Voices of Disruption with Deborah Olatunji

Welcome back to the Voices of Disruption podcast! I am glad that you're here. This episode is all about coming back to spaces that we've left and asking ourselves: what gets to stay? and what still serves us this season of life? I get real and honest about how the past 10 months have been, including talking about friendship, emotional growth, my relationship with my therapist, and stillness.TW (trigger warning), there is a mention of depression in this episode. I want to be authentic about what returning to the show means to me and how we can reimagine VOD together. More conversations on mental health are needed and the arts thrive from this place. As I continue to step into being a multimedia artist, disrupting my career path, and prioritizing wellness, owning this power looks like taking inventory for what's next and what has been. When I first started the podcast, I was told that podfading (or not releasing an episode for more than 90 days) was the worst thing that could happen. Now that it has been almost 10 months, I realize that the breaks are inevitable and there is an art to returning to the things we love and care for. Find out more in the episode!ABOUT THE SHOW // The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically, hosted by a routine pasta maker who is almost in her 20s or Deb Olatunji. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others. Thank you for listening! I appreciate your presence! All love, Deb

We're celebrating one year of the Voices of Disruption podcast on this week's episode as well as the return of the podcast. After a much-needed break between the transition of summer to the new school year, the stories that need to be heard are coming in HOT from this space of vulnerability, empathy, and rejuvenation.One year ago, I sat in my freshman dorm room and hit record on a software I was unfamiliar with using. This week's episode was recorded in my sophomore dorm room with completely different world conditions than when that first episode went live. Sharing stories is such a huge part of my identity now, in the moments when I'm uploading regularly, being present with the people I love, and trying to understand the world around me. Thank you so much for being a member of this community. I really love and appreciate every single one of you.  Thanks again for listening and disrupting and sharing and growing with me!In this episode of the VODPOD, I talk about what the past four months (June-September 2021) have been like, living with my close friends, moving from Boston to Philadelphia, navigating college life, and updates on my personal growth journey. I also share how shifts in my mental wellness have shaped my relationship with creativity and how I've dealt with some recent challenges in my life. I dive into the sacred practice of allowing others to show up for you and inviting softness into every area of connection. As someone who is often seen as a source of inspiration, I talk about the limitations behind the dimensions of our personhood online. The value of being present, speaking truths out loud, and discovering the new are all unraveled in this episode! Two months ago, I wrote the phrase “glory in the mystery” in a journaling session and this week I finally explored what this term means to me. I look at how this statement and affirmation to search for casual magic in the midst of madness has helped me through the constant change in my life, from changing my major to redefining what it means to be challenged as a student.The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:What are things that I can celebrate in my life? (even the things that seem small)What does “finding glory in the mystery” mean to me in this season of my life?Who can I check in on today? How's my well? What can I do to fill my well so I can check in on someone else?You can follow my instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website to stay updated and uplifted! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

Happy August! Last week, we started to get into how our upbringing affects the way we view relationships, so it only makes sense to dive deeper this week into how culture shapes our entire lives and beliefs. As a Nigerian-American, I grew up between the crossroads of two different worlds, or as today's guest would call it, the realities and stories of having a hyphenated identity. In this week's episode, I chat with Phoebe Omonira to discuss empathy, growing gains and pains, leading generational shifts, establishing boundaries, navigating mental health support amongst stigma in the West African community, practicing mutual respect, and unlearning self-limiting beliefs.  We talk about how parents and teenagers can coexist in a healthy way and try to understand the imposter syndrome that comes from growing up in two very different cultures. From anti-Blackness coded in language to not feeling Black enough in predominantly Black or white spaces, this episode tells the stories we wish we knew of growing up.  Culture is a gift; there are so many things that we are grateful for...but there are also many areas for growth and improvement.Our childhood homes are the first places where we learn about how to be. Talking about problems in our families is typically seen as disrespectful, but it's only by discussing ways we want things to change for generational progress to happen. If family is a sensitive topic for you, I hope that this episode can bring you comfort and peace. None of us chose to be born, but the choices we make in our lives can lead us to the most incredible joys and discoveries. Sending everyone lots of love and light, regardless of your family situation!! Learn more about our guest: Phoebe Omonira is an 18-year-old using her voice to raise awareness about the importance of empathy as the key to reducing inequality. Her advocacy work regarding empathy is centered around creating resources for kids and their grown-ups, working with the Center for Children's Brainhealth of the University of Texas Dallas has been a great joy for her. She will be attending Southern Methodist University in the Fall of 2021 and double majoring in International Studies and Human Rights with a minor in Philosophy on the Pre-Law Track. Her children's book on empathy, Ollie the Elephant, is coming out in 2022. She is currently the Director of Community Outreach at Gen Z Girl Gang, where she works to redefine sisterhood for a new generation. **This episode was recorded in March. Podcast Rec: Jesus and Jollof The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others. LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:What has your culture taught you about respect? What's missing?What's something you would tell your younger self that you didn't learn until later?What's been instilled in you that affects the way you interact with people of different cultural backgrounds? Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review on Apple podcasts so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

Let's get straight to the point. The very thought of "shooting your shot" has a clear meaning⁠—making your desires about another person known to said person. They are the forbidden crushes that our parents tell us to ignore in place of academic success, especially if you grew up in an immigrant household. It's the 5 stages of denial, a learned practice we've become way too familiar with in navigating our emotions. But what if I told you that the act of shooting your shot is so much bigger than you think? And why has it been painted as taboo? As risqué? As BOLD? It's because going after what you want in relationships and love is one of the most powerful moves you can ever make. The nerve-wracking, stomach-turning, gut-tumbling realization that you like someone is a sure sign of your growing humanity and your acceptance of it. Honoring that pull, that rush, that eye-dilating fear to reach out means affirming your ability to want something and open a world of self-trust and confidence.In this week's episode of the VODPOD, I sit down with my very close friend Amanda to unpack why "shooting your shot" is put below the pursuit of success and how our upbringing and culture view's on relationship building can make or break our courage to go after what we want. We dive straight into the "how," take a chance on all kinds of love (romantic, platonic, familial, etc.) and hold nothing back. Even though this episode was recorded in February, six months later it feels like a warm and special letter from the past. As we start to see the world open up, let's have the boldness to step out of ourselves, our fears, and our worries, and to instead step into the power that voicing our truth gives us. If you are looking for an honest and raw conversation on resisting struggle love, learning vulnerability, stopping self-sabotage, and making the first move, then this episode is for you.p.s. Amanda and I finally did meet in April and again this summer after a year of connecting virtually!! **Stat check: The average person has 60,000 thoughts per day, according to the Cleveland Clinic.The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:In what areas of my life have I been getting in my own way by not going after what I want?Who taught me about love and relationship building? What truth exists in what I was taught?How can I start stepping into my power this month? What does shooting my shot look like in this season of becoming?Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

Every other week, I get a message in my DMs asking about how to start a podcast and manage time. The people have (LOUDLY) spoken! This week, I go into the tools that I use, talk about some behind-the-scenes logistics for the VODPOD, and lessons I've learned from podcasting for almost a year now. For starters, podcasting is a slow burn. I dive into questions from you all like, “how to stay consistent with editing and recording?” “how I learned graphic design?” and “what was the hardest part of starting?” This episode talks all about the beauty of podcasting and also on why our generation needs to tap back into having hobbies in its different forms. There are hobbies that never see the face of the internet and ones that you share with just your friends and family members. If you're looking to start something new⁠—whether that's podcasting, journaling, painting, curating, dancing, reading⁠—and need an extra boost of inspiration, this is the episode for you. I also include a conversation on the effects of hustle culture and toxic productivity on our generation, capitalism's pull on our mental wellness, and the concept of building a home through our ability to choose and create.The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:What's a hobby I've been interested in exploring that I haven't tapped into yet?How can I take control over my life and make choices that help me grow?What does intentional rest as a hobby look like? How can I start making time for things I really enjoy?In what ways do I engage with the hobbies of others? What can I discover from experiencing the art of someone else?Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

Change is something we've become all too familiar with over the course of the past 16 months. Along with the newness comes the chance to confront our self-limiting beliefs and unpack what we've been taught to believe about exploration and growth. In this episode, I share the story of how changing my major from nursing has disrupted the path of my life. I talk about how I came to making such a big decision, what I had plans for beforehand, and what plans I have for the future. This is probably one of the most vulnerable episodes I've ever recorded. So much so that my editing process has an additional step: the first cut and final cut. I wanted to make sure that I shared this story in a way that connects with anyone who usually doubts themselves, has one too many existential crises, or feels stuck in where they currently are.Life is all about making choices and decisions. You are not alone in this life. I hope that you have or can find community and support here in the way you choose to live your life. With the use of affirmations and iffirmations, navigating and understanding the need for change can help us grow and feel more connected to ourselves.**Stat correction at 7:12 - According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women. The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:What if I am allowed to be interested in something new? In what ways am I allowing myself to change and explore?What if disappointing others means that I am no longer leaving myself behind?What if I can live this life freely and pursue new goals and dreams?Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website!Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

Welcome back to the Voices of Disruption Podcast! It's so great to be back. Thank you for being here. In this episode, I recap what the last five months have been like, borrow from the genius of the New Happy Co's Stephanie Harrison's philosophy on creating a healthy digital home, and share some tidbits of what Season 2 will be like. We've even got new cover art and there are some new life updates in this episode! I also talk about some skills I want to learn over the summer, some of what I learned from reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and how to make your mental health a priority this summer and beyond. The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a  way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:What does prioritizing mental health look like for me?Who is in my digital space and how does that affect my wellbeing?What energy am I cultivating? How do I start honoring all of my feelings?Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page,  and the website! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

Happy New Year!! What are some non-negotiables in your relationships? How do you remain positive in a pandemic that lasted for almost an entire year? What did the last four months of 2020 teach you?In this Season 1 Finale episode, I talk about what challenges I faced in creating the podcast, lessons that I've learned from the slow burn that is podcasting, and answer some questions from you!! I reflect on what it means to have a dream school (and if I had one), the new hobbies that I picked up over the quarantine, choosing which lessons from your childhood to carry into adult life, the reasons why I wrote Unleashing Your Innovative Genius, and why voting matters beyond the general election and the year that was 2020.I had so much fun editing, recording, and sharing the stories from Season 1. There are a lot of new ideas coming for the next season, and I can't wait to share them with you! In the meantime, if there is an episode or episodes that you felt connected to and seen by, please consider leaving a written review and rating to make Season 2 of the VODPOD even better! There's also a Spotify playlist that I will share below, with the sounds that made this season possible and selections from the voices that were shared. My word for 2021 is higher, and that's exactly where we are headed. We are voices of disruption and I'm looking forward to continuing to disrupt together in the months and years ahead.Let's connect on Instagram if we haven't already! My handle is @deb_olatunji. If you're looking to pre-order a beanie or buy a copy of my book, my website is www.deboraholatunji.com.

What does it mean for you to be powerful? Has 2020 felt like a pressure-cooker and have you felt guilty for not doing what you were “supposed” to do? How can we create thoughtful connections in the years ahead?In this episode of the VOD POD, I sit down with Maria Gilfoyle, the founder of the Power Thread, a community that celebrates what it means for YOU to be powerful. Maria created this platform while she was a college student at Washington University to showcase the stories of powerful women across her campus. In this conversation, we talk about 2020 in how it is the year of clearer vision and unpack how this vision can guide us in 2021. We also try to understand what RBG's legacy can teach us about making progress, give our hopes for the election that has since passed, share what creating spaces looks like for the community.Listening to this episode is very nostalgic as it was recorded in September, prior to the changes that these past three months have brought on us. There is a sense of clarity and hope for an uncertain future that is our current present. On this poetic note, every season, we will have guests who have a mission of uplifting and creating spaces across different generations through their forms of disruption.If you're looking for a conversation on:- what it means to know that the best is yet to come, in the midst of the pressure to be the very best- using social media as a helpful tool- understanding sustainable fashion from the perspective of a GAP employee- learning how to stop kidnapping yourself from your goals and aspirations…...then you're in for a treat!Join and connect with the community on Instagram @deb_olatunji and the podcast page https://www.deboraholatunji.com!Be sure to leave a rating and written review so that we can share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!Guest Bio:Maria Gilfoyle is a CREATIVE-CHANGEMAKER who builds community by leveraging creativity and data, delivering profitable business results that benefit both people and the planet. Maria is passionate about retail and product innovation. She completed Gap Inc.'s Rotational Management Program. Currently managing the Sleep and Lounge business, Maria brings her eye for trend and understanding of consumer products. She is action-oriented and able to drive results.After 3 years competing internationally on TEAM USA in figure skating in high school, she attended Washington University in St. Louis, triple majoring in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Design. Between classes, she was the president of multiple groups and student organizations on campus. She is the founder of The Power Thread, a media company, and community, dedicated to celebrating what it means for the next generation of women to be powerful. The platform has shared more than 250 stories from creators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers across the globe.Connect with her on Instagram: @mariagilfoyle and @thepowerthread

What does personal development look like for you? If you could describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?I've been talking about self-awareness and core values all season long! What's all the hype about? The answer is finally here.In this episode, I share the steps to creating a culture code for your life and core values to understand yourself better. I breakdown my own core values, explain the definitions behind them, and discuss the importance of defining these words in a context that encourages growth.If you're looking for a way to start the new year on the right foot, take the time to give this episode a listen! There's a special announcement inside as well.Join and connect with the community led by Deborah Olatunji on Instagram @deb_olatunji and the podcast page https://www.deboraholatunji.com!Be sure to leave a rating and written review so that we can share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

How many times have you heard the phrase “college and career ready?” Would you say that your education experience has made you “life-ready?” What skills do you wish you were taught in high school? How well do you know yourself?There are key skills that we should have learned like personal development, cultural awareness, civic engagement, and self-advocacy. In this heartfelt episode, Deborah sits down to chat with Zoë Jenkins, an education activist from Kentucky, NatGeography Young Explorer, and high school drop out. Yes, you read that right! After spending time with the Civics Unplugged program this summer, a fellowship designed to teach students about democratic theory, personal development, and systems thinking, Zoë founded DICCE, a diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, and equity program for Gen Z by Gen Z. They talk about how to talk about race with younger students and how to tackle systemic inequalities in the education system They also discuss the skill of parenting yourself, how to choose a community that chooses you back, and what it really means to be civically engaged.They also talk about how education is supposed to prepare students for life skills, what it looks like to amplify young people's voices, how to elevate (and pay) Black people in the art of storytelling. Zoë is making quite a number of disruptions in the education space, but emphasized the fact that you can still be unstoppable while taking the time to rest, “bad people” are a product of bad education, and that you can control your time in a way that allows for creativity, curiosity, and exploration. They chat about core values, Black girlhood, and rocking the boat.You can find Zoë Jenkins on Instagram @thezoejenkins and on her website https://zoe-jenkins.com!Join and connect with the community led by Deborah Olatunji on Instagram @deb_olatunji and the podcast page https://www.deboraholatunji.com!Be sure to leave a rating and written review so that we can share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let's disrupt together now!

What are you more afraid of, failure or success? And why?The deeper answer to the second question will surprise you! In this episode, Deborah sits down to talk about the power of our joy and what it means to acknowledge and honor it. She also shares the words of Joel Leon and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to discuss what understanding the intersection between success and failure. In 2020, there has been so many moments of grief, sadness, tragedy, and disappointment. This episode deals with what expressions of gratitude look like in a time like this...and how to share that joy with others. Deborah also shares some of her frustrations on her journey to becoming an author, what Unleashing Your Innovative Genius means now nine months after its publication, how the pivot in the pandemic shifted her view towards celebration, and how the creations that we bring to life find ways to bring a fuller life out of us. It is important to understand what matters to you and have outlets to share your perspective.If you're looking for a space to talk about how to react to the successes of those around you, build a legacy, and learn how to define success and failure for yourself, then this is the episode for you!Share your stories of success and failure! Follow me on Instagram ~ @deb_olatunjiThe Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast

The ability to be grateful is something to be grateful for.How do you react in the face of adversity? Do you find ways to express your creativity in each passing week? What makes you happy? What thoughts from your childhood are being projected into your passions, paths, and everyday life?In this touching and insightful guest interview episode, Deborah sits down to chat with Alexa Cucchiara, a best-selling author and health and wellness blogger from New York City. After beating cancer at the age of 20, Alexa decided to dedicate her platforms to helping others find hope and perseverance. She is also a recent graduate of Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business. They talk about having faith in especially challenging moments, how to stop withholding from living an authentic life, exploring options after graduating college in a pandemic, and how to escape the statements people say or we think as children. They also discuss pop culture, entrepreneurship, and views on manifestation.Then, they dive into hard conversations that creators face when things don't go as planned...the art of the pivot. Deborah touches on how she met Alexa through their book publisher, New Degree Press, and some of the challenges that they both faced as newly published authors. Beyond making a disruption in health and wellness, Alexa is taking over the art and fashion scenes of New York in her own way, showing us that taking ownership over life is truly a matter of perseverance and hope.In this episode, you will hear from a member of Gen Z, (who recently turned 23!! We've celebrated two birthdays on the podcast) who has endured one of life's hardest challenges and is using her story of survival to inspire people all over the world. This interview focuses on the importance of acknowledging your small wins, spreading kindness, and being true to yourself. If you're looking for a heartfelt conversation on dealing with the feeling of never being “done,” finding a sense of direction when everything continues to change, and reshaping your perspective in times of struggle, disappointment, worry, pain, and doubt, then this episode is definitely for you!Guest Biography:Born and raised in New York City, Alexa Cucchiara is a commissioned artist, author, designer, entrepreneur, health and wellness advocate, speaker, and storyteller. Early in her career, she found her unique upbringing to propel her to study at The Art Students League of New York and Fashion Institute of Technology during her childhood, fostering her passion for art and design. In high school, she had her illustrations published on covers and inside Creative Outlook, and used her creativity to drive her entrepreneurial spirit and launched a jewelry business, One Twist Co.Today, Alexa is a graduate of Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business, Magna Cum Laude, and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. She recently published her first book, Power to Persevere: Inspiring Stories to Help You Get Through Challenging Moments which debuted as a Best Seller and #1 in Teen & Young Adult Diseases, Illnesses, and Injuries, Teen & Young Adult Physical Impairment, and Teen & Young Adult Body, Mind & Spirit on Amazon.After surviving cancer at a young age, Alexa has found a deep passion in influencing others to live their best life despite their own misfortunes. She believes in the beauty of balance and the magic of taking control of your health. She uses her platform to encourage and motivate others to live their life to the fullest despite their unforeseen circumstances and helps others work through their own obstacles.You can find her on Instagram @alexacuc and on her website - https://alexacuc.com/Connect with Deborah Olatunji on In

What does growing up mean to you? Have you ever accidentally washed your debit card...or created your own budget for a grocery trip by yourself? How do you build new relationships in an environment that is entirely new to you? Are you friends with yourself?The pandemic has certainly changed the way we see many areas of our lives. Human connection is needed more than ever before...but how can we achieve a level of authenticity in the virtual spaces we interact with daily? Without the convenience of a hallway or living in the same state, creating real friendships has been a challenge for students this school year. In this episode, Deborah continues her reflection on her first semester in terms of making friends, navigating COVID restrictions, and learning more about independence. She plays a lightning round of her favorite game, We're Not Really Strangers, and answers the question, "What lesson took you the longest to unlearn?" She also dives deeper into the social scene on campus and how the lack of collective responsibility has affected the Philadelphia community. She also talks about the importance of building a strong friendship with yourself or "self-friendship" in order to fully understand how to create authentic connections with others. If you have also been struggling to make friends or build community this semester, know that you are not alone. If you're looking for ways to start building strong friendships that have a real foundation as well as one with yourself, then this is the episode for you!! We're more powerful when we're in community with each other. Let's disrupt together now!Resources mentioned:Book - We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships by Kat VellosConversational Game/"Market Research": We're Not Really Strangers by KoreenConnect with Deborah Olatunji on Instagram ~ @deb_olatunjiThe Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast

Are you a student learning virtually this semester? How has the pandemic affected your academic experience? What have you discovered about yourself and your community during this time?Students all over the country have entered college during one of the most challenging years of the decade. In this episode, Deborah takes the time to talk about her college experience thus far. She describes her relationship with the University of Pennsylvania as one of "love and hate" as she continues to see the effects of "Penntrification" and the lack of action towards the problems her university is creating in the city of Philadelphia. She also talks about how these issues have multiple layers to them and that solving them takes time. Deborah answers the question that she's been getting all semester long as a student in the city, "how's Penn?" and offers a candid glimpse of what her first semester has taught her. Along with a brief recap of how she chose Penn and what led her to her current major, Deborah goes all in with what's been happening in her new community. If you have also been dealing with constant change, and are looking for an unfiltered reflection on attending college in a pandemic to guide you in the creation of your own, then this is the episode for you! Keep an eye out on Part 2 where Deborah dives into the "social scene," making friends virtually, and learning the true meaning of self-friendship.Connect with Deborah Olatunji on Instagram ~ @deb_olatunjiThe Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast

Have you ever had two interests that were glaringly different from each other? Have you ever tried to combine them? What about this: how do spelling and science come together?In this down-to-earth guest interview episode, Deborah sits down to chat with Snehaa Ganesh Kumar, an astrophysics major at UC Berkeley and the Scripps National Spelling Bee Runner-Up (2016), to talk about navigating life in the pandemic, reflecting the social impact space as the founder of a non-profit organization, and what self-care looks like as college student from home. They discuss the politics of Instagram infographic slacktivism, the need for restorative justice in the school curriculum, and the purpose of high school for building character.In this episode, you will hear all about understanding the importance of collaborating with existing organizations, moving beyond social media for real organizing and action, juggling different interests, recharging and educating yourself through 2020, and hacking the college admissions process. If you're looking for a deep conversation on being a college student in a pandemic, finding a sense of focus in the midst of change, dealing with rejection, and reframing the meaning of social impact, then this episode is definitely for you!Guest Biography:Snehaa Ganesh Kumar is a college freshman attending University of California, Berkeley. She is an astrophysics major with a strong love for spelling, science research, story-telling, and star-gazing. She is the founder of the Queen Bee Project, a non-profit organization that strives to provide competitors at all levels with study material, sample curriculum for outreach events, and advice on how to mentally prepare for and face competitions. She is also the 2016 Runner-Up for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Culture Media Co. named her one of the 2020 Social Entrepreneurs on the 25 under 25 list. Fun fact: She speaks four languages and believes in the power of personal development!You can find her on Instagram @snehaaganesh and @thequeenbeeproject.Connect with Deborah Olatunji on Instagram ~ @deb_olatunjiThe Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast

What is an idea or goal that you wake up thinking about? What resources exist in your network, whether that be people, experiences, skills, and projects, do you feel inspired by daily? How are you working towards building a life of impact? And how do you turn the fear of starting into a solid bet on your potential?In this episode, Deborah takes the time to explain the story of the creation of this podcast. It started as a suggestion from a friend a year ago, but the journey that it has taken to invest in the design and genesis of this community forced Deborah to take a bet on herself. Deborah recalls the people that she has meant along the way, her podcast sisterhood, coach Adrienne, and more. She breaks down the feeling of an idea being “good enough” and how powerful the follow button is on social media. Podcasting is a slow burn and just like any idea, if you want to explore and build a community, you have to take a chance on yourself first. In this episode, you will learn about the “why” behind the creation of the Voices of Disruption Podcast Community and how it will become a launching point for your ability to believe in your potential. If you're looking for a deep and thoughtful reflection on the power of “We vs. Me” and “Us vs. Myself” when leaning into the fear of starting something new, then this is the episode for you!Key resources mentioned:Book Cover Inspiration: Unsafe Thinking: How to be Nimble and Bold When You Need It Most by Jonah SachsAdrienne White, My Podcast Coach and Host of the She's So Cool Podcasthttps://www.fempowermedia.com/https://www.instagram.com/fempowermedia/.Podcast Sisterhood Shows: (check them out!)JungleRose Podcast with Marley and JaeConversations with KatySisters and Sonder Podcast with Tori and SammeeShe Talks White with SydneThe Yo Fly Aunty Podcast with KendraThe Parenting Cipher with GenieConnect with Deborah Olatunji on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deb_olatunji/The Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast

Have you ever listened to a podcast with identical twins who have nearly identical voices? In this first interview episode of the season, Deborah Olatunji sits down with Dorcas Olatunji, her twin sister, to talk about disrupting the worlds of technology, advocacy, education policy, social entrepreneurship, and business. Don't worry about the similar voices though, as this episode explores their upbringing in a household of 7 and how their unique identities have helped them in creating disruptions in this world.⁣⁣Deborah mentions the book, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert in a dialogue as using fear to your advantage as Dorcas talks about navigating her position as the Student Representative on the State Board of Education in Delaware and approaching the inevitable changes to come in her new college life. ⁣⁣In this episode, you will hear all about understanding the importance of uplifting your community, taking action, asking questions, and more. If you're looking for a candid conversation on sisterhood, identity, change, and belonging, then this episode is definitely for you!⁣⁣Guest Biography:⁣Dorcas Olatunji is a rising college freshman attending Northeastern University's D'Amore McKim School of Business. She is an advocate for experiential learning, civic engagement, and public service. As the first-ever Student Representative on the Delaware Board of Education, she held Student Education forums, provided her insight to fellow board members, and is ending her term on ideas for a potential Youth Council. This past summer she participated in the illustrious Bank of America Student Leaders internship program, as well as the competitive Google Computer Summer Science Institute. Dorcas continues to be involved in civic engagement, as a Fellow for The Civics Center and YMCA. She is the Co-Chair of the YMCA's Youth Voter Commitment, a four-phased initiative to empower youth advocates to engage with their communities this election year. Some of her recent awards include the 2020 #MILLSUMMIT Young Visionary Award, 2019 Widener Leadership Award, and 2019 Mogul's 100 High School Students to Know About. You can find her on Instagram @dorlatunji. ⁣⁣Connect with Deborah Olatunji on Instagram ~ @deb_olatunji⁣⁣The Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast⁣

If you could describe 2020 in only one word, what would it be? For Deborah Olatunji, she would have to choose the word "pivot." There are so many "what if's" that could have happened during this rollercoaster of a year from weddings, family gatherings, scheduled book tours, sports seasons and competitions to concerts, graduation ceremonies, and more. By using the word pivot, both unintentionally and intentionally, we all had to decide to turn those "what if's" into "what now's." In this episode, Deborah shares her TEDx talk titled, How Collective Empowerment Can Ignite The World, that she was supposed to give in March 2020. This episode sets up the intentions for this podcast to be a source of light, connection, and empowerment for you as you navigate through the rest of this challenging year. If you're looking for a sense of direction for Q4 of this year, then this episode is definitely for you!Connect with Deborah Olatunji on Instagram ~ @deb_olatunjiThe Voices of Disruption Website: www.deboraholatunji.com/podcast

Have you ever felt an urge to make an impact, but you didn't know how? Have you ever felt alone in your search for purpose and identity? If so, this new podcast will speak to you in a thousand different ways. Here's the official trailer for the Voices of Disruption podcast by Deborah Olatunji.The Voices of Disruption Podcast is all about showcasing the visionaries of Generation Z and is hosted by the author of Unleashing Your Innovative Genius: High School Redesigned, Deborah Olatunji. This show is for young people with disruptive mindsets (early adapters to much-needed change) who are redesigning systems that do not work and do not serve their purposes anymore, all while having conversations about how to continue to turn our LOUD disruptions into IGNITED agency and CONSISTENT actions. There's a whole lot of pain and loneliness in the world right now and it's easy to get overwhelmed with the prospect of knowing what you want to do with your life. This podcast will show you that you can still be a disruptor without having everything all figured out! Each episode will empower you to realize that you can still share your voice with having the entire script perfectly written and edited. The Voices of Disruption Podcast speaks directly to how you can learn to unleash and use your disruptive voice while having a place to plug into to learn new ideas and perspectives and develop yourself as a member of Gen Z! Watch out world, Gen Z is taking over!!