ValidThoughts Podcast

Today on the pod, I’m talking to Yawo. I think we first started hanging out because our mutual friends were out of town, and we were both pretty new to Abidjan. Plus, we’d both lived in Germany so there was an easy connection there, too.Honestly, I’m so grateful this podcast gives me a chance to reconnect with the people around me, again and again.I hope you enjoy listening to Yawo geek out while trying very hard to convince us he’s not a geek just as much as I did!

I haven’t shared much about my life in India on the podcast, so I’m changing that now. I’m excited to introduce you to two incredible people in Delhi who are shaping the scene and representing the Black community here: Fatou and Chanda. They’re building communities, organizing parties and changing the narrative about what people expect from Black people in the subcontinent India. I'm so glad I met them because they really helped me enjoy Delhi. We had some of the best times together.I hope you enjoy this glimpse into what it’s like to be Black in India.Bisous and until next time ;)

I first met Ayomidotun in 2016, shortly after I moved to Nigeria. Not long after, I met Oyinda—back when they had just started dating—and it’s been such a joy watching their journey unfold. I had the best time celebrating them at their wedding, and now, every time I’m in town, I love stopping by to see the triplets.I’ve been wanting to hear them share their story—especially from Oyinda’s perspective. These two are raising the coolest set of triplets in Nigeria, and their love and partnership truly shine through.I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording this episode.

Hello everyone! I’m back with Demilade on the pod today. There wasn’t any agenda for this episode but I truly enjoyed it. I truly love how having a podcast brings me closer to my friends. On this episode, we talk about how I need to stop being a party pooper, safe spaces, the idea of home and building some sort of a legacy. I don’t know if anyone reads the description but anyone hopefully enjoys it because they aren’t easy to write 😅 It’s a long listen but it’s also a fun one, I promise!

Hey ValidThoughts listeners, I hope you're doing well. Work has been quite busy, but I'm grateful that the podcast always reminds me to take a breather. We're back with a shorter episode this week, and I hope it offers you a little pause too.Now, onto my guest – the first time I came across Mariette’s work was through La Nich. Then I finally met the artist behind the page, and I've been fascinated by her ever since. Mariette is calm and collected, and I really enjoyed getting a deeper glimpse into her life through our conversation.As always, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed recording it. See you soon!

Sabine and I first met through our mutual friend, Phidelia. A big shoutout to Phidelia for introducing me to some really cool people! 😊I’m not sure if it was our first or second meeting, but I remember Sabine bringing Eddie along, and from the start, I could tell what a cool and intentional couple they are. So, when I began planning for the new season of this podcast, having them on the pod was a no-brainer. Honestly, I was also excited to get to know them better.We could’ve kept the conversation going all day—it was that much fun! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it. My hope is that it serves as a reminder that love can be simple yet intentional, and it’s not always about grand gestures. I also hope it inspires you to trust your instincts.Until next time, Bisou! 😘

From the vibrant streets of Abidjan to the rich and diverse food culture of the U.S., Yasmine’s journey is a beautiful blend of adventure, identity, and passion.In this episode, we dive into her story—growing up in Côte d’Ivoire, navigating life in a new country, and how her love for food inspired Afrofoodie, a platform celebrating African cuisine and culture.Yasmine and I talk about comfort food, the restaurant scene in Abidjan and many other things. If you’ve ever found comfort in the flavors of home or wondered how food connects us across borders, this episode is for you.I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording this conversation! Bisou 🥰

It’s Valentine’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than with good friends, great conversation, and a little wine? 🍷 In this Galentine episode, I am joined by Apie, Elise and Sabine — we are four women with different stories but a shared love for real talk. From relationships and breakups to marriage and everything in between, we’re diving into it all with honesty and a lot of laughs.So whether you’re spending the day with a partner, your best friends, or just a great glass of wine—this one’s for you.Happy Valentine’s to all the lovers of love out there! ❤️

It’s been a while, but ValidThoughts is finally returning with a fresh season! In this intro episode, I’m reflecting on what’s happened since the last episode and giving you a sneak peek of what’s to come. I’m excited to introduce new guests, share updates about my life in Abidjan, and give you a glimpse of what I have planned for this year. Whether you’ve been here since the start or are just tuning in, I’m so grateful to have you along for this new chapter of ValidThoughts.

On today's episode of ValidThoughts, I finally share my second recording with Nneka that I promised to release ages ago. We talk about growing up in Ebonyi State and how meeting people from other parts of Nigeria contributed to her wanting to experience the world on her own terms.  I know it´s been a hot minute I´ve been gone. I also can´t promise to be back regularly anytime soon. Life has taking over but be sure to hear my voice once in a while. Thank you to everyone that listens to the podcast and supports us always.  You can find Nneka on Instagram Follow us Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit @jayblakez_ Music (Intro and Outro): Celeste Ojatula - Black

Today's episode is unique because it's the first time someone reached out to us at ValidThoughts after listening to one of our episodes. We speak about dating as a "plus-size woman" in Nigeria. Kathy shares how she navigates her everyday life and how her sexual experiences are highly influenced by society's pressure on women. I am very thankful to Kathy for sharing her unique experience with us.  Follow us Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit @jayblakez_ Music (Intro and Outro): Celeste Ojatula - Black

On today's episode of ValidThoughts, Nneka and I speak about everything Korea, Yoga and exploring different cultures. Nneka and I had so much fun recording this episode that we recorded another episode for you, which you will get to hear in a few weeks. I am such a huge fan of Nneka and I am so glad to have her in my corner. You can find Nneka on Instagram  Follow us Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit @jayblakez_ Music (Intro and Outro): Celeste Ojatula - Black

On today´s episode of ValidThoughts, I spoke to Funmi Oyatogun about many things, including exploring the world, starting a travel company, climbing Nigeria´s highest mountain and, of course, we speak about Mount Kilimanjaro.  I am a huge fan of Funmi. She and her team organized our trip to Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar last year with the most incredible group ever! I am so glad to have her on the podcast.  Check out TVP Adventures! Sign up for Funmi´s newsletter.  Follow us Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit @jayblakez_ Music (Intro and Outro): Celeste Ojatula - Black

We are back! Stronger and better! Welcome to Season 3. Join us on this journey of unique experiences! ValidThoughts hosted by S. is a bi-weekly podcast that initiates conversations about the concept of homeland, language, belonging and unique experiences. Follow us: Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit Music: Celeste Ojatula - Black

We made it to another season finale!   This time Abi and S sit down and talk about rejection, heartbreak, or the absence of, and their journeys with being vulnerable.  Enjoy listening to this tea-filled episode, and thank you for sticking around once again for season 2.  We will be back with season 3 soon. The Zikoko Love Life article: https://www.zikoko.com/life/love-life/love-life-how-another-woman-almost-ruined-us/  Jerrie Rotimi and FK Abudu (LOVE): https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIeGOwonxKt/?igshid=1u6bh1wup09c6

What does Sexual Compatibility mean to you ? What do you look out for when considering a sexual partner? Together with Muyiwa, I try to find answers to these questions.  Follow us Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit @jayblakez_ Music (Intro and Outro): Celeste Ojatula - Black

Abi and I reminisce on the first season of ValidThoughts, especially how we felt recording and editing each episode. It was also the first time we met in real life, even though, we have been working together for a while. We are keeping the vibes for this whole season. Enjoy! Follow us Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit Music (Intro and Outro): Celeste Ojatula - Black

It's the new season for me! We are back! Stronger and better!  ValidThoughts hosted by S. is a bi-weekly podcast that initiates conversations about the concept of homeland, language, belonging and vulnerability. Follow us: Instagram: @validthoughts_creative Twitter: @validthoughtCS Production: @titonlit Music: Celeste Ojatula - Black

Hello lovelies, I´m so excited to bring you guys Keren. Keren describes herself as an aesthete and I think that is so cool. You will have to listen to the episode to understand it fully :) As always, I love my guests and I learn so much from our conversations. I learn a lot about them but I also learn new things about my environment and new areas of life.Enjoy the conversation ;)

I met Kevine and Demilade at a trail run, and somehow, that turned into weekly meetups and checking in on each other. In this episode of ValidThoughts Podcast, we talk about growing up, what we love about Babi, and where life is taking us right now. It’s a long one, but just like our real-life conversations, it’s filled with laughter, random tangents, and those small moments that make friendships special.I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording.