What if everything we thought we knew about love was just the beginning? In this powerful episode of Beyond The Self, we revisit a conversation that changes how we see love entirely.

Claudia shares her fascinating perspective on love beyond the butterflies and romance—the kind of love that shows up when things get hard, when the initial spark fades, and when the real work begins. We explore what love truly means, the deliberate effort it requires, and the profound value it brings to our lives and the world around us.

This isn't just another conversation about relationships—it's a journey into understanding love as an active choice, a practice, and ultimately, the key to solving many of the world's deepest challenges.

Join us as we unpack:

• Why love is about what happens after the good feelings fade
• The real work that love demands from each of us
• How becoming vessels of love transforms not just ourselves, but our communities

As always, this podcast is about giving and growing. Today, we're diving deep into the most transformative gift of all: love.

Keep giving, growing, and sharing love.

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of Beyond the Self, I sit down with Pastor Richard C. Whitcomb, Lead Pastor of Agape New Testament Church and a man whose entire life has been dedicated to the service of others. From leaving the comforts of the United States to become a missionary in Nigeria, to building a thriving spiritual community in Ghana, Pastor Richard shares his powerful journey of purpose, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.

Together, we explore what it truly means to live a life of service—beyond titles, beyond recognition, and beyond self-interest. We talk about the mindset it takes to serve others wholeheartedly, the spiritual and personal costs of such a life, and the unseen yet lasting impact it creates in the lives of others. Whether you're in ministry, business, or just seeking deeper purpose, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to live with greater intention.

Reflection is one of the most underrated tools for growth. In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy—an astute speaker, traveler, and deep thinker—to explore how looking back can help us move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

We dive into the ways reflection shapes decision-making, resilience, and personal evolution. How can we extract meaningful lessons from our past without getting stuck in regret? How does self-awareness influence our future choices? And what role does reflection play in helping us live with greater intention?

This conversation is an invitation to pause, process, and gain new perspectives on your own journey. Tune in for an insightful discussion that might just change the way you see your past—and your future. 🌱✨

Pain is often seen as something to escape, but what if it could be a catalyst for our most authentic creativity? In this episode of Beyond the Self, I sit down with Negyem, an artist whose journey has been shaped by personal struggles and the transformative power of self-expression. Together, we explore how embracing our pain—rather than suppressing it—can unlock deeper creativity, fuel artistic breakthroughs, and lead to more meaningful work.

From personal stories of resilience to practical ways of channeling emotion into creation, this conversation sheds light on the beauty that can emerge from our darkest moments. Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply someone looking to find purpose in your struggles, this episode will challenge you to see pain not as a burden, but as a bridge to something greater.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on vulnerability, healing, and the power of owning our struggles.

This Christmas let’s rediscover the true essence of the holiday season—a time for giving, connection, and being present for the ones who matter most. In this special episode, we explore how going beyond ourselves can create joy, not just for others but also within ourselves.

What to expect in this episode:

Let this episode remind you that Christmas isn’t just about receiving; it’s about spreading love, sharing joy, and going beyond yourself to make the world a little brighter.

In this episode of Beyond the Self, we dive deep into the complexities of relationships and what it truly means to go beyond right or wrong. Relationships aren’t just about compromises—they're about navigating the gray areas with grace, forgiveness, and empathy.

Joined by our guests Kwame and Samuel, we explore powerful insights on:

Whether it’s in friendships, romantic partnerships, or family ties, this episode offers actionable advice and stories to help you nurture deeper, more meaningful relationships. Let’s go beyond being right and build spaces where empathy and growth thrive. Tune in now!

In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Self, we explore the deeper dimensions of love—what happens when the initial thrill fades and how true love reveals itself in moments of challenge. Inspired by a friend's insightful definition, "Love is the thing that happens when it stops feeling good," we dive into the choice to stay, work through discomfort, and build resilience in relationships. From understanding the fleeting nature of limerence to embracing the concept of "choosing your pain," this episode uncovers the magic that emerges when we push beyond surface-level joy and commit to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Tune in to discover how love, like anything worthwhile, grows in the moments when it’s hardest to stay—and why that’s where the real beauty begins.

🎉 Episode Anniversary Special: 🎉

In this special episode celebrating Beyond the Self's one-year anniversary, we dive into a thought-provoking idea: Why We Should Inconvenience Our Friends. Inspired by YouTuber Adella Afadi, we explore how our fear of causing discomfort or being a burden often holds us back from building deeper, more meaningful connections.

We’ll unpack what I like to call the ‘inflection point’ in relationships—the moment when trust is built not by offering help but by asking for it. Drawing on insights from psychology, Simon Sinek’s wisdom on trust, and even the Rat Park Experiment, we’ll discuss how embracing vulnerability and occasional inconvenience can lead to stronger, lasting friendships.

Tune in as we challenge the modern obsession with self-reliance and discover how leaning on others can unlock the real growth we all seek in our relationships.

In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Self, host Destwin Adotey engages in a heartfelt conversation with Melody Ama about the power of resilience. As fellow explorers of personal growth, Destwin and Melody share their experiences and insights on how resilience plays a crucial role in overcoming life's hurdles.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Join us for an engaging discussion that not only explores the essence of resilience but also offers practical tips and encouragement for anyone looking to strengthen their resilience. This episode is a reminder that with the right mindset and support, we can turn adversity into a powerful force for positive change.