Unlearning Strongwoman Podcast

Tolu Agbelusi

Unlearning Strongwoman is a podcast hosted by Tolu Agbelusi, holding space for intergenerational conversation with women from around the world to interogate and process the processes through which we step into ourselves, unravel and reclaim what we mean when we speak of strength and discuss the many things we unlearn to become our best selves.

  1. Sep 1

    32. Writing My Own Script - Jumoke Verissimo

    In today's episode, Tolu Agbelusi speaks with Dr Jumoke Verissimo — poet, novelist and lecturer at the Toronto Metropolitan University. Her first novel was nominated for international awards, including the RSL Ondaatje Prize and the Edinburgh Festival First Book Award. It won the Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize.Jumoke is also the author of three poetry collections, a children’s book and she has co-authored a poetry anthology.  In this conversation we talk strength, expectations, marriage, divorce, the untraditional path and its consequences, and we explore questions  about what it really means to choose yourself when everyone around you has already written your story? From the first question, Jumoke redefines a strong woman as someone who knows her own name - not just the one she was given, but the one she calls herself back to when the world tries to shrink her. She traces that idea through the women who shaped her, especially her grandmother and mother, whose agency, boldness, and refusal to disappear left lasting marks on how she moves through the world and the learnings and unlearnings that have shaped her becoming.  Relevant Links Website Buy Books Support the show I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback:  Email WebsiteInstagramTwitterThe music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here. #ToluAgbelusi #Unlearning #UnlearningStrongwoman  #StrongBlackWoman #Conditioning  #WomenEmpowerment

  2. 11/30/2025

    27. Coming Back to the Centre - Diana Onuma

    In this episode, Tolu Agbelusi engages in a deeply affirming conversation with Diana Onuma, a family mediator, lawyer and life coach. They explore the essence of what it means to be deeply rooted, the importance of vulnerability, the cultural conditioning that shapes women's identities and how to unlearn them. Diana shares her personal journey of self-discovery, the role models that inspired her, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. They discuss the challenges of unlearning societal expectations, the impact of shame and guilt, and the significance of sisterhood. Diana also delves into her experiences with perimenopause and the importance of advocating for women's health. The conversation concludes with reflections on legacy, joy, and the power of connection. Relevant Links Book - Domestic Violence Rescue Essentials by Diana Onuma If you are stuck in an abusive relationship and need a coach to plan and walk with you through your exit - reach out to diana on her insta dm @dianaonuma or send an email to hello @ thesoulhealing-boutique.co.uk Support the show I am always keen to hear your thoughts, so do leave comments or feedback:  Email WebsiteInstagramTwitterThe music for Unlearning Strongwoman is created by Shade Joseph Locating Strongwoman, a poetry collection by Tolu Agbelusi can be purchased here. #ToluAgbelusi #Unlearning #UnlearningStrongwoman  #StrongBlackWoman #Conditioning  #WomenEmpowerment

About

Unlearning Strongwoman is a podcast hosted by Tolu Agbelusi, holding space for intergenerational conversation with women from around the world to interogate and process the processes through which we step into ourselves, unravel and reclaim what we mean when we speak of strength and discuss the many things we unlearn to become our best selves.