In this episode of Odejuma, Harry Itie interviews clinical psychologist Aanu Jide-Ojo, who shares her journey to self-acceptance and how providing trauma-informed, affirming therapy helped her find her true self. They discuss the importance of creating welcoming and supportive therapeutic spaces where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Aanu also explains trauma-informed care and its significance for individuals who have faced discrimination.

Additionally, she talks in depth about her therapy journal, "Messily Living," which assists people in documenting their journeys and enhancing self-awareness. Tune in for a warm and inspiring conversation that celebrates hope and addresses the complexities of identity and mental health in today's world.

Purchase 'Messily Living Therapy Journal' Here: Store Home - Aanu Jide-Ojo on Selar

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry is in conversation with Wana Udobang, an incredibly talented storyteller, writer, poet, performer, and curator. Wana has the gift of weaving poetry, performance, and art curation together into a vehicle to implore her audience to dig deeper. In this conversation, she opens up about her journey from writing just for herself to using her art to tackle big societal themes and explore identity.

We dive into her unique Comfort Food Storytelling Workshop, where food memories spark creative storytelling and bring people together. Plus, we talk about the inspiration behind her iconic poem 'Catfish' and insights from her latest exhibition, Dirty Laundry, which invites folks to experience art in everyday spaces. Wana's passion for the power of storytelling shines through as she highlights how it fosters connection and also serves as a source for healing.

Join us for this inspiring conversation that celebrates the beauty of sharing our stories, how our stories connect with people, and how they transform us from the inside out.

Watch Wana perform Catfish: Words and Inspirations features Wana Udobang

Watch Wana perform Revolution: Revolution by Wana Udobang - YouTube

In the first episode of Odejuma, Harry dives into the incredible power of storytelling. He highlights the stories of everyday people and how they can spread hope and resilience. Drawing inspiration from his Nigerian roots, Harry shares his journey from being a young media enthusiast to becoming a passionate journalist dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices, leading him to start The Rustin Times, a media platform dedicated to shifting the narrative around queer folks in Africa and the diaspora.

The podcast title, Odejuma, comes from the Itsekiri language and means 'till tomorrow,' which perfectly captures a hopeful perspective on the continuity of our human experiences. Listeners can look forward to engaging conversations with various guests while exploring themes like love, identity, and personal transformation. Odejuma celebrates resilience and invites everyone to acknowledge the importance of their stories in a world that truly needs them.

You can watch Defiance here: Defiance: Voices of a New Generation | Nigerian LGBT+ Documentary