This episode came from a moment when I felt completely undone; when life broke me down quietly, deeply. I talk about how I fell into self-blame, depression, and doubt… but also how I was reminded that God’s love doesn’t shift based on my circumstances. I shifted my focus from pain to purpose, from diagnosis to divine grace. This is a moment of surrender, of faith, and of rediscovered hope. When the world shook; God held me. And maybe He’s holding you too.

So today, I honor every ancestor whose blood runs in my veins.

I honor every prayer said for me before I was even born.

I honor every sacrifice made so I could exist here, now.

If you’re listening to this, and you’ve ever struggled to explain why your pride runs deeper than your skin — know you are not alone.

Walk tall.

Walk proud.

Carry your legacy like the treasure it is.

Because pride is not just about who you are.

It’s about who you represent.

Thank you for listening to Unfiltered with Marisa Ikerezi.

Until next time — stay proud, stay grounded, and stay true."

This episode is personal. I was hurt by someone I trusted—and for a moment, I almost chose retaliation. But I learned something powerful: not everyone deserves your energy. Not everyone deserves your reaction. Sometimes, peace is the strongest answer. If you've ever been there, this one is for you.

In this episode, I share a moment where I chose to push through against all odds; not for anyone else, but for me. A quiet reminder that resilience isn’t always loud, but it’s always powerful.

In this episode, I share a moment that caught me completely off guard; when, for the first time ever, I couldn’t bring myself to disclose my HIV status face-to-face. It’s a story about connection, hesitation, honesty, and a reminder that even those of us who’ve walked this road for years still have moments of fear. But also? Of courage. Whether you’ve been there or not, I hope this reminds you that you’re human, and that your truth is still beautiful.

In this episode, I take you through my real-life journey with HIV treatment, right from the early days, through tough medication switches, and eventually to reaching U=U. I share what first-, second-, and third-line treatment actually mean, how the medicine works in the body, why taking it on time matters, and what HIV superinfection really is. Whether you're living with HIV, newly diagnosed, or just trying to understand it better, this episode is for you. It’s honest, clear, and grounded in everything I’ve lived.

In this episode, I share the truth behind what people often mistake as strength; how resilience is built, not gifted, and what it really means to walk through the fire with grace. With honesty, psychological insight, and hard-earned wisdom, I draw the line between self-acceptance and self-rationalization, reminding all of us that stillness can be a survival strategy, and love, especially self-love; is always the true foundation.

In this episode, I explore the real meaning of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), not just as a scientific breakthrough, but as a shift in how we live, care, and support. From fear, fatigue, and pressure to a moment of quiet fulfillment, this episode reminds us that U=U is not the destination; SELF-ACCEPTANCE IS. It’s a celebration of grace, truth, and the power of walking the journey, not rushing it.

In this episode, I share the moment silence was handed to me, and how breaking it became a path to reclaiming my story. Through truth, pain, and power, I challenge you to ask: whose silence are you still carrying, and why?