When We Speak

How much of your faith is your own and not just what others have told you?

We are diving into faith, God, and religion in this episode with Tiffany Matthews. Tiffany Mathews is a person who believes that stories matter and that in them we find ourselves. It was through stories exchanged in letters that my husband and I fell in love. It was through his story and heart that I came to love my first child and watching the stories of my younger two develop has been one of my greatest joys. It is through stories that I have become invested in the child welfare system and in the power of community and belonging.

Listen in as we discuss creating your own path with your faith, how your views and faith with religion evolve, and finding God on your terms.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

—Overcoming the fear around religion (8:41)

—Discovering your own journey with your faith (15:58)

—How to be the change you want to see (31:38)

—Finding where you belong (37:57)

—How you don’t need to go to church to connect with God (39:59)

 Featured on the show:

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Follow Tiffany on Facebook and  Instagram

Rachel held Evans Website

Have you ever been interested in spirituality and how it can help you?

Iya Ifasola Osunponmile Fayemi Karen Langston is the founder of Alake Creations. Alake means one that should be taken care of, as this is her approach to creating space for others to heal and grow in their personal spiritual journeys. Iya Osunponmile’s mission is to assist others in embracing their will to move forward by using spiritual tools, divination, and rituals. Her work also focuses on decolonizing the mind and misconceptions about African Traditional Religions.

Iya Osunponmile was initiated as a Priest/Iyanifa in the West African indigenous tradition of Ifa in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria by Oluwo Ifasola Akanbi in 2018. Ifa is an ancient spiritual system that is defined as the wisdom of nature.

Listen in as Iya takes us through the history of religion and spirituality, understanding generational trauma, and how ignoring things doesn’t make them go away.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

—What is West African Spirituality (1:28)

—Finding where you belong (12:31)

—How to deal with critics (18:49)

—How mental health and spirituality go together (21:00)

—Overcoming your fear surrounding spirituality (34:41)

 Featured on the show:

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Check out my website

Connect with Iya on her website

Find out more information about Obafemi

Read Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy

In this episode, we are diving into the impact that growing up with domestic violence can have on you and your relationships. Today I am talking to Terska Muishond.

Tereska is a single mother, writer, poet, and activist. She grew up experiencing domestic violence and fear but was able to find her release through poetry and putting her feelings into words.Tereska and I go deep into experiencing domestic violence, overcoming shame, and how healing takes a lifetime.

Listen is as you are in for a treat as Tereska reads two of her poems during this interview.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

—What it feels like growing up with violence (4:50)

—The experience of segregation (13:47)

—How your words have power (22:29)

—How growing up with domestic violence impacts your relationships (28:59)

—Advice for anyone experiencing domestic violence (47:25)

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Check out my website

Connect with Tereska on Facebook and Twitter

When We Speak is a podcast where we shed stigmas, say goodbye to shame, strengthen ourselves, and encourage others. We will highlight the voices of people all across the globe who have experienced life changing experiences and trauma while also sharing how each guest survived.