The S.O.C.S Podcast

I recently started publicizing my art and being open about being an artist. This is the second piece I’ve ever released as an artwork to be sold and many have asked “What was your inspiration?”; “What is this about?”…this episode should give insight into that

The word Love and the phrase I love you are such delicate terms and experiences that have been used and redefined over the evolution of our existence. I love very hard, very passionately and have been viewed as an intense person because of that. Its been playing on my mind a lot...the ways in which we love and choose to be or desire to be loved and the impact of those life changing experiences. Brief unpacking of this topic but I think I covered most of it.

Without any doubt, relationships with parents are by far one of the most complex relationships to navigate. You and your parents have and will continue to go through so many periods of growth as individuals and as family. I am well aware that many have fallen victim to absent and abusive parenting and so may not have experience with the issues that I am addressing in this episode and for that I give so much empathy. This episode is not by any means an attack at mine or any parents but rather only one component of healing wounds that may lay open. Enjoy. 

A lot of people have spoken to me about their experiences with or apprehensions about psychedelic drugs. Specifically Mushrooms (the only experience I personally have with psychedelics). In this quick episode I go over my experiences with mushrooms and what I think are the most important things to be mindful of in trying to create as much a comfortable and beautiful experience as you can. Thoughts?

I started recording almost a year ago and after two months of going quiet, I'd like to think I'm ready to begin speaking my mind again and utilizing this open platform of expression I created for myself in the first place. Opening up season 2 is an episode that reflects on where I am in life right now; where my mind is; where I'm choosing to prioritize my energy and time and a takes a look at somewhat of an analysis of recent trials that brought me to this point. 

Fola and I both recently immigrated from South Africa in the last 5 years. Me 4 years ago and he; 8 months ago or something to that effect. While he isnt South African; he and I both share the experience of having to transition from our home countries (a) and both having transferred from South Africa in particular; we shared some of; if not all the same sort of cultural surprises when we entered the new world we chose by moving to the U.S. when we did and for the reasons we did. 

"Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see". I am grateful to have begun to see and understand the benefits of having faith in every single process no matter how difficult and no matter how little I may or may not know about what comes next. Sit with me for this. 

Trying to maintain the courage to trust people is one of the most difficult things I've had to choose to do. I say choose because I could have easily chosen the alternative; shutting down and pushing people away. Something I've always been very good at. So, now, recognizing the importance of learning how to trust; means that I choose everyday to ensure that I try to learn to master this by working on it...everyday. Being honest with people who I see I can trust and letting them in to my world bit by bit. And sometimes that looks like simply admitting when I'm not having a good day. Small task; great significance. 

Delay is not denial. What a profound thing to say. As Uma and I share our journeys with the concept of patience and how pivotal that is; we come across some verbal masterpieces. "Delay is not denial" and "Be patient with your potential". Two messages I wish to carry across the world. 

I loved this one. Of all these episodes over this six week period; this one hits home the most and I love how by some chance; each of our lessons (Uma and myself) lends to each other profoundly and that allowed for such a strong energy in what was being communicated. Have a listen

One of the fundamental points made when it comes to Acceptance; for me; is accepting myself at any given moment; in all my moments no matter what they look like.

This year; the year before and the definitely the year before that have all been particularly difficult years. I know I have personally experienced a number of things I would never have imagined and am currently working through a journey I could only have dreamed of. And maybe I did. While purposefully and frequently reflecting on how my life has unfolded in this year alone; I decided to work up a list of six (chronologically) lessons I have learned this year. Each with its own significant event attached to it while all being so intimately woven relationship. The next six weeks will be an interesting short documentary. 

So the last time you heard me talk I welcomed Ebbisa and Luiji to add their guided 2c on what guys don't understand about girls. This time; as a light but significant introduction back to sharing what's on my mind; Ebbisa helps me unpack what girls apparently don't quite understand about men. Hmmm; how the tables have turned. Tune in

This episode covers the journey I went on during an art exhibition recently that explores the depth of what it has meant and what it means to be “Black”. Delbert Richardson is the wonderful creator of this exhibition and I suppose movement and has crafted his work so well to communicate the complex time periods like slavery and what that means for us today as black people.

The boys Luiji and Ebbisa (hosts of The Winning Podcast) join me for my 15th episode. I asked you guys what you think Men don't understand about Women and you certainly had much to say. So, we got to talking about it. The boys add their mature insight on each of the issues brought up and we find ourselves diving deeper and deeper toward relationships and their complex nature. I digress. Tap in.

This episode definitely serves as a way for me to level with you; empathize with you but also motivate you to continue to work through the trials you're currently experiencing. What I call "Growing pains". I want you to understand that what you're currently trying to overcome will only yield exponential growth. That what you are working through now is; while incredibly difficult; absolutely necessary and I hope that you see the growth through experience and the 'You' that you're yet to become as worth it. Because it is. You are. Namaste my loves. 

As Fola and I round up this conversation; I want to say thank you to everyone who has stayed with us throughout the series.  In this last skit we cover the value of: conscientiousness; privileges we have now that we appreciate so much because of where we grew up and the circumstances we faced as well as "timing". And then we bitch a little bit about the weather and how shitty it is that summer may not really show up this year. But; we are alive and that's what matters most. Go ahead and Tap In. Namaste 

Gosh there isn't really much of a synopsis for this one. Fola and I unpack concepts that richly influence our lives and the choices we make as we navigate through the uncertainty of everything; while holding close what drives us forward. Have a listen

Fola extends some insight on what he calls our "Sphere of influence" and the degree to which that idea does or could permeate in our independent lives. In essence: the degree to which we each leave a mark on this earth. Do you believe in "legacy"? Does the idea of having a legacy play into your own identity? Think about that for a second.  That blend then turns into an exchange about the idea of Mid and in fact quarter life crises and the link between those concepts and existentialism. I don't entirely believe in a quarter life crises. And yet midlife crises or what is said to be a midlife crisis makes much sense to me. The notion of reaching a point or  ones "half life mark": the period people experience where they take time to breathe after chasing the family; the school; the career; the business and passion all at once. Reaching a point where they question whether all sacrifices that yielded attaining these life goals were worth it or not; is there more?; are they satisfied? and so on. Something I hope I never experience but also that if I do; I hope I am as confident in my choices after making them as I was before they were made. Keep listening!

I continue to recall a lecture I had in Developmental Psychology; back in varsity. This debate that displays the intersection between validity and significance; existentialism and realism; the back and forth between the self we know ourselves to be and the self we don't confront without our confrontation with others. That didn't make a lot of sense did it? Well; its simply this; a question was posed "Who are you when you're alone in a dark room?" and further "Do you exist without the presence of other people?". My second guest; Fola joins me on this complex stream of consciousness and we end up unpacking seemingly irrelevant themes that run parallel to the aforementioned questions. What do you think?