Start of Nothing Special Podcast

Send us a text

David Kanu shares his deeply personal journey from birth in Sierra Leone to life in a Ghanaian refugee camp, exploring how these formative experiences shaped his identity and worldview.
• Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa as the oldest of four siblings
• Mother fled her marriage and country with David and his brother for their safety
• Experienced a traumatic kidnapping at age 4 when separated from his mother for five days
• Life in Ghana included both struggles and simple joys like mango trees and playing with friends
• Family eventually moved to a refugee camp called Zanzuli while seeking resettlement
• As the oldest child, David took on significant responsibilities including caring for his younger brother
• Mother instilled strong values about presentation, hard work, and responsibility
• Developed an exceptionally close bond with his mother following the kidnapping trauma
• Learned early that as a Black child he would be "held to a higher standard" than others
• Recognizes how childhood trauma created patterns that affected his later relationships
If you enjoy this podcast and want to hear more of David's story, please support through the link on his account. Sharing with friends and family or contributing financially helps make this content possible. The next episode will continue with his life in Africa.

Stay alert, stay safe

Support the show

If you never try, you will never know

Send us a text

*Trigger Warning Discussion of Suicide*

David shares his profound journey of cultural displacement after moving from Africa to Australia as a child in 2004. The painful experience of being the only black student in his class, navigating conflicting cultural values, and finding himself caught between two worlds eventually led to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
• Moving to Australia in 2004 meant experiencing vastly different cultural norms and expectations
• Struggled with conflicting values – communal African household vs individualistic Australian society
• Used humour as a shield and became socially adaptable but never felt like he truly belonged anywhere
• Depression creates an isolating experience where you feel uniquely alone even when surrounded by support
• Many who appear confident and happy are often struggling with hidden mental health challenges
• Cultural attitudes toward mental health ("just don't be sad") prevented seeking proper help
• Depression can escalate to anxiety, overthinking, and suicidal ideation when left unchecked
I'll be cutting my dreadlocks to raise funds for men's mental health. Please share resources that have helped you in the comments, recommend trustworthy mental health charities, and consider donating or sharing the fundraising page when it launches.

Support the show

If you never try, you will never know

Send us a text

What happens when men embrace vulnerability instead of hiding behind a facade of strength? Join me, your host David, as I recount my personal journey of confronting emotions like fear, anger, and sadness, and how stillness and reflection have been transformative for my personal growth. We tackle the societal pressures that often dictate a man's emotional expression and discuss how these unresolved issues can cascade into our personal relationships. The chaos of modern relationships becomes a focal point, as we recognize the recurring cycles of hurt and highlight the importance of self-awareness in breaking these patterns. By exploring traditional gender roles, I suggest that when a man truly embraces his masculinity, it can foster and support a woman's femininity.
Remember the thrill of spontaneous adventures and the simple joys they bring to our lives? We reminisce about shared experiences that don't rely on alcohol but instead focus on genuine connection — like hiking, visiting gorges, or enjoying live music and cheese platters at vineyards. These moments aren't just about fun; they're about creating lasting memories and deepening our connections. Listen in as we hint at the complexities and taboos surrounding relationships, setting the stage for future conversations that promise to inspire personal growth and improve how we relate to one another.

Support the show

If you never try, you will never know

Send us a text

*Trigger Warning Discussion of Suicide*
What happens when a DJ with a passion for music decides to switch gears and focus on photography? My guest today shares their incredible journey, exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted them to pause, reflect, and ultimately transform their career from spinning tracks to capturing the vibrant world of hospitality through a lens. We unravel the parallels between music and photography and discuss how adaptability and understanding the needs of others can lead to fulfilling personal and professional growth.
Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we discuss the evolution of values and responsibilities that comes with becoming a family provider. The journey from bachelorhood to fatherhood is filled with challenges, love, and a new understanding of leadership within the household. Listen to personal stories that highlight the struggles and joys of parenthood, especially when growing up without a strong father figure. The incredible resilience of parental figures shines through as we reflect on the importance of health and support in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Friendships and community play a pivotal role in this episode as we explore the profound impact of simple acts of kindness and genuine connections. We share experiences that emphasize the importance of being present for friends without the pressure to solve their problems. Delve into diverse perspectives on spirituality and masculinity, focusing on honesty, responsibility, and authenticity. Appreciate the significance of contributing positively to one's community, and hear my gratitude towards our first-ever guest, whose insights left a lasting impression and ignited excitement for future conversations.

Stay alert, stay safe

Support the show

If you never try, you will never know

Send us a text

What if your self-worth was entirely self-defined? Join me as I share a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, where I recount how the sacrifices of my mother and the challenges of racial discrimination shaped my understanding of personal value. Through a candid reflection on past relationships, including a significant lesson from a failed friendship, we explore the critical importance of not letting others dictate your worth. The episode emphasizes the power of inner strength, staying true to core values, and learning to define oneself amidst adversity.
Transitioning to the turbulent path of healing, I open up about the emotional roller coaster that comes with recovery. One week, I’m feeling on top of the world, and the next, I’m hitting rock bottom. But through it all, the unwavering support from loved ones—whether through a simple phone call, a shared ice cream cone, or a music-filled car ride—has been my anchor. Trust, especially, has been a significant hurdle, and I discuss the gradual process of learning to trust both new faces and familiar ones again. Despite the ups and downs, this chapter of my journey offers a hopeful message about the transformative power of love and support in the healing process.

Support the show

If you never try, you will never know