ABWilson's Heart of the Matter

Aderonke Bademosi Wilson "ABWilson"

Welcome to the ABWilson Heart of the Matter podcast. I'm Aderonke Bademosi Wilson, and I'm thrilled to be your host. From the stunning shores of Bermuda, nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, comes a podcast that goes beyond the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Here, we dive into the depths of human experience, one heartwarming story at a time. Heart of the Matter isn't just another podcast.It's a journey of exploration and discovery. In each episode, I sit down with remarkable individuals from all walks of life. These aren't household names. They're everyday heroes with fascinating tales to share. Drawing from my passion for Appreciative Inquiry, a management methodology focused on amplifying positivity, strengths, and successes.In fostering meaningful change, we seek to uncover the moments that define us. I unearth stories of joy, kindness, and resilience through overwhelmingly positive questions. Tell me about a recent accomplishment or success you're particularly proud of. Can you recall a situation where you overcame a challenge that led to personal growth?What did you learn from that experience? And what book recommendations do you have? These are just a few of the questions we explore together. We will delve into the heart of each story, one conversation at a time, but be warned, laughter and tears are both frequent companions on this journey. That's the beauty of authenticity. It knows no bounds.What sets ABWilson's Heart of the Matter apart is its consistency. I ask each guest the same questions in the same order, creating a blueprint of diverse experiences woven together by a common thread. So whether you need a good laugh or a heartfelt moment of reflection, join me as we celebrate the extraordinary within the ordinary. Welcome to the Heart of the Matter, where every story awaits sharing.

  1. S3 Ep27. From Bartending to the Classroom: Wellbeing, Work and Small Acts of Kindness with Tara Salinas

    3d ago

    S3 Ep27. From Bartending to the Classroom: Wellbeing, Work and Small Acts of Kindness with Tara Salinas

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson's Heart of the Matter, host Aderonke Bademosi Wilson speaks with Tara Salinas, an educator, mother,and fervent supporter who brings warmth, humor and practical wisdom to conversations about wellbeing, work and relationships.  Tara shares how becoming a mother later in life reshaped her priorities and taught her to be more purposeful in her attention, and she reflects on the surprising joys and challenges of parenting a kind and curious 10 year old. She describes her journey to teaching, from an unexpected first class that sparked a love of mentoring to intentionally choosing a small university environment so she can know students by name and support them beyond course content.  Tara explains her identity as a fervent supporter, the value she places on deep friendships and how small acts of recognition and kindness can create meaningful differences in other people's lives.  She discusses practical strategies for resilience including movement classes that require no thinking, short naps, solo writing retreats for brain dumps and trying tapping and breath work to reset during stressful times. Tara and her colleague’s Psychology Today blog, The Problem With, translates social science research into accessible guidance, and she celebrates the satisfaction of reaching readers beyond academic journals.  Looking ahead Tara will launch a new undergraduate course called Wellbeing Work and You that brings together research on happiness, resilience, relationships and workplace practices to give students practical toolkits for living well in their careers.  The conversation closes with Tara’s invitation to treat people like people, to lean into causes and relationships that matter and to remember that even small gestures of recognition can ripple outward in powerful ways. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    56 min

  2. Jul 3

    S3 Ep26. Play, Pause and Parenting with Presence: A Conversation with Dr. Julia Sen

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Dr. Julia Sen shares a deeply personal and inspiring story about how her passion for parenting support came full circle. What began as a childhood desire to help children eventually led her into psychology, infertility work and now a new chapter focused on creating community-centered support for parents. Julia opens up about her own fertility journey, living with PCOS, and how those experiences shaped both her compassion and her calling. Julia describes herself as playful, fascinated and parenting-focused, and those words come through clearly throughout the conversation. She talks about the joy she finds in play, music, baseball, learning new creative skills and staying curious about life.  She also shares why she stepped away from traditional psychology, explaining that she wanted more freedom to support parents in an accessible, global way through a membership-based community called Supported. At the heart of the episode is Julia’s belief that children thrive when they feel understood. She introduces the Habit of Heart, a mini course built around secure attachment and three simple daily statements: “I’ve got you,” “You’re safe with me,” and “I believe in you.” Julia also offers her Be Fabulous practice, or BFAB, as a way for parents to regulate themselves in stressful moments by breathing, offering empathy, affirming safety, and believing in themselves and their children. The conversation also explores how parents can break generational patterns and respond differently in challenging moments. Julia shares how she has worked to interrupt cycles of exhaustion, yelling, guilt and self-sacrifice by learning to pause, practice self-empathy, and respond with more intention. Her reflections are thoughtful, practical, and full of warmth, making this episode especially meaningful for parents who want to grow without perfectionism. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    41 min
  3. S3 Ep25. Raising the Next Gen: Sonia Dong on Parenting, Purpose, and Baby Steps

    Jun 26

    S3 Ep25. Raising the Next Gen: Sonia Dong on Parenting, Purpose, and Baby Steps

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson Heart of the Matter, Sonia Dong shares a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about parenting, identity, healing and growth. Sonia is a writer, podcaster and speaker whose work centers on helping parents feel less alone and more connected as they navigate the evolving stages of raising children.  She opens up about creating her podcast Raising the Next Gen after realizing that the parenting landscape changes dramatically as children grow older and that community and support are still needed just as much in the teen years as they are in the toddler years. Sonia reflects on the idea that parents are the original influencers, explaining that children often learn more from what we model than from what we say. She speaks candidly about rediscovering her voice as a writer, including her Substack Next Gen Connection, her co-authored book contribution in Mamas Gotta Grow and her personal project of capturing 49 moments to remember in her 49th year.  Sonia also shares how her signature talk, All About the Baby Steps, grew out of her belief that both children and parents need patience, practice and encouragement as they learn and grow together. The conversation also explores a season of grief, strain and reinvention after the loss of a close friend and the collapse of a business she once poured herself into. Sonia describes how therapy, coaching, journaling and a shift in mindset helped her let go of old definitions of success and release the business with love, making space for a new chapter rooted in purpose, creativity, and service. She now channels that energy into her podcast, writing, speaking, workshops, a parent book and trail club and future possibilities including a TED stage. Throughout the episode, Sonia’s warmth and wonder come through beautifully. She speaks about joy in the small things, from rainbows and birds to car washes and laughter and invites listeners to notice the beauty around them.  Her story is a gentle reminder that growth can be slow, healing can be messy and meaningful change often begins with one small step. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    44 min
  4. S3 Ep24. The Heart of Better Nutrition with David Arguez

    Jun 19

    S3 Ep24. The Heart of Better Nutrition with David Arguez

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, host Aderonke Bademosi Wilson sits down with David Arguez, a Miami-based nutritionist and restaurant consultant whose work blends science, service and a deeply human approach to helping people and businesses thrive.  David shares how adaptability, empathy and resilience shape his professional philosophy and the systems he has built to support individuals, families and restaurant partners. He explains how his work goes far beyond nutrition advice, offering a thoughtful framework that combines portion standardization, nutrition labeling and practical guidance designed to create better outcomes for  consumers and businesses. David also opens up about his personal journey and the values that keep him grounded. He speaks candidly about learning to balance authority with approachability, the importance of working with experts and the role of self-care in sustaining long-term energy and focus.  From martial arts and piano to travel, family and a commitment to lifelong learning, David reflects on the habits that help him stay well while serving others. His story is a reminder that meaningful health work is not just about numbers but about relationships, trust and respecting each person’s unique palate, pace and goals. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    1h 10m
  5. S3 Ep23. Finding Sunlight in the Storm: Choosing Grace and Building Belonging with Torie Slaughter

    Jun 12

    S3 Ep23. Finding Sunlight in the Storm: Choosing Grace and Building Belonging with Torie Slaughter

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Torie Slaughter shares a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about optimism, curiosity, family, purpose and the power of showing up with grace.  From the opening moments, Torie reflects on what it means to stay positive when life feels heavy, describing optimism as “trying to find the sunlight in the storm” and reminding listeners that perspective can shape how we move through difficult seasons. Her reflections are honest and grounded, offering a meaningful look at how she navigates stress, motherhood, work and personal growth. Torie also opens up about the role communication has played in her life, from being described as talkative as a child to using conversation as a way to process emotions and make sense of the world. That natural curiosity is also what led her into doctoral study, where she is researching how Black women in DEI roles are advancing inclusion through everyday micro-strategies, even as organizations face backlash, budget cuts and shifting language around the work.  Her scholarship is both timely and practical and it reflects her commitment to belonging, psychological safety and creating healthier workplace cultures. The conversation also turns to Torie’s personal journey. She shares her experience growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia, studying abroad in England and eventually building a life there through education, family and opportunity. She speaks candidly about becoming a mother, celebrating one year of breastfeeding and finding strength in daily walks, fresh air and quiet moments with her son and husband.  One of the most moving parts of the episode is her reflection on losing her father to alcoholism, a loss that reshaped how she sees health, grief and the importance of caring for one’s body and life with intention. Torie’s story is also one of service and impact. She describes helping someone land a job through career coaching, using her HR background to offer resume support, interview prep and encouragement at a moment when that person was also caring for a family member.  That experience affirmed her belief in using her gifts to help others and it points to the kind of future she envisions for herself through public speaking, writing and broader advocacy.  Throughout the episode, Torie returns to a central theme: we do not always know what someone else is carrying and a little grace can go a long way. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    40 min
  6. S3 Ep22. Beautifully Unbroken: Yollanda Zhang on Compassion, Courage, and Coming Full Circle

    Jun 5

    S3 Ep22. Beautifully Unbroken: Yollanda Zhang on Compassion, Courage, and Coming Full Circle

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt conversation on ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Yollanda Zhang shares a deeply moving story of growth, resilience and healing. She describes herself as compassionate, insightful and integrative, three words that reflect not only her professional path but also her personal journey.  From engineering to teaching to entrepreneurship, Yollanda explains how each chapter of her life has shaped her ability to support others with empathy, creativity and purpose. Yollanda opens up about the experiences that led her to become a mother, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, coach, mental health advocate, keynote speaker, and soon, therapist. She reflects on how motherhood inspired her to create a Mandarin school for her daughter and how the loss of her grandmother motivated her to launch Girl Strong, a nonprofit designed to help girls build resilience and confidence.  Throughout the episode, she speaks candidly about living with bipolar disorder, the long road of treatment and the healing power of sharing her story. Her honesty about shame, self-compassion and the importance of asking for help brings a powerful and tender dimension to the conversation. The episode also highlights Yollanda’s remarkable work as an educator and mentor. She shares one especially meaningful story about a young girl in her nonprofit program who struggled with severe social anxiety and eventually became a finalist in an international speaking contest. For Yollanda, this was not just a success story, but a reminder that helping others uncover their potential can create lasting ripples of transformation.  She also reflects on the practices that sustain her, including meditation, sound baths and intentionally making room for rest, even when productivity tries to take over. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    56 min

  7. May 29

    S3 Ep21. Art, Advocacy, and the Power of Purpose: A Divine Calling with Dr. Richmond S. Otolorin-Garrick

    Send us Fan Mail In this moving conversation on ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Dr. Richmond Stanley Otolorin-Garrick shares a story shaped by courage, devotion, artistry and deep gratitude. He reflects on his journey from Sierra Leone to the United States, the sacrifices his parents made and the values that shaped him as a husband, father, educator and fine artist.  His story is one of perseverance through loss, reinvention and the steady belief that education and art can transform lives. Dr. Garrick speaks warmly about his marriage of nearly three decades and the joy of raising his three children, while emphasizing the importance of discipline, education and opportunity in their upbringing. He describes teaching as more than a profession, saying he is not there simply to give grades but to change stories. That spirit carries through every part of the conversation, from his classroom work to his commitment to advocating for students and helping them feel seen, trusted and supported. As a divine fine artist, Dr. Garrick opens up about how art became a calling and a form of healing. His work reflects the dignity and struggle of humanity, especially the trauma of Sierra Leone’s civil war, the pain of displacement and the resilience of those who survive it.  He shares how his canvases and portraits became a way to process grief, tell the truth and honor history, including iconic portraits of African Americans that now live at Middlesex County College. The episode also offers a beautiful glimpse into the sources of his strength, including quiet reflection, faith, mentors, family and the inspiration he draws from Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and other artistic and cultural icons.  He closes with a powerful reminder that excellence is a form of purpose and that he hopes to be remembered as someone who discovered his divine talent and practiced it with integrity, care and conviction. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    47 min
  8. S3 Ep20. Making Space for Joy in Justice with Dina Chaerani

    May 22

    S3 Ep20. Making Space for Joy in Justice with Dina Chaerani

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s guest on ABWilson's Heart of the Matter podcast is Dina Chaerani, a bold and joyful sexuality educator, storyteller and youth advocate from Indonesia whose work lives at the intersection of advocacy, digital media and care.  Dina shares how her own lived experience shaped her commitment to helping young people understand consent, boundaries, pleasure and safety in ways that feel accessible, honest, and human. Dina Chaerani brings a rare combination of honesty, warmth and courage to this conversation. As a sexuality educator and youth advocate, she shares how her work began with her own experience of sexual violence at age 13 and grew into a lifelong commitment to making accurate, accessible sexual and reproductive health information available to young people.  She speaks candidly about the gaps in education, the taboos that still shape conversations about bodies and consent and why she built platforms like Sex Dugram and her SRHR Barbie persona to reach young audiences where they already are. Throughout the episode, Dina reflects on the emotional labor of public advocacy and the costs of being visible in online spaces, including harassment and doxing. Still, she remains grounded in empathy, persistence and a strong sense of purpose.  She describes self-care as something joyful and active, from dancing and Zumba to humor, music, walking and leaning on a supportive inner circle. Her story is  deeply personal and widely resonant, reminding us that resilience is powerful, but so is care and that young people deserve truth, dignity and the freedom to ask questions without shame. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    52 min
See All (118)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the ABWilson Heart of the Matter podcast. I'm Aderonke Bademosi Wilson, and I'm thrilled to be your host. From the stunning shores of Bermuda, nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, comes a podcast that goes beyond the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Here, we dive into the depths of human experience, one heartwarming story at a time. Heart of the Matter isn't just another podcast.It's a journey of exploration and discovery. In each episode, I sit down with remarkable individuals from all walks of life. These aren't household names. They're everyday heroes with fascinating tales to share. Drawing from my passion for Appreciative Inquiry, a management methodology focused on amplifying positivity, strengths, and successes.In fostering meaningful change, we seek to uncover the moments that define us. I unearth stories of joy, kindness, and resilience through overwhelmingly positive questions. Tell me about a recent accomplishment or success you're particularly proud of. Can you recall a situation where you overcame a challenge that led to personal growth?What did you learn from that experience? And what book recommendations do you have? These are just a few of the questions we explore together. We will delve into the heart of each story, one conversation at a time, but be warned, laughter and tears are both frequent companions on this journey. That's the beauty of authenticity. It knows no bounds.What sets ABWilson's Heart of the Matter apart is its consistency. I ask each guest the same questions in the same order, creating a blueprint of diverse experiences woven together by a common thread. So whether you need a good laugh or a heartfelt moment of reflection, join me as we celebrate the extraordinary within the ordinary. Welcome to the Heart of the Matter, where every story awaits sharing.

Information

  • Creator
    Aderonke Bademosi Wilson "ABWilson"
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ABWilson's Heart of the Matter
  • Show Website
    ABWilson's Heart of the Matter