Free to Grow with Jerome Mbaga

Jerome Mbaga
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A 17-year-old ran away from home and started a podcast. Join Jerome Mbaga on Free to Grow every Tuesday for an unfiltered journey as he rebuilds his life, seeks freedom from trauma, and explores philosophy through raw stories and personal growth. Listen wherever you get podcasts and watch the video version on Spotify and YouTube. If you want your thoughts discussed then send them to the link in bio. Instagram: @Jerome.mbaga

  1. 3D AGO

    The Opinion Paradox

    Universal truth is a myth and extremism is winning. Maya Fuerstenberg joins the show to dive into why religion divides us, what we sacrifice just to belong, and why the simple practices, such as Modeh Ani, is the radical reset we need in a world where nothing is guaranteed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Meet Maya 04:00 GenZ vs Religion 12:40 Lack of a middle ground 15:20 Echo-Chambers 19:00 How smart people approach any conversation 26:39 Maya's mystery book 28:00 How to talk to when you're not being listened to 30:00 The paradox 33:25 Modeh Ani & What you take for granted

    43 min

  2. JAN 20

    The Endangered Future of Black Artists

    When does "representation" become a cage? In this episode, I read my essay "The Endangered Future of Black Artists." We’re breaking down why the art world’s obsession with "trauma-porn" and performative diversity is actually silencing the very creators it claims to celebrate. It’s time to move past the "boxed" identity and allow Black artists the freedom to simply exist.Chapters00:00 Post-recording intro01:12: Essay ReadingEssay Link: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JPbiObQZEAStOLZJccmhuS73IPWPZtGl/view?usp=share_link) Article Link: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h01gydcdC0DjbAEY5HycYOow0gf8KK0f/view?usp=share_link)

    9 min

  3. JAN 13

    Social Propaganda You've Fallen For

    Why do we all draw aliens the exact same way? In this episode, we’re dismantling the "factory settings" of reality. We explore the silly social propaganda that secretly runs our lives—from the marketing genius that convinced us diamonds equal love, to the absolute lie that penne is the only pasta for vodka sauce. Join us as we debunk the "sugar high," fix the world map, and defend vanilla’s reputation. It’s time to unlearn the default mode.

    24 min

  4. JAN 6

    Meet my girlfriend

    A detailed summarization of how me and my girlfriend met, lived together, and do long-distance! (Lowkey both half asleep) Chapters 00:00 First guest on the podcast? 00:46 Story of how we met 08:10 Living together (Communication) 21:15 Long-distance (Common fears) 36:24 How we've impacted each other 43:30 Important to remember

    45 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    University house hunting

    With houses leaving the market everyday, securing housing has become a task we can no longer ignore. What has helped me is envisioning who I want to be next year, finding the right group, and using every hack in the book. Let's talk about! Chapters 00:00 everything went wrong 02:04 Topics 02:46 Personal vision board 06:46 Key to finding your group 08:57 Questions to ask yourself 13:56 Resources for finding houses 16:50 How to do a house showing 19:25 Remember this

    20 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    Last episode as a minor

    I'm turning eighteen! Time to stop committing crimes. This episode shares with you five things I've been waiting for my birthday to complete, commentary on "the real world", and the most important lesson I have learned in my 18 years of life. I hope you find the relatable or useful in some way! Chapters 00:00 Week Recap 01:38 Podcast is growing! 02:12 5 things I'm doing on my birthday 09:54 The real world 13:21 Most important lesson I've learned

    20 min

  7. 10/17/2025

    Midterm season (yikes)

    After my first (rough) week of midterms, I want to share my experience with overconfidence, trying to catchup following my exams, and the best quote a teacher has ever told me. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:13 The hard truth 07:55 Life-changing quote 10:53 Getting through annoying weeks 14:23 After the storm

    18 min

  8. 10/10/2025

    Meet my teddy bear: Jake!

    Everyone needs someone you can count on when you're going through a hard week. For me it was Jake! Starting with my love for Calvin & Hobbes stories, Jake has become a fundamental piece of my life. What about your teddy bear?

    12 min
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About

A 17-year-old ran away from home and started a podcast. Join Jerome Mbaga on Free to Grow every Tuesday for an unfiltered journey as he rebuilds his life, seeks freedom from trauma, and explores philosophy through raw stories and personal growth. Listen wherever you get podcasts and watch the video version on Spotify and YouTube. If you want your thoughts discussed then send them to the link in bio. Instagram: @Jerome.mbaga

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