Voices of Disruption with Deborah Olatunji

Happy August! Last week, we started to get into how our upbringing affects the way we view relationships, so it only makes sense to dive deeper this week into how culture shapes our entire lives and beliefs. As a Nigerian-American, I grew up between the crossroads of two different worlds, or as today’s guest would call it, the realities and stories of having a hyphenated identity. In this week’s episode, I chat with Phoebe Omonira to discuss empathy, growing gains and pains, leading generational shifts, establishing boundaries, navigating mental health support amongst stigma in the West African community, practicing mutual respect, and unlearning self-limiting beliefs. 

We talk about how parents and teenagers can coexist in a healthy way and try to understand the imposter syndrome that comes from growing up in two very different cultures. From anti-Blackness coded in language to not feeling Black enough in predominantly Black or white spaces, this episode tells the stories we wish we knew of growing up.  Culture is a gift; there are so many things that we are grateful for...but there are also many areas for growth and improvement.

Our childhood homes are the first places where we learn about how to be. Talking about problems in our families is typically seen as disrespectful, but it's only by discussing ways we want things to change for generational progress to happen. If family is a sensitive topic for you, I hope that this episode can bring you comfort and peace. None of us chose to be born, but the choices we make in our lives can lead us to the most incredible joys and discoveries. Sending everyone lots of love and light, regardless of your family situation!!

Learn more about our guest: Phoebe Omonira is an 18-year-old using her voice to raise awareness about the importance of empathy as the key to reducing inequality. Her advocacy work regarding empathy is centered around creating resources for kids and their grown-ups, working with the Center for Children’s Brainhealth of the University of Texas Dallas has been a great joy for her. She will be attending Southern Methodist University in the Fall of 2021 and double majoring in International Studies and Human Rights with a minor in Philosophy on the Pre-Law Track. Her children's book on empathy, Ollie the Elephant, is coming out in 2022. She is currently the Director of Community Outreach at Gen Z Girl Gang, where she works to redefine sisterhood for a new generation.

**This episode was recorded in March. Podcast Rec: Jesus and Jollof

The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.

LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:

• What has your culture taught you about respect? What’s missing?
• What’s something you would tell your younger self that you didn’t learn until later?
• What's been instilled in you that affects the way you interact with people of different cultural backgrounds?

Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review on Apple podcasts so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let’s disrupt together now!

Every other week, I get a message in my DMs asking about how to start a podcast and manage time. The people have (LOUDLY) spoken! This week, I go into the tools that I use, talk about some behind-the-scenes logistics for the VODPOD, and lessons I’ve learned from podcasting for almost a year now. For starters, podcasting is a slow burn. I dive into questions from you all like, “how to stay consistent with editing and recording?” “how I learned graphic design?” and “what was the hardest part of starting?” This episode talks all about the beauty of podcasting and also on why our generation needs to tap back into having hobbies in its different forms. There are hobbies that never see the face of the internet and ones that you share with just your friends and family members. If you’re looking to start something new⁠—whether that's podcasting, journaling, painting, curating, dancing, reading⁠—and need an extra boost of inspiration, this is the episode for you. I also include a conversation on the effects of hustle culture and toxic productivity on our generation, capitalism’s pull on our mental wellness, and the concept of building a home through our ability to choose and create.

The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.

LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:

• What’s a hobby I’ve been interested in exploring that I haven’t tapped into yet?
• How can I take control over my life and make choices that help me grow?
• What does intentional rest as a hobby look like? How can I start making time for things I really enjoy?
• In what ways do I engage with the hobbies of others? What can I discover from experiencing the art of someone else?

Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page, and the website! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let’s disrupt together now!

Change is something we’ve become all too familiar with over the course of the past 16 months. Along with the newness comes the chance to confront our self-limiting beliefs and unpack what we’ve been taught to believe about exploration and growth. In this episode, I share the story of how changing my major from nursing has disrupted the path of my life. I talk about how I came to making such a big decision, what I had plans for beforehand, and what plans I have for the future. This is probably one of the most vulnerable episodes I’ve ever recorded. So much so that my editing process has an additional step: the first cut and final cut. I wanted to make sure that I shared this story in a way that connects with anyone who usually doubts themselves, has one too many existential crises, or feels stuck in where they currently are.

Life is all about making choices and decisions. You are not alone in this life. I hope that you have or can find community and support here in the way you choose to live your life. With the use of affirmations and iffirmations, navigating and understanding the need for change can help us grow and feel more connected to ourselves.

**Stat correction at 7:12 - According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women.

The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.

LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:

• What if I am allowed to be interested in something new? In what ways am I allowing myself to change and explore?
• What if disappointing others means that I am no longer leaving myself behind?
• What if I can live this life freely and pursue new goals and dreams?

Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page, and the website!Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let’s disrupt together now!