Just Over Twenty
By Itunu Speaks
This podcast aims to bring you conversations that challenge the way you think and introduce new perspectives about a variety of topics. From politics to religion, friendships to career and some social commentary this podcast will make you think, make you smile and remind you that you're not alone as we get into it about the realities of being in your twenties
Podcast episodes are released every Sunday 8pm GMT
Insta and Twitter: @justovertwenty @itunu_speaks
Just Over TwentySep 19, 2021
29. Growing Up on the Internet and Defying Expectations with Josiah Hyacinth
When you think of 2016 Black YouTube culture in the UK you think of Josiah formerly known as Mr200m. With infectious enthusiasm and a zest for life he captured the attention of University students across the UK and beyond.
Whether pursuing creative ventures or dealing with challenges while studying, he brought viewers on a journey as he navigated the ups and downs of life. Eight years later, he’s bid farewell to Mr200m and has rebranded as simply, Josiah. We speak about growing up on the internet, rebranding and what it’s really like when you push against the grain and defy people’s expectations. You are listening to Just Over Twentny and this is Josiah.
Josiah Hyacinth: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Website
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Email: justovertwenty@gmail.com
Itunu Speaks: Instagram, Twitter
28. Motherhood in your Twenties with Temwa Love
Amassing over 355 thousands followers across TikTok and Instagram social media sensation Temwa is the marriage and lifestyle influencer this generation needs. Bringing big smiles and humor at the click of a button, her joy as she navigates motherhood and marriage in her twenties is infectious.
After having two children in a global pandemic, Temwa speaks candidly about motherhood, marriage, the importance of having a village and navigating ambition as a young mother.
Temwa: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Channel
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Email: justovertwenty@gmail.com
Itunu Speaks: Instagram, Twitter
27. "I felt like I was in the coffin" Loss, Grief and Hope with Kelechi Ananaba
In the winter of 2018, 23-year-old Kelechi would receive news that would shake her world, her dad had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. After fighting a good fight, her dad passed away on March 5th 2019. 4 years on Kelechi speaks vulnerably about her experience with grief, honors the memory of her father, and shows how there is hope on the other side of pain.
Kelechi: Instagram
Kelechi's mother's book: The Power of Love and Forgiveness in Relationships
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Email: justovertwenty@gmail.com
Itunu Speaks: Instagram, Twitter
26. Sharing Christianity on Social Media, Getting Dragged and Having a Passion for God with Nia-Cerise Conteh
After finding faith at age 19 Nia Cerise Conteh has been a force to be reckoned with. Boldly professing her Christian faith both online and offline she has amassed over 30k followers on Twitter, 50k on Instagram and a whopping 103.9k followers on TikTok. For 7 years she has taken people around the world on a journey of faith, speaking candidly about her life and how she believes God has transformed it. As a Cambridge University master's graduate and a recently ordained prophet who is evangelising around the world, it looks like this is just the beginning for this young Christian woman.
Nia Cerise: Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, YouTube, Clubhouse, Christian Dream Interpretation, The Plug International
Email: crownedinfaithmanagement@gmail.com
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Email: justovertwenty@gmail.com
25. Playing American Football In the UK, Learning Humility & Recovering From Injury with Dwayne Obi
After developing an interest in American Football the summer before entering University, self-proclaimed sports lover and current running back for The Great Britain national American football team, known as the GB Lions, Dwayne Obi made it into his University's American Football Team in 2016. Promising his parents to secure his law degree, Dwayne balanced the responsibilities of education and his commitment to the sport throughout his 3-year University career. After making it into American Football Team the London Warriors it looked like the sky was the limit for Dwayne. However, from the unprecedented global pandemic to a serious injury, many curve balls seem to put his sporting dreams in the balance. This is a story of passion and resilience and what can be achieved when you reflect and put in the work to achieve your dreams.
Dwayne: Instagram
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Itunu Speaks: Instagram, Twitter
24. Love Is Blind Debrief with Iyin
*LOVE IS BLIND SEASON 1 & 2 SPOILERS*
To kick off Season 3 of the podcast I brought on my girl Iyin to chat all things Love Is Blind. We broke down our feelings about each couple, what we thought about the decisions on the wedding days and the moments that made us cringe, scream and smile.
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
23. 'If you have something in your head, birth it' Making Music, Overcoming Anger and Embracing Community
This is the final episode of the season and I’m so excited to bring you this conversation. I sat down with singer, songwriter, voice actor and all-around creative Tomi also known as When She Speaks and we got into it. We delved into the process of creating her summer anthem ‘Hold On’ which currently has over 8000 views on YouTube. We also spoke about how she overcame anger and the process of navigating hurt and betrayal. This conversation was a testament to restoration and the power of love to help people heal and become the best versions of themselves.
When She Speaks: Instagram, YouTube
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Itunu Speaks: Instagram, Twitter
22. Christian Womanhood Is Not Monolithic with Ajo Ale Founder Helen
This has got to be one of the most interesting conversations I’ve had on the podcast thus far. I spoke to Helen the Founder of Ajo Ale, a creative platform that uses arts and creative media to tell real stories about experiences lived by different Africans. The plan was to speak about African art and unpack her love for the art world. However, the conversation panned out differently and we ended up exploring what it means to be a so-called different or alternative woman in different church spaces, and how that can impact a person’s experience in the church. The conversation was honest and the experiences shared got me thinking, what can the church do to create a safe space for individuals who don’t match the status quo?
Helen: Instagram, TikTok
Ajo Ale (Creative Platform): Website, Instagram
21. Navigating Secondary School; Popularity, Belonging & Shyness with Nova May
For some school is a space where they experienced some of their fondest memories while for others it was incredibly challenging but what about those who sit in the middle. Today I speak to singer and songwriter Beth also known as Nova May as we take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about our school experiences questioning what did it mean to be popular? how did we deal with feelings of not belonging? and what was the journey like to overcome shyness?
Sometimes in order to appreciate the present, you have to reflect on the past. I hope that this episode urges you to reflect on your experiences and feel a sense of gratitude for how far you’ve come and feel compelled to work towards being your best self now.
I loved this conversation with Nova May and I’m sure you will too. Be sure to head over to @novamaymusic on Instagram to pre-save her debut pop single Pay For Your Love.
Nova May: Instagram, YouTube, Spotify
20. ‘Do you want to chop life?’ The Post-University Job Search, Navigating Uncertainty and Making Enjoyment a Priority
For a lot of 2020 graduates searching for jobs in a global pandemic brought with it a unique set of challenges. With organisations juggling the hurdles introduced by the pandemic, new graduates were propelled into an unpredictable job market. Today I speak to graduate and makeup artist Deborah of Deboe Studios about the ups and downs of searching for jobs after University, what kept her afloat during times of uncertainty and learning how to work hard but play harder.
Deboe Studios: Instagram, YouTube
19. Married at First Sight UK- Nice Guys, Women and Accountability & Vetting Reality TV Show Participants
Today I’m bringing you a different kind of episode where I’ll be diving into Married at first sight UK. Reality TV shows all about love are my guilty pleasure and after Netflix show 'Love Is Blind' left a Lauren and Cameron sized hole in my heart I had to find something else to get into. So today I chat with my friend Robyn about married at first sight and we dive into the topic of what it means to be nice guys, women and accountability in relationships and whether reality tv shows are doing a good job in vetting participants. Enjoy!
Robyn: Instagram, Twitter, Blog
18. The Black Curriculum, Race and Education & Incorporating Rest into Activism with Lavinya Stennett
A few months ago I had the privilege of interviewing the founder of The Black Curriculum Lavinya Stennett. Founded in 2019 the Black Curriculum is a social enterprise committed to the teaching and support of Black history all year round. During this great conversation, we speak about the inspiration behind the Black Curriculum, how the tragic murder of George Floyd pushed the organisation to the limelight
And also the important role rest plays in activism. Since our interview, Lavinya has secured a book deal with Fourth Estate and her debut book ‘Omitted’ which is about Black History is due to be published in the Spring of 2023 so watch this space and enjoy our conversation.
Lavinya: Instagram
The Black Curriculum: Instagram, Website
Pre order Lavinya's Debut Book Omitted here.
Lavinya's feature in gal-dem.
17. 'Friendships in the time of Covid 19' Friendship Break Ups, Expectations and How the pandemic has changed our friendships with Zibah
Being in your twenties often comes with a lot of life changes that trickle down and impact your friendships. However, over the past year and a half, the world has experienced one of the most unexpected changes as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Today I continue a conversation started on my year abroad with the wise and wonderful Zibah where we explore how the pandemic has changed our friendships, the difficulties of friendship breakups and what we have learnt about friendships since our last conversation.
Just Over Twenty: Instagram, Twitter
Itunu Speaks: Instagram, Twitter
Guess who's back back back
After months off the airwaves, this is me saying hello and giving you a brief update on what I've been up to. I'll be back to weekly scheduling with the first episode dropping this Sunday at 8pm.
To catch up on previous episodes click here.
16. It feels like lockdown is stealing our twenties ~ Being in our twenties in a global pandemic, starting our careers and the L word LOVE
15. "You are not the standard no matter how many people say you are" Social media & relationships, valuing privacy & the realities of being young and married.
After keeping their relationship largely off social media and limited to loved ones and mentors, married couple Elvis and Leah Siaw shocked their community when they posted pictures of their engagement and wedding within weeks of each other. Today we speak about social media and relationships questioning; does everything have to be shared? Is there a place for privacy in modern-day relationships? What role does transparency play when advising others? And what is it really like to be young and married?
Elvis: Instagram Leah: Instagram
14. "Donate Blood" Living with sickle cell, disability advocacy and empowerment through creativity with Danielle Jinadu
The Black community is often overlooked in the discourse about disability but with sickle cell anemia impacting Black people at large education about it is more important than ever. We must ask ourselves; Are there better ways that the education system can support students with disabilities? Are the needs of the disabled people within our communities being listened to? And how can creativity be used to empower those with alternative needs? Today Itunu is joined with the powerhouse that is Danielle Jinadu to talk about her journey living with sickle cell, the importance of advocacy work and seeing yourself as the biggest project you’re ever going to have.
To sign the petition to include Sickle Cell in illnesses on MedEx List click here: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/333926
13. "There’s no such thing as ‘too tall’ ” Being a tall girl, business and building safe spaces with Rozana LDN founder Jade Egemonye
The fashion industry has a way to go when it comes to creating inclusive clothing for tall women but thankfully Jade Egemonye aims to fill that gap. After an unsuccessful attempt to find the perfect birthday dress, tall women clothing brand Rozana LDN was birthed. Itunu Speaks chats to the founder 'That Tall Girl Jade' about business, building confidence and creating safe spaces for tall women.
Trigger Warning: Very brief mention of domestic violence
12. "10k retweets isn't going to get me to heaven" Christian Twitter, humility & focusing on your witness with James & Chude
Social media has created a platform for varied discourse, banter and at times heated debate but when we add faith into the mix some questions arise; should there be a difference in the way that Christians conduct themselves online? Can your personal feed come at odds with the faith you profess? Is there space online to grapple with Christianity’s biggest questions? Today Itunu is joined with James and Chude to talk about Christian Twitter and the importance of thinking about your witness when navigating online platforms.
11. "It's not everyday broccoli" Fitness, weight-loss and confidence with Fitness Gill
In today’s culture, there is a deep interest in both fitness and weight loss. However, looking closely there are certain narratives that deserve to be challenged. Does losing weight equate to happiness? Are there healthier ways that we can think about fitness? Today Itunu is joined with the beautiful Fitness Gill. After losing 30kg in 7 months Gillian speaks about her weight loss and fitness journey and the importance of working towards better health and confidence no matter your size.
Fitness Gill: Instagram
Season 2: First of all, introduction.
I'm back! After a hiatus I am back with Season 2 of the Just Over Twenty podcast, bringing you great conversations about conversations that aim to challenge the way you think and bring new perspectives about a variety of topics. From politics to religion, friendship to career and some social commentary this podcast aims to facilitate deeper thinking and get into it about the realities of being in your 20s. So whether you’re just over twenty or in your twenties at heart this is the podcast for you.
Ep 10- Respectability Politics, Desirability and Being a Black Woman in White Spaces with Sobe
It's deep, it's real and it's honest.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts by tweeting @justovertwenty and follow me @itunu_speaks on Twitter and Instagram.
Sobe- intsa: sobee__ twitter: sobeuwa3
Ep 9-Being Iranian-American, Going to Harvard and Diversity in STEM with Mariam Kish
To join the conversation and share your thoughts follow @justovertwenty on Twitter and me @itunu_speaks on Instagram and Twitter.
Ep 8- Majoring in Music, Taking Unconventional Paths and Loving your Craft with Jeremy Taylor
Ep 7- Identity, Masculinity, Vulnerability & Adolescence with Samir
It's deep, it's real and it's honest.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts by tweeting @justovertwenty
Ep 6 -Young Entrepreneurship, Hustle Culture and Prioritizing Balance with Del The CEO
IG: @DelTheCEO
@labiocouture
Ep 5- Health & Wellness, Journaling & Practicing Contentment with Maddie McCann
Ep 4 Friendship Break Ups, Communication and Expectations with Zibah & Coumba
Twitter: @justovertwenty
Ep 3- Xandrine Smith-Griffin- Embracing Your Blackness Having it Questioned
Ep 2- Bashel Lewis: COPE Fashion, Social Media Personas, & Being a First Gen College Student
IG: king_bashel
Cope Fashion: www.copefashion.com/