The Mantate Show

This week on The Mantate Show I am reflecting on one of my most memorable vision board experiences in 2016 and how it shaped the way I think about goals, growth, and storytelling. Vision boards don’t have to be about ticking boxes; they can be living boards, evolving threads that connect who we were, who we are, and who we are becoming. If you have never done one, this is a good episode to listen to. If you have one, this is a good episode to reflect on the right mindset to chase what's on that board.

We talk a lot about self-care and self-love, but sometimes the things we call “rest” — like creating, cooking, or chasing projects — are just another form of work. They can bring joy, but they don’t always leave us feeling restored.

In this episode of The Mantate Show, I’m taking a step back to ask: am I really resting? I share some honest reflections about how we treat self-care, how to protect our downtime, and why slowing down might be the most powerful self-love practice of all.

A gentle reminder for anyone who needs it: real rest matters.

In this episode of The Mantate Show, I’m opening up a conversation we don’t often have: friendship breakups. Friendships can end for all kinds of reasons — sometimes because of others, sometimes because of us — and those endings can be heavier than romantic ones. I share some reflections on what friendship breakups have taught me, how to think about the friendships we want to protect, and why it’s important to give this kind of loss the space it deserves.

Grad school is a big decision — one that can shape your career, finances, and lifestyle for years to come. In this episode, I break down how to decide if graduate school is right for you, how to find the best program, and what to look for when choosing a university. If you’re thinking about grad school, this is your guide to making a smart choice.

Travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the planning, the hacks, and the memories you make along the way. In this episode, I share my favorite travel tips and hacks as a true travel enthusiast: from budgeting and packing smart to visas, accommodation, and even making the most of conferences or fellowships that take you abroad. If you’re ready to travel smarter and stress less, this one’s for you.

Graduating from Oxford is an achievement that carries prestige — but for many African and international students, the story after the degree is far from glamorous. This episode of The Mantate Show explores the shared realities that too often go unspoken: visa hurdles costing thousands, survival jobs that test identity, mental health pressures, and the heavy expectations of peers and family. It’s an honest look at why for some, “just going home” isn’t always an option, and how many are forced to redefine success beyond the glossy graduation photos. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens after the cap and gown come off, this conversation is for you.

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