Banana Island Living Podcasts

With nearly 30 years as an international civil servant working with the UN, Yewande Odia has been in all the hotspots - Somalia, Haiti, Goma, Tchad and yes, even New York (the original hotspot)!  In this episode, we discuss:UN or bust - how to get your foot through the door;Trevor Noah, Chris Rock and the attraction of the educated comic;Theatre arts, school band, UN? Not the most obvious of career paths;Dangerous situations and intense friendships - the correlation;Korean dramas, Old school R & B and the turgid book that doesn't bear finishing;The bucket list - and yes, even Yewande who has done it all and seen it all still has things to tick off.Yewande finds a joke, a pun that needs some thinking about but that, surely, is the point. This episode will get you thinking about resilience, perseverance and the changing nature of friendships as we grow older.Links Mentioned:Barack Obama - A Promised LandD' Angelo-  How Does it Feel? Robin Thicke - Lost Without YouHer Private Life - the movieSponsored by https://www.bananaislandschool.com/Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island LivingBanana Island Living's YouTube channel

As if Sarah Boulos’s backstory (past imperfect?) was not epic enough, her present continuous one merits its own Hollywood (or is it Nollywood?) biopic. Born in Burkina Faso, schooled in France and US, Lebanese father and  French mother; living in Nigeria for many decades, Sarah has truly bloomed where she was planted.Vibrant, passionate and a muse, Sarah’s life has been one of great highs and horrible lows, heady peaks and shattering troughs, filled with sublime moments and truly ridiculous phases. And still she rises.In this episode, we discuss:Being white in Africa - privilege or albatross?;Yes, trust fund babies also cry;Losing multiple family members within 24 hours;That epic marriage cum merger - yes, that one;The soul preserving discovery of faith  - for Sarah it’s all encompassing;SPAN (Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria) and finding your purpose.The bucket list - step aside Oprah;Between Chat GPT and Google’s Bard, Sarah tells a joke, or rather, finds a joke and tells it sweetly. This episode will give you a whole new respect for that delicate high wire oxymoronic space between supreme confidence and touching humility. Yes, the future is conditional.Links Mentioned:Clint White - Tattoos, not BrandsT Y Bello -  The Morning SongbookChevalier - the movie.You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitvah - the movieSponsored by https://www.bananaislandschool.com/Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island LivingBanana Island Living's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yIS0FwNp1I8

Blessing Adesiyan established WorkLife Africa, a think-tank focussed on transforming the continent's workforce and work spaces. She has made quite a journey from tech to care, not the first pivot that springs to mind  but as the mistress of making lemonade from lemons, she now sits comfortably in her own skin.In this episode, we discuss:Finding yourself pregnant in Uni and making it work;The incredible power of a loving father;Growing up in Nigeria, being fearless and that unquantifiable super power;The squeezed middle, the never ending care giving age and the sheer soul sapping burden of care;Japa, japaing and japadaing - hmmm;The pastor's daughter way to spirituality (and no, it doesn't involve church);Powerlifting, weights and we are in awe!Blessing tells a joke, actually a true story but an absolute cracker.  This episode is a close up of a mega motivated person and one that just might get you lifting weights.Links Mentioned:Peter Attia - OutliveAsake - Work of ArtAdekunle Gold - OgaranyaBanana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island LivingBanana Island Living's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yIS0FwNp1I8

Ugoma Ebilah is a polymath - she has been an economist, successful financier, clothes designer, art dealer and now, one word which might just work when trying to box the unboxable would be 'creative entrepreneur'. In this episode, we discuss:The corporate lane, having an eye, wanting more and the side hustle mission creep. Clarity vs choosing not to know.The indefinable attractiveness of being light.The secret dream job, the Mercedes Benz dream car and that most un-pc of creatures - the petrol head.London, the Barbican, then and now.Women vs men - and a new take on the us/them dynamic?Nina Simone, Davido and Wike - from the sublime to the ridiculous?.Mbari Mbayo - Mbayo + Kola = Mbari Kola; clue - it's members only.Ugoma's joke is smutty, graphic, laugh out loud but, thankfully, coded - you have been warned!This episode is a mega eavesdrop - it will get you turning up the volume.Links Mentioned:I. E. Echeruo - Expert in all StylesNina Simone - Ain't got no/I got lifeDavido - FeelWarning by Jenny JosephBanana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island LivingBanana Island Living's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yIS0FwNp1I8

Only the paranoid survive! Only the paranoid survive? Yes! Tokunboh George - Taylor lives by that mantra and she really should know. She is THE foremost PR strategist in Nigeria and founding Managing Director at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Nigeria. Served her and her clients well (very well) and in this episode, we discuss:branding, self branding and positioning;that line between branding and pushiness;knowing what you want and getting ready to get it;Ikoyi Club, Golf and strategising;Charity work and image laundering;Korean dramas (help - can't get away from them);And Snoop Dog!! Nope, that's one we definitely didn't see coming!Sponsored by Banana Island SchoolCheck out:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island Living

Uzo Nzeogu, a talented artist who studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with greats like Bruce Onobrakpeya and El Anatsui seemed all set to claim his place as a fine artist. But then, he did the maths, ditched paint and chose pragmatism. Pragmatism led him to Newswatch, to Dele Giwa,  to Ray Ekpu, to Dan Agbese and to 'the happiest time of my life'. The newsroom rush, the boardroom manoeuvring, the tragic, shocking murder of Dele Giwa, Uzo was in the thick of it.In this episode, we discuss:Pragmatism and paying the bills.The halcyon days of Nigerian news magazines.There but the love of God and barely dodging the bomb.The Nigerian war and PTSD.IPOB and the lessons of Rwanda.To repatriate or not to, Uzo has a view.And choosing to ditch the Nigeria project.... and here we agree to disagree.Nope, no jokes in this episode but Uzo admits to listening to BIL podcast. What a gent!Sponsored by Banana Island SchoolCheck out:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island Living

Helen took a short trip away from university and came back as Miss Nigeria 1979! Sharp, shrewd and always impeccably turned out, Helen Prest Ajayi neatly turned the beauty currency into entrepreneurship, into businesses way ahead of the times. In this episode, we discuss:using what you have to get what you want.spotting trends way ahead of time.Buka (yes, that Buka) and the fast food thing.SPARE, Prince Harry and telling your own story.Jogging in Banana Island really can inspire you - no, honestly.And Helen tells a joke - a good, groan-inducing joke. This episode will have you upping your glam game and then start spotting trends.Sponsored by Banana Island SchoolCheck out:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island Living

Eku Edewor is many things but one thing she definitely is not is a slacker. Not just a pretty face (and what a pretty face), she believes in grafting and earning her flowers. In this episode, we discuss:9 years old and catching the bug (yes, do put your daughter on the stage Mrs. Worthington).53 Extra, Castle & Castle, Netflix and longevity in the business.UK or Naij? - would I?, should I?, could I ? and the angst of choice.Identity and name change.Not black enough v not quite white enough - you know, that bi-racial actor conundrum.Ambition + graft = winning combo?Producer or bust - not quite bucket list but yeah...Eku is versatile and her funny ha ha joke shows just how versatile.This episode will have you surfing the net - to catch one more glimpse.Links Mentioned: 53 ExtraCastle & CastleBritain's Next Top Model Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island Living

A lion in the den who has made his mark on the property landscape. Paul Onwuanibe is group chief executive officer of Landmark Africa Group. With  formal education in Architecture, Property Development and Construction Management, together with a London Business School MBA with a merit in “Value Engineering”Paul  is one of the renowned lions on the  Nigerian business reality show "Lion's Den" and in this episode, we discuss:the Lion's Den and choosing winners (or not).that initial funding - friends, family and fools?dodging death in the World Trade Centre.the 'where's your boss?' dance.the Nigerian mindset - priceless and world beating.making sure your kids are Naija centric.Pele and Carl Lewis and the Olympic mindset.Kenny Rodgers, Dolly Parton and the country music vibe.Paul tells jokes too. Self deprecating and good news ones. This lion is a nice and warm tabby. A thoroughly nice one. Check out:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

For years, Dr. Ayo Aderinwale lived and breathed African political science. He has been in exile fleeing Abacha's regime, been a key figure in the plans and preparations for the United States of Africa, been Deputy President, Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union, established and became executive director of the African Leadership Forum... and then on a flight from Addis, after a particularly frustrating  episode, he had his damascene moment. He was done! Bye bye political science. Hello private sector. And boy has he made his mark!Now with 19 stores in South West Nigeria, Dr. Aderinwale is chairman and owner (along with his wife) of Justrite chain of stores. With turnover in billions of Naira, he brings his formidable intellect to retail and the landscape changed for ever.In this episode, we discuss:the dream that turned into a mirage.the power of a positive mindset.who needs Ikoyi and Banana Island?Data is king, queen and joker.Nigeria still the best place to make it bigly.Sunny Ade vs. Ebenezer ObeyAnd Ayo does jokes, tells a great one and we share a cracking one from one of our regular listeners. This episode will get you doubling your hustle (and saving the jokes for Christmas lunch).Check out:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

Old Gregorian, avid Banana Island Living listener and serial entrepreneur, Adeyemo Sodipo, has embedded himself in the community he migrated into - St. Louis, Missouri. He has set up businesses, serves as a trustee of that most WASP of WASP American institutions, the private Prep school, been a union employer and sits on the board of his local Crime Victim Advocacy Centre. Adeyemo represents that most conflicted of individuals - the diaspora Nigerian. In this episode we discuss:Once a Gregorian, always a Gregorian;3.9/4 GPA and still wanting;How to survive as a diaspora entrepreneur in the US (what you don't learn in business school);Naira/Dollar values and the perennial whinge of the diasporan;Nigerian politics and the lesser of all the evils;Staying and building vs. running away and doom and glooming - nope, we don't judge;Dad, daddy and father - love, legacy and the binds that last.And Fela - Lady, Shakara and no, water no get enemy. IYKYK.QI!

Continuing our series unveiling the experiences and memories of the generation before ours, how they lived, loved and explored, our guest is none other than The  Original Original, the legend in her own lifetime, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye.An absolute one-off in the art and craft space and an all-round wonderful personality, Mama Nike shares incredible awe-inspiring stories spanning six decades.In this episode, we discuss:The 14-year-old runaway bride.Serendipity vs making your own luck.Mbari Mbayo and those halcyon days.Female solidarity, empowerment and financial independence.The deep, rich, unwritten language of Adire symbols.That bucket list thing.and, believe it, yams and fecundity have a thing going (cryptic, yes, but listen and all will be revealed).This is one heck of a life journey. Absolutely riveting!Nike Art Gallery on InstagramVisit Nike Art FoundationBanana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSee More of Banana Island Living Available on all audio listening platforms.

The fourth in our series of conversations with people 75 years and over, our conversation with the musical octogenarian is one that uplifts and serenades.We speak with Edna Jane Deinyo Soyanwo (EJD). Born on Sunday January 7th, 1934, EJD holds a BA (Dunelm) degree, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of London, Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM) and a Masters in Education from the University of North Wales (Bangor). She has had a long successful teaching career in the UK, Ghana and Nigeria.In this episode, we talk about:Love in G minuet.Blooming where you are planted.Living in the Empire, loving the Queen and KC3Netflix's The Crown.'Ghana Must Go' with nuance (history really does need context).Life as a foreigner during the Nigerian civil war.SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) - an ode or a dirge?The power of relationships, friendships and warmth.And yes, Love ALWAYS wins.This episode absolutely exudes positivity and joy. A truly joyful rom-com.  Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

The third in our series of conversations with people 75 years and over, our conversation with the royal professor could not have come at a better time - a week after Queen Elizabeth's passing.We speak with Emeritus Professor Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie, Cambridge educated obstetrician-gynaecologist and educator. Professor Giwa-Osagie is a recipient of the Adrian Stokes Memorial award from Guys Hospital Medical School, London, 1975, Chevalier du Lion, Republic of Senegal, Dakar, and a truly worthy person to walk us through the story of medical practice in Nigeria - the peaks, the troughs, and the bits in between.In this episode, we talk about:The bucket list.The old school tie (if you know you know).The real (Benin people's version) story of the sacking of the Benin Kingdom.The King (Charles) and IWhat Princess Diana saidBeing controversial and hanging the consequences - it's the age privilege thing.and then - the joke - the medical (ever so slightly smutty) joke. This episode will get you hitting the clubs - if it works so well for Prof.....Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

The second in our series of conversations with people 75 years and over, this episode is a truly special one.We meet two Agbaje sisters (82 and 91 years old) who have lived their best lives and lived to tell the tale.  Mrs. Moulin Ashake Agbaje - Anozie and Ms. Wule Agbaje (the Agbajes) are special, and boy, do let us know it!In this episode, we talk about: life as children of a millionaire in pre-independence Nigeriapolygamy and family lifela dolce vita in 50s EnglandCliff Richard (of all things)the Nigerian civil warcounting your blessingsabove everything else, the Agbaje Oriki (poignant, deep, rich, incredibly moving)and then, the joke - the side-splitting joke. This one requires Google Translate but absolutely worth the effort.A moving, wistful tribute to an incredible generation. Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

Hers was the generation that saw the best of times and, arguably, the worst of times.  The heady, optimistic pre Nigerian independence days and then, the abyss of the Civil War. Mrs. Eugenia Arinola Afolabi has seen it all, done it all and wears the robes with a twinkle in her eye. In this episode we discuss:being wooed and wedded in 50s Nigeria;life as a foreign student in 50/60s England;fostering - good and not so great;skiing whilst black;from Guinea to Japan, New York to Belgium - moving every few years, living in many countries and continents but always, always being your true authentic self;her favourite things - music, books, food.... and, ah - that special, special thing close to the heart of every Yoruba person - her 'Oriki' (Google is the friend you need for this:)This really is one for the history books.Check out:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

The big C, the dreaded C, that soul destroying word we do everything possible (or at least try) to avoid. Yes, Cancer! In seeking to find some cause for optimism, no matter how faint, we speak to Moji Animashaun, an experienced cancer treatment professional with over 30 years' experience as a radiation therapist. Moji retired as a Deputy Director in the Oncology unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in 2018 after practising in 5 different hospitals on 3 different continents. She has also spent several years teaching and constructing radiation therapy curricula in both the United States and Nigeria. In 2013, Moji founded St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation, an organization whose mission is to provide quality cancer treatment to Africans, starting in Nigeria.We discuss:cancer in Nigeriathe myths, denials and burgeoning awarenessthe glimmer of hope and good newstreatment - to stay in Nigeria or hot foot it out chemo - is it worth the angst?and of course, the guest's hidden bits - bucket list, iffy jokes and all.This episode will get you thinking, and evaluating.Enjoy!Links:Banana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living 

Sade Doherty works hard - at being a business lawyer,  family court assessor, school governor, Musical Society of Nigeria trustee, Centre for Contemporary Arts trustee, and at that most social of High Church communities, The Pink Ladies of the Cathedral Church of Christ.In this episode, we talk about: wearing many hats being 'se kari' or in English - strategichard workObamaNigerian politics todayand groan, the joke - never smutty but not clean either.A light, soufflé of an episode. You'll love it.See Sade Doherty on LinkedIn: FOLASADE DOHERTY | LinkedInBanana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

'The diet starts tomorrow!' Yeah, sure. We've all been there, said that, got the oversized tee shirt. Olamide Balogun, the 'awakening lifestyles' guru and certified wellness coach, puts us through our paces and tells us a few home truths about those healthy choices. We discuss:losing weight veganism on a Nigerian dietwhat not to eat or drinkfastingDownton Abbey (who knew?)faith and that seemingly constantly recurring Proverbs 31 womanmusic, books and yes, that joke thing.Check out Olamide Balogun on Instagram: @awakenlifestylesBanana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living

Children have a voice, they should be encouraged to use it and people should be encouraged to listen (with apologies to the Duchess of Sussex).  Tsemaye, Kwezi, Alicia and Tom from Nigeria, South Africa, France and the United Kingdom share their thoughts. We talk about:the war in Ukrainewhat makes them happywhat they would like for the world the environmentMovies - Encanto, Star Wars, Books, Musicand yes, we get the obligatory joke - from the vaguely amusing to the groan worthy. A totally charming International Children's Day episode. Will make your week.Tsemaye, Kwezi, Alicia and Tom are all students at Banana Island School.Check out Banana Island School's website: www.bananaislandschool.comBanana Island Living’s InstagramBanana Island Living's TwitterSponsored by Banana Island SchoolSee More of Banana Island Living