Return to Self Tola Sunmonu-Balogun

Giving birth comes with a roller coaster of emotions...many of which we find hard to articulate and discuss. 
With the birth of my first child, I kept a lot of these emotions bottled in. Primarily because I didn't understand them and I was also dealing with grief associated with losing my mother. 
This time around, I chose to journal what I was feeling every day. Writing my feelings has always made the feelings have less power over me. In these journal entries, I covered a full spectrum of feelings, physical pain, rage, awe, gratitude etc. 
I hope this gives anyone going through the wave of post partum emotions some relief to know that you aren't alone.

In this episode, I have a candid conversation with my friend-Aranxta King-about depression. We unpack what led her there, what it felt like in the lowest of lows, and her continuous path to recovery. It is a beautiful story about self-discovery, courage, and healing. I hope it touches you as much as it touched me.

I’m kicking off this season with an episode dedicated to survivors of sexual assault who are trying to find their way back to themselves in light of the emotional and psychological trauma in the aftermath of an attack. 
My intention with this episode is to ensure all survivors recognize one thing; the abuse was not your fault, you were not complicit and you are not alone.
Joining me on the podcast today is none other than Kemi DaSilva-Ibru ; the founder of Women at risk International Foundation (WARIF) which is a non profit organization founded in 2016 in response to the high incidence of sexual violence, rape and human trafficking occurring among young girls in Nigeria.
In this episode, we explore a number of topics including the range of effects of sexual assault, how to identify grooming and resources which victims can access
WARIF provides a range of resources for survivors which includes in person counselling at the centre, telephone counselling via the 24 hour confidential helpline and online counselling via the website.
The WARIF center at 6 Turton street off Thorburn avenue provides survivors with medical services as well as counseling and social welfare services WARIF website: https://warifng.org/ 24 hour free toll-free confidential helpline: (+234)-8009-210-0009If you would like to support the work WARIF is doing please make a donation here https://warifng.org/get-involved-2/ and/or register to be a volunteer
You can also follow them on social media - @WARIF_NG

In part 2 of this episode, Chude Jideonwo, co-founder of Red media and founder of Joy inc, continues our discussion. He talks about the numerous techniques he has used to heal from depression and how he now lives a life that is truly fearless.

To round off this year I am posting the very first episode I ever recorded. 
I was terrified to release it when I first recorded so I procrastinated left right and centre lol..... but here it is. In this episode, Chude Jideonwo, co-founder of Red media and founder of Joy inc, personifies vulnerability in its truest form. He talks about his battle with depression, relationships and so much more.

I have been asking myself this question lately-what could I achieve if I was not afraid? I am intrigued by people who seem to feel the fear and do it anyway. I want to understand what it is about them that makes them so courageous. On this episode, I interview Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River's state and one of Nigeria's youngest Governors ever. He has had some spectacular successes and also some spectacular failures but that hasn't held him back. We sat down for an intimate 2 hour conversation about his rise to Governor, his battle with cancer, his 2 presidential runs, his involvement with AMCON...all of it. We start off this episode talking about his rise to Governor. Enjoy!