Growing Through The Madness

Abi Tobi
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Tagline: Hustle vibes and a lil chaos.  Hosted by Abi, Growing Through the Madness is a vibrant podcast where storytelling meets culture & where everyday growth is celebrated! This is your dose of hustle, heart, and some chaos. We dive into personal journeys, societal shifts, and the rich experiences - all through a relatable lens. From life realizations to cultural hot-takes, Abi brings her unique voice as an African Canadian; creating space for real talk and real growth. No experts, No preaching - just honest stories, shared lessons, and a whole lot of love. Cheers to growing through life's madness! 🎙️ New episodes bi-weekly — moving to weekly soon        Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎥 Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GrowingTTM  

Episodes

  1. 21H AGO

    S1 E10: Growing through the holidays - Enjoy with sense

    Send us a text Wishing you the blessings of the season & a wonderful 2026!! The holidays can feel like glitter and gravity at the same time, so we poured a drink and got honest about both.  We talk about finding real joy without pretending, how to bring a gentle ritual back into December, and why small choices like lights at home or a quiet planning session for the new year can reset your whole vibe. From intentional gifting to charitable giving, we share ways to show love that don’t drain your time, wallet, or sanity. Work party season gets a full breakdown: what to wear when you want festive and polished, how to enjoy an open bar without next-day regrets, and why you should skip the after-party if it doesn’t align with your boundaries. We get into the social upside too: connecting with coworkers, celebrating wins, and letting people see the side of you that doesn’t fit in a calendar invite. Then we wade into the holiday romance pool, from cuffing season to the Lagos and Accra “Detty December” whirlwind. The game plan: have fun, ask the right questions early, and let January reveal who’s consistent.  We round things out with two friendship dilemmas: being excluded from a group plan and choosing self-respect, and standing firm when a best friend pushes to place a college kid in a paid-off condo.  Boundaries aren’t cold; they are care in action. If you love real talk, gentle humour, and practical takeaways on holidays, gifting, office parties, and dating, this one’s for you.  Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a boundary pep talk, and leave a review to tell us your top holiday rule. Support the show

    55 min

  2. 5D AGO

    S1 E9: Growing Through Diet Culture: Food, Culture, Healing

    Send us a text A glass of Apothic, a lot of laughter, and a conversation that goes exactly where it needs to: how body ideals form, how assimilation pressures can tip kids into disordered eating, and how compassion (not restriction), brings us back to balance.  On this episode, I am sat with Chisom, a Registered Dietitian who works with children and teens, to unpack the myths we still carry about “healthy,” the reality of diet culture, and the difference between expert guidance and internet noise. Chisom shares her personal journey from over‑exercising and rigid food rules to healing through science‑based training and practice. We get clear on what Registered Dietitians actually do, why the RD title is protected, and the many places they show up: paediatrics, hospitals, schools, public health, policy, sports nutrition, and private practice.  Culture isn’t a barrier; it’s a resource. We explore Nigerian meals—rice and stew, yam and egg stew, plantain, and how Western nutrition advice is from a Western cultural lens. So, it misses the point of dense, sustaining foods. Instead of cutting everything out, Chisom champions an “add‑in” approach: more plants, adequate protein, smart starches, enough water, and better sleep to steady hunger, mood, and energy. We talk practical, bite‑size changes you can keep, how to help kids buy in without battles, and why comfort foods and celebration have a place at the table without guilt. If you’re raising kids, healing your own relationship with food, or trying to make sense of conflicting nutrition advice, this one will land. Subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a gentler path to health, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Support the show

    1h 6m

  3. DEC 20

    S1 E8: Growing Through Resumes: I thought PwC on my resume was a Golden Ticket

    Send us a text A prestigious logo on your resume isn’t a golden ticket—Uche learned that the hard way after moving to Canada. We dive straight into the hiring reality many newcomers face: applicant tracking systems, fierce competition in Toronto and Calgary, and why tailoring your resume to the job beats relying on brand names. From there, we open up about the mindset shift that turns rejection into data and the small, consistent actions that build momentum when no one is calling back. Our conversation spans the seasons of a career: surviving a rigorous masters program, moving from accounting to insight-driven finance, and learning to communicate with executives when the answers aren’t obvious. Uche’s background in strategy consulting and Big Four advisory forged a bias for clarity and action, but he’s candid about the cost and the growth—high expectations, mental health tradeoffs, and the value of surrounding yourself with peers who raise your bar. We also get practical about compensation: how to talk ranges with trusted friends, how to benchmark your worth, and how one honest conversation can change your trajectory. The story turns human and hopeful. Uche took transition roles, studied between customers, and stayed ready for the next door to open. Today he balances a finance career with a real estate side business, choosing tangible assets, client service, and market literacy as a form of resilience.  As a new dad, he shares how intentional time, faith, volunteering, and strong friendships keep life centred. It’s a candid look at ambition that doesn’t forget compassion (even towards yourself) your family, and the people coming up behind you. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s navigating a career reset, and leave a rating so more listeners can find these conversations. Your support helps this community grow. Support the show

    1h 11m

  4. NOV 27

    S1 E7: Growing Through Jobs: From "I Can" to "I Thrive" Ft. Pelumi Ogedengbe

    Send us a text You can do many things. You shouldn’t build a career on most of them. This conversation with Pelumi is a field manual for moving from “I can” to “I thrive,” charting the route from Accounting & Finance into Business Analysis & Product Management. We start with truth-telling: how to notice the signals that a “good” job no longer fits and turn that discomfort into a plan. Pelumi breaks down his introspection process—listing energizing tasks like presenting, structured problem solving, and cross-team collaboration—and how that led him to BA work implementing ERP systems, integrations, and SDLC-driven projects. He shares the immediate shift that happens when your day matches your strengths: motivation rises, ideas flow, and results compound. From there, we get tactical. Learn how to translate hidden experience—process changes, system migrations, informal leadership—into clear project outcomes for your resume and LinkedIn. Hear why the market buys proof over potential, and how a focused bootcamp plus targeted practice can help you speak the language of product and project roles. We also dig into interview identity, shifting from “aspiring” to “practicing,” and the application strategies that boost conversions: where to apply, when to apply, and how to get warm referrals. Beyond career change, we talk about sustainability. Pelumi shares the systems that make a full life possible: delegation, time boxing, non-negotiable family time, and creativity as fuel through live drumming at church and events. His three Cs—Communication, Creativity, Curiosity—act as a compass for product work and a filter for opportunities.  We close with AIDRR's mission: helping professionals convert learning into offers through positioning, strategy, and a forthcoming tool that maps skills, personality, and motivation to tech roles. If you’re feeling stuck, consider this your nudge to design a path you can love, not just survive. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a pivot, and leave a review with the one change you’ll make this week. Support the show

    1 hr

  5. NOV 5

    S1 E6: Growing Through Spreadsheets To Spice: Culture, Business & Community (ft. Tokie O’Tona)

    Send us a text If "balance” feels like a moving target, you’re in the right place. Sitting with Tokie, who wears many hats - a finance leader, event planner, grocer, mother, sister etc - and makes a compelling case for a different compass: community, clarity, and culture-first choices. We dig into the origin story of Nuola Events and why weddings work best when expectations are set early, the client stays centred, and the couples' parents meet firm boundaries delivered with deep respect. From there, we follow the winding path of Arinka, an Afro-Caribbean grocery brand that pivoted from restaurant delivery to Canada-wide online grocery store. You will hear how sustainability shows up beyond buzzwords—through inventory discipline, reduced waste, and careful curation—and why “sold out” sometimes protects quality and keeps the lights on. We talk about the 'Spice Dinner Series', where food takes centre stage in an intimate dinner series where chefs tell personal histories through a single ingredient. It’s a love letter to culinary arts and a reminder that plating, flavour, and story are worthy of investment. We go honest on funding—the years to profitability, the value of a stable paycheque, and the blind spots investors have around non-traditional capital. Along the way, we talk diaspora parenting, reviving family compound parties and aso-ebi, and showing up unapologetically so our kids inherit both recipes and cultural rituals. Tokie shares theme of this current season of her life -  acceptance: capacity changes with new babies, mornings come early, and identities can coexist—spreadsheets and spice, strategy and soul. If you’re juggling a career and a calling, you’ll leave this episode with practical tools (e.g.) advice to write everything down, name your priorities, build your village and a renewed urge to gather your people. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building something meaningful, and leave a review to help more listeners find us. Support the show

    1h 22m

  6. OCT 23

    S1 E5: DIY Life Is Overrated, Bring Friends

    Send us a text The episode where the host, Abi Sanni, shares openly & honestly. Forget the “do it all alone” myth. I open up about why I built a space where everyday stories lead the way and how real community - not convenience -moves our lives forward. From the person who sits with you through a panic spiral, to the friend who shares salary numbers to help you negotiate -- these moments of care and honesty become the backbone of growth. I unpack self-rejection, show why “apply anyway” is a life skill, and celebrate the courage that comes from people who cheer, challenge, and tell the truth.     On this episode, you will hear a clear purpose of the podcast, for example,  how we will shine a light on regular people especially Africans in the diaspora, whose paths can help others start, pivot, or try again. I talk about the power of showing up even when it’s inconvenient, the joy of having someone to call when good news hits, and the practical steps that come from peer wisdom.  On this podcast, you can expect real talk about breaking into tech, navigating burnout, building small businesses, and maintaining friendships that actually hold. No perfection here—just learning in public and growing through the chaos together. If you’ve felt behind, lonely, or tempted to say no to yourself first, this conversation is your nudge to reach out, ask for help, and keep showing up.  Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the reminder, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking into your week. Your next breakthrough may be one honest conversation away. Support the show

    14 min

  7. AUG 19

    S1 E4: Growing Through Body Image: When your favourite Jeans don't fit anymore ft Knitmeupstyle (Sade Babatunde)

    Send us a text What happens when the body you've known all your life suddenly changes? How do you dress with confidence when your favorite clothes no longer fit? In this deeply personal conversation with Personal Stylist and Image Therapist Sade Babatunde, we explore the complex relationship between our bodies, our clothes, and our self-image. Sade shares her journey from creating clothes for Barbie dolls as a child to launching her personal styling boutique in Calgary. After being laid off from her tech job, she embraced her longtime passion for fashion, creating a business that helps clients build confidence through their wardrobes. Her approach goes far beyond simply picking out clothes—it's about helping people reconcile with their changing bodies and discover styles that celebrate who they are now. Both Sade and I open up about our own body image struggles and the emotional process of "grieving" our former bodies while learning to embrace new ones. We discuss why arbitrary sizing labels can devastate our confidence, and how practices like tailoring and choosing adaptable clothing can transform our relationship with our wardrobes. Sade offers practical styling tips while emphasizing that true style comes from within: "Confidence speaks louder than whatever you're wearing and whatever size." This conversation isn't just for fashion enthusiasts—it's for anyone who's ever felt betrayed by their changing body or struggled to recognize themselves in the mirror. We discover that sometimes the path to self-acceptance starts in our closets, with clothes that honor the bodies we have right now rather than the ones we used to have or wish we had. Ready to transform your relationship with your body and your wardrobe? Listen now, and learn how to grow through the madness of body changes with grace and style. Support the show

    1h 20m

  8. JUL 21

    S1 E3: Breaking Bread & Building Wealth: The Black Money Brunch Revolution

    Send us a text Have you ever wondered why some money habits are so hard to break? The answer might lie in your "money story" – the narrative you developed about finances during childhood that still influences your decisions today. In this revealing conversation, Yoyo Eto, founder of Black Money Brunch, shares powerful insights about how our earliest experiences shape our relationship with money. From seeing her father's passion for tracking investments to feeling unprepared to discuss finances with partners, Yoyo takes us on a journey of financial self-discovery that's both personal and universal. One particularly striking moment comes when Abi shares how a single conversation with her father at age 9 - where he declined to send her to an expensive school - led her to believe her family was poor for years afterward. These formative experiences, Yoyo explains, become the foundation for our adult financial beliefs. The discussion explores practical ways to identify your own money story through reflection questions like "How was money discussed in your home?" and "Did your caregivers speak about money with fear or excitement?" Understanding these patterns is the first step toward healthier financial decisions. As Yoyo wisely notes, "There always has to be a call to action with self-awareness." Beyond personal finance, the conversation tackles thorny issues like discussing money with aging parents, setting boundaries when friends ask to borrow money, and acknowledging financial privilege without shame. Yoy's approach combines psychological insight with practical financial wisdom, emphasizing that money conversations should be ongoing rather than one-time events. Follow Yoyo on Instagram @yoyo_eto or @blackmoneybrunch (Black Money Brunch) to learn more about joining this community for financial empowerment. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn at Yoyo Eto Your relationship with money deserves this level of thoughtful attention – and this conversation is the perfect place to start. **Black Money Brunch will launch the next cohort in Fall 2025 in Toronto - make sure to contact Yoyo - @yoyo_eto or @blackmoneybrunch** Support the show

    51 min

  9. JUL 5

    S1 E2: Nigerian Parents Gave Me Three Days to Choose My Career

    Send us a text Amara Uche shares her journey from choosing pharmacy as a career in just three days to balancing life as a clinical pharmacist, content creator, wife, and mother. • How Amara and Abi met at university and formed a friendship for the past 16 years • Amara's creative interests taking a backseat to her pharmacy career then re-emerging through content creation • The evolution of Amara's content from anonymous blog to YouTube and social media sharing her life as a working mom • Financial compatibility in relationships and the importance of shared values rather than specific income levels • How marriage and parenthood fundamentally change friendships and require more intentional effort • The challenges of making new adult friendships when you're more certain of who you are • Practical advice for navigating relationship conflicts from listener questions Follow Amara on Instagram and TikTok @amaraucheco, on YouTube at Amara Uche, and visit her website at amarauche.com Support the show

    1h 13m

  10. JUN 22

    S1 E1: Creativity, Career Pivots, and Dating in Toronto Ft. Justina Ikwu

    Send us a text Justina Ikwu, also known as J.T. shares her journey from aspiring cardiovascular surgeon to becoming finance professional and community leader while discussing her artistic pursuits and perspectives on dating in Toronto. • Once dreamed of becoming a doctor due to family expectations and inspiration from medical dramas • Pivoted to banking and finance after graduation as a "survival mechanism" as an international student • Rose to become president of the Canadian Association of Urban Finance Professionals (CAUFP) • Started digital painting in 2016 and recently held her first art exhibition • Believes in approaching life with authenticity while maintaining clear boundaries • Values creativity in both professional and personal pursuits • Approaches dating with optimism while being realistic about compatibility • Looks for a partner who is honest, accountable, God-fearing, family-oriented and creative • Lives by the philosophy: "You attract what you're becoming" You can find Justina's artwork on Instagram @nxonpro19, her personal IG is @JustinaIkwu, you can connect with her professionally on LinkedIn under Justina Ikwu. Support the show

    53 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Tagline: Hustle vibes and a lil chaos.  Hosted by Abi, Growing Through the Madness is a vibrant podcast where storytelling meets culture & where everyday growth is celebrated! This is your dose of hustle, heart, and some chaos. We dive into personal journeys, societal shifts, and the rich experiences - all through a relatable lens. From life realizations to cultural hot-takes, Abi brings her unique voice as an African Canadian; creating space for real talk and real growth. No experts, No preaching - just honest stories, shared lessons, and a whole lot of love. Cheers to growing through life's madness! 🎙️ New episodes bi-weekly — moving to weekly soon        Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎥 Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GrowingTTM  

Information

  • Creator
    Abi Tobi
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Growing Through The Madness
  • Show Website
    Growing Through The Madness