Pink Glasses Convo

What way to end the season than to feature your husband! Today’s episode shares about our host’s relationship history including having standards in the early years of dating, learning through a long-distance relationship, and the first year of marriage. Olaoluwa and Israel share vulnerably some of their challenges and hopes that keep them going, particularly their faith. In all honesty, this episode is a glimpse into their regular lives. 

Israel is a certified accountant with years of experience with multinational and media companies. With that, he owns a photography and media company, Esprit Photography which has been in existence for over 7 years. Israel is an ardent volunteer who has served different populations and non-profit organizations. 

Song: Forever Sweet by Dotti the Deity

Quote: Marriage is not an evidence of a successful/healthy courtship

It’s one thing to be an immigrant, but when you add the reality of being a student to the mix, it’s a whole new ball game. In today’s episode, we discuss the power of intentionality, the impact of faith in academics, overcoming challenges as an immigrant student, and the importance of community amongst other things. Even if you are not in academia, you definitely still want to listen to Olumide and his journey. You will for sure learn a thing or two. 

Olumide is a young scholar who loves exploring new spaces. Above all, Olumide is proud of his identity as a Christian

Song: Alone by Anendlessocean

Quote: There are certain things God will take you through that your human strength cannot

Kenny not only got vulnerable with us on this episode but leaves us waiting for another episode. Hearing God tell you if a person is “right” for you is not the end, we must also continually submit to the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside to be better partners in our relationship. Kenny and Olaoluwa share their experiences of being in long distance relationship - particularly the pros and cons. 

Kenny is a devoted believer, whose unwavering faith in God shapes her perspective and guides her actions. She moved from Nigeria to the US for her Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Georgia and now lives in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, where she shares her life with her incredible husband and their adorable 2-year-old son. Kenny's professional journey has led her to a fulfilling role as a technical implementation consultant at a software privacy company. Her role involves leveraging her technical expertise to assist clients in effectively implementing privacy solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys singing, writing, and spending time with her lovely family. Kenny strives to positively impact her environment and spread the fragrance of the love of Christ to those around her.

Song: Put it on God by Limoblaze

Quote: Finding mentors to submit to in your relationship is paramo

Is there anything you have waited long for from God and He finally gave you? Has that thing now become a stumbling block in your values or relationship with God? Olaoluwa uses her experiences as an only child and her mother’s journey in waiting for the blessings of her womb to encourage submitting God’s gift back to Him. Even with our diverse family dynamics and backgrounds, God is still in the business of qualifying us and using us for His glory and good. 

Song: Ebenezeri by Apex Choir & Kent Edunjobi ft. EmmaOMG

If you have ever felt anxious or not qualified to be in certain spaces or hold specific responsibilities, then this episode is for you. We feature Bat’sé Smart - a Christian and a Nigerian transplant living in the US. Bat’sé s ian Interpersonal Violence Response Coordinator on a college campus. She likes to think of her life as a series of events that involve writing and rewriting her story. She loves words, music, and good dance! Bat’sé and Olaoluwa share their experiences facing imposter syndrome in different stages and seasons of life. The conversation does not end there as both women share the importance of finding our value in Christ and changing our mindset. 

Song: Make A Way by Elevation Worship ft. Chandler Moore & Brandon Lake

Scripture: We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Today’s episode features our very first-ever PGC guest, Ayobami Oni - a lover of God, a student, a former athlete, and an entrepreneur. AY as she is fondly called is a close friend of almost 2 decades with the PGC host. AY is a student interested in the field of procurement and supply chain. She enjoys movies, reading, and meeting new people. AY is very proud of her faith and walk with the Lord. In this episode, AY and Olaoluwa share their experiences with migration from Nigeria, while highlighting the uniqueness and also similarities with their migration to different parts of the world. AY shares the importance of faith in navigating the culture shock and extending a heart of graciousness even in the face of racial actions. 

Song: Breathe by Maverick City ft. Chandler Moore

Quote: You can build community and also have independence. 

Where is your identity? How do we solve comparison? Does the scripture really say anything about comparison? All these and more are addressed in this episode. Separating our identity is not enough, we must also ensure we put it in Christ. This is the true way to work through comparison. This work is not a sprint, its a marathon that takes continuous effort with the help of God. 

Song: Back to Life by Zahriya Zachary 

Scripture: But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, That I may tell of all Your works (Psalm 73: 28)

It’s a welcome back episode with some life updates. Olaoluwa shares some of the struggles with coming back, the essence of purification, and the strength in showing up even when God is working on you. Shout out to people who asked, who encouraged, and who told me to show up, this episode is for you all. This season, PGC will feature guests and will cover topics on all areas of life; relationships, career, faith, education, immigration, etc. Listen in to hear Olaoluwa’s excitement about returning for another season. 

Song: Greater is coming by Jekalyn Carr

Quote: There is more than enough room for you to be who God has made you to be

Trigger warning: This episode might be triggering for people with some. Kindly feel free to pause, take a break, and return (or not) to stream the episode.

Today’s season finale episode answers these questions and plenty of others, “what is mental health? What is trauma? Who needs therapy? Does therapy invalidate my faith or the work of the Holy Spirit?” Olaoluwa shares insights on mental health from her profession as a therapist in Central Oregon, USA. Olaoluwa explained how the increased breakdown in family systems as the basic unit of society can be linked to the increase in family-related trauma. While similar experiences are helpful to create a social bond, it does not always translate to helpfulness, so invalidating a therapist’s clinical skills because they don’t have the same experiences as you is the same as saying a medical doctor is not qualified to treat your medical condition because they don’t experience the same.

Note: Thanks to everyone for joining me on this journey of faith by starting a podcast. Thank you for listening, sharing on social media, sharing with friends and family, and for the written and verbal feedback. Look forward to amazing updates with season 2!

One thing you will hear from this episode is, “when you hear cancel culture, think jungle justice”, and that's the truth. Cancel culture is becoming a decay in our society and response to social issues that we need to address and shine a light on. While it is important to acknowledge the intention is to deter offensive behavior, the negative impact highly outweighs the positive. Our fight for freedom seems to give us the opposite, especially in our virtual world. Truth be told, we need to be cautious with what we say and how we say it, still, we must learn to still be gracious and correct in love. Even in our advocacy and asking for social justice, we must learn never to stoop to the level of the perpetrator to exert justice.

*singing: My God is a calorie burner …*

Do you need 30 minutes of just pure hilarious story and content without filters? Then dig into today’s episode as Olaoluwa shares her experience with going to the gym. If you have no idea who “Auntie Rona” is in 2022, then this episode is also for you! While sharing these stories, Olaoluwa gives encouragement to listeners around topics of courage, community, physical and mental health. Please remember that bodily exercise profits little, but at least that is something!

If there is ever a hard conversation to have, it’s talking about the moments when we “failed” or didn’t meet an expectation we had for ourselves. In today’s episode, Olaoluwa digs deeper into what can be done when we face failures, challenges, and/or weaknesses. A highlight of this episode is the impact of a community (and positive relationships) in our lives. Although some of us have hurtful memories with friends and family, we must be intentional not to let this deter us from having happy ones. Never forget that the only person who defines time is God; regardless of how we categorize our experiences as early or late. Olaoluwa always uses personal experiences to make the conversation relatable, genuine, and honest, yet impactful.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ever felt you had no control over your feelings such as anger or frustration? Or do you find yourself getting cranky with other people? While acknowledging the impact of triggers, hormones, and just life in general, it is still important we do not leave these feelings to fly as they will or we end up in a spiral and find it hard to get ourselves out of. Psychology Today explains feelings can be diluted by stories we’ve created in our head based on events of the past or fears of the future—not necessarily the truth of the situation. Giving excuses for negative feelings such as anger, frustration, or irritability based on personality, family origin or tribe is what they are, excuses. Olaoluwa always uses personal experiences to make the conversation relatable, genuine, and honest, yet impactful.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

Yeah you read right! Social media is the new kid on the block of advocacy. There is no contention about the social ills associated with increased (social) media use. Yet, today’s episode highlights one of its many goods which is as a tool for advocacy, support, and awareness. We do not have to wait for “breaking news” stories before being an advocate, rather, we should start from those around us. Olaoluwa encourages listeners to be an ally both on and offline and be gracious to those who might not be taking action in the same way we are or would.

Ally - to support another or others to promote a cause

Micro-aggression - intentional or unintentional assumptions, behavior or interaction with marginalized groups

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

Have you ever thought maybe you only need friends who think or believe the same as you? Or only want to engage with people who don’t? Then today’s episode presents a good balance of how our friendship circle should be? A quick scan through the scriptures, especially Psalms and Proverbs shows we are to bear with, forgive, love, cover, pray, love, help, carry burdens who our friends. But what really is friendship? And how do I maintain balance? Well, listen to today’s episode to find out.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

What is love? Can I love myself? Am I not supposed to only love people as much as I love myself? These among others are questions Olaoluwa attempts to answer in today’s episode. Conversations on love cannot be completed in one episode but can be started. Truth is, the self does not have the capacity to grasp the full intent of Love. Loving God unseen with mere eyes without loving the people seen is an unbalanced act of service. Olaoluwa shares some interesting life updates and her first-ever spoken word poetry.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

Decision-making can be very daunting, even in seemingly minor situations. Living in a society that also glorifies busyness over fruitfulness/productivity makes it easy to slip into engaging in multiple activities and expressing burnout. Learning how to say no, being satisfied with not being involved in everything, and finding peace are some strategies used by Olaoluwa as she tackles her own struggles with making decisions. Striving to overcome concerning habits, behaviors, or even attitudes? Remember to pray it over and be gracious to yourself even when you stumble.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

The popular saying is if the purpose of a thing is not known then abuse is inevitable. One question we all ask ourselves and even others is, what is my purpose? Am I in the right profession/ministry? Today’s episode tackles both the professional and christian perspective regarding walking in purpose (either career choice, ministry, spiritual gift, etc). Using personal experiences, Olaoluwa encourages listeners to be faithful where they are currently, find peace with where they and who they are and emphasizes the benefit of volunteering and serving in a local church or community. In all, the ultimate is to never define one's self by career or ministry as that is one thing that can change. For believers, our highest purpose is the great commission.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

For every relocation is a story filled with struggles, culture shocks, interesting facts and fun memories. Olaoluwa draws into all of these for today’s episode as she shares about her move to Bend, Oregon and the journey so far. For everything in life, there is always a “why” question to answer, while some find answers before, others maybe during, and some even after. Whichever category you fall into, remember to make the most of where you are and what you are doing. Enjoy it because our present experiences become memories in our future. Olaoluwa uses this episode to explain how she is trying to do that. Hope you are doing same?

Scripture reference: He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm. | Proverbs 13:20

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

It is safe to say everyone has heard the popular saying that “Comparison is a stealer of Joy”. Truth is, comparison does steal more than joy and this episode proves that. Olaoluwa shares a personal struggle with comparison and all its products - envy, jealousy, and hatred. The episode goes deeper by tackling the lack of contentment and finding contentment in other people’s misery. In all, the episode concludes on ways to overcome comparison.  I hope this episode encourages and blesses your heart.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

In this episode, Olaoluwa shares recent conversations, and understanding surrounding the church as a body of Christ. She encourages listeners to share weaknesses and be vulnerable with each other, particularly believers among the brethren (James 5:16). Olaoluwa makes the content relatable using vivid experiences, showing empathy, and some throwing some bands here and there. On a lighter note, she informs listeners of all her nationalities and how they were acquired. You have to listen to find out.

Contact Samuel for all your web development needs including, front and back end developers, applications, and websites via @Chima_og on Twitter and Instagram.

PGC is available on every podcast streaming platform. Kindly share this podcast with friends, family and even enemies.

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2022 #PGCNation. With the new year comes resolutions, reviews, plans, inspirations, gratitude, faith and a lot of vulnerability; all of which Olaoluwa brings to today’s episode. An excerpt from today’s episode is, “With a new year comes a new quarter, a new month, a new week, a new day and a new minute. Those time lapses are opportunities for a fresh start.” Olaoluwa encourages listeners to seek personal injunctions while connecting with shared faith mandates in their local church or fellowship. Thank you for riding with “pgcpodcast in 2021 and looking forward to a deep and close yet meaningful engagement this new year.

Welcome to 2022 - The Year of the Lord's Presence | Exodus 33:14 - And the Lord said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest [by bringing you and the people into the promised land].”

Message from the host - “I hoped to share more personal and deeper stories from 2021 because it was a really hard year for me but I started recording and its just went blank. I believe the Lord is just not ready for me to share it yet, but when its time, trust me to give all the inside scoop. 2021 started with pain, failure and rejection in most areas of my life but it ended with victory, establishment, manifestation and blessings. Still believing for more things, but I have the blessed assurance and my hope is firm”

Compliments of the season to #PGCNation. On this episode, Olaoluwa shares her family holiday traditions while encouraging listeners to develop theirs, and wrap the year 2021 with gratitude and reflections. While the holiday is known for the presents, family gatherings, cute pictures, matching PJs, caroling and anything that screams Christmas, today’s episode grounds us on what truly matters, knowing whom and why we celebrate. Once again, Merry merry merry Christmas.

"Japa" is a Nigerian slang for immigrating to another country for better work, career or life opportunities. This episode of an overview of Olaoluwa’s experiences and lessons as an African immigrant graduate student in the US. Highlighted are areas easily overlooked by international students while preparing to migrate. Olaoluwa uses the space to appreciate her community, peers and family who supported her during her academic journey. More episodes in this series will delve into the specifics like academics, studying, funding, admission process, building community, upholding your values with an open mind, volunteering and campus engagement, etc. In the heart of storytelling, Olaoluwa employs slang words and phrase, which might not be familiar to non-Nigerian listeners to make the content relatable and relaxing.

Asking genuine questions and giving genuine answers is the pathway to having honest conversations and building great relationships. In the spirit of asking questions, today’s episode tackles the most common icebreaker, “How are you?” Whether it's asking close pals, work colleagues, coursemates, or a complete stranger, this question is the go-to in our social toolbox. Although simple, holding ourselves accountable to listen and be truthful in our response will lead to more vulnerability, openness, and empathy in a world where such is lacking. It is not enough to be truthful to others, we must be the same to ourselves even while we seek to fully comprehend our emotions.

On this week’s episode, Olaoluwa digs deep on the topic of “Faith and Emotions”. Using real life examples and scripture references she shares the importance of expressing our emotions. Simply put, empathy with a hard knock of truth and reality. This episode is inspired from conversations with believers who are going through hard times but try to mask it with “faith”. God wanted us to have emotions that is why He gave them to us. He made us fearfully and wonderfully, our emotions included.

Scripture references:

Hebrews 4:14-16 Amplified| Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment. 

John 11:35 | Jesus wept

Before you roll your eyes and wonder why I am talking about the holidays in November, just know my Christmas has started. Today’s episode covers enjoying the spirit and joy of the holiday season. Its true we are all facing challenges and shortcomings in our lives, but I encourage you not to let that deprive you of the season. I cannot wait to share and hear from others how the holidays went. More episodes are coming about the holidays, specifically Christmas, but right now, let us get the conversation started.

Ifihan is the Yoruba (a culture in SouthWest Nigeria) translation for Introduction. I just had to find a way to spice things up! So first of all, introduction!! Welcome to the pilot episode of Pink Glasses Convo (PGC) where I introduce myself, fun facts about me, a little back story to the Pink Glasses Convo (PGC) and the first song/quote of the week. In this episode, I share the identities that influence the lens with which I would be speaking to various topics. Please be gracious with me as I navigate this new space.