Honestly Speaking with Antonia Howard

Speaking truth to power sounds noble, but in Sierra Leone, it can come with a heavy price. In this episode of Honestly Speaking , Antonia Howard sits down with journalist Umaru Fofana to unpack what it really means to challenge authority in a country where truth can be dangerous — and sometimes, even for sale. From political backlash and personal risk to the quiet pressures of survival in a fragil...

Sierra Leone’s classrooms are full, but not always inclusive. In this episode of Honestly Speaking , Antonia Howard sits down with a specialist teacher trainer working to support children with special needs to unpack the hidden crisis of exclusion in our education system. From undiagnosed learning disabilities to outdated teaching methods, we explore how many children are being labelled as “dull,”...

Sierra Leone has survived war, disease, economic instability, and natural disaster, but what has it done to our minds? In this episode of Honestly Speaking , Antonia Howard sits down with mental health advocate Dr. Carol Labor to explore how unspoken trauma, cultural stigma, and the absence of support systems continue to affect the nation’s emotional health. We unpack the long-term psychological e...

We talk about beauty all the time in Sierra Leone, but rarely do we stop to ask what beauty actually represents. In this episode, Antonia is joined by Hawa Turay - pageant coach, entrepreneur and Sierra Leone's first representative to Miss Universe, to reflect on how beauty pageants shape society’s expectations of women. They discuss the perception of beauty as power, but also the drawbacks that m...

We talk about bad roads, corruption, poor education systems, but how often do we name patriarchy as a root cause of Sierra Leone’s slow progress? In this powerful episode, lawyer and activist Nicky Spencer-Coker challenges us to rethink development through a gender lens. She argues that until we address gender-based oppression - at home, in schools, in parliament, in the court, we’ll continue buil...

In this special solo episode, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect. No guest, just me, Antonia, sharing the heart behind the podcast and what I hope it does for you, for us, for Sierra Leone. This episode is about the why: The thoughts that sparked it. The love that fuels it. The honest conversations we desperately need but rarely have. If this podcast has ever made you pause, laugh, nod, thin...

Feminism is a word that sparks debate — sometimes curiosity, sometimes backlash. In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard and Dr. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim explore the meaning, the misconceptions, and the lived realities of feminism in Sierra Leone. From cultural resistance to structural inequality, the conversation unpacks why some view feminism as threatening, how power and patriarchy sha...

From festivals to fashion shows, cultural events in Sierra Leone are doing more than just entertaining — they’re building identity, community, and pride. In this episode of Honestly Speaking , Antonia sits down with educator and vibe curator Yeniva Sisay to explore how intentionally curated events help shape national consciousness, challenge social norms, and raise the standard for what progress c...

Why is poor service so widely accepted in Sierra Leone? Is it a lack of training — or a deeper cultural mindset about what people deserve? In this episode of Honestly Speaking , Antonia and guest, Edleen Elba, explore how customer service reveals more than just business practices — it reflects what we’ve come to tolerate as a society. From apologies to the absence of accountability, we break down...

Floods. Landslides. Rising tides. The signs are no longer subtle — Sierra Leone is in the middle of an escalating environmental crisis. In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia sits down with environmental scientist and advocate Dr. Alhaji Njai to explore the urgent consequences of environmental neglect. From disappearing mangroves to unchecked construction and poor waste management, they ask...

From trending clips to viral outrage, Sierra Leone’s digital space is louder than ever — but is it actually moving us forward? In this episode, Antonia Howard is joined by media personality and digital strategist Vickie Remoe to explore how social media is shaping our society. They discuss online conflict culture, influencer responsibility, digital integrity, and the blurred line between relevance...

In a country where systems often fail and opportunities feel limited, what does it really take to succeed? In this episode, media entrepreneur Phebean Swill and host Antonia Howard unpack the balance between personal responsibility and systemic barriers. They discuss youth mindset, entrepreneurship, the over-reliance on government for jobs, and why young Sierra Leoneans need to stop waiting — and...

In this episode of Honestly Speaking , award-winning artist Drizilik joins Antonia Howard for an honest conversation about what it really takes to turn music into a sustainable career in Sierra Leone. They explore the business side of creativity — from record deals, branding, and financial discipline, to the mindset and strategy needed to survive in an industry with limited infrastructure. Drizili...

In Part 2 of our education deep dive, we move beyond policy talk and dive into what really happens in classrooms, workshops, and training spaces across Sierra Leone. Why do we still treat vocational skills like a fallback plan? What does it say about our values when creativity and craft are seen as “second options”? This episode explores how deeply rooted mindsets continue to undermine skills-base...

In this episode, Antonia and Dr. Yakama Manty Jones explore whether Sierra Leone’s education system is equipped to meet the demands of the future. The conversation dives into outdated curricula, the need for skills-based training, and how the system prepares young people for work in an increasingly digital and globalised world. Check out the #wordonthestreet segment here: https://youtu.be/cRK5fJur...

Exploring the cultural and psychological traits that shape Sierra Leone’s national identity—for good or bad. Antonia Howard and Dama James dive into the often unspoken ways attitudes influence national growth, with critical reflection on how mindsets shape the nation’s future. Check out the #WordOnTheStreet Segment on YouTube: Word on the Street - What is the Sierra Leonean Mindset?