Unapologetically Whole

Lola Dada-Olley
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Unapologetically Whole is the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt invisible while holding everyone else together. Hosted by attorney, advocate, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada-Olley, this show is a raw, honest invitation to reclaim your story and rebuild your sense of self without abandoning your responsibilities or values. Through deeply personal storytelling and candid conversations, Lola explores the layers we carry: as caregivers, professionals, parents, partners, and cycle-breakers navigating cultural stigma, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness in a world that often asks us to disappear.  Each episode offers a practical, three-part framework for transformation: Recognize the lane you’re in, Redefine success beyond external validation, and Reimagine what it means to truly thrive. You’ll hear real lessons from lived experience—how to hold the tension between vigilance and joy, how to honor incremental progress, and how to shine your light in a world that can feel dark. Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply someone searching for permission to exist beyond your roles, Unapologetically Whole bridges the gap between personal healing and professional reinvention, creating space for authentic community and honest growth.  This podcast is the companion to Lola’s forthcoming memoir, Unapologetically Whole: A Memoir About Autism, Caregiving, and Owning Your Story, coming June 2026. If these conversations resonate with you, help us extend the reach—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Your voice helps others find the hope, healing, and wholeness they deserve.

  1. MAR 28

    You Are Leading Even When You Think No One Is Watching: A Short Reflection With Lola

    Send us Fan Mail Most caregivers lead quietly, often unseen, but their daily acts of purpose shape future generations. On this episode of Unapologetically Whole, Lola Dada-Olley reveals the profound leadership hidden within everyday caregiving and how purpose over perfection is the true mark of a whole family. Lola shares her own journey navigating systemic obstacles for her children with autism, illustrating how advocacy is not just a skill, but a form of leadership that transforms lives. You’ll discover how purpose sustains us through the most challenging moments, from early therapy hours that drained resources to redefining success as access, dignity, and belonging. Three powerful messages emerge: the leadership of presence in difficult conversations, the importance of purpose-driven resilience, and how small daily acts can build systemic change. Lola emphasizes that caregivers are not just holding families together, they are architects of systems that didn't exist before, leading with quiet strength and intention. Why does this matter? Because in a world that often overlooks the power of caregiving, understanding the leadership within your daily efforts unlocks profound opportunities. A caregiver's role isn’t just pivotal, it’s revolutionary. If you’ve ever questioned whether your contributions matter, this episode will empower you to see your work as leadership that shapes future generations. Perfect for anyone navigating caregiving, leadership, or systemic change or those seeking to understand the unheralded work of building wholeness in every act of care. Tune in to see how purpose, not perfection, makes a family whole and how your own daily leadership can create ripple effects beyond what you imagine. Lola Dada-Olley is an attorney, advocate, and storyteller dedicated to illuminating the quiet strength of caregivers and systemic leaders. Her work champions dignity and belonging for families navigating disability, advocacy, and societal systems. If you’re ready to see caregiving as leadership and your purpose as a powerful force for change, this episode could inspire your next move. Your story matters. Your purpose matters. And the leadership you practice every day is transforming the future, one act at a time. Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    11 min

  2. MAR 16

    A Family Affair: Mission Fueled Disability Advocacy with ConnectIDD

    Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Michael and Julie Thomas, co-founders of ConnectIDD, a disability empowerment agency. They discuss their journey as a married couple, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, and the importance of community support in advocating for individuals with disabilities. The Thomases share insights on transitioning from nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship while raising children, navigating uncertainty in the disability space, and the significance of joy and resilience in their work. They also touch on their family mission statement and future goals for both their family and ConnectIDD. Takeaways ConnectIDD is a disability empowerment agency changing lives.Michael and Julie's journey began during a snowstorm in 2011.They emphasize the importance of community support for families with disabilities.The nonprofit sector faces significant challenges, including funding issues.Vulnerability is essential in the disability advocacy space.Joy is a form of resistance against societal challenges.Building strong networks is crucial for navigating uncertainty.Transitioning from nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship can be rewarding.Their family mission statement is 'do good, be good, have fun.They aim to expand ConnectIDD's reach across the U.S. and beyond.Sound Bites "It's okay to be vulnerable." "We have people who deserve better." "We are ready to be in every state." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Team Thomas and Their Mission 02:01 The Journey of Michael and Julie Thomas 05:53 Understanding Connect ID's Unique Approach 11:00 Challenges in the Disability Nonprofit Sector 20:16 Finding Purpose in Disability Advocacy 28:39 The Decision to Move On 31:21 Finding a New Home 33:03 The Call of Nature 35:52 Navigating Neurodiversity 37:50 Growth Amidst Uncertainty 43:00 Staying Nimble in Parenting and Business 48:11 The Thomas Family Mission Statement 51:29 Goals for 2026 Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    1h 8m

  3. FEB 28

    Your Body and Soul Remembers: A Short Reflection with Lola

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of navigating the complexities of caregiving, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness. She reflects on the challenges faced as a caregiver, the impact of trauma on her life, and the importance of embracing vulnerability and compassion. Lola emphasizes that healing is a continuous process and encourages listeners to redefine their understanding of success and leadership in a way that honors their experiences and promotes a sense of safety and connection. Takeaways There is a moment in every caregiver's life when your body tells the truth before your mouth ever does.Trauma doesn't always arrive with sirens; it can show up as irritability or autopilot.Fear can convince you that survival is the same thing as living.Trauma-informed living is for mothers, caregivers, and anyone who has carried more than their fair share.Honor the impact of trauma with compassion, not shame.Redefine success as presence and connection, not perfection.Your children's healing is connected to your own.Trauma-informed leadership is about humanity, not titles.You're allowed to build a life that feels safe in your own body.Wholeness is a daily choice and a quiet revolution. Sound bites "Trauma is sneaky like that." "Fear is a terrible leader." "You're worthy of that revolution." Chapters 00:00 The Weight of Caregiving and Trauma 01:57 Understanding Trauma-Informed Living 04:00 Redefining Success and Leadership 05:37 Embracing Wholeness and Healing Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    9 min

  4. FEB 12

    Trauma Informed Living: Reclaiming Wholeness

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Neresia Osborne, therapist, mother, advocate and lifetime caregiver. This episode only scratches the surface in unlocking the depth of her personal account of navigating birth trauma, systemic racism, and rediscovery. This episode offers clear insights into how one could possibly recognize their own lane, redefine success on their own terms, and build resilience through authentic self-awareness. Because parts of her journey deal with detailed personal recollections of trauma, discretion is advised.  Key topics: The impact of birth trauma and systemic racism on Black women’s health and mental well-beingLearning to recognize and embrace one’s lane amidst societal expectationsThe role of hope multipliers and community support in healing and reimagining lifeHow existentialism illuminates the path to self-awareness and wholenessPractical strategies for boundaries, self-care, and creating sacred spaces for Black familiesThe importance of visibility and authentic storytelling in dismantling systemic barriersTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The importance of understanding systemic barriers and personal wholeness 02:20 - Recognizing your lane: From trauma to self-awareness 04:45 - Birth trauma and systemic neglect: A personal account 08:24 - The role of systemic racism in healthcare experiences 11:18 - The physical and emotional aftermath of traumatic birth 16:32 - Connecting systemic issues with cultural stigma and expectations 19:02 - Recognizing the need for self-care and redefinition of success 24:22 - Building a supportive environment through education and community support 27:30 - The influence of hope multipliers and authentic space-making 33:43 - Reintegrating systemic work and personal healing through therapy and advocacy 42:35 - How existentialism helps to see the fullness of oneself 44:12 - Owning your story: The power of visibility and authenticity 50:02 - The long journey: Deconstruction, deprogramming, and sitting in the process 53:09 - Establishing boundaries as a pathway to reimagining thriving 55:19 - The foundation of a trauma-informed therapy and coaching practice 60:49 - The significance of sacred spaces and working from the 'open heart' 66:35 - Legacy, impact, and the importance of nurturing future generations 66:44 - Final lesson: Believe in your worth and own your truth Resources & Links: Neresia Osborne - LinkedInThe Open Heart Model (concept overview) Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    57 min

  5. JAN 29

    Owning Your Story: A Short Reflection with Lola

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unapologetically Whole, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of self-advocacy and wholeness, exploring themes of identity, caregiving, and resilience. Through intimate reflections and powerful storytelling, she encourages listeners to own their stories and advocate for themselves with intention and courage. Takeaways: Your story matters and deserves to be told.Self-advocacy is a muscle that grows with use.Wholeness is the integration of all parts of your story.Perfection is not the goal; wholeness is.Guilt can be a barrier to healing.Healing begins when you stop negotiating with guilt.Self-advocacy starts with small steps like asking for help.You are worthy of the life you are building.The world needs you whole, not perfect.Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth.Sound bites: Your story matters.Self-advocacy is a muscle.Wholeness is integration.Perfection was never the assignment.Guilt is a barrier.Healing begins with acceptance.Ask for help.You are worthy.The world needs you whole.Embrace your journey.Chapters: Introduction to Unapologetically Whole The Journey of Self-Advocacy Embracing Wholeness Overcoming Guilt and HealingEmpowerment and Personal GrowthSupport the show www.loladadaolley.com

    9 min
  6. The Non-Linear Journey to Healing: A Talk with Author and Self Advocate Lisa Hurley

    JAN 15

    The Non-Linear Journey to Healing: A Talk with Author and Self Advocate Lisa Hurley

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this conversation, Lisa Hurley and Lola Dada-Olley explore the complexities of healing, emphasizing that it is a non-linear journey filled with ups and downs. They discuss the importance of embracing stillness and practicing gratitude as essential components of emotional well-being. Takeaways Healing is definitely not linear.Sometimes healing can feel like it's going up and down.Periods of stillness are important in the healing process.Trusting stillness is crucial to avoid anxiety about the future.Introspection plays a vital role in personal growth.Expressing gratitude can enhance emotional well-being.There is always something to be grateful for, even in tough times.Healing requires patience and self-compassion.The journey of healing is unique for everyone.Embracing the journey can lead to deeper understanding.Unapologetically Whole is a podcast for people who have spent years giving themselves away—to caregiving, culture, or career—and are finally ready to reclaim their voice. Hosted by attorney, author, TEDx speaker, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada‑Olley, the show explores identity, healing, neurodiversity, cultural stigma, and the quiet work of rebuilding yourself after burnout. Lola draws from her lived experience as an attorney, a mother of two autistic children, the older sister of an autistic, intellectually disabled adult, and the former host of Not Your Mama’s Autism. She also serves as Lead ADA Counsel for a global banking institution and appears with her family in the Vox Media documentary Sensory Overload on Hulu. Each episode blends storytelling, reflection, and honest conversation to help caregivers and other leaders recognize the lane they’re in, redefine success on their own terms, and reimagine what it means to thrive without disappearing. Learn more about Lola’s work and her upcoming memoir at loladadaolley.com, and join the newsletter to stay connected to the movement. Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    30 min

  7. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Goodbye Not Your Mama's Autism ... Hello Unapologetically Whole

    Send us Fan Mail Not Your Mama’s Autism had its finale episode in December 2025. Unapologetically Whole is the dawn of a new podcast, guided by the same host, Lola Dada‑Olley, but shaped by a deeper, more expansive mission. After five years of honest conversations about disability, culture, and family, Lola is stepping into a new season, one that honors where she’s been while widening the lens to include every woman who has ever disappeared in service to others. This trailer marks the bridge between two eras: the close of a beloved community built around autism storytelling, and the beginning of a movement centered on identity, healing, and wholeness. Lola brings with her the same lived experience—attorney, author, TEDx speaker, lifelong caregiver, mother of two autistic children, and older sister to an autistic, intellectually disabled adult, but now she’s inviting listeners into a broader conversation about what it means to reclaim yourself after years of giving yourself away. Unapologetically Whole explores the quiet, courageous work of rebuilding your sense of self while still showing up for the people you love. Through storytelling, reflection, and deeply human conversations, Lola offers a space for women navigating caregiving, cultural expectations, career reinvention, and the emotional weight of being everything to everyone. It’s a podcast about choosing yourself without abandoning your responsibilities and learning that devotion does not require disappearance. As this new chapter begins, the heart of Not Your Mama’s Autism lives on, expanded and reimagined. If you’ve ever felt unseen, stretched thin, or unsure where you end and your roles begin, this next season is for you. Welcome to Unapologetically Whole—a home for women ready to reclaim their voice, redefine success, and reimagine what it means to thrive. Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    2 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    The Power of Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance: A Talk with Author and Self-Advocate Lisa Hurley

    Send us Fan Mail Summary This conversation explores the complexities of neurodiversity, particularly autism, within the Caribbean context. Lisa Hurley reflects on her personal experiences growing up in a society that lacks awareness and understanding of neurodivergence. She discusses the cultural perceptions of autism, the challenges faced by individuals who do not fit the stereotypical image of autism, and the need for greater visibility and acceptance. Takeaways Cultural perceptions shape the understanding of autism.There is a lack of awareness about neurodiversity.Expectations of presentation can exclude many individuals.Visibility is crucial for acceptance of neurodiversity.Challenging stereotypes is necessary for broader understanding.Personal experiences highlight systemic issues in society. Sound Bites "I've known from childhood that I was different." "We're not talking about neurodivergence." "People who look like us are not even considered." Where to find Lisa Hurley: The Great Exhale Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    1 hr
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38 Ratings

About

Unapologetically Whole is the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt invisible while holding everyone else together. Hosted by attorney, advocate, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada-Olley, this show is a raw, honest invitation to reclaim your story and rebuild your sense of self without abandoning your responsibilities or values. Through deeply personal storytelling and candid conversations, Lola explores the layers we carry: as caregivers, professionals, parents, partners, and cycle-breakers navigating cultural stigma, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness in a world that often asks us to disappear.  Each episode offers a practical, three-part framework for transformation: Recognize the lane you’re in, Redefine success beyond external validation, and Reimagine what it means to truly thrive. You’ll hear real lessons from lived experience—how to hold the tension between vigilance and joy, how to honor incremental progress, and how to shine your light in a world that can feel dark. Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply someone searching for permission to exist beyond your roles, Unapologetically Whole bridges the gap between personal healing and professional reinvention, creating space for authentic community and honest growth.  This podcast is the companion to Lola’s forthcoming memoir, Unapologetically Whole: A Memoir About Autism, Caregiving, and Owning Your Story, coming June 2026. If these conversations resonate with you, help us extend the reach—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Your voice helps others find the hope, healing, and wholeness they deserve.

Information

  • Creator
    Lola Dada-Olley
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 @2026 Unapologetically Whole
  • Show Website
    Unapologetically Whole