Those African Chicks - Exploring Identities Of African Women

@iamyetunde is an Author,  Professor of Global Affairs and the owner a quite a few business ventures. In her latest book Balance, Yetunde tackles the complexities of the concept of balance and it's application as we move through the different phases of our lives. In this Episode we discuss: The personal framing and application of balance in ways that is devoid of external influences  Some of the key indicators that signal to us that we are out of balance in areas of our lives   The secret sauce to being more balanced in relationships  Patience Understanding Empathy Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! Some resource mentioned : Esther Perel, Relationship Expert  TD Jakes  Les Brown   Purchase Balanace on Amazon or Dr.Yetunde.com . Be sure the connect with @iamyetunde on socials. She also offers leadership development services from her Consulting Firm. On the fashion front, you can catch a glimpse of the children's shoe line here Amadin

@Adulphina is a young home grown artist whose paintings frequent the Nigerian and dare I say the West African art scene. Her signature lays emphasis "on the human head as a cradle of conscious , unconscious and subconscious thought processes inhered  in every sing person holding spirituality and perceptions of  the physical and metaphysical". What I love about her work, is that each pieec seems to carry an untold story or even mystery in their eyes as if the have lived many lives and have something poignant to say  Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! In this episode, Adulphina shares her journey as a home grown and home based Nigerian artists. We talk about : The challenges , opportunities and limitations of being an artists in Nigeria How she was developed her unique of the big head and almond eyes  The influences the collective Nigerian culture has on the types of work she produces Be sure to check out Adulphina's pieces and support her on P

@UzoArt is a contemporary artist whose work took off due to a Rick and Morty Twitter meme that went viral. Uzo who has been building body of work inspired by her modern designs and her Nigerian culture , leaned into the opportunity and started creating digital prints , making her work accessible. Not  only is her work aesthetically pleasing, it is one that has a cause, portions of their profits are used for a charitable cause. Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! In this episode, Uzo takes us behind the scenes of her rising business and journey from Statistics to creating art with a cause. What makes her journey even more interesting is that during the pandemic when business where sunsetting, Uzo Art enterprised flourished. During our conversation, Uzo shares: The different ways in which we should consider and think about Art and Artistry The  importance of understanding the difference between creating and running a business Why her business mod

@Aderonke is a writer, filmmaker and director, her 2018 documentary Awani Film was screened at over 15 film festivals around the world and won the UNESCO prize from the Belgium UNESCO Commission   In this Episode we discuss: The traditional organization system utilized by African women to inspire political action through movements like the Aba Women's Riot of 1929  The impact of colonial on gender inequality in Nigeria Colonial cultural inheritance versus cultural values systems that are authentically African In the invasion of Arabs before European presence and the lasting effects both foreign presence left on Northern Nigerian   Enjoyed this Episode? Kindly please leave a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you!   Notable Nigerian figures mentioned Queen Amina of Zaria - Queen Warrior 16th Century Nigeria  Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti - Suffragist & Political Activist (mother of Fela Kuti)  Stella McIntosh - First Nigerian Women to receive an MBA in the US - 1953  Margret Ekpo -

@Onebolafun is a writer, filmmaker and director. You mostly likely consume or have come in contact with her work without realizing. Amongst her own creations Water Phoenix & Are We Good Parents, she is also known for directing OWNs Queen Sugar, FXs Lucifer, Legacies and most recently SXX for Disney +. As you will hear or have heard during the conversation, the road that led to these destinations were very topys turvy and fraught with uncertainty In This Episode We Discuss: Being selected by Ava DuVernay to direct Queen Sugar Her leap of Faith from taking a break from school to pursue a career in TV The importance of relationship building with peers and getting rid of the idea of "networking up" Being inspired by our personal stories when creating impactful work. The role that grit, perseverance and scrappiness plays in the initial building phases Enjoyed this Episode, please leave us a review HERE, even the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! What stood out to me the most during the conversation with

@JojoSilla is an all-around creative who expressions range from painting, music and filmmaking. Jojo joins us to talk about her work with short film Not Supposed To Here, a film recently shortlisted to be screened at the Toronto Short Film Channel Festival. Not Supposed To Be Here (NSTBH) is a story that explores the negative dynamic that exists between African Immigrant and African American in the United States. In This Episode We Discuss : The perceptions African Immigrants and African American have about each other. The source of these tensions and how it passed down from generations. The genesis of the film and why it was shot without personifying the main characters. The reasons for why this type of work is so relevant and necessary especially in these 2020 current socio-economic climate. Did you enjoyed this episode? Kindly leave us a review HERE; the simplest of phrases counts, thank you! @JojoSilla and Co-Writer and Director @KatungAduwak , conceived and created this short film about a year go alm

Yetunde Shorters  is a Purpose & Branding  coach who helps female entrepreneurs get clear on their purpose and monetize their passion.  I had the privilege of working with Yetunde a few years ago after meeting her at the She Leads Africa event in the NYC.  After going through her workshop, I knew that she need to come on the show to talk about what he work and importance for everyone to have clarity when pursuing their purpose. With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and companies going through a workforce shrink. This topic is pertinent now more than ever as we collectively begin to think about how to reposition ourselves in our current and future roles in work and life as a whole. In this conversation, Yetunde takes us through:  Key steps to begin taking to get clear on your purpose How to find purpose that is aligned with your values in a corporate job and career Common mental blocks people have when pursuing their purpose and how to overcome them. Yetunde has a several programs in full swing at the

Tosin Oshinowo is an architect better known for her design of the "Big Black Box" Shopping Mall in Maryland, Lagos Nigeria. She also recently gained a lot of recognition for her use of Yoruba traditional fabric- Aso Oke to create statement furniture pieces with her latest venture Ile Ila. Her signature which is identifiable with the use of fine lines, geometry and simplicity truly sets her apart from her peers. Her interpretation of African minimalism, steers away from the expected prints we are used to seeing but still exudes the associated boldness. To me, her works seems to say 'I am here and I don't need to shout about it'. This episode left me with so much think on especially because, I entered it wanting to talk about inspiration and style but was gently guided into a deeper and necessary discourse that Reflected on the history and interactions that African have had with Slavery, Imperialism, Colonialism and how these experiences inform our architecture. The importance of being intentional and purposef

In light of the current state of the world , the stressor of finances and financial stability reigns supreme. Today's episode is with a Certified Financial Advisory and the Founder of a Financial Advisory firm - Earn Into Wealth, a boutique advisory firm that helps high earners be more intentional about the their mid to long term financials aspirations. What I enjoyed about my conversation with Kaya Ladejobi CFP, is that she pares finances down to the basics to be relatable and employable regardless of whether you are a high earner or not. On this episode, Kaya breaks down   Money habits and how should be thinking about money in the COVID-19 pandemic and sans pandemic Strategies for the building an emergency fund and how to think about an emergency fund Steps to take to accelerate savings for those who have not been diligent about a savings plan. Understanding stocks, 401k plans and other investment strategies.   I took copious notes myself, as someone who is a natural saver, there are definitely smarter wa

Adaeze is an author and filmmaker whose work focuses on the exploration of softness and vulnerability in people and spaces. On this episode, she shared latest work, Harmattan . Harmattan is a chapbook (collection of poetry and prose) that was inspired by her mother’s passing from a severe illness. Harmattan is a self-healing journey that allowed Adaeze celebrate her mother life journey. We see her resurrects her mother’s essence throughout the book. For a book that appears to be a quick read, it is packed with so much emotion; taking the readers through the humanness of 3 generations of igbo women that are strong yet deeply delicate. This book took me through the nostalgia of being mothered and my own mothering. As our conversation progresses,  we learn how Conversations with igbo ‘elders’ helped Adaeze come to the understanding of the continuation of people when they no longer have the physicality that binds them here (death) How the she learned and is learning to listen and lean into the self-evolution and

 I had the opportunity to catch up with the Co-Author of A Cry To War, a book set in 13th century Africa - Pre-slavery. The book follows the life a king who battles the duality of the physical and metaphysical. Consulting and collaborating with the spirits of the gods and elders past, King Ewuare the protagonist hopes to resolve a moral dilemma. In my conversation with co-authors Karen and Odiase , they share the impetus behind this work. They talk about the importance of Telling an African story that has no connections to slavery and servitude. Answering questions like who were our people before interaction with Europe and how did we live? The importance the supernatural plays in the African cultures A Cry To War can be purchased on Amazon if you are based in the US. See their website for purchasing in other regions. Also feel free to join their Facebook Community. Connect with the Authors Instagram - @Karyn Pumpuni  & @Nosa Odiase Ghagerian Publishing

 Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim Jimoh, a Dallas based expert shares some insight on her work as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. In her role she helps aspiring people and couple achieve their goal of becoming parents. The nature and process of this work can be challenging on the best of days but with the added pressure and presence of COVID-19 this has become even more complicated. Dr Ibrahim sheds some light on the General fertility and infertility statistics as a whole On the metrics and indicators as it relates to fertility in African American women Implications of COVID-19 on Pregnancy, Trying to Conceive(TTC)  and fertility therapy. Her practice and many more are following the mandate stipulated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) which is to temporarily halt service provision (with the exception of severe cases- cancer) until there is a better handle of the COVID-19 pandemic.   New England Journal of Medicine : An Uncomplicated Delivery in a Patient with Covi

Dr. Zahra Parker is a public health scientist specializing in infectious diseases. In this episode, we catch to talk about Corona Virus popularly known as COVID-19 that is sweeping the world by a horrendous thunderstorm. As a we all see the magnitude and impact of this virus which initially presents as the common flu is so stupefying that the public did not initially take it seriously. In this episode, Zahra breaks down COVID 19 right down the basics, going in to :     Preparedness and an emergency plan in the event of an infection Over the counter and homeopathic remedies to have to have handy The current state of the crisis in Nigeria and the initial panic around chloroquine and the related poisoning Knowledge on the going general research in the medical community as we try to understand this virus Please continue to practice the social distancing and all common sense measures. As you heard or will hear on the show it is important to conduct your research and ask questions before self- medicating; you mus

Cornelia is the executive producer and host of , Chick Chat Live a talk show that explores the worldview and opinions of African women as they navigate all facets of  the 21st Century. Her resume however, spans across multiple media projects including hosting shows like Ndani TV and Grapevine 981 on Smooth 98.1FM .   What makes Cornelia’s journey remarkable is the way she has been able to successfully bootstrap her show which was later picked up on Fox Live Africa and aired on DSTV, Startimes and Kwese TV.   In this episode, Cornelia does a true deep dive into the behind -the scenes of what it takes to develop a show from concept to reality. We talk about:   How to consistent with your goals on limited resources and how the power of limited resources can be a gift in disguise She shares the her step by step approach on how to create a purpose driven show from her writing process, importance of having a relevant feedback loop and turning all that data into a dynamic show She also shares how to reactivate dor

Tolani Alli is a political and documentary photographer for the Vice President of the Nigeria. In this episode, we talk about her entrance into photojournalism and more how she was able to secure her position and become the right hand person covering heated debates and conversations in Nigerian politics. What make Tolani’s work so remarkable is that she is the only woman to have held this post in an environment that can be extremely mysgonitic and ageist.   In this episode, she shares the importance of knowing and clearly communicating your value proposition. We talk about some of the difficult aspects of running a business of running a basis, especially one that is rooted in confidentiality. Tolania has a documentary slated to be released this fall. The documentary will tackle multiple themes about Nigerian Politics. Be sure to check it  out.   Connect with Guest Instagram – Tolani Alli Website – Tolani Alli   Let’s Hang Out Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website -  Those African Chicks Music - Nice To You

  I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Kutina. Kutina is a Tanzanian American woman who moved to the US in her childhood and has maintained strong ties with her home country.    The dynamic woman who is also a stationary in the US food and restaurant industry, take us behind the scenes of some of your favorite restaurants. In this episode we become a little more intimate with service and the mechanics of dining and food appreciation. Some of the topics we explore are    Why many African restaurants cannot get it right and how the realities of being a restaurateur far exceeds the ability to cook a wonderful meal.  Understanding what 'Organic' on your food packaging really means. We learn that it is a holistic approach to food. Considering things like, it is how what was the animal , fed , how was the animal treated, what environment was it reared What to expect when you go to your favorite restaurants  and knowing what to expect through what the industry identifies as the 'Steps of Service'   The Impos

In this episode , I catch up with south African author of Traveling While Black and Lesbian who details  her journey of self evolution as a devout Christian girl growing up in a small town in South Africa and how traveling presented her with the opportunity to reveal and re-present her self to the world.  Some take aways are Importance of doing self work and always being true to oneself, which is not always easy depeniding on who you are and where you live. Learning and practicing self advocacy  Leaning into the spirit of adventure and being open to seeing the world  Let’s Hang Out ! Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Music - Nice To You - YT Audio Library

In this episode, I catch up with return guest Clarissa Bannor of This Afropolitan Life.  Since Clarissa introduced me to the ideology of schooling and self -directed education, I have been completely fascinated and intrigued by this principle.   To simplify, Unschooling is the idea that education does not only take place within the falls walls of a ‘school’ and within the confined timings of 8 – 3p. It is rooted in the ideaology that students/children are experts in their own learning styles and can self-direct their learning capabilities. In this episode we talk about   Clarissa’s unlearning journey as a parent raising free people Her observations of from watching her children’s in their unschooling journey’s Share general observations and thoughts on the drop out culture Be sure to connect with Clarissa below   Connect Site  –  This Afropolitan Life Instagram - @thisafropolitanlife Unschooling Journey – Where The Paths Leads   Let’s Hang Out Instagram - @thoseafricanchicks Website -  Those African Chicks

BEST OF 2 PODCAST   In this episode, I catch up with fellow podcasters Bimbola and Jo Maxwell of the Best of 2 Podcast. On their show, Bimbola and Jo tackle current controversial issues and general happenings of their daily lives as Africans in living in the UK.  As fellow Nigerians living outside of our home country, we decided to get together to compare notes on life abroad. We discuss   The state of affairs of African leadership The differences and shared experiences of raising African children abroad We also delve in to careers and entrepreneurial nuances for Africans in the UK versus the US   Being an African abroad can be complex , layered and multi-faceted. Like all immigrants we deal with the issues of identity, culture shock and more. However unlike other immigrants, as African we are faced with the pressure of constantly having to prove, introduce ourselves and set the record straight. I hope you enjoy this episode, and be sure to connect with Bimbola and Joe Maxwell below.   Connect Apple Podcast

This episode has been one of the most rewarding shows I have done to date. I catch up with Animu Amitai, former Communication Advisor & Speech Writer to the politicians in South Sudan.   Anim shares her journey on how she ascended the heights of politics from a simple essay competition, which opened the doors to becoming a political advisor to the Japanese Ambassador and later the advisor to the highest office in South Sudan.  Although there are some controversial articles surrounding Anim's citizenship during her tenure, the essence of our conversation is to highlight the importance of perseverance and tenacity.  We cover everything from  1. The importance of putting oneself out there; doing it scared  2. Imposter syndrome as a young person and woman in sexist / ageist spaces  3. The importance of rising up into ones ownself and taking up space  Her most recent work has been pushing the boundaries of politics by influencing legislature to more inclusive of women participation in politics  Connect  @Afeni