The Self Sessions

In this episode, originally published on 22 March 2024, Marissa is joined by Monica Gaga.

Monica is a British-born black African queer host, improviser, facilitator, maker and performer. She has been performing and hosting for 11 years, improvising for 24 years and facilitating professionally for 16 years.

A Comedy Store Players regular, Monica is the producer of HELL YEAH!, the femxle-centred queer improv collective. She is a cast member of Do The Right Scene, named ‘theatre that thinks’ by Timeout; Broadway Baby five-star reviewed show Yes Queens and feminist duo Derek's Mojo.

Marissa and Monica talk about:

1:44 = Where do I want to spend my time?

2:50 = The downside of saying 'Yes' to everything 

4:17 = Just because you could doesn't mean you should

5:31 = The principle of 'Yes and...'

7:43 = Improvised comedy in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion space

13:43 = Feeling comfortable with making mistakes

19:24 = Why play is important

22:52 = How Monica discovered Improv

25:30 = Improv and Youth Work

31:30 = Women aren't funny...

35:20 = If Monica ruled the world...

Find out more about Monica on her website : https://www.monicagaga.com/

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In this episode, originally published on the 8th March 2024, Marissa is joined by Tamu Thomas.

Tamu is a transformational life coach and former social worker, specialising in helping women achieve work-life harmony by aligning with their nervous system for holistic well-being.   

In her groundbreaking new book, Women Who Work Too Much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity, Tamu challenges the societal norms that glorify relentless productivity and burnout.  She delves deep into the emotional and psychological factors that keep women trapped in a never-ending cycle of productivity, offering practical strategies for liberation.

Recognised as a thought leader, Tamu has been featured in notable publications such as Vogue and Forbes, and engages a wide audience through her Instagram and podcast.

Marissa and Tamu talk about:

1:30 = 'Women Who Work Too Much'  - Why this? Why now?
10:05 = What is Toxic Productivity?

14:08 = Hustle culture and exhaustion as a badge of honour

16:36 =The role of epigenetics and intergenerational trauma

20:20 = Living in 'Survival Mode' and intensity addiction

26:30 = The way we break our own hearts

31:40 = Would you be my friend?

33:33 = If Tamu ruled the world...

Find out more about Tamu's  work on her website :  https://www.livethreesixty.com/

References =
Break the Cycle : A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma by Dr. Mariel Buqué

Epigenetics = https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-epigenetics-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/

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In this episode, originally published on 29 March 2024, Marissa is joined by the Colossal Connections Coach, Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu. Vicki  empowers Artistic Women to let go of guilt, experience colossal transformations and reclaim their lives. She is also the Founder of Uchenna, a touring dance company that empowers, entertains and educates through dance.

Marissa and Vicki talk about:

1:30 = Vicki's work with Artistic women

5:34 = Turning down the noise and finding your voice

9:31 = Doing it guilt free

11:48 = Creating spaces where people feel nurtured

19:04 = Permission to express Joy

20:21 = Stop being so accessible to everyone around you

26:53 = You are the energy source of your life

29:13 = The danger of oversharing a creative process

34:18 = Key tips for Self-Care

41:01 = If Vicki ruled the world...

Find out more about Vicki's  work on her website https://www.vickiigbokwe.co.uk/
and Instagram = @vicki_igbokwe


References =

'Women Who Work Too Much' by Tamu Thomas

Season 3, Episode 13 = https://www.theselfsessions.com/1782809/14413651

'A Radical Awakening' by Dr. Shefali Tsabary 

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