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Unapologetically Whole
Unapologetically Whole episodes
- "Tweendom", Puberty and Autism: An Interesting Cocktail
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In this episode, my husband, Tosan, and I have a conversation about the transition we've made and are making into the start of adolescence. Our kids, a boy and a girl, are now both pre-teens and our daughter has an intellectual disability. We talk about the special considerations we have to think through and make as we raise neurodivergent children who are undergoing a new life phase. One day at a time.
This episode is also available in video form on YouTube.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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www.loladadaolley.com
27 min - Autism, Self-Advocacy, Therapy and Everything in Between: A Talk With Janelle Johnson
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In this episode, we speak with Janelle Johnson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, Founder of Bridges Family Life Center, PLLC , Mom, Wife and Self-Advocate. We talk about her own autism self-diagnosis, how she became a therapist, her own philosophy on "masking", her decision to eventually self-ID, raising an autistic child and her views on so much more.
As always, we appreciate the support. If you like what you hear, please share, subscribe and give our podcast a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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www.loladadaolley.com
47 min - A Candid Conversation with Psychologist and Parent Advocate, Dr. Tade Akere
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In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tade Akere, a mother, wife, businesswoman turned psychologist and advocate. She is the mother of an adult autistic son and a neurodivergent and mental health advocate serving patients through her Illinois based practice. She is also the host of the webseries Dr. Tade Talks and the author of the book, No! Not My Son!: An African Mother's Journey Through Life with Autism.
In this episode, we walk through her family's autism journey, cultural stigma associated with a diagnosis within her Nigerian-American household, how she decided to enter the field of psychology after becoming a parent caregiver and the advice she gives others on the journey (along with some other nuggets).
I appreciated her candor and hope you get something out of this episode. This episode is also available in video on YouTube.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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www.loladadaolley.com
54 min - Healthcare Delivery, Parenting, Advocacy and a Little Forgiveness Along the Way
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In this episode, I speak with Tim Markle, the Southern Regional Center Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center. We speak about delivery of health care to diverse populations, his own experience as a dad to an autistic son and how understanding the power of forgiveness has allowed him to become a better person, father, husband and advocate.
https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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www.loladadaolley.com
38 min - A Later in Life Diagnosis: A Talk with Attorney and Self-Advocate LaNasha Houze
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In Season 6, Episode 2 of the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, I speak with attorney, self-advocate and former law school classmate, LaNasha Houze. In this episode, LaNasha speaks to how she ended up obtaining her later in life ADHD diagnosis, the subsequent realizations she made when it comes to her neurodivergence and provides some advice to those who wish to know more about this journey.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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29 min - Shifting Mindset: The Myth of Work/Life Balance
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Welcome to Season 6 of the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, now brought to you in both audio and video form. In addition to listening to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform, now you can view new episodes on You Tube. After a long hiatus, we start our new season talking through our parenting journey through various seasons that includes/included: stay at home parenthood, demanding careers and various therapy schedules associated with our family's autism journey.
One day at a time.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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www.loladadaolley.com
28 min - Special Education Law Conversation Continued with Tracey Spencer Walsh
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Our conversation on special education law continues with Tracey Spencer Walsh, podcast host, attorney and special education law expert. This part of our conversation focuses on things to consider as your child ages through and eventually out of special education.
https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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23 min - Special Education Law 101: A Conversation with Tracey Spencer Walsh, Esq.
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In this episode, I speak with Tracey Spencer Walsh, an attorney specializing in special education law and a podcast host of the podcast, "It's Special", a show focused on navigating disability within the education space.
In our conversation, Tracey and I speak on what special education is, the laws in space to safeguard it and some of the thing that parents should consider as they walk on this journey with their children. For more information on Tracey, check her out here.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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37 min - Matching the Right People with the Right Tech
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In this episode, we speak with Inarm Osborn, a passionate entrepreneur who is dedicated to improving the lives and job prospects of neurodivergent adults in need of his services. He is the Founder and CEO of Auti Quest, an innovative app that provides employment support for autistic adults. He is also Centra Co Support Services, a day center for adults with intellectual disabilities.
We dive into how he started working in this space, his transition from the finance world and how he believes technology can improve the job experience for autistic individuals.https://notyourmamasautism.com/
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www.loladadaolley.com
33 min - Pursuit of A Different Kind of American Dream: A Talk with Koko Ekeng
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In this episode, I speak with Koko Ekeng, mom, parenting coach and author. She talks about how her daughter's complex medical needs started her on a journey to America in order for her to get the help she needed medically and, eventually academically as well.
She speaks to how her training as a life coach prepared her for a very difficult seasonhttps://notyourmamasautism.com/
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43 min
About Unapologetically Whole
From the publisher's feed
Unapologetically Whole is the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt invisible while holding everyone else together. Hosted by attorney, advocate, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada-Olley, this show is a…
raw, honest invitation to reclaim your story and rebuild your sense of self without abandoning your responsibilities or values. Through deeply personal storytelling and candid conversations, Lola explores the layers we carry: as caregivers, professionals, parents, partners, and cycle-breakers navigating cultural stigma, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness in a world that often asks us to disappear.
Each episode offers a practical, three-part framework for transformation: Recognize the lane you’re in, Redefine success beyond external validation, and Reimagine what it means to truly thrive. You’ll hear real lessons from lived experience—how to hold the tension between vigilance and joy, how to honor incremental progress, and how to shine your light in a world that can feel dark. Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply someone searching for permission to exist beyond your roles, Unapologetically Whole bridges the gap between personal healing and professional reinvention, creating space for authentic community and honest growth.
This podcast is the companion to Lola’s forthcoming memoir, Unapologetically Whole: A Memoir About Autism, Caregiving, and Owning Your Story, coming June 2026. If these conversations resonate with you, help us extend the reach—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Your voice helps others find the hope, healing, and wholeness they deserve.