No Shame In My Name

In the opening chapter of Sheela’s book – What’s In A Name?, she writes, ‘our names reveal a multitude of stories, reveal feelings, states of consciousness and lost histories that embody who we really are and where we come from’. Listen as she exposes the deeply intimate process of writing a book about her own hybrid name – and that of her close friends.  Themes explored: Hybrid name in 60’s Britain What’s In A Name? - The book & the process Speaking Bangla  —--- Sheela’s Instagram: @sheelabanerjeewords *What’s In A Name? is available across all major bookstores in the UK.* —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true    #NSIMN 

From an early age, Bryan was exposed to a side of Africa seldom spoken of in mainstream media. In 2016, after a trip to his home-country Kenya with close friends, he returned with an idea. To expose the sounds and creativity that were pulsating from Africa. Listen as he shares the community-fuelled origin story of ‘The Ubunifu Space’, as well as giving us an insight into his Luo name and culture.  Themes explored: Naming patterns in Kenya The Ubunifu Space Luo, Language & Culture Creativity from the continent —--- Bryan’s Instagram: @bryanobonyo Check out The Ubunifu Space: @ubunifuspace —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  #NSIMN  

Ndukwe is from a place called Abiriba, in the eastern part of Nigeria. He grew up on a large and varied diet of stories and words which has since translated to a varied career in advertising, poetry and politics. Listen as he breaks down the story behind his name, revealing the depth of his Igbo identity.  Themes explored: Abiriba in Abia Storytelling in Nigeria The Voice Of The People  Igbo Dialects  —--- Ndukwe’s Instagram: @endi2g —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  #NSIMN

In 2014, Bísí was crowned the winner of Miss Nigeria 2014 UK. It follows that her full Yoruba name is full of uncanny symbolism. ‘The crown has given birth to more’. Listen as she reveals her name-story, and tells of her curiosity with documentaries, African history and skincare.   Themes explored: The Crown Has Given Birth To More   All things – @AllThingsAfrica The genesis of SELF:I:E  This current season is called… —--- Bisi’s Instagram: @bissakins Follow @allthingsafrica for African facts and insights —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  #NSIMN     

Confidence has been a key hallmark of Zainab’s life story so far. By way of her Yoruba name – Ashabi, listen as she beautifully shares the multiple streams of her self-expression journey. Themes explored: Ashabi’s journey  Confidence club  Multiple streams of self-esteem Expression through movement —--- Zainab’s Instagram: @ashabisjourney —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  #NSIMN

The meaning of Clayton’s name – ‘bearer of clay’ – alludes to setting the foundations of a building. In this episode, listen as he unearths the layers of stories behind his name and shares his journey of building business, building networks and building a successful podcast.    Themes explored: The aspiration of names  New markets, new names  Business world The Cashflow Show Podcast —--- Listen to The Cashflow Show Podcast: https://thecashflowshowpodcast.com/  —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  #NSIMN

Meet Naureen. She's one of the co-founders of NameShouts – a digital company on a mission to make pronouncing names easier. Listen as Naureen guides us through her name-story, reflecting on her love for languages and the country where she grew up.  Themes explored: Growing up in Bangladesh  The value of name pronunciation  The building of NameShouts  Finding common ground in different lands —--- NameShouts:   Twitter: @NameShouts Website: https://www.nameshouts.com/  —--- *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN 

Hasan’s name-story is layered – covering nuances of family, tradition and language.  Listen as our guest host Nobandile delightfully probes Hasan about his name, making interesting discoveries.    Themes explored: The evolution of the Arabic language Favourite names Theory: When people embody their names  Nobandile:  #NSIMN episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wGFmX5MKsZVCdcY4FahsW  —--- *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

Maddie Wright, also known as Maame is the protagonist in Jessica Geoge’s debut novel – a story all about the balancing act of adulting, whilst caring for her father who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, listen as Jessica George discloses the process of forming this deep heartfelt tale that grapples with love, loss & everything in between.    Themes explored:   ‘Maame’ as mother    Developing characters and names   Writing to publishing: Maame     Jessica George:  Twitter: @jessgeorge_   Instagram: @jessicabgeorge   📚 MAAME available for preorder here: https://linktr.ee/maamebook?fbclid=PAAaab21l4pkjpuB5Guek37U  —--- *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

Tireni’s full name translates to ‘He belongs to you, Lord’ in Yoruba. Listen as he unveils a gentle fascination towards naming traditions, as well as a personal intriguing fact about his succession to kingship.  Themes explored: Naming ceremonies Stepping to the throne  Receptive bilingualism — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

Born in Italy, and raised between Tuscany and London by Nigerian-Igbo parents, Kingsley is well acquainted with navigating new spaces. Listen as he translates the language of being set apart - in name, art and life.    Themes explored: Art as a vehicle of discovery Keeping up with Italian  Bringing honour to my family name Kingsley Nebechi  Instagram: @kingsleynebechi Get tickets to Kingsley’s ‘Odyssey:Seasons exhibition’:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/odyssey-seasons-a-solo-exhibition-by-kingsley-nebechi-tickets-559657800547 — *This episode marks three years since the #nsimn podcast was launched. A massive thank you to all the guests, collaborators, supporters and listeners of this podcast.*   Special thanks to:  Kingsley Nebechi  Jacqueline Davies  Greg Webster Nobandile Mutseyekwa — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod    #NSIMN

2022 is almost over, and what a year it’s been. In this episode,  host Juliana – gives us a snapshot of the #NSIMN year, full of intriguing guests who have generously shared their name-stories and more.  A special thanks to all the wonderful guests throughout the year.  And also a special shout-out to our BTS contributors and supporters, especially Jackie, Nobandile, Greg, Soapboxx studios, Fran Plowright, Jacob & Swarzy.  This episode was recorded at The London Broadcast Studios courtesy of The UK Audio Network (UKAN).  — *Are you interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  --- Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN  — Note: We will resume regular #NSIMN programming in the Spring of 2023.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In the final episode of 2022, Adrian – host & founder of The Sound Of Accra podcast – summarises the meaning of his names, covering the natural switching that occurs as he travels between different circles in Ghana and the UK.    Themes explored: The Sounds Of Accra Podcast: Entrepreneurship & Creativity  Spanner in the works: A Third Ghanaian name  Living up to the destiny of your name Adrian Daniels:   Instagram: @adriandaniels  Podcast: https://thesoundofaccra.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thesoundofaccrapodcast  — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod    #NSIMN

Peju – a poet and educator, loves her full name ‘Adepeju’. In the Yoruba language, it means ‘The crown is complete’ – reflecting the circumstances of her upbringing surrounded by love, and also alluding to her royal heritage as a descendant of the Ooni of Ifẹ̀ – Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun. Listen as she shares her name-story, speaking on the deep value and intuition of names.    Themes explored: ‘We Are Not A Colour’ poem The role of grandparents in naming The diversity and beauty of Igbo names and Yoruba names   Peju Abuchi:   YouTube: @@pejuabuchi4177 — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

Alicia holds the values of family and community-building in high esteem. This is expressed through her endeavours – personally and professionally. Listen as she shares her name-story, giving an insight into the coded nature of names and the stories of character that they might tell.    Themes explored: Uncle Foodie and other pet names Back in the day: Tag names from the playground The value of mentorship  Rooms and reputations  Alicia Richardson:   Instagram: @alicialatoyaldn To learn more about the ‘Black Create Connect’ network: https://blackcreateconnect.co.uk/  Instagram: @blackcreateconnect  — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

As a writer & poet, Yomi knows all too well the weight of passing on stories. Listen as he draws us into the story of his own name, exploring how it has travelled through the generations.  Themes explored: The making of Manorism  Knowing your history via the elders Proud to be Naija Yomi Sode:   Website: https://yomisode.com/  To preorder Manorism, click here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manorism-Yomi-Sode/dp/0141998571  — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod    #NSIMN

Ugochi’s name has a powerful Igbo meaning, that summons up a figurative reminder of God’s faithfulness and purpose for her life, a wider symbolism about the nation of Nigeria, and a well of anecdotes full of wisdom. Listen as she shares her name-story with an engaging conviction.   Themes explored: The beauty of the Igbo language and Igbo names The Nigerian Civil War  How names bring dignity and can help to define purpose   Ugochi:  Website: https://fiercemothers.com/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fierce-mothers/id1441930310  —   *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod      #NSIMN

Emeka was born with an innate creative intuition. It’s expressed not only in his career as an industrial designer, but also in the way he acknowledges the power of names. In this episode, listen as he confidently expresses a steady contentment for his Igbo name.    Themes explored: Respecting people by acknowledging their names Education and correction is key The creativity and imagination of parents – in naming    Emeka:  Instagram: @emx1907   Art-Alive Arts Trust is  a charity which helps young vulnerable adults to realise their potential through the arts and creativity. In the last twenty years they have had a significant influence on the lives of young people who have been affected by homelessness, drug abuse, and other barriers – whether social, financial or emotional.  To get involved, or to donate, please visit their website: https://www.artalive.org.uk/   — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

Anniwaa’s name – specific to a region in Kumasi, translates to ‘eyes of the world’. It is a name befitting to her animated, imaginative and inquisitive disposition. In this episode, listen as she paints a picture of her name-story, with vivid anecdotes.    Topics discussed: The continuation of names in family tradition Pronouncing names authentically How names inform characters worlds in acting   Anniwaa Buachie:  Twitter: @anniwaabuachie Instagram: @anniwaabuachie https://www.anniwaabuachie.com/ —   *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.    Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN

Astrid’s names have often elicited responses of curiosity. In this episode, listen as she shares her name-story, appreciating in detail – the surprise, homage and honour that names can bring.  Topics discussed: Names as a symbol of honour  Changing names via deed poll  How names can spark an internal exploration about identity Astrid:  Instagram:@astrid_mbx   It’s A Continent:  Twitter: @itsacontinent   Instagram: @itsacontinentpod   Website: www.itsacontinent.com/   To preorder the It’s A Continent book, click here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/chinny-ukata/its-a-continent/9781529376784/  — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?*   Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/  https://twitter.com/nsimnpod  https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-shame-in-my-name/?viewAsMember=true  https://linktr.ee/noshameinmynamepod  #NSIMN