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
• 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

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
• 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

 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
• 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

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

In this episode Tolu Agbelusi speaks with MoAfrika wa Mokgathi, a South African poet, singer, cultural activist, translator, producer and so so much more. She is the authour of poetry collection 'My Tongue is A Rainbow'. In this expisode we explore what it means to redefine strength for yourself and the joy we can have when we allow others to share our load. I particulalry enjoyed MoAfrika speaking about learning and unlearning things and then going back to her mother to say this is how you taught me but there's a better way and seeing the liberation such an exchange brings on an intergenerational level.

Bonus: at the end, Mo shares a poem. 

Links to MoAfrika'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

In today's episode Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Seyi Oluyole, a filmmaker, chorepgrapher, activist and founder of Dream Cathers Academy. This expansive conversation explores the traps of beauty, the journey to self acceptance, the importance of knowing who you are and learning not to be defined by what has happened to you. 

Seyi's Dream Catchers Academy creates a sustainable future for orphaned and underprivileged girls in NIgeria by providing housing, education, arts engagement, leadership and life skills. You may have seen them in some viral videos such as their France's Got Talent performance. 

You can read some of their success stories here.

Please consider donating to their work here. 

Visit the Dream Catchers Website here. 

Visit Seyi Oluyole's Website

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

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Emily Kwok, a world class Brazillian Juijitsu champion, entrepreneur and artist. This is a conversation that explores the importance of the stories we tell ourselves, how we navigate the ages and stages of life, making space for others without neglecting yourself, martial arts as self expression and life metaphor and so much more. 

Emily has a great podcast called 'The Master and the Apprentice' - which is worth a listen - find it here. 

Emily's website

Some podcast appearances you may be interested in:

- Peak Performance feat Emily Kwok

- The ROL Radio Juijitsu Podcast 

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

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with historian and writer Marius Kothor
in a conversation that explores silence, reconstructing strength, choosing when to do hard things and deconstructing the notion that womanhood should be synonymous with struggle. We also discuss the iconic Nana Benz. 

Articles by Marius -

 Working with Histories that Haunt Us

Race and the Politics of Knowledge Production in African Studies

Support the show

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

• Email
• Website
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• 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

In today's episode I'm contemplating rest by looking back on old interview snippets from days before the podcast when the conversations became medium articles. In addition to my voice, you'll also be hearing from:

Gaylene Gould
Jemilea Wisdom Baako
Iyabo Agbelusi (My mother)

Links to the medium articles with their interviews are below:

From A Mountain to A Flower - Gaylene Gould
Choose Who You Want to Be - Jemilea Wisdom-Baako
Why Be A Repressed Human Being When You Can Be Free?- Iyabo Agbelusi

The Question is How do you rest in a way that transcends the physical? Unlearning Strongwoman is all about rest- perharps not explicitly so; but by encouraging you to engage with introspection and beginning or continuing the process of identifying and unlearning traits that no longer serve you, the hope is that you walk mor and more into your true self where you are truly at peace - at rest. 

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