On today's episode I'm in conversation with Ọmọ́tọ́lá Sodeinde Adéníyì,  a Cultural Connoisseur for all things about the Yorùbá tribe within Nigeria and across the world.  We talk about the language and the tonal system, including the power behind words and what an 'Oríkì' means;  the traditions within the Yorùbá culture & the challenges it faces within the 21st Century and beyond; identity, mental health & wellbeing, pride in one's heritage.  Ọmọ́tọ́lá also shares the words that shapes his mindset.

Ọmọ́tọ́lá Sodeinde Adéníyì aka Larhny is a Lagos based Yorùbá culture promoter and the creator of 'Talojẹbi ', a content platform dedicated to educating the world about Yoruba culture, history and tradition. Through short form videos across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, he brings some of the most fascinating and often forgotten aspects of Yorùbá identity to life for a generation that is still finding its connection to its roots. 

For Ọmọ́tọ́lá, this work is deeply personal rooted in a belief that culture is not just something you inherit, it is something you have a responsibility to protect.

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode I'm in conversation with Hilary Salzman, a business storytelling consultant, keynote speaker and author specialising in helping female founders and leaders find and use their real story. Hilary talks about the importance of uncovering and vocalising women's stories, the reoccurring themes and underlying issues that women face including inequality & sexual assault, and her encounters with internet trolls and mansplaining. Hilary also shares how her career started, the challenges and triumphs she has encountered within her personal life, and the words that continually inspire her. 

Hilary Salzman is a business storytelling consultant, closing the gap between women’s truth and what they say without cost.

She's the author of 'The Roar of Her Story' (shortlisted for Business Book Awards 2025) and founder of She Roars Club, an accountability community for women founders.  She spent 20 years in corporate marketing at major tech brands before launching her storytelling consultancy.

Hilary doesn't teach women to be louder or more polished. She shows them how to use their real experiences, even the messy bits, to build genuine connections, build a successful business and take up the space they truly deserve.

You can find out more about Hilary via her website, Instagram and Substack.

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I'm in conversation with Dr. Ravishankar Chamarajnagar, talking about most things Computing.  Ravi chats about his career in IT thus far, including cyber security and cryptology.  We discuss Artificial Intelligence and look at its pros & cons including its adoption; Crypto and its relevance, and the importance of analytical thinking.  Ravi also shares his experiences as an Indian immigrant to the U.S, South Asians within the tech industry, what the Bamboo ceiling is, and whom he would like to solve puzzles with. 

Dr. Ravishankar Chamarajnagar is the CEO of BRACKT AI, providing real-time compliance analysis across multiple jurisdictions. He formerly served as Chief Product Officer at AppViewX, as R&D/Internet of Things Senior Director at VMware, and as Senior Director of Product Management at AirWatch by VMware.

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode I'm in conversation with Eposi Litombo Litumbe and talking about her upcoming hand painted graphic novel 'Serpents in the Sand',  which is part of her 'Songs of the Sahara' project that is inspired by the historical legend of Sundiata Keita of Mali, and showcasing the history from Western regions in Africa through a fictional historical narrative. 

Eposi discusses the genesis behind the project including her team;  her immense love for storytelling and what she believes the challenges are when sharing stories from Africa. Eposi also shares her knowledge about the kingdoms of the time including the Wagadou (Ghana) empire;  We talk about cultural wealth and literacy from Africa, the importance of oral storytellers and the damages and impact of colonialism to the art form.  

Eposi also shares with us her heritage, lived experiences, and of course, words that have continually shaped her. 

'SERPENT IN THE SAND' is the first of a series of GRAPHIC NOVELS that are part of the 'SONGS OF THE SAHARA' Project.  Please support it by signing up and pre-ordering copies at Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/songsofthesahara/songs-of-the-sahara

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I'm in conversation with author  Sangu Mandanna.  Sangu recounts a childhood memory involving a chasing elephant which in part led to her wanting to become a writer. We chat about language and identity; how her interests in Space, science fiction and The Mahabharata led to her critically acclaimed 'The Celestial Trilogy'.  We discuss mythology & beliefs, revisionism and colonialism.  Sangu also talks about her Neurodivergent journey including having OCD, how she mentally prepares herself, and she shares with us the quote that continually inspires her.

Sangu Mandanna is a New York Times Best-Selling writer.  She is the author of adult fantasies including 'The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches' and 'A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping'.  She is also the author of the MG Kiki Kallira books, and  her recent published work is 'Vanya and the Wild Hunt'. Sangu lives in England with her Family. 

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode I'm in conversation with Zoe Àríkẹ́, an Australian, who, in her own words "met a guy & moved to Nigeria."  We chat about her lived experiences in the country so far, the cultural nuances & the humorous side of Nigerian life; the local cuisines she is obsessed with, her appreciation & respect of the resilience of the people.  Zoe also chats about her heritage, being autistic, mental wellbeing, and of course, she shares the words that continually inspire her. 

Zoe is a marketing and communications professional from Australia who relocated to Nigeria to start a new chapter with her partner, Banji. After a friend encouraged her to share the experience, she created Zoe Arike to document her journey. 

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @zoe.arike, and on YouTube @zoearike.

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode I'm geeking out with Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green and talk about her upcoming book 'Don't Open the Door: Infections in Film'. She discusses why her love for film and popular culture and being a scientist prompted her to start the book.  Elaine also shares why she became a microbiologist, mental health & wellbeing, the joys of having a good cup of tea, and she shares the quote the continually inspires her.

Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green is a Clinical Academic, holding roles both as a Consultant Clinical Scientist within the NHS, and an Honorary Professorship with UCL.  For over two decades she has worked clinically, and undertaken research, on how to diagnose and prevent infectious disease.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Elaine is a passionate science communicator and public engagement advocate. She is the creator of the popular "Girlymicrobiologist" blog and has even produced an award-winning play, "Nosocomial", to highlight antimicrobial resistance and the often-unseen work of Healthcare Scientists.  Outside of work, she loves movies, games, and adores a nice pot of tea.

*Editor's note: The correct name of the film is 'Pontypool', not 'Pontyville'.

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I'm in conversation with cosmetic dentist Dr Jana Denzel.  Jana shares why he took the route of dentistry, his entrepreneurial drive, and the importance of integrity.  He shares basic dental hygiene and why dental checkups are vital.  We also talk about his time on the BBC hit programme 'The Apprentice', and why he decided to leave the show.  We chat about Jana's Tamil heritage, his faith and belief, mental well-being and he shares the words that continually inspire him. 

Jana Denzel is the founder of Denstudio, a Harley Street Dentist.  He is also a speaker and Lecturer. 

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode I'm in conversation with Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji.  Shina shares with me how he started off his career within the broadcast industry due to his passion for football and why he decided not to follow the same calling as his father; we talk about his upbringing in Ajegunle, an infamous town in Lagos State, Nigeria, and how it shaped his mindset.  Shina talks about his varied role as a sports journalist and the importance of being versatile.  We discuss the current state of football in Nigeria and whether the government is doing enough in terms of support; we discuss the national team's performance at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and his thoughts about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. 

Shina and I also talk about mental health and his response to trolling; life, his dream Starting-Eleven for an all-star Nigeria football team and he shares a saying that continually inspires him. 

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

*Warning: This episode contains themes of Adult content.*

On today's episode I'm in conversation with writer & audio storyteller of Erotic literature, Ophelia Paine.  Ophelia discusses her forms of chronicles that explore themes of desire and intimacy;  why she is a strong advocate of consent and body positivity.  We also talk about her new book 'StoryTime with Ophelia: Stories for Grown-Ups', why she believes that adults should be able to indulge in Stories for Adults; the different tropes within eroticism; psychology and mental health within the space, and the strong encouraging community that she belongs to.  The conversation also looks at issues of AI and creativity; questions of pushing boundaries and... Jason Voorhees???

Ophelia Paine is a Creative writer and also uses audio formats specialising in immersive, voice-led narrative experiences of SFW and NSFW audio scripts.  Her book can be bought here:

https://books.by/ophelia-paine

Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! 

I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar,  for all her hard work.

If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected].

Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!