Conversations with Sekani

Joy Okolobi
  • 5.0 (29)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

Conversations with Sekani is a podcast for ambitious young adults navigating the confusing crossroads of career, health, and purpose. Hosted by Joy “Sekani”, a calm, open, deeply curious thinker, the show follows her journey to gain clarity by having honest conversations with people who’ve walked different paths. Nothing is scripted. Nothing is perfect. Just real, raw, inspiring dialogue. From career pivots to mental health, from chasing big dreams to handling setbacks, each episode helps listeners move from overwhelmed to confident

  1. 11h ago

    From Construction Family to Leading Missions in 50 Countries | Gary Janzen

    Gary Janzen is a dedicated Christian minister and missions leader with more than four decades of experience in pastoral ministry, youth leadership, international missions, and non-profit leadership. From serving as a youth pastor and associate pastor to leading humanitarian work in Rwanda, Gary now oversees missionaries in about 50 countries as Executive Director of International Christian Mission Services. In this inspiring conversation, Gary shares: • Growing up in a construction family and the values that shaped him • His journey into pastoral and youth ministry • Lessons from leading missions and humanitarian work in Rwanda • What it takes to oversee missionaries across 50 countries • Practical wisdom on calling, service, and long-term leadership • Encouragement for young adults discerning their purpose and impact If you’re in your 20s exploring faith, calling, leadership, or how to make a meaningful difference in the world, this episode offers grounded perspective and real-life experience. Timestamps below ⬇️ #GaryJanzen #Missions #Faith #Leadership #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Gary Janzen 1:40 - Growing Up in a Construction Family 8:15 - Early Steps into Pastoral & Youth Ministry 15:30 - Lessons from Leading Missions in Rwanda 23:10 - Overseeing Missionaries in 50 Countries 31:45 - What Long-Term Leadership in Missions Requires 40:20 - Discerning Calling and Purpose 48:50 - Practical Wisdom for Young Adults 57:15 - Encouragement to Serve and Lead with Purpose

  2. 11h ago

    From Gambling Addiction & Cancer to Blaze of Resurrection | Michael Grayson

    Michael Grayson is a nurse, cancer survivor, and author of Blaze of Resurrection. His story is one of deep resilience, recovery, and finding meaning through some of life’s hardest seasons. Growing up surrounded by addiction and loss, Michael later battled a gambling addiction, built a career in nursing, and endured the heartbreaking loss of both of his parents to cancer. Then he himself was diagnosed with a rare form of esophageal cancer. Through surgery, grief, trauma, and recovery, Michael discovered that some of life’s greatest challenges can become our greatest teachers. In this raw and hopeful conversation, Michael shares: • Growing up around addiction and instability • Overcoming gambling addiction • Losing both parents to cancer • Facing his own cancer diagnosis and recovery • Lessons on resilience, grief, and post-traumatic growth • How adversity can become a path to deeper purpose • Encouragement for anyone walking through dark seasons If you’re in your 20s facing hardship, recovery, grief, or searching for meaning after loss, this episode offers honest hope and practical perspective. Timestamps below ⬇️ #MichaelGrayson #BlazeOfResurrection #Resilience #AddictionRecovery #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Michael Grayson 1:40 - Growing Up Surrounded by Addiction & Loss 8:15 - Battling Gambling Addiction 15:30 - Building a Career in Nursing 23:10 - Losing Both Parents to Cancer 31:45 - His Own Cancer Diagnosis & the Fight for Recovery 40:20 - What Trauma and Grief Taught Him 48:50 - Post-Traumatic Growth & Finding Meaning 57:15 - Encouragement for Anyone in a Dark Season

  3. 11h ago

    Breaking Pastoral Burnout: Lead with Grace, Not Performance | Pastor Charles Matthews

    Pastor Charles Matthews is a pastor, teacher, and kingdom voice who has spent over two decades helping leaders and believers move from performance-driven faith into a life of grace, rest, and clarity. As the leader of No Limits Church International and host of the podcast Kingdom Common Sense, he shares practical wisdom for anyone feeling weary, pressured, or disconnected from their calling. In this conversation, Pastor Charles explores: • Why so many leaders and young adults burn out under the weight of expectation • How grace frees us from constant striving and performance • Practical ways to recover when you’re running on empty • What it looks like to lead and live from a place of rest • Encouragement for young people navigating faith, purpose, and pressure in their 20s If you’re tired of trying harder and still feeling stuck, this episode offers a refreshing and grounded perspective. Timestamps below ⬇️ #CharlesMatthews #PastorCharlesMatthews #Faith #Grace #BurnoutRecovery #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Pastor Charles Matthews 1:40 - The Reality of Burnout in Leadership & Faith 8:15 - Performance-Driven Faith vs Living in Grace 15:30 - Why So Many Young Adults Feel Spiritually Exhausted 23:10 - Practical Steps to Recover When You’re Running Empty 31:45 - Leading and Living from Rest Instead of Striving 40:20 - How Grace Changes the Way We Show Up 48:50 - Encouragement for Anyone Feeling Off-Course 57:15 - Final Wisdom for Young Adults Seeking Purpose

  4. 11h ago

    The Calm Principle: Stop Reacting, Start Healing Before Stress Takes Over | Tracy King

    Tracy King (Tracy Walker) is a speaker, author, and creator of The Calm Principle — a practical framework that helps people understand what happens in the critical moments before stress, overwhelm, and emotional reactions take over. With more than 20 years of experience across education, parenting, and personal development, Tracy explores why we react the way we do, what happens when the thinking brain goes offline, and how understanding those moments can completely change the way we approach healing and connection. She is also a contributor to the global bestselling book Tap Into Your Best Self and the author of her memoir The Cards I Was Dealt That Transformed My Life. In this insightful conversation, Tracy shares: • What actually happens in the body and brain right before we react • The Calm Principle and how to use it in everyday life • Why understanding your reactions is the first step to real healing • Lessons from her own journey of transformation • Practical tools for young adults navigating stress, overwhelm, and emotional triggers • Encouragement for anyone who feels stuck in reactive patterns If you’re in your 20s dealing with stress, big emotions, or feeling like your reactions are running the show, this episode offers clear, usable tools to create more calm and control. Timestamps below ⬇️ #TracyKing #TheCalmPrinciple #EmotionalRegulation #MentalHealth #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Tracy King 1:40 - What The Calm Principle Actually Is 8:15 - What Happens When the Thinking Brain Goes Offline 15:30 - Why We React the Way We Do 23:10 - The Moments Before Stress Takes Over 31:45 - Practical Ways to Create Calm in Real Time 40:20 - Lessons from Her Personal Journey & Memoir 48:50 - Tools for Young Adults Navigating Overwhelm 57:15 - How Understanding Reactions Leads to Real Healing

  5. 11h ago

    Laughter, Worms & Sprouts: The Simple Wellness Habits That Actually Work | Cathy Nesbitt

    Cathy Nesbitt is a health and wellness advocate, multi-award-winning environmental innovator, and certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. She is the founder of Cathy’s Crawly Composters (since 2002), Cathy’s Sprouters, and Cathy’s Laughter Club, and was appointed Laughter Ambassador by Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga. Cathy has spent over two decades teaching people simple, practical ways to feel better, reduce stress, and live more sustainably — through indoor worm composting, growing sprouts, and intentional laughter. In this uplifting and practical conversation, Cathy shares: • How laughter yoga works (and why you don’t need jokes to benefit) • The science behind laughing for no reason and the “DOSE” of happy hormones • Why worms and composting matter for both the planet and your well-being • Easy ways to grow sprouts at home, even in small spaces • Simple daily habits that shift stress into joy • Encouragement for anyone in their 20s feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from joy If you’re looking for realistic wellness tools that don’t require hours of complicated routines, this episode is full of practical, feel-good wisdom. Timestamps below ⬇️ #CathyNesbitt #LaughterYoga #SustainableLiving #Wellness #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Cathy Nesbitt 1:40 - How Worms Started Everything 8:15 - Turning Waste into Wellness: Indoor Composting 15:30 - The Power of Growing Your Own Sprouts 23:10 - Discovering Laughter Yoga 31:45 - Why Laughing for No Reason Actually Works 40:20 - Simple Daily Habits That Reduce Stress 48:50 - Connecting Sustainability with Mental Health 57:15 - Encouragement for Young Adults Seeking More Joy

  6. 11h ago

    Stop Selling. Start Building Trust — The Skill That Actually Wins Work | Kenneth Harms

    Kenneth Harms has spent more than 40 years in the construction and business development world, rising through the ranks and helping firms win billions in projects. Today he coaches the next generation of leaders on a simple but powerful truth: technical skill alone is not enough. He is the author of Building Trust – Winning Work and the creator of the Doer-Seller model — a practical framework that shows professionals how to win more opportunities by building genuine relationships instead of just “selling.” In this practical and insightful conversation, Kenneth shares: • Why most people lose work even when they are highly skilled • The difference between selling and serving • How the Doer-Seller model actually works in real life • The soft skills that determine long-term career success • Lessons from four decades of leadership and business development • Clear advice for young professionals who want to grow faster without burning out or “selling out” If you’re in your 20s building a career, trying to stand out, or wondering why hard work alone isn’t enough, this episode gives you a proven path forward. Timestamps below ⬇️ #KennethHarms #BuildingTrust #DoerSeller #CareerGrowth #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Kenneth Harms 1:40 - Early Career & Rising Through the Ranks 8:15 - The Moment He Realized Technical Skill Wasn’t Enough 15:30 - Introducing the Doer-Seller Model 23:10 - Why Trust Beats the Perfect Proposal 31:45 - Soft Skills That Actually Move Careers Forward 40:20 - Common Mistakes Young Professionals Make 48:50 - How to Build Relationships Without Feeling Fake 57:15 - Practical Advice for Accelerating Your Career

  7. 11h ago

    From Hollywood Success to Rock Bottom — How Truth Saved My Life | Alan Katz

    Alan Katz is a Hollywood writer and producer best known for his work on HBO’s iconic Tales from the Crypt, as well as the films Demon Knight and Bordello of Blood. From the outside, his career looked golden. Behind the scenes, a secret he kept from himself for decades nearly destroyed him. After years of creative success followed by a long drought, depression, and a near-death mental health crisis, Alan discovered that radical honesty — telling himself the truth — was the only way forward. Today he hosts The How Not to Make a Movie Podcast and is on a mission to make the world better through authentic storytelling. In this raw and powerful conversation, Alan shares: • The real story behind Tales from the Crypt and the Hollywood machine • How success can hide deep personal pain • The hidden cost of the stories we refuse to tell ourselves • Recovering from creative block, depression, and near suicide • Why podcasting became his path back to purpose • Practical lessons on honesty, creativity, and reclaiming your voice If you’re in your 20s chasing a dream, carrying unspoken pain, or feeling stuck between success and emptiness, this episode offers hard-won wisdom and real hope. Timestamps below ⬇️ #AlanKatz #TalesFromTheCrypt #Storytelling #MentalHealth #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Alan Katz 1:40 - Early Path into Hollywood & Writing 8:15 - The Rise of Tales from the Crypt 15:30 - Success on the Outside, Struggle on the Inside 23:10 - Creative Drought & the Weight of Untold Stories 31:45 - Hitting Rock Bottom & the Mental Health Crisis 40:20 - The Power of Radical Honesty 48:50 - Finding Purpose Through Podcasting & Storytelling 57:15 - Advice for Creatives and Anyone Hiding from Themselves

  8. 11h ago

    How to Reinvent Yourself for the AI Age Without Losing Your Humanity | Monica Marquez

    Monica Marquez has spent more than 25 years helping organizations navigate change, develop leaders, and build more inclusive workplaces. She pioneered groundbreaking initiatives at Goldman Sachs and Google, and today helps leaders and teams integrate AI in ways that drive real results while keeping people at the center. After 20+ years in corporate America, she stepped out in 2020 and co-founded Flipwork — a system designed to help people reinvent themselves for the AI age. In this timely and practical conversation, Monica shares: • Her non-linear path (from almost going to medical school to corporate leadership) • What it really takes to stay relevant when the world keeps changing • How to integrate AI without losing your humanity • Practical ways to reinvent yourself in the age of artificial intelligence • Lessons from leading change at Goldman Sachs and Google • Encouragement for anyone in their 20s feeling the pressure of a rapidly shifting job market If you’re in your 20s wondering how to future-proof your career and stay human in an AI-driven world, this episode is packed with clarity and actionable insight. Timestamps below ⬇️ #MonicaMarquez #AIAge #CareerReinvention #Flipwork #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Monica Marquez 1:40 - Early Path: From Medical School Dreams to Corporate 8:15 - Pivots That Shaped Her Career 15:30 - Leading Change at Goldman Sachs & Google 23:10 - Stepping Out of Corporate in 2020 31:45 - Co-Founding Flipwork for the AI Age 40:20 - How to Integrate AI Without Losing Humanity 48:50 - Practical Ways to Reinvent Yourself 57:15 - Advice for 20-Somethings Navigating a Changing World

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5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Conversations with Sekani is a podcast for ambitious young adults navigating the confusing crossroads of career, health, and purpose. Hosted by Joy “Sekani”, a calm, open, deeply curious thinker, the show follows her journey to gain clarity by having honest conversations with people who’ve walked different paths. Nothing is scripted. Nothing is perfect. Just real, raw, inspiring dialogue. From career pivots to mental health, from chasing big dreams to handling setbacks, each episode helps listeners move from overwhelmed to confident

Information

  • Creator
    Joy Okolobi
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    546
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joy Okolobi
  • Show Website
    Conversations with Sekani