ABWilson's Heart of the Matter

Aderonke Bademosi Wilson "ABWilson"
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    S4 Ep5. A Mother to Monarchs: Heidi Thoe on Nature, Kindness, and Positive Footprints

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter invites listeners into a thoughtful, uplifting conversation with Heidi Thoe, a Plymouth, Massachusetts-based mother, observer, science lover and devoted advocate for monarch butterflies. Heidi shares how slowing down, paying attention to nature and choosing small acts of care can create meaningful ripples in our homes, communities and world.  In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, Heidi brings listeners into her world of curiosity, stewardship and intentional living. Known in her neighborhood as the 'mother of monarchs,' Heidi shares how a love of observation and time spent outdoors has deepened her understanding of people, relationships, conflict and the natural world. For Heidi, taking time to simply be, listen and notice is not passive. It is a practice that can help us become more grounded, compassionate and present in our lives. Heidi offers a fascinating look at monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration. She explains the multigenerational journey monarchs make between North America and Mexico, the importance of native milkweed and nectar-rich plants, and why creating butterfly-friendly spaces can support far more than one species.  What began as concern for declining monarch populations became a personal mission to raise caterpillars safely, educate her neighbors and invite children and families to witness the wonder of a butterfly’s life cycle. Her work is a beautiful reminder that awareness can become action, and that even a small garden can make a difference. The conversation also explores Heidi’s belief in the power of small kindnesses. From mowing a neighbor’s lawn to buying a stranger a coffee or delivering flowers to local teachers, Heidi reflects on how simple gestures can ease someone’s stress and inspire them to pass kindness on. She reminds us that making a difference does not always require a grand gesture, a large budget or a great deal of time. Often, it begins with noticing what someone might need and responding with care. Listeners will also enjoy hearing about Heidi’s love of thunderstorms, quiet moments in nature, gardening, her pet bearded dragon and an unforgettable sailing adventure from Norfolk, Virginia, to Aderonke's island home, Bermuda.  https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S4 Ep5. A Mother to Monarchs: Heidi Thoe on Nature, Kindness, and Positive Footprints

  2. Sep 25

    S4 Ep4. ABC 1-2-3: Tiny Threads of Well-Being with Katie Ashburner

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Aderonke Batamosi Wilson welcomes Katie Ashburner, a teacher, mother, well-being enthusiast and the creator of Toowoomba Positive Psychology in Queensland, Australia.  Katie reflects on the rich, demanding,and deeply transformative experience of raising three young children while building work that supports individuals, families, schools and organizations. Her perspective is refreshingly human: she sees herself as a practitioner and teacher of well-being science and as a student and client of the very practices she shares. Katie explains that well-being is not one-size-fits-all. It is shaped by relationships, rest, nourishment, time in nature, emotional regulation, belonging and the choices we make in everyday life. She shares how her more than decade-long career in early childhood and primary education taught her that meaningful learning begins with safety, trust and relationships.  While witnessing increasing pressure within education systems, she became motivated to explore how positive psychology could help people build resilience, connection and the deeply human skills that technology cannot replace. At the heart of the conversation is Katie’s ABC 1-2-3 Framework, a practical well-being anchor designed to help people respond intentionally during challenging moments. ABC stands for Awareness, Behaviors and Care. Katie invites us first to notice our needs and current reality, then consider which behaviors would be helpful or harmful and finally act with care for ourselves and others.  The 1-2-3 component expands the lens from Me, to We, to Us, reminding us that well-being is personal, relational and systemic. The framework is designed to be accessible in many settings, from family life and classrooms to workplaces and leadership teams. Throughout the episode, Katie returns to the idea that well-being is built through tiny threads woven into daily life: a moment of self-compassion, a breath before reacting, a walk outdoors, an encouraging phone call, a shift in perspective or the choice to savor joy instead of rushing past it. Her message is hopeful and practical. We do not need to be optimized at all times, and we do not need to purchase our way into wellness. We can begin by meeting the reality of the moment with awareness, care, and intentional action. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S4 Ep4. ABC 1-2-3: Tiny Threads of Well-Being with Katie Ashburner

  3. Sep 18

    S4 Ep3. When a No Becomes a Yes to Yourself: Johann Brun on Creativity, Choice and Compassion

    Send us Fan Mail In the latest episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Johann Brun invites us into a thoughtful conversation about creativity, compassion, personal growth and the stories we tell ourselves. Based in London and connected to Ghana and Denmark through his family and upbringing, Johann reflects on a life shaped by fashion, art, relationships, spirituality and a willingness to look beneath the surface. Johann describes creativity as something we can feel. For him, truly creative work carries the presence and essence of the person who made it. Whether he is looking at a garment, a painting or a simple object presented in an unexpected way, he is drawn to work that helps us see something familiar with fresh eyes. He recalls being deeply moved by a Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition, where he sensed the artist’s anger, pain and presence in the paintings. The conversation then turns to Johann’s understanding of what it means to be alive. He shares his belief that we are not entirely in control of our breathing or our heartbeat and that life is supported by a presence greater than ourselves. This perspective has encouraged him to question the mind’s constant desire for control, including the impulse to control other people and their choices. Johann also speaks candidly about meditation and diving deeper. He meditates regularly to create space from his thoughts and regain balance. He introduces listeners to Byron Katie’s method, known as The Work, which involves writing down and questioning stressful thoughts. Through a powerful example involving a man going through a difficult divorce, Johann illustrates how our unresolved anger and resentment can affect the very people from whom we hope to receive love, respect and gratitude. As a designer and creative force, Johann shares stories from his work with John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood. He explains how chance encounters, instinct and mentorship helped shape his path in fashion, even though he originally wanted to work in film. His experiences led him to establish influential creative spaces and labels, including a collaboration with Vivienne Westwood and the shop Site, where he supported emerging designers and introduced distinctive work to an international audience. Johann discusses a recent design accomplishment that brings together historical dress, West African menswear, and modern tailoring. By adapting traditional Ghanaian and Nigerian royal influences into contemporary garments, he is creating clothing that feels culturally grounded and easy to wear in everyday life. His approach demonstrates how fashion can honor heritage while making room for innovation, movement and modern identity. The episode closes with Johann’s reflections on Byron Katie’s insight that “no two people have ever met.” He explains that we often react not to the person in front of us, but to our thoughts and assumptions about that person. By writing down and questioning those thoughts, we may create more clarity, peace and openness in our relationships and within ourselves. It is a fitting conclusion to a conversation that encourages us to look more closely, live more consciously and choose compassion whenever we can. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S4 Ep3. When a No Becomes a Yes to Yourself: Johann Brun on Creativity, Choice and Compassion

  4. Sep 11

    S4 Ep2: Play Is Healing: Courage, Hope, and Joy with Lisa Caughman

    Send us Fan Mail In this uplifting episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Aderonke Bademosi Wilson welcomes Lisa Caughman, a cancer survivor, positive psychology practitioner, interfaith minister, author and passionate advocate for the healing power of play.  Lisa reflects on her journey through childhood trauma, stage four colon cancer, COVID-19 and Hurricane Helene, sharing how each experience shaped her understanding of resilience, community, hope and intentional living. Lisa introduces listeners to her “Let Us Play” philosophy, inspired by positive psychology and the belief that play is not frivolous or childish. For Lisa, play can be a source of joy, healing, connection and renewal. It may happen during a shared retreat, while singing with friends, while noticing wildlife in nature or simply by finding a spark of delight in an ordinary moment.  She encourages listeners to become more conscious of these opportunities and to make room for laughter, joy and connection in everyday life. A powerful part of the conversation centers on Lisa’s cancer survivor retreats. At one retreat, women who arrived as strangers left as lifelong friends after spending several days laughing, crying, singing, journaling, practicing yoga, sharing meals and rediscovering the freedom to play. One participant told Lisa that she had spent three days forgetting she had cancer, a reflection that affirmed Lisa’s belief in the restorative power of community and joy. Lisa speaks candidly about her stage four colon cancer diagnosis in 2016 and the intentional practices that supported her healing journey. She describes walking on a treadmill while listening to music, using guided meditations, journaling, drawing angel oracle cards, eating well, listening to her body, drinking more water and prioritizing preventive health care. She also offers a heartfelt reminder about the importance of age-appropriate screenings, including colonoscopies. The episode explores Lisa’s experience during Hurricane Helene, when her Western North Carolina community faced devastating damage, prolonged power outages, destroyed roads, flooding and the loss of homes and lives. Lisa describes how neighbors supported one another and how she continued serving her community through her work in school nutrition. Even amid extraordinary hardship, she and those around her found ways to care for one another, feed people and make lemonade out of lemons. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S4 Ep2: Play Is Healing: Courage, Hope, and Joy with Lisa Caughman

  5. Sep 4

    S4 Ep1. Self-Taught, Self-Driven, Self-Known: Lemi Ghariokwu on Art, Purpose, and Pan-Africanism

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of ABWilson's Heart of the Matter features Lemi Ghariokwu, an artist, thinker and Pan-Africanist whose life and work have been guided by self-discovery, purpose and a deep commitment to African consciousness.  Lemi reflects on what it means to be an iconoclast, explaining that he has never been one to follow the mainstream. Instead, he has lived independently, taught himself through observation and practice and stayed anchored by the belief that every person has a destiny and a role to play in the world. Lemi shares the story of how his artistic journey intersected with Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s, beginning with a self-initiated daily drawing challenge in the 1970s that led to his first memorable Fela cover art. That moment opened the door to an enduring creative relationship, one that would become part of music and cultural history.  Lemi also reflects on his early race consciousness, the influence of books and metaphysics and the conviction that Pan-Africanism is not just a philosophy but a way of life rooted in truth, identity and liberation. The conversation also highlights Lemi’s generosity with younger creatives. He speaks warmly about mentoring emerging artists, sharing books, encouraging independent thinking and making space for young people to find their own voice.  From his work with students and creatives to his ongoing embrace of new tools like AI and social media, Lemi shows that reinvention can coexist with principle. His episode is a reminder that purpose, courage and lifelong learning can shape art and legacy. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S4 Ep1. Self-Taught, Self-Driven, Self-Known: Lemi Ghariokwu on Art, Purpose, and Pan-Africanism

  6. Jul 24

    S3 Ep29. What It Means to Live Fully: A Conversation with Kashonna Marrow

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of ABWilson’s Heart of the Matter, Kashonna Marrow shares a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about joy, calling, growth, and the power of self-awareness. She describes herself as happy, joyous, open, and approachable, and explains that joy, for her, is not dependent on outside circumstances but anchored in faith and cultivated through intention. Kashonna reflects on the importance of staying open to change, people, and new opportunities, even when discomfort shows up. She speaks candidly about learning to lean into curiosity instead of shutting down, and about creating a sense of safety and trust for others through approachability, active listening, and genuine care. Her work as a speaker, coach, and training and development leader is rooted in helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. The conversation also highlights Kashonna’s adventurous side, from skydiving and zip lining to her red belt in taekwondo, as well as her love of dreaming big and seeing what is possible. She shares how seeing her long-held dreams come to life has strengthened her faith and confidence, especially in her work and travels. These stories bring out her playful, determined spirit and her belief that life is meant to be fully lived. A major theme of the episode is personal growth through challenge. Kashonna opens up about the lessons she learned through divorce, therapy, and faith, explaining how digging into the root causes of pain helped her change the fruit in her life. She speaks honestly about boundaries, forgiveness, and the need to stop carrying emotional weight that blocks peace, creativity, and progress. Throughout the episode, Kashonna emphasizes that her business is about people, purpose, and impact. After 14 years in business, she continues to show up with commitment because she sees her work as a calling, not just a passion. Her reflections on self-care, harmony, seasons of life, and the importance of saying no offer listeners practical wisdom for staying grounded while serving others. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S3 Ep29. What It Means to Live Fully: A Conversation with Kashonna Marrow

  7. Jul 17

    S3 Ep28. Creativity Saves Lives: Art, Storytelling and the Power of Kindness with Joanna Sell

    Send us Fan Mail Joanna Sell joins ABWilson Heart of the Matter for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, kindness, imagination and the many ways art can support well-being.  Joanna describes herself as someone who deeply values creativity in everyday life, whether that means experimenting in the kitchen, engaging in creative tasks or  writing, where she says she truly flourishes. She also reflects on the close relationship between creativity and imagination, explaining that the creative process brings something new into the world while remaining rooted in what already exists. A major theme in the conversation is Joanna’s belief that art has healing power and can help people understand one another across cultures. She shares how her background in art history, her interest in intercultural communication and her professional work all come together in projects designed to use art as a bridge for connection and reflection.  Joanna also discusses her art-based cards inspired by the PERMA model, which she created to invite positive emotions, engagement and meaningful storytelling through visual art. The episode also touches on Joanna’s roots in Poland, especially Krakow, a city she describes with deep affection and pride. She speaks about the challenge of discussing her own accomplishments, shaped in part by cultural values of humility and offers a thoughtful example of how success can be understood as helping dreams become reality rather than simply self-promotion.  Joanna’s story shows how personal history, cultural context and creative practice can shape a life of purpose and contribution. Listeners will also hear about Joanna’s commitment to experiential learning, relationship building and non-judgmental communication. She shares a memorable story about making an unexpected but important difference in a professional setting, as well as the lessons she learned after overcoming self-doubt around language and belonging early in her career.  Throughout the episode, Joanna returns to the idea that creativity, when paired with kindness and openness, can transform individual lives and the way we connect in families, communities and across cultures. https://www.abwilsonconsulting.com https://abwilsonphotography.com

    S3 Ep28. Creativity Saves Lives: Art, Storytelling and the Power of Kindness with Joanna Sell

  8. Jul 10

    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

    S3 Ep27. From Bartending to the Classroom: Wellbeing, Work and Small Acts of Kindness with Tara Salinas
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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
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ABWilson's Heart of the Matter
  • Show Website
    ABWilson's Heart of the Matter