This Nigerian Life.

Being a new mom can be daunting and Simileoluwa (Simi) knew she’d be a mother who isn’t shy to ask for help; she wouldn’t fall for the supermom trope. In this episode we discuss what the actual “village” is versus what we were sold. How her friendships changed after marriage, new-age grandparents and why open communication and practicality in marriage matters more than romantic love.What Makes you Tick is a series of conversations recorded in the summer of 2025, driven by a simple desire to understand the people in my life a bit more deeply and, more broadly, to explore what shapes us as individuals. What I discovered is that there are remarkable stories around us, we just have to be curious enough to notice them.Follow This Nigerian Life on all podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify & YouTube. And for the full experience subscribe to my Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

What if the key to knowing yourself better is simply sitting still? It’s hard, I know!In this episode, I explore why solitude matters and how our thoughts shape the direction of our lives. With so much noise competing for our attention, creating quiet time helps us define who we really are on our own terms. I’m sharing my personal journey with solitude and why I believe it deserves more of our attention.My essay on the quiet that comes from making better choices is linked here :I’ve also linked my favorite episode on the topic of solitude from another podcast, it’s a conversation worth hearing if this topic resonates with you.That’s a wrap for 2025! I’ll be back in 2026 with the new new. Until then, catch me on TikTok 😉 @thisnigerianlifepod💫On my playlist this seasonThe Best Man Holiday is my go-to holiday watch, without fail. Sharing a song from the soundtrack that always hits just right this time of year. Enjoy! This podcast is best enjoyed on Substack.com so download the app and follow me there for the full experience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

If you asked me whether I believe in myself, I’d confidently say yes. But the truth is, that’s not always the case.In this episode, I dive into the quiet ways we sabotage our own progress: fear disguised as perfectionism, and the little lies we tell ourselves to stay comfortable. Real growth is doing what you said you would do, even when the circumstances aren’t great. For me, recording this podcast is part of moving through my fear of being seen. My voice matters, I trust my wisdom and I’m committed to carving my own path with courage, applause or not. I believe in myself, fully and it feels awesome.So I’ll ask you: how are you getting in your own way? And what are you doing to change that?This podcast is best enjoyed on Substack.com, so download the app and follow me there for the full experience. I’m also on TikTok @thisnigerianlifepod.💫 What I’m enjoying:Caroline Myss on the Saboteur archetype This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

This episode discusses counselling and therapy and why I believe they’re often conflated. They are similar but the key difference is that counselling is short term, offering quick relief while therapy is longer and deals with root causes of issues. Therapy requires deep vulnerability from the patient in a safe space created by the practitioner- so it’s not just vibes and as popular as it may seem, I don’t think we are quite there yet. Therapy services are not mainstream in Nigeria with crucial mental health services still out of reach for majority, this is where self-help comes in. Self-help may get a bad rap, but when done well, it can be beneficial. I encourage using the free resources within your disposal but remember, discernment is key.What are your go-to self-help resources? tell me in the comments.My Substack chat is OPEN, come and say hi! As always, the podcast is best experienced on Substack, so download the app and follow me there for all the good stuff.💫 Recommended Resources: aka some of my “therapists” lolAttached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—LoveLovers by Shan, The School of Life, Francesca Hogi, Psychology DemystifiedP.S: I am currently obsessed with Yellowstone TV Series with Kevin Costner. I’m late to the party, but if you haven’t do check it out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

This episode explores self-worth, enlightenment, and releasing old identities.As a self-proclaimed independent woman, unemployment has helped me reconnect with my softer side- the part of me that isn’t constantly in survival mode. You know, that space where you can breathe a little- where you’re not “always guiding” (Nigerian slang for being tough, guarded, and completely self-reliant) and allow yourself to simply be. Not everything to yourself. Not the woman who never needed anyone.Unlike Lady Gaga, I wasn’t born this way. Like many hyper-independent women, I learned to depend on me because I had to, for self preservation. But I’ve come to see it as a trauma response, rooted in early experiences with money and self-worth. Now, I’m learning to show up fully as myself, to soften, and to receive, simply because I am worthy of it.How do you navigate your own feelings of self-worth and receiving? Tell me in the comments, and remember to subscribe if you haven’t already!My Substack chat is OPEN, come and say hi! As always, the podcast is best experienced on Substack, so follow me there for all the good stuff.Study with Caroline Myss [here] or at the link below: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Hey listeners,How do we break free from family trauma patterns? In this episode, I share my personal experience with family trauma. Exploring the combination of trusting my intuition and listening to my inner wisdom; taking personal accountability and responsibility for my healing without blame or shame. This episode is for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful work of healing generational wounds while staying true to themselves.My essay on the same topic can be found below for Substack listeners, and [here] for other apps. As always, thanks for listening. Please subscribe and say hi to me on Substack.❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

In this episode, I read an excerpt from my essay in We Will Lead Africa Volume 5: Technology, Science, and Innovation. This is easily the most exciting and affirming thing to happen to me so far this year- seeing my name in print. Whoo hoo! 🎉Buy your copy [here] and enjoy my essay along with the other inspiring stories.Now, a behind-the-scenes moment: my voice was so tense while recording this episode that I had to stop midway for some vocal exercises and a bit of dancing. My song of choice? Oh Happy Day from Sister Act II — especially the “la-la-la-la-la-la” part by Whoopi’s character. It turned into a two-for-one: vocal warm-up and dance break. Those vocal warm ups actually work. You might ask, “What do vocal exercises have to do with podcasting?” Everything! My voice is my tool, and it deserves the same care as singers give theirs.📣 Announcement! My Substack private chat is now OPEN! If you’re a subscriber, you should have received a notification. Come in, get comfy, and share your dreams, recommendations, or even your fears. Let’s lament, laugh, and comfort each other.What do you do when you feel tense? Tell me in the comments and remember to subscribe if you haven’t already! Follow me on Substack for all the good stuff.Album recommendation: This one is Personal by Tiwa Savage. Tiwa poured her heart into this and I love it. 😮‍💨 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

In this episode I talk about hope with a sprinkle of delusion which is my fuel on most days. Other days I wallow in hopelessness, but not for too long.When I say friends, it includes my amazing sister who has been a rock despite the physical distance between us.Recommended resources: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown, Alain de Botton’s YouTube, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; here’s a free version if you can’t buy your copy.I’m on a YouTube detox because of payment issues resulting from the outage, so until this is resolved, Spotify recs is what you get for now. Speaking of music, rest in peace to D’Angelo whose music I discovered in my early 20s and still listen to. Brown Sugar is my forever favourite- I think of it as an ode to my gorgeous dark skin. 🕊️India Arie is my go-to for when I need something healing, her music just speaks to the situation anytime. Her album SongVersation: Medicine has been on replay, give it a listen and be blessed.I can’t shut up about 👉🏾 Olamide’s self titled album which I strongly recommend bass headphones, for maximum enjoyment.Until next time. Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and come talk to me on Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Hiya!My plan was to relaunch the podcast in a neat and polished way, forgetting the most important thing: having an outlet for my thoughts. A wave of inspiration led to this recording which I have the pleasure of sharing with you- in spite of the many doubts scrambling in my head. Welcome to my thoughts! 😁 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Hey friends,Brené Brown said “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”. So here I am, back with my mic ready to laugh, learn and have conversations that feel like catching up with your favorite people.It’s going to be fun, a little chaotic, and full of good realness. Hit play and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Hey listeners! I’ve been dealing with life and a huge lack of motivation. But I’m getting over it gradually. This is a little something to say I’m back now and I have some stories coming. Email me at thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or connect with me on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. Better still, send a voice note if you’re using the Anchor app. Please rate the podcast on Apple podcasts and Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

I’ve been dealing with anxiety for sometime now and I decided to seek therapy. I spoke with a therapist twice a week for about 2 weeks and what did I learn? Listen to find out. Send your feedback & comments via thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also send me a voice note using the voice function in the Anchor app. Remember, to give the podcast a rating on Apple podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Nigeria is hard, there’s no sugar coating it. While migrating is not new, it has become more popular to see internet articles, posts etc advising young Nigerians to leave the country and the options available. Of particular interest is Canada. The number of Nigerians who obtained permanent residency in Canada has increased from a little over 4000 in 2015 to 12,600 in 2019. For this episode, Funke & I discuss settling as an immigrant in Canada. Funke is a lawyer, wife and mother of two boys. Find her @olaogunfasunon on social media. Send your feedback & comments to thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also send me a voice note using the voice function in the Anchor app. Remember you can rate the podcast on Apple podcasts. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

It’s February! Which means two things, Valentine’s Day and the first anniversary of this podcast!🎈🎈🥳 I did it “Joe” if you get the reference. 14 episodes and counting. I’m so proud of my work & grateful for the support I’ve received. In this episode, I talk about navigating the dating scene in Lagos and giving dating apps a second try. Send your feedback & comments to thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also send me a voice note using the voice function in the Anchor app. Remember you can give the podcast a rating on Apple podcasts. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Wecome to the first episode for 2021! * cue applause* 🥳🥳 I'm sharing my well wishes and thoughts for the year, so this episode is very brief. Send your feedback & comments via thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also send me a voice note using the voice function in the Anchor app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

This episode explores the similarities & differences between the youth protests in Thailand and Nigeria. Discussing the Thailand side of things is my friend and colleague Mike( @mzungumike on IG). Share your feedback & comments via thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also send me a voice note using the voice function in the Anchor app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Nigeria has been on high alert for the past 3 days! This is my take on the movement by Nigerian youth against police brutality, where we are today and how we can sustain momentum. Share your feedback & comments via thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also use the voice message function in the Anchor app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

I’m so grateful for 10 episodes!🥳 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

Sex is always a riveting subject, depending on the context and who you talk about it with. Lately, we see more women owning their bodies, or expressing the beauty of their sexuality through art; specifically through writing. My guest Dupe Kuku a.k.a Abeni is a writer of erotica and we explore the topic together. Find some of her stories on Facebook.com using #Abenilinks. Share your feedback & comments via thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also use the voice message function in the Anchor app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com

They say men are simple beings, but are they really? In this episode, my friend Kofo gives his opinion about what men want; men want to be shown love, to receive gifts and be appreciated, etc. We also discuss areas for women to improve in their relationships with men. Kofo is a Digital Media professional living in Lagos. He enjoys good food and the occasional banter on social media. Share your feedback & comments via thisnigerianlifepod@gmail.com or on Twitter @dark_lawyergirl. You can also use the voice message function in the Anchor app. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisnigerianlifepod.substack.com