Unapologetically Whole

Lola Dada-Olley
  • 5.0 (37)
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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. JAN 29

    Owning Your Story: A Short Reflection with Lola

    Send us a text 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
  2. 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 a text 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

  3. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

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

    Send us a text 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

  4. 12/15/2025

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

    Send us a text 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

  5. 12/10/2025

    On The Road To Wholeness, A Family Episode

    Send us a text In this heartfelt episode, Lola Dada-Olley and Tosan Olley reflect on their journey through autism advocacy, sharing insights from their experiences over the past five years. They discuss the universality of autism, the power of storytelling, and the importance of embracing wholeness while breaking generational cycles. The conversation highlights the intersections of race, disability, and neurodivergence, and sets the stage for their transition to a new podcast identity, 'Unapologetically Whole.' Takeaways The podcast has been a platform for sharing our family's journey with autism.The universality of autism transcends geography and culture.Sharing our story has allowed others to feel seen and understood.The richness of humanity is reflected in the diverse stories shared on the podcast.Embracing wholeness means acknowledging both joy and pain in our lives.Breaking generational cycles is essential for healing and growth.The intersection of race and disability shapes unique experiences.The transition to 'Unapologetically Whole' signifies a new chapter in advocacy.Gratitude for the community that has supported our journey.The evolution of our understanding of success and thriving. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on a Journey of Autism Advocacy 03:05 The Universality of Autism and Its Impact 06:03 The Power of Sharing Stories 08:56 Embracing Wholeness and Breaking Generational Cycles 11:54 The Intersection of Race, Disability, and Neurodivergence 14:58 Transitioning to Unapologetically Whole 18:00 Gratitude and Looking Forward Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    35 min
  6. Navigating Transitions in Family Life

    08/27/2025

    Navigating Transitions in Family Life

    Send us a text SUMMARY In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, hosts Lola and Tosan Olley discuss the various transitions their family is experiencing, including changes in their children's education, their own career roles, and the impact of policy changes on caregiving. They reflect on the importance of community support, self-care, and the lessons learned from navigating these transitions. The conversation also touches on their shift from audio storytelling to a visual medium, emphasizing the power of sharing their journey to foster understanding and connection. Takeaways Transitions are a recurring theme in family life.Policy changes can significantly impact caregiving responsibilities.Community support is essential during transitions.Self-care is crucial for managing stress and responsibilities.Laughter can be a powerful tool for coping.It's important to give yourself grace during difficult times.Time is finite; prioritize what truly matters.Creative outlets can help reconnect with oneself.Navigating transitions requires flexibility and adaptability.Lessons learned from past experiences can guide future decisions. Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    38 min
  7. Sensory Overload: A Talk with The Filmmakers of the Hulu Documentary

    05/17/2025

    Sensory Overload: A Talk with The Filmmakers of the Hulu Documentary

    Send us a text In this episode, we discuss Sensory Overload, a film about how three communitiesnavigate oral care and the world in general with sensory sensitivities in mind.It's also a film about neurodivergence, sensory differences, and how the worldcan be better designed to accommodate people. It's a Vox Media produced film in partnership withHaleon and Sensodyne as part of Sensodyne's Sensory Inclusion Initiative, amission to build better sensory inclusion in oral care.  This episode features Executive Producer Samantha Knowles, Director and Head of Content at Vox Creative Kiana Moore, and Producer Dylan Lenze. They all discuss their journey into storytelling, the filmmaking process, and the importance of representing neurodivergent communities. They share insights on the challenges and joys of documentary filmmaking, the emotional resonance of storytelling, and the significance of creating safe spaces for participants. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of diverse stories and the personal reflections of the filmmakers on their own neurodivergent experiences. The documentary is currently streaming on Hulu.  Takeaways The documentary 'Sensory Overload' focuses on sensory sensitivities in oral care.Filmmakers share their personal journeys into storytelling.Documentary filmmaking involves preparation but requires adaptability.Creating a safe filming environment is crucial for participants.Editing is an iterative process that emphasizes emotional resonance.Diverse stories can connect through shared experiences of neurodivergence.Personal reflections on neurodivergence enrich the storytelling process.Knowing when to let go of a project is part of the creative process.The film aims to spark positive conversations about neurodivergence.Storytelling has the power to make individuals feel seen and heard. Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    43 min
  8. Better Understanding Challenging Behavior: A Talk with Larissa Heise, BCBA

    04/01/2025

    Better Understanding Challenging Behavior: A Talk with Larissa Heise, BCBA

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with licensed social worker and BCBA Larissa Heise about the complexities of challenging behavior in neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the definition of challenging behavior, trends observed in recent years, the importance of identifying triggers, and the role of sensory needs. Larissa emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to support, the common misconceptions surrounding challenging behavior, and the importance of understanding the full context before implementing interventions. The conversation also covers strategies for navigating support systems and the significance of insurance in accessing professional help. Takeaways Challenging behavior varies in definition and context.Challenging behavior often exceeds a family's ability to support.Safety concerns are a primary focus in identifying challenging behavior.Attention-seeking behavior is often misunderstood; it is about connection.Sensory needs can become more complex as individuals grow older.Understanding individual needs is crucial for effective support.Misconceptions about challenging behavior can lead to ineffective interventions.Gradual approaches are necessary for managing triggers and interventions.Reassessing strategies is important when previous methods stop working.Navigating insurance and support systems is essential for accessing help. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Challenging Behavior 02:59 Trends in Challenging Behavior 06:06 Identifying Triggers 09:06 Complex Sensory Needs 12:00 Misconceptions About Challenging Behavior 15:05 Approaching Triggers and Interventions 19:04 Reassessing Strategies 24:03 Navigating Support Systems 35:55 Getting Started with Professional Help Transcript  Lola Dada-Olley (00:02.364) Larissa Heise, thank you. Thank you for being on the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast today. Larissa Heise (00:10.317) Thank you for having me. Lola Dada-Olley (00:13.148) So you are a licensed social worker. You are also a BCBA for those listening who don't understand what that acronym means. In these neurodivergent streets, it means board certified behavioral analyst. I am going to really enjoy this episode talking to you about behavior. So let's talk about challenging behavior. But before we do so, let's do some level setting. Because challenging behavior means different things to different people. So what would you identify as a challenging behavior? Larissa Heise (00:57.485) I'm going to give you my personal definition and then I'm going to give you like what I think out in the world people are like generally having consensus on. Given the work that I do, I work a lot with family, families and very, a very parent centered model of support in the work that we do and some of the programs I supervise, very unique programs actually compared to maybe some other providers who are very family centric kind of approach to treatment. I look at challenging behavior as being something that exceeds the family's ability to support. And that can mean different things for different people. I'v Support the show www.loladadaolley.com

    40 min
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5
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37 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
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 @2026 Unapologetically Whole
  • Show Website
    Unapologetically Whole