The Back to Me Podcast

Yoli Tamu
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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Founder and CEO of The Back to Me Podcast (@thebacktomepodcast), Yoli Tamu (@yolitamuofficial) hosts this college-focused podcast inspired by college students across the nation. The Back to Me Podcast was created to answer many questions posed by college freshmen entering this new environment and college graduates heading out into a new world as young adults. Every week, students will be inspired and encouraged by self-affirming interviews and tips to succeed in college and in a career they love.

  1. 205. Agape Love: Tapping Innate Power with LaMar-Octavious L. Scott

    FEB 25

    205. Agape Love: Tapping Innate Power with LaMar-Octavious L. Scott

    To wrap up our Love Series, “Rooted in Love”, we dive into agape love—selfless, unconditional care for others with LaMar-Octavious L. Scott, Vice President of Student Affairs at LeMoyne-Owen College. As a leader at the fifth oldest HBCU, Mr. Scott shares his journey from early ministry roots to helping students develop unapologetic critical thinking and global cultural understanding. Spirituality is weaved into campus life through weekly schoolwide spiritual pauses rooted in liberation theology, prayer, and relational depth that welcomes tough questions like “How does this campus connect to your spirit and your personal goals?” Mr. Scott reminds us that you’re never alone in pursuing your purpose. So tap into your innate power, and choose college based on your why—not your parents’. Mr. Scott completed his Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and he received his Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at Alcorn State University. He is a strategic higher education leader specializing in Enrollment Management and Student Affairs transformation. His academic foundation informs his holistic leadership philosophy—one that blends access, belonging, accountability, and spiritual grounding into institutional practice. Beyond higher education, Mr. Scott serves as CYYA Pastor at Berean Missionary Baptist Church, where he mentors and develops young adults in faith and leadership. His commitment to service extends through his membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., initiated in March 2016. To learn more about Mr. Scott and his work, connect with him on IG @_sirscott6_ or email him at lamar_scott@loc.edu, and visit FutureMagician.loc.edu.

    24 min
  2. 204. Bridging Worlds through Community Love and Leadership with Marita Asamoah

    FEB 18

    204. Bridging Worlds through Community Love and Leadership with Marita Asamoah

    Love in college can feel like the biggest story of your life, but what if it’s actually the classroom where you learn who you are? In this week’s episode of our ‘Rooted in Love’ series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu takes you back to her years at Howard University to share real experiences with dating, music, and self‑discovery on and off campus, from supper‑club stages to difficult conversations and hard breakups. Through honest reflections on intimacy, expectations, jealousy, and the difference between healthy love and distracting love, she unpacks five key lessons and turns them into practical questions and steps you can apply right now. If you’re a college freshman or young adult navigating dating, this episode will help you protect your heart, honor your purpose, and remember you never have to disappear in order to be loved.⁠ ⁠ Yoli completed her M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching at National University, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Howard University in Washington, DC. She has fused her thirst for creativity and entrepreneurship with 25 years as a resolute educator/motivator, podcast host, speaker, author, and recording artist. In August 2020, Yoil created The Back to Me Podcast: College and Beyond-a weekly podcast that she also hosts and serves as Executive Producer. In her weekly thirty-minute shows, Yoli seamlessly shares enlightening, engaging, and entertaining conversations that feature monthly themes and a wide array of special guests from different social classes and professions. Her arsenal of talents also includes developing a professional career as a songwriter/singer, live performer, independently publishing a book as an author, and working as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coach. To learn more about Yoli’s college journey, check out her self-published book, “Back to Me: A Devotional Walk for the College Freshman Woman” and visit our website at TheBacktoMePodcast.com.⁠

    26 min
  3. 203. Love Lessons in College with Yoli Tamu

    FEB 11

    203. Love Lessons in College with Yoli Tamu

    Love in college can feel like the biggest story of your life, but what if it’s actually the classroom where you learn who you are? In this week’s episode of our ‘Rooted in Love’ series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu takes you back to her years at Howard University to share real experiences with dating, music, and self‑discovery on and off campus, from supper‑club stages to difficult conversations and hard breakups. Through honest reflections on intimacy, expectations, jealousy, and the difference between healthy love and distracting love, she unpacks five key lessons and turns them into practical questions and steps you can apply right now. If you’re a college freshman or young adult navigating dating, this episode will help you protect your heart, honor your purpose, and remember you never have to disappear in order to be loved. Yoli completed her M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching at National University, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Howard University in Washington, DC. She has fused her thirst for creativity and entrepreneurship with 25 years as a resolute educator/motivator, podcast host, speaker, author, and recording artist. In August 2020, Yoil created The Back to Me Podcast: College and Beyond-a weekly podcast that she also hosts and serves as Executive Producer. In her weekly thirty-minute shows, Yoli seamlessly shares enlightening, engaging, and entertaining conversations that feature monthly themes and a wide array of special guests from different social classes and professions. Her arsenal of talents also includes developing a professional career as a songwriter/singer, live performer, independently publishing a book as an author, and working as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coach. To learn more about Yoli’s college journey, check out her self-published book, “Back to Me: A Devotional Walk for the College Freshman Woman” and visit our website at TheBacktoMePodcast.com.

    17 min
  4. 202. Lifestyle Medicine for the Soul with Dr. D’Wan Carpenter

    FEB 4

    202. Lifestyle Medicine for the Soul with Dr. D’Wan Carpenter

    For our annual ‘Love Series: Rooted in Love’ kickoff, we explore the power of self-love with Dr. D’Wan Carpenter, a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and founder of DJC Medical Group. Blending evidence-based lifestyle medicine with faith, Dr. Dee shares how balance, preparation, and spiritual grounding can help prevent and even reverse chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity. Through her seven wellness pillars, one including spirituality, she guides us toward sustainable habits, from mindful meal prep to measurable health goals. Find out about her community initiatives and how you can explore lifestyle medicine as a career. Dr. Dee reminds us that true healing begins when we love ourselves enough to nurture our whole being. Dr. D’Wan (affectionately called Dr. Dee) earned her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly UMDNJ-SOM). She completed her internship at Northside Hospital in Saint Petersburg, FL and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Oakwood Hospital/Wayne State University in Taylor, MI. With over a decade in practice, her experiences in all healthcare arenas took her full circle to the understanding and appreciation that food is our first medicine. Dr. Dee has added the practice of lifestyle medicine into her practice helping patients embrace whole food plant predominant lifestyles, focus on the roots of health including sleep, stress reduction, healthy social connections, and reducing risky habits. She is known for helping patients understand the most complex aspects of their medical care and the most heart-warming bedside manner. Interested in Lifestyle Medicine as a career? Visit ACLM at LifestyleMedicine.com.To learn more about Dr. Dee and her practice, visit her website at DrDwanCarpenter.com and connect with her on IG @drdwancarpenter.

    30 min
  5. 201. Guaranteed Access: WLAC, HBCUs, and Your Next Yes with Dr. William Syms

    JAN 28

    201. Guaranteed Access: WLAC, HBCUs, and Your Next Yes with Dr. William Syms

    We’re wrapping up our “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series with a powerful conversation on turning vision into real opportunities for students. Dr. William Syms, Vice President of Student Services, Enrollment Management and Equity Initiatives at West Los Angeles College (WLAC), shares how his journey has shaped his passion for advocacy and college access. He unpacks a bold Vision 2030 plan for students and explains how guaranteed admission in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) helps remove application barriers and why helping students find their identity at WLAC is central to building authentic relationships for their future. Discover how to connect your dreams to real pathways, as this episode invites you to “say yes” to your next step at WLAC. Spring classes begin February 9th! Dr. Syms completed his Doctorate of Education in Urban Education and Leadership at University of Southern California (USC). A political and community organizer from Altadena California, he began his career as a 16 year old President of the Pasadena City College chapter of the NAACP where he worked to educate young people about leveraging their economic power while pursuing education. His activism continued at Clark Atlanta University where he worked with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP to champion restorative justice legislation throughout the southeast region. After college, Dr. Syms refined his organizing skills as a Congressional Field Representative for former Congressman Adam Schiff, where he managed federal issues in the areas of science, technology and entertainment. Following his time with congress, he returned to work with the NAACP as a youth organizer, and served on the National Campaigns team for Amnesty International. To learn more about Dr. Syms and his work, visit WLAC.edu, email him at symsw@wlac.edu, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

    20 min
  6. 200. Step Out & Shine: Miss Coppin on Building Confidence & Legacy with Catherine Trumata-Addey

    JAN 21

    200. Step Out & Shine: Miss Coppin on Building Confidence & Legacy with Catherine Trumata-Addey

    We’re back for the new semester, celebrating our 200th episode as we continue the “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series! This week, we honor a trailblazer turning hardships into leadership legacy! We are thrilled to invite back the reigning Miss Coppin State University and graduating Health Science scholar, Catherine Trumata-Addey. Catherine urges students to reach beyond Coppin State and build their own legacies through leadership. Find out why it is important to step out of your comfort zone by developing your public speaking skills, befriending your professors, and building your vocabulary, in order to maintain confidence and show up for yourself and others. Catherine is the 94th Miss Coppin State University and she is currently completing her Health Science major at Coppin State University. As Miss Coppin, she is committed to student wellness, leadership development, and community service, using her platform to create meaningful, student-centered programming that supports both personal and academic success. She has served as an intern with the Alzheimer’s Association and she is currently the NAACP Secretary. In addition, she serves as a Physical Therapy Rehab Aide at Pivot PT and plans to become a Travel Physical Therapist. Through initiatives focused on mental health, health education, and service, Catherine strives to uplift underserved communities and empower students to lead with confidence and purpose. She aspires to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy and continue advocating for equitable access to care while representing Coppin State University with pride, grace, and service. To learn more about Catherine and her work, connect with her on IG @misscoppinstateuniversity, @csuroyalcourt or visit Coppin.edu.

    20 min
  7. 199. Confidence in Full Bloom: A Path to Purpose with Stacey Y. Clark

    12/03/2025

    199. Confidence in Full Bloom: A Path to Purpose with Stacey Y. Clark

    We hope everyone had a restful, peaceful, and joy-filled Thanksgiving! This year has given us all reason to pause, reflect, and identify our own personal calling amidst uncertain times. In this week’s episode, we welcome educator, author, and wellness consultant, Stacey Y. Clark. Stacey shares how she’s helped clients ages 17 to 70 connect their purpose to an authentic life they truly enjoy living. In her book, “Confidence in Full Bloom: A 30-Day Guide to Growing Unshakable Confidence in Uncertain Times”, she unpacks three phases of personal growth—self-worth, self-efficacy, and self-love—to help listeners make the most of their course syllabi and career paths. Discover how intentional living and simple practices can empower you to follow your calling with clarity and confidence. ⁠ Stacey completed her M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge. She is the creator of the In Full Bloom series, a collection of soulful, research-informed guides that help readers grow their self-worth, strengthen their emotional wellness, and feel grounded during every season of life. Stacey’s work blends neuroscience, design thinking, and soul care, showing readers how everyday practices—breathing, movement, reflection, and intentional choices—can activate the body’s natural calming system, the vagus nerve. Beyond writing, Stacey facilitates wellness retreats, supports professionals in career reinvention, and designs learning experiences that help people thrive through change. Her mission is simple: to help people, especially young adults, build lives rooted in confidence, clarity, and intentional wellness. To learn more about Stacey and her work, visit her website at SYMoorePub.com or connect with her on IG @symoorepub.

    28 min
  8. 198. Outspoken and Empowered: Uplifting Community Through Film with Taja Dominique

    11/26/2025

    198. Outspoken and Empowered: Uplifting Community Through Film with Taja Dominique

    Have you ever been misunderstood for simply being outspoken? In the final episode of our “Owning Your Strength” series, we’re joined by Director, Producer and LMU MFA candidate, Taja Dominique. Taja shares how she transformed her outspoken spirit into creative projects, mentorship, and by founding her own company, InspiredbyTaja Productions.⁠ Raised by artistic parents and supported by powerful mentors, she has used storytelling, film, and activism to not only uplift Oakland artists and youth in her community, but humanize them and their stories. Discover why knowing yourself, planning ahead, and creating with integrity and courage are essential to owning your strength while empowering others in the process. Taja is currently in her second year as a MFA Candidate for the School of Film and Television Production specializing in Directing at Loyola Marymount University. She also received her Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Studies at San Francisco State University. Taja has a passionate goal to tell authentic stories that pay homage and honorship to Black culture, Black girls and Womanhood under her production company InspiredbyTaja Productions. She has been involved with various creative outlets leading her to the art of filmmaking and her creative style is often defined as humanizing, experimental, poetic, and visually intriguing. To learn more about Taja and her work, visit her website at InspiredbyTaja.com or connect with her on IG @tajanirel.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Founder and CEO of The Back to Me Podcast (@thebacktomepodcast), Yoli Tamu (@yolitamuofficial) hosts this college-focused podcast inspired by college students across the nation. The Back to Me Podcast was created to answer many questions posed by college freshmen entering this new environment and college graduates heading out into a new world as young adults. Every week, students will be inspired and encouraged by self-affirming interviews and tips to succeed in college and in a career they love.

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