& other things

What is the meaning of life? Perhaps we should be asking, how do we make meaning of life? Resources mentioned: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/

In this episode, Faith and I continue discussing our July book club pick. We chat about the author's take on socialism, slavery, racism, the media, and police brutality. I hope you enter this episode with an open and critical mind. Again, this is going to be the last episode for a while. Take care of yourselves, dear listeners. Resources mentioned: https://library.law.howard.edu/civilrightshistory/transgender Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy

How do we disagree with people? My instinct is to be defensive and to convince the other person why they should see things my way. But what if I entered arguments/disagreements with empathy, especially when it comes to socio-cultural and political topics? People are people before they're our “enemies.” Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/

Today's episode is the first part of our July book club discussion. My guest and friend, Faith, and I breakdown Blackout by Candace Owens. As a note, we kinda approached this discussion as we would an academic text. We examined both the information that the author provided and the way she provided it, which made for a different but insightful discussion. Tune in next week for part two! Resources mentioned: https://www.congress.gov/115/meeting/house/106562/witnesses/HHRG-115-JU10-Wstate-ParkerS-20171101-SD001.pdf https://www.instagram.com/tv/COxalDzjubD/ Follow Faith on Instagram: @faith_snipes Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/

What does it mean to show up for ourselves and how do we do it? In today's episode, I share how I've been working on being there for myself every single day — it's no walk in the park. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/

Have you ever felt guilty for no longer liking what you liked before? Or perhaps ending a friendship? I know that feeling all too well. Today's summer reflection is about saying a very kind goodbye to the things and people that don't contribute to my life anymore and being okay with that. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

**CW: disordered eating** Most of us have met someone who lives with chronic illness, whether we knew it or not. Chelsea is one of those people. In this episode, she shares her journey of being diagnosed with several illnesses in her childhood years, being failed by the healthcare system at times, facing discrimination at school and work, and ultimately advocating for and healing herself. It's a true redemption story. Poddy of the Week: Resistance https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resistance/id1533129901 Follow Chelsea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelspanin/ Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

Welcome to the fifth summer reflection. In this reflection, I share why I'm afraid to die. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4UTgwoG

& other things is one year old today! Thank you to my guests, the authors of the books we've read, and YOU, dear listeners. Here's to lots more GROWTH *clink*

In today's episode, my guest, Chabria and I, discuss “Detransition, Baby” by Torrey Peters. The book follows Reese, a trans woman grappling with her womanhood, whose ex approaches her with a life-altering proposition. Follow Chabria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trueebriaaa/ July & other reads book club pick: Blackout by Candace Owens https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50930292-blackout Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

Welcome to the fourth summer reflection. In this reflection, I talk about why practicing gratitude can sometimes be harmful more than helpful. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4UTgwoG

***CW in intro*** Mental health is truly the key to a baseline good life. In this incredibly vulnerable episode, Buckley shares the childhood trauma that caused a lot of his struggles, the breaking points he's reached, and how he's been investing in his mental health over the years. It's a looong one but it's a goood one. Poddy of the Week: The Uncomfortable https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uncomfortable-podcast/id1525429215 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

Welcome to the third summer reflection. In this episode, I reflect on the discomfort that comes with deconstructing and decolonizing my faith. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4UTgwoG

We talk about diversity in the workplace and in schools, but we rarely examine the makeup of our close circles. In this episode, my friend Kaia and I have an uncomfortable but much-needed conversation about cross-racial friendships and more specifically our cross-racial friendship. We talk about our upbringings and how they shaped how we view friendships today through the lens of race in America. Resources mentioned: Code Switch episode, "What About Your Friends?" https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xaQCGqh8LhhUkepzPoxjo?si=EcpqhENrSEGlGiecjcCpdw Study by Robert P. Jones, PHD https://www.prri.org/research/poll-race-religion-politics-americans-social-networks/ Poddy of the Week: Reparations: The Big Payback https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reparations-the-big-payback/id1548013961 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

Welcome to the second summer reflection. In this reflection, I share why I think values are important and how I've been navigating living according to my values. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4UTgwoG

A year ago, social media went dark as allies across the globe shared black squares to signify their support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Today, my guests, Libby and Dan, and I examine what change, if any, resulted from the hashtags, squares, and protests. We talk about Libby's anti-racism efforts and Dan's thoughts on social media and social movements. Poddy of the Week: Code Switch https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/2WEsLtd

Welcome to my first summer reflection! Every Thursday in June and July, I will be sharing a short episode (less than 7 mins hopefully) about something I've been learning or thinking about recently or how I've grown as a human. Summer is such an inspiring time for me, and I love reflecting on who I am as a person, and I hope you enjoy listening to my musings. This first summer reflection is about being intentional about how I engage with social issues I care about and navigating how social media plays a role in this. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4UTgwoG

Join my guest and good friend, Mark, and I as we unpack Silence is My Mother Tongue, a historical fiction novel about an Eritrean-Ethiopian sister-brother duo navigating life in a refugee camp. Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrchari_jnr/ June & other reads book club pick: Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48890225-detransition-baby Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

*Sigh* growing pains! Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Just kidding. But seriously...in this episode, I share some growing pains I've been going through recently, including doubting myself and my cycle of crashing, feeling better, and then crashing again. I also share my story as a victim of the vicious "productivity mindset." Poddy of the Week: Still Processing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/still-processing/id1151436460 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/2WEsLtd

It's AAPI heritage month in the US and with the #stopAAPIhate campaign underway, I wanted to share what I've learned about the Asian American community in the US. In this episode, I share some of my key takeaways from the book, "Minor Feelings," a collection of very powerful essays by writer and poet Cathy Park Hong. I also discuss "Oppression Olympics" and allyship. Feel free to DM to correct me if I said anything incorrect in this episode. I'm learning and growing every day! Resources mentioned: "Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning" by Cathy Park Hong: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52845775-minor-feelings Hollaback Bystander Intervention Training: https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/ AARP, "Asian American Community Rallies to Protect and Support Elders": https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2021/asian-american-support-communities.html Poddy of the Week: All My Relations https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-my-relations-podcast/id1454424563 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/2WEsLtd

My guest Taku, a Christian, and I, an ex-Christian/cultural Christian/figuring-it-out Christian talk about — you guessed it — CHRISTIANITY! We chat about Taku's switch from Catholicism to non-denominational Christianity, the differentiation between God and the church, and just overall faith. It's a great one! Follow Taku on Instagram: @___f.i.d.e.l.i.a___ https://www.instagram.com/___f.i.d.e.l.i.a___/ Check out Taku's Blog: Mukundi https://tirivakundi.wordpress.com/2021/02/07/god-and-his-working-people/?preview=true Poddy of the Week: The Happiness Lab https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/id1474245040 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mandilempofu/_created/

Ever wondered why people leave Christianity and pursue Atheism instead? Well, today you're gonna find out! In this episode, 24-year olds and hosts of the Atheist Bible Study podcast, Nicole & Ashton, share why they personally chose godlessness. We chat about homophobia in the Church, politics and Christianity, and the lack of diversity in American atheist communities. Lots of laughs and good vibes in this one :) Subscribe to Atheist Bible Study: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/atheist-bible-study/id1540677900 Follow Atheist Bible Study on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtheistStudy Poddy of the Week: Tell Them, I Am: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tell-them-i-am/id1458776739 Research resources mentioned: Discrimination/racism within atheist communities: https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Facts on atheism in America: https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/6/7/18652423/atheism-america-facts Demographics of atheists in America https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/religious-family/atheist/racial-and-ethnic-composition/ Religiousness across the globe https://www.denverpost.com/2015/03/30/carter-atheism-has-some-race-and-gender-problems/ Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/2WEsLtd

Join my guest (fellow podcaster and fellow Zimbabwean), Sharon, and me as we dive into the thoughtful, engaging, and emotional book that is The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah, a talented Zimbabwean author. Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_sharonjoy/ Check out Sharon's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/candid-sharn/id1526880783 May & other reads book club pick: Silence is My Mother Tongue, Sulaiman Addonia https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40938216-silence-is-my-mother-tongue Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

In this final episode of the 3-part saga on my faith/spiritual/Christian journey, I finally reveal the one event that changed everything. I also talk about how it affected my mental health, the qualms I have with the Christian faith, and where I am now. Research mentioned: https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/religious-family/atheist/racial-and-ethnic-composition/ The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46258506-the-power-of-ritual Podcast of the week: Childhood with Chanel and Tiffany https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childhood-with-chanel-and-tiffany/id1526093115 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

This is the second part of last week's episode on my spiritual/faith/Christian journey. In this part, I discuss my study abroad time in Paris, a pilgrimage in Italy, my personal and community Bible study experiences, and the first loose end that revealed itself. Podcast of the week: Overthink https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overthink/id1538249280 Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow & other things on Pinterest: https://pin.it/4gtqFyC

Okay, this is really happening. Welcome to the first episode in a 2-month-long series called Devil's Advocate focusing on religion and spirituality. In this first episode, I share the story of how I began believing in Jesus and what I was like at the height of my faith. Tune in next week to hear the reason I no longer believe in God. Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Poddy of the Week: The Liturgists Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-liturgists-podcast/id903433534

Welcome to the second & other reads book club discussion where 3-time guest and my friend, Adi, and I discuss Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi, a phenomenal read. & other reads is the official & other things book club. April's & other reads book club pick: The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25666068-the-book-of-memory Follow & other things on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow Adi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adiaddy222/

***CW: Murder, sexual assault and harassment, and gender-based violence. Listen with caution.*** This episode is about the plights of womanhood and also celebrate the women of & other things who have made this show what it is. Listen to the full episode for podcast recommendations as well. This episode was recorded before I knew the names of the people killed in the Atlanta shooting. In the episode, I say that it's important to name the perpetrator, but it's even more important to say the names of the victims. Here they are: Soon Chung Park Hyun Jung Grant Suncha Kim Yong Yue Delaina Ashley Yaun Paul Andre Michels Xiaojie Tan Daoyou Feng Sarah Everard's story in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/what-sarah-everards-murder-illuminatesand-might-obscure/618302/ Shooting in Atlanta: https://www.thecut.com/2021/03/atlanta-spa-shooting-victims-what-we-know.html Read about girls child marriages on Girls Not Brides: https://atlas.girlsnotbrides.org/map/zimbabwe/ Know My Name, Chanel Miller: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50196744-know-my-name Learn about the spike in anti-Asian racism: https://www.vox.com/identities/2020/4/21/21221007/anti-asian-racism-coronavirus-xenophobia?mc_cid=03a857bbfc&mc_eid=0a387c3d42 https://open.spotify.com/episode/588cSsMxUJrel3vMWwVJpe?si=sdaWZELbQRC4mZGy4gsjeA https://www.instagram.com/p/CMhnjXxH7wq/ Podcasts about women by women: Ordinary Equality: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-equality/id1492330633 Encyclopedia Womanica: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/encyclopedia-womannica/id1464524725 I Weigh with Jameela Jamil: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-weigh-with-jameela-jamil/id1498855031 Okay Sis: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/okay-sis/id1434353917 Appearances: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/appearances/id1531380479

The final episode of the "Sarah" series gives a look into Sarah in her more recent ( and ***seasoned***) years — her quirks, imperfections, and personality — and reveals why she's so important to me. This 3-part series tells the story of a woman who defied the odds through hard work, faith, and Coca-Cola. Learn more about Women's History Month: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/

Happy International Women's Day (IWD)! In this episode, you'll meet Sarah in her young adult and early businesswoman years. This 3-part series tells the story of a woman who defied the odds through hard work, faith, and Coca-Cola. Learn more about IWD: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ Organizations to support on IWD and long-term: Women for Women International https://www.womenforwomen.org/about-us CAMFED https://camfed.org/about/ MUSASA https://musasa.co.zw/ Malala Fund https://www.malala.org/about Girls Not Brides https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/take-action/

In celebration of Women's History Month, I want to tell you all about Sarah. In this first episode, you'll get to know the story of Sarah's childhood, specifically her younger years. This 3-part series tells the story of a woman who defied the odds through hard work, faith, and Coca-Cola. Learn about Women's History Month: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/ Relevant podcast: Ordinary Equality https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ordinary-equality/id1492330633 Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/

& other reads is the official & other things book club. The book club picks will be announced a month prior to the discussion so listeners have a month to read along if they like. & other reads episodes will likely be posted monthly, on the last day of each month. In this first discussion, Nadean and I chat about A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum. March book club pick: Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48570454-transcendent-kingdom Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/ Follow Nadean on Instagram: @nadean_o https://www.instagram.com/nadean_o/

In this last episode in celebration of Black History Month, my good friend, Chabria, and I chat about what it means to be a Black woman from her perspective — self-acceptance, discrimination, being strong, and so much more. Follow Chabria on Instagram: @_trueebriaaa https://www.instagram.com/_trueebriaaa/ Poddy episode of the week: "Nigerian Folktale: The Medicine for Getting a Son" on Stories Mother Told: African Folktales https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nigerian-folktale-the-medicine-for-getting-a-son/id1519129134?i=1000505099069 Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy https://www.instagram.com/andotherthingspoddy/

Continuing on with our celebration of Black History Month, my guest, Buckley, and I chat about his experiences as a Black man — Black boyhood, resilience, identity, and colorism. Follow Buckley on Instagram: @buckley_sake Poddy episode of the week: "Kelly Rowland" on Pretty Big Deal Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

Have you ever stopped to think about what you learned in school? My guest, Tanya (@nevertaughtinschool and @teachblackstudiesuom on Instagram), and I chat about what it means to decolonize education, why it's important, and how we can do it. Tanya, an educator and post-grad student, is passionate about transforming education and the way we view history, and she creates powerful educational resources on her Instagram pages. Podcast episode of the week: "Episode 1: The Fight for a True Democracy" on 1619 Learn about the history of Black History Month: Black History Month on History.com

I'm so excited to introduce the *official* & other things book club, & other reads!!! The cadence of the book club is currently undecided, but our first book club pick is A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum. If possible, try to buy/rent the book from a local bookstore or, better yet, borrow it from a friend! The book club discussion episode will be on Monday, February 22. Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

The word "balance" — the concept, too — has come up constantly in my adulthood so far, but is it truly the most human way to think about our day-to-day lives? In this episode, I offer a concept that can replace "balance" and that I'm learning to implement, especially amidst the recent craziness. Podcast episode of the week: "How to Make a Hard Decision" on Life Kit Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

We are typically encouraged to think about who we want to be in the future, but very few people realize just how much we can learn from our younger selves. In this episode, I share some ways I've been looking to my childhood self to guide me in my adulthood. Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

This year has been heavy, so, in hopes of holding onto the silver linings, here's an episode about the best things that came out of 2020 as told by me and you. Podcast episode of the week: "Grandma Jody" on Life is Short with Justin Long Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

*HEADPHONE WARNING* In the third episode of my Home for the Holidays series, I chat with little sister, Nyasha, who tries to expose me. We reflect on the trials and tribulations of being siblings and discuss what we think is the meaning the meaning of life — a funny yet thought-provoking convo. This episode also features an amusing cameo by my little brother. Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

In the second episode of my Home of the Holidays series, I sit down with my older half sister, Gabby. We start off with a quick chat about lessons we've learned and go on and on about so many of our childhood memories. Truly nostalgic. Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

This is the first episode of my Home for the Holidays series. In today's episode, I sit down with my mummy, and we chat about our childhoods and her experience with motherhood. We also share a family Christmas tradition that's very near and dear to our hearts. It's a warm and cozy episode. Follow & other things: @andotherthingspoddy

With the tensions and division brought about by the US presidential election and its results, I wanted to discuss the importance of hearing from the other side. My friend Faith and I chat about the intersection of religion, politics, and social media, and the implications of this complex relationship.  Follow Faith on Instagram: @faith_snipes Content we referenced: The Social Dilemma Amanda Ensing's YouTube video

My two best friends and I attempt to replicate a Friendsgiving dinner over a Zoom call. That includes acknowledging the traumatic history of Thanksgiving, honoring Native and Indigenous peoples, sharing what we're thankful for, and getting into a typical, deep, over-dinner convo, all while enjoying a very fake Thanksgiving meal. DONATE TO NATIVE AMERICAN & INDIGENOUS ORGANIZATIONS DURING THIS TIME: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA Native American Heritage Association American Indian College Fund Association on American Indian Affairs Native American Rights Fund

The format of today's Unscripted episode is just a little bit different due to some issues with the audio recordings. Either way, it's a great episode with Tiên, an international student from Vietnam. We chat about the journey to the US, lessons learned, and growing pains as an international student. "Unscripted" is a series of thoughtful conversations with different guests. Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

Given the recent US presidential election, which marks four years since my first US presidential election in 2016, I thought I'd share a small component of my international student experience. In today's episode, I share some sociocultural differences between Zimbabwe and the US, talk about the 2016 and 2020 US presidential elections, and roast Americans (the best part). Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

**Note: Erin's audio changes in the last few minutes due to a technical issue. Apologies in advance.** In today's episode, Erin (my second guest whom I didn't know prior to recording!!) shares the story of an injury that completely altered her life. We chat about the emotional, financial, and relational impacts of living with a disability, as well as the constant battle for accessibility. Erin's Instagram: erin.fieldd Erin's YouTube channel: Erin Field Support Erin financially: Donate to her GoFundMe "Unscripted" is a series of thoughtful conversations with different guests. Follow & other things on Instagram: @andotherthingspoddy

Today's episode is the second half of my conversation with my good friend and former college roommate, Adi. We continue our conversation on the intersection of sexual identity and religion. Check out the Reformation Project Follow & other things on Instagram @andotherthingspoddy

Today's episode is the first half of my conversation with my good friend and former college roommate, Adi. We reflect on a pivotal moment in our friendship, and we discuss sexual identity and its intersection with Christianity. Follow & other things on Instagram @andotherthingspoddy

I can't believe I've already spent exactly 7 months, the majority of the year, in quarantine! In today's episode, I share just a few of the ups and downs of my social-distanced life, giving you a look into my mental health, self-care, hobbies, reads, WFH, relationships, and TV gems. Follow & other things on Instagram @andotherthingspoddy

Life molds and reshapes us with each passing day, teaching us things we need to know, mostly against our will and without our knowledge. Today, I'm sharing five lessons I personally learned against my will but am grateful for nonetheless. Follow & other things on Instagram @andotherthingspoddy