Unlearning Strongwoman Podcast

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Samenua Sesher — writer, coach, culture management consultant and founder and director of Museum of Color. This wide-ranging conversation explores what it means to show up as yourself without apology, the things we unlearn about niceness and availability, , supernatural encounters and the courage to leave without a safety net, loving people withou...

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi sits in conversation with singer, songwriter, poet and educator Asabi Hawah. In this heartfelt interview, Asabi Hawah shares her journey of redefining strength, embracing vulnerability, and living authentically as a woman, mother, and artist. Discover insights on unlearning societal expectations, cultivating hope, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Listen to some of As...

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi is in discussion with multi-award winning poet, playwright, librettist, scholar and educator Dr Rommi Smith. This is a conversation that challenges us to consider the dualities we inhabit particularly as regards power & vulnerability and how resourcefulness is essential to defining what and who a strong woman is, in the context of the challenging world we call ho...

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi delves deep in conversation with multidisciplinary visual artist Ayesha Feisal on what it means and what it takes to become, questioning expectations, becoming a disruptor, a process of unlearning, joy, sisterhood, art and finding beauty in unlikely places.  Ayesha's art is always a must see and well worth adding to your collection. Check out her website here . ...

This month we abandon regular programming as podcast host Tolu Agbelusi takes the hot seat and is interviewed by Diana Onuma who was our guest in November 2025. Tolu is a poet, playwright, editor, artist and former lawyer. She is also the author of Locating Strongwoman. She shares her journey of creative self-expression, exploring themes of authenticity, legacy, and the complexities of mother-daug...

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi engages in a deeply affirming conversation with Diana Onuma, a family mediator, lawyer and life coach. They explore the essence of what it means to be deeply rooted, the importance of vulnerability, the cultural conditioning that shapes women's identities and how to unlearn them. Diana shares her personal journey of self-discovery, the role models that inspired...

In this episode of Unlearning Strongwoman, host Tolu Agbelusi engages in a profound conversation with Rachel Afi Quinn, an associate professor and writer, about the evolving definition of strong woman, the importance of adaptability, and the influence of Black feminist thought. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of grief, the challenges of contemporary feminism, and what it means to...

 In this rich conversation, Tolu Agbelusi and Joy Francis explore the complexities of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and the importance of understanding and expressing anger. We discuss the adultification of Black girls,the significance of self-awareness, the inner child, and the necessity of rest and self-care in a fast-paced world. The dialogue delves into the deconstruction of armor and...

In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi engages in a profound conversation with Siana Bangura, a poet, playwright, producer, changemaker and creative practitioner. We explore the multifaceted definition of a strong woman, the importance of Black feminist practice, and the significance of community and sisterhood. We discuss the challenges of unlearning societal expectations, the journey into womanhood, and...

In this episode Tolu Agbelusi speaks with MoAfrika wa Mokgathi, a South African poet, singer, cultural activist, translator, producer and so so much more. She is the authour of poetry collection ' My Tongue is A Rainbow '. In this expisode we explore what it means to redefine strength for yourself and the joy we can have when we allow others to share our load. I particulalry enjoyed MoAf...

In today's episode Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Seyi Oluyole, a filmmaker, chorepgrapher, activist and founder of Dream Cathers Academy. This expansive conversation explores the traps of beauty, the journey to self acceptance, the importance of knowing who you are and learning not to be defined by what has happened to you.  Seyi's Dream Catchers Academy creates a sustainable future for orph...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Emily Kwok, a world class Brazillian Juijitsu champion, entrepreneur and artist. This is a conversation that explores the importance of the stories we tell ourselves, how we navigate the ages and stages of life, making space for others without neglecting yourself, martial arts as self expression and life metaphor and so much more.  Emily has a gre...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with historian and writer Marius Kothor in a conversation that explores silence, reconstructing strength, choosing when to do hard things and deconstructing the notion that womanhood should be synonymous with struggle. We also discuss the iconic Nana Benz.  Articles by Marius -   Working with Histories that Haunt Us Race and the Politics of Knowledge P...

In today's episode I'm contemplating rest by looking back on old interview snippets from days before the podcast when the conversations became medium articles. In addition to my voice, you'll also be hearing from: Gaylene Gould Jemilea Wisdom Baako Iyabo Agbelusi (My mother) Links to the medium articles with their interviews are below: From A Mountain to A Flower - Gaylene Gould Cho...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with lawyer and lecturer Michelle Smith in a conversation that explores self awareness,vulnerability, submission and shame ina world that will pressure you to change course if you arent meeting externally imposed expectations.  Support the show I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback:  Email   Website Instagram Twitter...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with writer, poet, spoken word artist, theatre maker, organiser, teacher and Poet Laureate of the Netherlands, Babs Gons in a conversation that explores what it is to feel fear, face hardship, see lack and decide to stay true to who you are and what you are called to do. Babs graciously closes the episode with a poem. Links Babs Website Poems (English...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with writer and Chief Editor at Black Ballad UK, Jendella Benson . This conversation encompasses reclaiming your story, unpacking womanhood, shame and all things community. Jendella also reads an excerpt of her book. Links Website where you'll find both books Black Ballad UK Jendella's Instagram Support the show I am always keen to hear your...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with poet, playwright, anthropologist, historian and artist Dr JC Niala. She is the Head of Research, Teaching and Collections at Oxford University. In this conversation we explore what women have to contain, the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection, entertaining new viewpoints and choosing which parts of our cultures serve us. JC reference...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with artist, designer, educator and founder of Kokrobitey Institute, Ghana, Renée Neblett, affectionately known as 'Auntie Renée'. This conversation explores what it means/what it looks like to be a person of principle and to be honest, this conversation scratches the surface of the stories and the wisdom that Auntie Renée has to offer. Do ch...

In Today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with poet, educator, psychotherapist and authour of poetry collection Inheritance, Jasmine Cooray. This expansive conversation delves into unlearning silence as goodness in womnahood, alopecia, learning to own yourself, and what it means to choose life on a daily basis. And Yes, I do get Jasmine to read one of her poems. You can and should buy yourself...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks to Edwige Dro - translator and founder of 1949 Library of women's writings from Africa and the Black world. This conversation wanders through the many ways we find to ourselves and the joys and reality of accepting all that you are. Links to Edwige's work : 1949 Library Website Support the show I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do le...

This is the Season 2 teaser - host Tolu Agbelusi has woven a spoken word poem out of some of the memorable conversations of season 1 which she reads here. Mention is made of 2 poetry workshops  which Tolu is running online in March 2024 - called Exploring the other Story and Writing Trauma. If these interest you, head over to www.toluagbelusi.com/shop Conversation 1 will be back on 31 March Suppor...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks to Architect, Designer and founder of CM Design Atelier, Curator of Sharja Architecture Triennial 2023, Tosin Oshinowo . This conversation unpacks what it means to live with purpose and vision, to start again after what may be deemed a failure (broken marriage) , the importance of doing good work so that you are ready when opportunity shows its head, a...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks to poet, performer, academic and author of Breathing Water, Mackayla Forde, in a conversation that explores the impact of education, what it means to start again, getting out of your own way  and the joy of community especially in sisterhood. Mackayla's poetry collection Breathing Water is available here   and you can find out more information abo...

In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks to author, editor and educator Leone Ross, in an all encompassing conversation that moves smoothly from authenticity as a measure of strength, to beauty standards, the miracle of the human body, self talk, somatic therapy, sex and negotiating boundaries, eating disorders, upbringing and more. There are also little gems for the writers interspersed thro...