Rooted Connections Podcast

Pam Shodeinde and Uju Omoarukhe
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Join two lifelong friends Pam & Uju with over 20 years of shared history as we explore the experience of growing up in Nigeria and raising families in the UK. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, we dive into the joys, challenges, and cultural differences of living between two worlds. From parenting to identity, tradition to adaptation, each episode offers our unique perspective on navigating life as Nigerian women in Britain. Expect laughter, reflection, and deep discussions on culture, family, and belonging. Perfect for anyone bridging cultures or curious about this dynamic journey.

  1. 11/21/2025

    S2E12: Today I am Unlearning - Breaking Patterns and Rewriting the Story

    Growing older is not just about gaining wisdom, it’s about unlearning the things that were never ours to carry. In this Season 2 finale, Pam and Uju sit down to reflect on the beliefs, habits, and cultural expectations they’ve carried for years and the intentional journey of unlearning they’ve stepped into in their 40s. From ideas shaped by African culture, childhood, society, and religion to the subtle pressures placed on women, mothers, and Black women in particular, this episode is a vulnerable and empowering exploration of release, renewal, and re-alignment. As mothers, Pam and Uju also discuss the mindsets and patterns they refuse to pass on to the next generation, choosing instead to embrace healing, self-awareness and growth. 💬 In this episode, we talk about: The beliefs we inherited from culture, family, society — and why they no longer serve us The freedom of unlearning in your 40s Motherhood and breaking generational patterns Releasing guilt, timelines, expectations and “superwoman” narratives Choosing authenticity over performance What healing actually looks like in real life This finale is for anyone who is ready to grow, evolve, and rewrite the stories they once lived by. 🎧 Thank you for journeying with us through Season 2 of Rooted Connections.Your presence, comments and support have shaped this community in the most beautiful ways.See you in Season 3! #RootedConnectionsPodcast #Unlearning #SeasonFinale #FaithAndCulture #AfricanCulture #WomenOver40 #HealingJourney #MotherhoodPodcast #GenerationalHealing #PersonalGrowth #BlackWomenPodcast #FaithAndIdentity #BreakingCycles

    45 min

  2. 11/14/2025

    S2E11: Whose Womb Is It? The Ethics & Culture of Surrogacy

    In this deeply reflective episode of The Rooted Connections Podcast, we ask one challenging question “Whose womb is it?” Together, we unpack the ethics of surrogacy, exploring whether it should be a matter of personal choice available to those who can afford it, or a last resort for families facing the pain of infertility. As modern medicine continues to expand reproductive possibilities, we question where compassion ends and commercialisation begins. 💬 In this episode, we explore: The changing attitudes toward infertility, from silence and shame to acceptance and empowerment. Whether surrogacy represents freedom of choice or financial exploitation of vulnerable women. How families struggling with infertility are sometimes emotionally and economically exploited by an industry built around hope. The growing commercial surrogacy market and the ethics of paying for life and love. How cultural and religious beliefs shape perceptions of surrogacy across Africa, the diaspora, and the West. The emotional and moral complexities behind the question: Who really “owns” motherhood? This honest and challenging conversation explores the intersection of faith, ethics, and human desire, asking whether surrogacy empowers or endangers the dignity of women and families. 🎧 Listen now and join the discussion on faith, fertility, and the future of family. Because when it comes to creating life — whose womb is it, really?

    46 min

  3. 11/07/2025

    S2E10: When Faith Meets Medicine: Navigating culture, belief systems & healthcare with Dr. Michelle Olorunnipa

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Olorunnipa — a faith-driven wife, mother, and consultant paediatrician — to explore the powerful intersection between faith, African culture, and medicine. Michelle shares her journey to becoming a paediatrician, the challenges and triumphs of being a Black woman in NHS leadership, and how her Christian faith has shaped her career, compassion, and perspective on children’s health and wellbeing. We dive deep into:💬 How religion and culture influence how African and Black communities approach medical diagnosis and treatment🙏 The role of faith in navigating suffering, especially in caring for sick children🏥 Her experience climbing the NHS ladder as a woman of colour🌍 Balancing faith, family, and leadership in a demanding medical career Whether you’re interested in healthcare, faith-based leadership, diversity in medicine, or cultural perspectives on wellbeing, this conversation will move and inspire you. 🔔 Subscribe to That RC Pod for more authentic conversations on faith, culture, identity, and purpose. #ThatRCPod #FaithAndMedicine #BlackWomenInLeadership #NHSStories #ChristianPodcast

    1 hr

  4. 10/31/2025

    S2E9 - Friendship After 40: Growth Change and Everything In Between

    As we enter our 40s, friendship starts to look a little different. In this heartfelt episode of Rooted Connections Podcast, hosts Pam and Uju dive deep into the evolution of friendship from the carefree bonds of our 20s to the layered, intentional connections we value today.Join us as we unpack what it really means to be a friend in this season of life. From navigating distance and different life paces, to balancing marriage, parenting, and personal growth, Pam and Uju get real about how friendship shifts as we grow.We also explore the tender side friendship pain and heartbreak when someone moves on or when you realise a friendship has naturally reached its end.Whether you’re rebuilding old connections, setting new boundaries, or simply reflecting on your circle, this episode will resonate deeply with anyone redefining friendship in midlife.✨ Tune in for honest reflections, laughter, and a reminder that friendship like us evolves beautifully with time.📺 Subscribe to Rooted Connections Podcast for more real conversations about womanhood, growth, and connection:

    1h 1m

  5. 10/24/2025

    S2E8: Can a Woman Have It All? With Cllr. Ashiedu Joel

    Can a Black Woman Really Have It All? A Conversation with Cllr. Ashiedu JoelIn this episode we sit down with one of their personal mentors and inspirations — Councillor Ashiedu Joel. A woman of unshakeable faith, a consultant, culture enthusiast, local councillor, dedicated advocate, and mother Ashiedu embodies what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and courage.We dive deep into what “having it all” really means for Black women in the UK, and whether it’s truly possible to balance personal ambition, family, community responsibility, and identity. From her childhood influences and personal faith to the challenges she’s faced and the victories she’s earned, Ashiedu shares her story with honesty, wisdom, and heart.We also explore:How she’s raising confident, conscious Black children in today’s societyThe systemic challenges facing young Black people in the UKWhat shaped her into the trailblazing woman she is todayThe importance of mentorship, representation, and legacyThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever wondered if they can thrive while breaking barriers and staying rooted in purpose.🔔 Subscribe to That RC Pod for more conversations at the intersection of faith, identity, culture, and community.#podcast #culture #blackexcellence #women #mentorship #evolution #parenting

    1h 33m

  6. 10/17/2025

    S2E7: Is Love Harder after 30? Dating, Culture & Expectations

    Is love still traditional or has modern dating completely changed the game? In this episode of The Rooted Connections Podcast, Pam and Uju dive into the world of modern dating, exploring everything from online dating apps to arranged marriages and traditional matchmaking. We ask the big questions: Are modern dating methods more acceptable today? Has our attitude toward love, compatibility, and timelines changed? Why is dating over 30 and especially over 40 so complicated and judged? Where do you even meet people in 2025? And what’s with the red flags we place on people over 40 who are still single? With the usual dose of laughter, honesty, and cultural insight, we unpack the pressures of dating as you get older, the pros and cons of digital matchmaking, and how to stay grounded in your values while navigating love in a fast-paced, swipe-happy world. 🎧 Whether you’re dating, contemplating, or dodging it altogether—this one’s for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, share & subscribe: ⁠The Rooted Connections Podcast

    45 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    S2E6: Redefining Masculinity: Fatherhood, Faith & Culture

    What does it mean to be a man today and who gets to decide? In this insightful episode of The Rooted Connections Podcast, we welcome our very first male guest, Deji Eyitayo - an accomplished engineer, faith leader, husband, and father of two boys for a candid and engaging conversation on masculinity. Together, we unpack the evolving definition of masculinity especially within African culture, the pressures men face today, and how traditional expectations are being challenged in a changing world. From emotional vulnerability to leadership in the home, faith, and fatherhood, this episode explores what healthy masculinity looks like and how we can model it for the next generation. We ask: Is masculinity changing? Should it? And how do we teach the next generation of men to embrace both strength and empathy? Filled with thoughtful dialogue, humour, and real-life experiences, this episode challenges stereotypes and invites listeners to rethink what healthy masculinity can look like today. Tune in, join the conversation, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Rooted Connections Podcast. #podcast #modernmasculinity #redefiningmasculinity #genderroles #parenting #vulnerability #father #culture #interview #culturalnorms #identity

    1h 7m

  8. 10/03/2025

    S2E5 - Silenced by Culture: Sexual Abuse and Social Stigma

    In this powerful and necessary episode of The Rooted Connections Podcast, we confront the difficult but urgent topic of sexual abuse, focusing on how it is understood, addressed, and silenced in African cultures compared to the Western world. Using the courageous story of Gisele Pelicot as a starting point, Pam and Uju explore the deep-rooted cultural taboos, victim-blaming, and societal pressures that often prevent survivors in African communities from speaking out or seeking justice. We contrast this with shifting attitudes in Western societies, where movements like #MeToo have sparked greater awareness and accountability—but not without challenges of their own. This episode dives into: Why survivors in African contexts are often silenced or shamed The role of family, religion, and community in covering up abuse How the global conversation around sexual abuse is evolving What true support and justice for survivors should look like Raw, thought-provoking, and deeply honest, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gender justice, cultural accountability, and supporting survivors. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation as we challenge harmful norms and advocate for change.Watch and subscribe: The Rooted Connections Podcast

    52 min
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About

Join two lifelong friends Pam & Uju with over 20 years of shared history as we explore the experience of growing up in Nigeria and raising families in the UK. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, we dive into the joys, challenges, and cultural differences of living between two worlds. From parenting to identity, tradition to adaptation, each episode offers our unique perspective on navigating life as Nigerian women in Britain. Expect laughter, reflection, and deep discussions on culture, family, and belonging. Perfect for anyone bridging cultures or curious about this dynamic journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Pam Shodeinde and Uju Omoarukhe
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pam Shodeinde and Uju Omoarukhe
  • Show Website
    Rooted Connections Podcast