In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Dr Jumoke Verissimo — poet, novelist and lecturer at the Toronto Metropolitan University. Her first novel was nominated for international awards, including the RSL Ondaatje Prize and the Edinburgh Festival First Book Award. It won the Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize.Jumoke is also the author of three poetry collections, a children’s book and she has co-authored a poetry anthology. 

In this conversation we talk strength, expectations, marriage, divorce, the untraditional path and its consequences, and we explore questions  about what it really means to choose yourself when everyone around you has already written your story? From the first question, Jumoke redefines a strong woman as someone who knows her own name - not just the one she was given, but the one she calls herself back to when the world tries to shrink her. She traces that idea through the women who shaped her, especially her grandmother and mother, whose agency, boldness, and refusal to disappear left lasting marks on how she moves through the world and the learnings and unlearnings that have shaped her becoming. 

Relevant Links

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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Samenua Sesher — writer, coach, culture management consultant and founder and director of Museum of Color. This wide-ranging conversation explores what it means to show up as yourself without apology, the things we unlearn about niceness and availability, , supernatural encounters and the courage to leave without a safety net, loving people without allowing that love to harm you, Ubuntu and the world that resists it, the danger of outsourcing our thinking, what it means to cultivate hope in a frightening world, the work of Museum of Color, and why walking — in every sense — is how we are held.

Relevant Links; 

https://museumofcolour.org.uk/

http://www.bladeofgrass.co.uk/about.html

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi sits in conversation with singer, songwriter, poet and educator Asabi Hawah. In this heartfelt interview, Asabi Hawah shares her journey of redefining strength, embracing vulnerability, and living authentically as a woman, mother, and artist. Discover insights on unlearning societal expectations, cultivating hope, and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Listen to some of Asabi's music here. 

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi is in discussion with multi-award winning poet, playwright, librettist, scholar and educator Dr Rommi Smith. This is a conversation that challenges us to consider the dualities we inhabit particularly as regards power & vulnerability and how resourcefulness is essential to defining what and who a strong woman is, in the context of the challenging world we call home.  Far from any ideas of strength and becoming as a solo endeavour, Rommi reflects with great joy and gratitude on those who have played a pivotal role in who she gets to be in the world. 

Find out more about Rommi's work and her projects here. 

Support the show

I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi delves deep in conversation with multidisciplinary visual artist Ayesha Feisal on what it means and what it takes to become, questioning expectations, becoming a disruptor, a process of unlearning, joy, sisterhood, art and finding beauty in unlikely places. 

Ayesha's art is always a must see and well worth adding to your collection. Check out her website here. 

Support the show

I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

This month we abandon regular programming as podcast host Tolu Agbelusi takes the hot seat and is interviewed by Diana Onuma who was our guest in November 2025. Tolu is a poet, playwright, editor, artist and former lawyer. She is also the author of Locating Strongwoman. She shares her journey of creative self-expression, exploring themes of authenticity, legacy, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. She reflects on the impact of her work, the challenges of unlearning societal and family expectations, and the importance of self-acceptance. Tolu emphasizes the need for open communication in relationships and the value of embracing discomfort for personal growth. 

Engage with Tolu's work here:

www.ToluAgbelusi.com

Buy Locating Strongwoman

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I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi engages in a deeply affirming conversation with Diana Onuma, a family mediator, lawyer and life coach. They explore the essence of what it means to be deeply rooted, the importance of vulnerability, the cultural conditioning that shapes women's identities and how to unlearn them. Diana shares her personal journey of self-discovery, the role models that inspired her, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. They discuss the challenges of unlearning societal expectations, the impact of shame and guilt, and the significance of sisterhood. Diana also delves into her experiences with perimenopause and the importance of advocating for women's health. The conversation concludes with reflections on legacy, joy, and the power of connection.

Relevant Links

Book - Domestic Violence Rescue Essentials by Diana Onuma

If you are stuck in an abusive relationship and need a coach to plan and walk with you through your exit - reach out to diana on her insta dm @dianaonuma or send an email to hello @ thesoulhealing-boutique.co.uk

Support the show

I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

• Email 
• Website
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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In this episode of Unlearning Strongwoman, host Tolu Agbelusi engages in a profound conversation with Rachel Afi Quinn, an associate professor and writer, about the evolving definition of strong woman, the importance of adaptability, and the influence of Black feminist thought. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of grief, the challenges of contemporary feminism, and what it means to navigate whiteness as a mixed race Black girl/now woman raised by white women. 

Link to Rachel's work 

Support the show

I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

• Email 
• Website
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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

 In this rich conversation, Tolu Agbelusi and Joy Francis explore the complexities of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and the importance of understanding and expressing anger. We discuss the adultification of Black girls,the significance of self-awareness, the inner child, and the necessity of rest and self-care in a fast-paced world. The dialogue delves into the deconstruction of armor and the embrace of authenticity, highlighting the power of sisterhood and community support.

You can find Joy here: 

Linked In

Words of Colour

DJ HybridJ on Insta

Support the show

I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

• Email 
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The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi engages in a profound conversation with Siana Bangura, a poet, playwright, producer, changemaker and creative practitioner. We explore the multifaceted definition of a strong woman, the importance of Black feminist practice, and the significance of community and sisterhood. We discuss the challenges of unlearning societal expectations, the journey into womanhood, and the complexities of relationships. Sianna shares her insights on success, legacy, and the need for joy amidst adversity, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and accountability in love and friendship.

Links to Siana's work:

Website

Instagram

Support the show

I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback: 

• Email 
• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter

The music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph
Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here.

#ToluAgbelusi
#Unlearning
#UnlearningStrongwoman 
#StrongBlackWoman
#Conditioning 
#WomenEmpowerment