as diverse and cosmopolitan as he is. Today, he skates over as guest editor of the PDB to [show OZY readers]( the world through his eyes. INTRIGUING The Magical Healing Powers of Mushrooms Studies have shown that psilocybin mushrooms are an effective and natural way to fight against mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and substance misuse, to name a few. Being able to see these potentially life-changing mushrooms from a healing perspective, and reshaping the way we engage with them, could have a profound effect on people’s lives and well-being. I am so passionate about these powerful and natural developments in psychological, spiritual and physical wellness. Taken under supervision, says professor Matthew Johnson, “This is about allowing someone … deeper access into their own mental processes, with hopefully greater insight.” (Source: [CNN]() The Beauty of Wild Ice From Switzerland to Canada, my home country, here are 19 of the best natural ice surfaces in the world. There’s nothing more beautiful than skating in nature; it allows me to be present with a deeper connection to myself and nature. No human-made ice can compare to the natural beauty of wild ice. Take a peek at some of the most beloved locations — some of which I had the pleasure of skating on myself. I’m ready to pack up my skates and go on my next adventure! (Source: [Travel + Leisure]() Rewriting Masculinity What does it mean to be a man? It’s not as easy a question as it might seem at first glance. I’m sure a lot of qualities come to mind when we try to answer that question. As someone passionate about breaking the traditional male stereotype, I am pleased to see articles that shed a light on the ways men can engage with and mend some of their limiting beliefs, about themselves and men in general, in order to make our world a healthier and safer place for everyone. (Source: [PsychCentral]() Women Skaters Take Back Their Power It is so refreshing to see women’s figure skating evolving. As this article explains, back in the ’80s, women were encouraged to stay pretty and elegant on the ice, while attempting the big jumps was reserved for the men. In recent years, we are seeing a much-needed shift in that narrative, with women’s jumps becoming increasingly more difficult in competition and more records being broken by women than ever before. I’m pleased to see how this article sheds light on a hero of mine, Surya Bonaly, whose fearlessness was a big source of inspiration for me to learn my backflip on ice! (Source: [Time]() My Favorite Recipe of the Moment! If you know me, you know I LOVE food! Over the past few years, I’ve been eating a mostly plant-based diet and, with my busy schedule, I really try to find recipes that are healthy, yet fast and easy to make. What I love most about this recipe is that it contains some of my favorite foods — such as pickles — and it’s a quick and easy way to feel fulfilled! Here’s a link to my favorite recipe of the moment. (Source: [Full of Beans]() IMPORTANT Iranian Women Stand United The murder of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, has rocked Iran and imperiled the safety and lives of Iranian women countrywide. In this article, we see how the many diverse groups of women are coming together to stand up for women’s “basic human rights.” In the midst of the upheaval and danger, I’m uplifted by this article, which shows how powerful women are when they stand together. If you’re interested in supporting the women of Iran, please consider donating to the[NCRI Women's Committee](, an organization that is fighting to achieve gender equality within Iran. (Source: [Guardian]() Put Your Money Where Your Values Are Yvon Chouinard, the billionaire founder of Patagonia, has selflessly approached philanthropy throughout his career and sets the bar for compassionate business owners everywhere. Recently, Chouinard made the ultimate gesture of living up to his values by donating his entire company to conservation efforts and endeavors to mitigate climate change. I am so inspired by this man’s steadfast loyalty to his values and commitment to making this world a better place, and I hope his story can inspire all of us to move forward with more humility in this world. (Source: [NYT]() Global Citizen Festival: Hope in Action I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Global Citizen Festival as one of their Champions of Change ambassadors. It was amazing to see the massive impact this event had on the public and all the supporters in attendance. We see in this article how the festival raised over $2.4 billion in commitments toward the fight to end extreme poverty, and it summarizes some of the most inspiring moments from the weekend. As stated by Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, “Amidst all the doomsday messages we hear today, hope lies in the fact that millions of citizens are rising up to take action.” (Source: [Toronto City News]() Sun and Shadow Over the British Empire Following the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, her life of duty has been widely celebrated and reflected upon around the world. I believe it is important for our nation to grieve the loss of such a beloved public figure. However, we must also allow ourselves to be aware of the shadow sides too. It is with this awareness that conscious healing and rectification can begin. This article sheds light on the African perspective of Her Majesty's reign and the effect that colonization had on these nations during her time as queen. (Source: [CNN]() Courage and Valor in Action As the senseless war rages on in Ukraine, I am inspired by the courage and valor of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the way he has stood for his country. Being half Russian myself, I am horrified by the actions of President Vladimir Putin, and I still struggle to find words to express the sadness I feel in my heart for the innocent people who are suffering. But I am proud of Russians who are risking imprisonment to protest the war and stand in solidarity with Ukrainian people. (Source: [WSJ]() WATCH ELLADJ BALDÉ on [The Carlos Watson Show]( COMMUNITY What else are you curious about? Share your questions or thoughts with us at OzyCommunity@Ozy.com ABOUT OZY OZY is a diverse, global and forward-looking media and entertainment company focused on “the New and the Next.” OZY creates space for fresh perspectives, and offers new takes on everything from news and culture to technology, business, learning and entertainment. 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