Unapologetically Whole

Send us Fan Mail This episode dives into a powerful discussion on how redefining success, embracing wholeness, and recognizing one's own lane can transform life trajectories. Lola Dada-Olley explores these themes through stories of cultural conditioning, resilience, and intentional living, offering practical insights for anyone navigating personal or professional reinvention. Main insights in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unapologetically Whole, Lola Dada-Olley shares her journey of storytelling and the profound impact it has on both the storyteller and the audience. She emphasizes the importance of honesty in sharing personal experiences and how these stories can resonate with others, creating a sense of community and understanding. Lola reflects on the roles of caregiving and l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Unapologetically Whole podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley welcomes designer Dhee Sylvester to discuss the intricate process behind creating a book cover. Dhee shares his artistic journey, revealing how his background as a writer and poet informs his design philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in design, explaining how he seeks emotional and vi...

Send us Fan Mail Lola Dada-Olley's heartfelt reflection on embracing wholeness, integrating multiple identities, and living authentically. She shares her journey through trauma, resilience, and the power of storytelling to inspire others to step into their full selves. Key Topics The importance of integrating different aspects of identity The role of storytelling in healing and empowerment Ov...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unapologetically Whole, host Lola Dada-Olley engages in a heartfelt conversation with Victoria Petelin, the creative director of Wise Ink Media. Wise Ink is the publisher of Lola's upcoming book. Lola and Victoria discuss the journey of writing and publishing a memoir, the complexities of the publishing industry, and the importance of authenticity in storyt...

Send us Fan Mail Most caregivers lead quietly, often unseen, but their daily acts of purpose shape future generations. On this episode of Unapologetically Whole , Lola Dada-Olley reveals the profound leadership hidden within everyday caregiving and how purpose over perfection is the true mark of a whole family. Lola shares her own journey navigating systemic obstacles for her children with autism,...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Michael and Julie Thomas, co-founders of ConnectIDD, a disability empowerment agency. They discuss their journey as a married couple, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, and the importance of community support in advocating for individuals with disabilities. The Thomases share insights on transitioning from nonpr...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of navigating the complexities of caregiving, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness. She reflects on the challenges faced as a caregiver, the impact of trauma on her life, and the importance of embracing vulnerability and compassion. Lola emphasizes that healing is a continuous process and encourages listeners to red...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Neresia Osborne, therapist, mother, advocate and lifetime caregiver. This episode only scratches the surface in unlocking the depth of her personal account of navigating birth trauma, systemic racism, and rediscovery. This episode offers clear insights into how one could possibly recognize their own lane, redefine success on th...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unapologetically Whole, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of self-advocacy and wholeness, exploring themes of identity, caregiving, and resilience. Through intimate reflections and powerful storytelling, she encourages listeners to own their stories and advocate for themselves with intention and courage. Takeaways: Your story matters and deserves to be...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Lisa Hurley and Lola Dada-Olley explore the complexities of healing, emphasizing that it is a non-linear journey filled with ups and downs. They discuss the importance of embracing stillness and practicing gratitude as essential components of emotional well-being. Takeaways Healing is definitely not linear. Sometimes healing can feel like it's go...

Send us Fan Mail Not Your Mama’s Autism had its finale episode in December 2025. Unapologetically Whole is the dawn of a new podcast, guided by the same host, Lola Dada‑Olley, but shaped by a deeper, more expansive mission. After five years of honest conversations about disability, culture, and family, Lola is stepping into a new season, one that honors where she’s been while widening the lens to...

Send us Fan Mail Summary This conversation explores the complexities of neurodiversity, particularly autism, within the Caribbean context. Lisa Hurley reflects on her personal experiences growing up in a society that lacks awareness and understanding of neurodivergence. She discusses the cultural perceptions of autism, the challenges faced by individuals who do not fit the stereotypical image of a...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, Lola Dada-Olley and Tosan Olley reflect on their journey through autism advocacy, sharing insights from their experiences over the past five years. They discuss the universality of autism, the power of storytelling, and the importance of embracing wholeness while breaking generational cycles. The conversation highlights the intersections of race, disabil...

Send us Fan Mail SUMMARY In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, hosts Lola and Tosan Olley discuss the various tr ansitions their family is experiencing, including changes in their children's education, their own career roles, and the impact of policy changes on caregiving. They reflect on the importance of community support, self-care, and the lessons learned from navigating...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss  Sensory Overload , a film about how three communitiesnavigate oral care and the world in general with sensory sensitivities in mind. It's also a film about neurodivergence, sensory differences, and how the worldcan be better designed to accommodate  people. It's a Vox Media produced film in partnership withHaleon and Sensodyne as part of Sens...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with licensed social worker and BCBA Larissa Heise about the complexities of challenging behavior in neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the definition of challenging behavior, trends observed in recent years, the importance of identifying triggers, and the role of sensory needs. Larissa empha...

Send us Fan Mail Summary Dr. Theresa Haskins, a professor, researcher, consultant, corporate executive, mom, wife, and advocate, joins the podcast. She shares her journey as an advocate for her children and a self-advocate. Dr. Haskins discusses the diagnosis process for her children and the challenges they faced. She also talks about her experience studying educational psychology and getting her...

Send us Fan Mail Summary Breanna Kelly, a licensed social worker and BCBA, shares her journey into the field of autism and her passion for supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging the experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as the significance of cultural competence in providing effective care. Bre...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband, Tosan Olley, discuss the complexities of navigating reproductive healthcare for their daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. They share their journey from recognizing the onset of puberty to preparing for their daughter's first period, emphasizing the importance of communication...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Annette Addo-Yobo, the first immigrant-born Miss Texas, about her journey from Ghana to the U.S., her advocacy for autism awareness, and the importance of representation. Annette shares her personal experiences as a sibling caregiver, the cultural stigma surrounding autism, and her aspirations...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley engages her son Fela in a heartfelt discussion about the transition from middle school to high school. They explore the various high school options available, the importance of extracurricular activities like band, and the challenges that come with academic rigor. Fela shares his personal experiences and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, LolaDada-Olley interviews Danielle Meadows, an executive director at JPMorganChase, about the importance of disability employment and the initiatives takenby the Business Solution Team (BEST) to promote neuro-inclusion. They discussthe evolution of the BEST program, common misconceptions about disabilityinclusion, the challen...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband Tosan discuss their journey with their daughter Alero, who is on the autism spectrum. They share their decision-making process regarding Alero's education, includingthe challenges of navigating special education services, the impact of thepandemic, and the importance of adaptability in parenting. They reflect ontheir choice to...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Kim Floyd, a professor of special education and an innovator, discusses her evolution in the education space and her role in standing up a center focused on assistive technology with people with disabilities. She shares her journey into special education, the development of a multidisciplinary approach, and the importance of trauma-informed practices in educat...