THE MAKING OF ME

Aro Benaiah Kehinde
  • 5.0 (32)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

“THE MAKING OF ME” is a podcast that explores the real experiences that shape who we become; the struggles, the lessons, the turning points, and the moments we usually keep to ourselves. You’ll love this show if you enjoy honest storytelling, personal growth, and conversations that help you reflect on your own journey. Each episode breaks down simple but powerful truths about life, identity, and becoming better, one step at a time. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s made for anyone who’s growing, evolving, or finding their way.

  1. 5h ago

    Faith, Scars, and Grit: Building Success After a Tough Start | Amanda Gordon | The Making of Me

    What does it take to build a meaningful life when your beginning was marked by pain, limitation, and adversity? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Amanda Gordon shares her deeply personal journey of growing up in a high-control religious environment while also navigating the lifelong impact of surviving severe burns as an infant. Rather than being defined by her circumstances, Amanda reflects on how faith, resilience, education, and creativity helped her rebuild her identity and step into a life of purpose and self-expression. Her story is a powerful reminder that scars—both visible and invisible—do not limit what is possible. Through music, learning, and lived experience, she found her voice again and now uses her journey to support others as a burn survivor peer mentor. 🔥 In this episode, you'll discover: How early life adversity shapes identity and resilienceWhat it means to grow up in a high-control environmentThe role of faith in navigating pain and uncertaintyHow scars can become a source of strength, not limitationWhy grit and persistence matter in personal transformationHow education and creativity support healing and growthThe journey from survival to self-defined successIf you’ve ever felt like your start in life was too difficult to overcome, Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that your beginning does not determine your future. 🔗 Learn more about Amanda Gordon:https://www.amandajgordon.com/ 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajgordon 🔗 Follow Amanda on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/manda.jg 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it inspired you🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on resilience, healing, and transformation💬 Comment below — What helped you grow through your hardest season? #AmandaGordon #MakingOfMePodcast #Faith #Resilience #Grit #SelfDiscovery #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingAdversity #Inspiration #LifeStories #Transformation

    21 min

  2. 5h ago

    How to Turn Trauma into Strength: The Landlord & Roommate Mindset for Healing | Joe Gonzalez | The Making of Me

    What if healing from trauma isn’t about getting rid of your inner struggles—but learning how to live with them differently? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Joe Gonzalez, U.S. Navy veteran, writer, and founder of the Mother Ocean Fund, shares his deeply personal philosophy for transforming trauma into strength and clarity. Drawing from experiences of near-death situations, emotional struggle, and personal transformation, Joe introduces the “landlord and roommate” mindset—a practical way of relating to intrusive thoughts, PTSD, addiction, and depression without letting them take control. Instead of trying to eliminate internal struggles, this approach focuses on awareness, coexistence, and reclaiming personal agency. 🧠 In this episode, you'll discover: Why trauma is something to understand, not just escape fromThe “landlord and roommate” mindset explained in depthHow to manage intrusive thoughts, PTSD, and emotional triggersThe role of ego in both struggle and personal growthHow acceptance can become a powerful healing toolPractical steps toward emotional regulation and self-awarenessHow forgiveness and perspective shift can support long-term healingIf you’re navigating internal battles or searching for a new way to relate to your thoughts and emotions, this conversation offers grounded wisdom and practical tools for moving forward with purpose. 🔗 Learn more about Joe Gonzalez and the Mother Ocean Fund:https://motheroceanfund.org 🔗 Follow Mother Ocean Fund on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/motheroceanfund/ 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it gave you a new perspective on healing🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on trauma, growth, and transformation💬 Comment below — Do you think we should fight our thoughts or learn to live with them? #JoeGonzalez #MakingOfMePodcast #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #Mindset #SelfGrowth #Resilience #HealingJourney #PersonalDevelopment #InnerStrength #Veterans #Transformation #MotherOceanFund

    21 min

  3. 9h ago

    The Truth About Single Motherhood: Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Purpose | J. Rosemarie Francis | The Making of Me

    What does it really mean to be a single mother and how much of what we believe comes from stereotypes rather than reality? In this powerful episode of Aro Benaiah: The Making of Me, we sit down with J. Rosemarie Francis, podcaster, author, and founder of SoloMoms! Talk, to challenge the misconceptions surrounding single motherhood and highlight the strength, resilience, and lived reality of mother-led households. Drawing from her personal journey and her work supporting solo moms, she shares how pain can be transformed into purpose, and how mindset, faith, and intentional support systems can reshape the narrative around motherhood and family. This conversation goes beyond labels to explore the emotional weight, societal pressure, and everyday realities of raising children alone—and why these stories deserve to be heard with honesty and respect. 🌿 In this episode, you'll discover: The difference between stereotypes and the real experience of single motherhoodHow societal expectations shape the way solo moms are viewedThe emotional and practical challenges many mothers faceHow faith and mindset can support resilience and healingWhy community and support systems are essentialHow personal struggle can be transformed into purpose and advocacyThe importance of rewriting the narrative around motherhoodIf you are a solo mom, know someone raising children alone, or simply want a deeper understanding of real family experiences, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a fresh perspective on strength and motherhood. 🔗 Connect with J. Rosemarie Francis:https://www.solomomstalk.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrosemarie/ 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it changed your perspective🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on resilience, identity, and real-life stories💬 Comment below — What does strength in motherhood mean to you? #SingleMotherhood #SoloMomsTalk #MakingOfMePodcast #AroBenaiah #BreakingStereotypes #Resilience #Motherhood #FamilyStories #Faith #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #LifeStories

    34 min

  4. 13h ago

    How to Make Independent Films on a Low Budget: Filmmaking Lessons from Derrick Shaw | The Making of Me

    How do you create meaningful, high-quality films when you don’t have big budgets, industry connections, or expensive equipment? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Derrick Shaw, award-winning writer, director, and founder of Ruby Street Productions, shares his journey from working-class roots in Philadelphia to building a career in independent filmmaking with projects featured on major platforms like Amazon. Derrick breaks down how creativity, resourcefulness, and persistence can matter far more than budget, and how he learned to turn limitations into storytelling strengths. From building a creative network from scratch to writing for the resources you actually have, his story is a practical guide for any aspiring filmmaker or creator trying to break into the industry. 🎬 In this episode, you'll discover: How to make independent films with little or no budgetWhy resourcefulness is more powerful than equipmentHow to write stories based on available resourcesThe mindset shift needed to overcome creative doubtHow to build a filmmaking network from scratchLessons from turning small projects into award-winning workWhy limitations can actually improve creativityIf you’re an aspiring filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or storyteller trying to start with limited resources, this conversation offers practical tools and real encouragement to keep going. 🔗 Learn more about Derrick Shaw and Ruby Street Productions:http://www.rubystreetproductions.com/ 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-shaw-6013529/ 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it inspired you🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, storytelling, and growth💬 Comment below — What’s stopping you from starting your film today? #DerrickShaw #MakingOfMePodcast #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #IndependentFilm #Storytelling #LowBudgetFilm #CreativeJourney #FilmmakerLife #Entrepreneurship #Creativity #FilmProduction #Inspiration

    25 min

  5. 1d ago

    How to Rebuild Your Life After a Financial Setback: Dean Taylor’s Story | The Making of Me

    Have you ever faced a setback so painful it made you question your future, your identity, or even your purpose? In this deeply honest episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Dean Taylor—mentor, coach, and creator of the Diamond Pivot Framework—shares how a major financial loss in a real estate deal became the unexpected turning point in his life. Instead of staying stuck in failure, Dean discovered that setbacks can become powerful catalysts for self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. Through his journey, he redefined what success truly means and rebuilt his life with greater clarity, intention, and self-trust. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating uncertainty, financial pressure, or a season of feeling “stuck.” 💎 In this episode, you'll discover: How financial setbacks can become turning points for growthWhy failure often reveals deeper purpose and directionThe importance of self-trust during uncertain seasonsHow to rebuild identity after loss or disappointmentWhat it means to redefine success on your own termsPractical mindset shifts for moving forward after failureHow to turn setbacks into a “pivot point” for transformationIf you’re feeling stuck or questioning your next step, Dean’s story offers perspective, hope, and a powerful reminder that your lowest moments can lead to your greatest breakthroughs. 🔗 Find Dean Taylor’s resources and contact information:https://deantaylorofficial.com 🔗 Follow Dean Taylor on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deantaylorofficial/ 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it gave you hope or clarity🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on growth, resilience, and transformation💬 Comment below — What’s one setback that changed your direction in life? #DeanTaylor #MakingOfMePodcast #FinancialRecovery #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #Entrepreneurship #LifeAfterFailure #Transformation #SelfTrust #SuccessMindset #MidlifeReinvention #Inspiration

    24 min

  6. 1d ago

    Transforming Trauma into Purpose: The Empowering Story of Tijana Tucic | The Making of Me

    What does it take to turn deep adversity into healing, purpose, and a life of contribution? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Tijana Tucic shares her extraordinary journey of surviving hardship, emotional struggle, and life challenges, and how those experiences shaped her path toward healing, self-discovery, and purpose. Through reflection, mindset shifts, and personal growth practices like journaling and emotional awareness, Tijana reveals how she gradually transformed pain into clarity—and struggle into strength. This conversation explores what it truly means to rebuild yourself from within and how sharing your story can become part of your healing process. 🌱 In this episode, you'll discover: How trauma can be transformed into purposeThe emotional process of rebuilding after hardshipWhy journaling can support healing and self-awarenessHow mindset shifts help reshape identity and directionThe importance of sharing your story for growth and connectionPractical insights for finding inner peace after difficult experiencesIf you’ve ever faced pain, uncertainty, or emotional challenges, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and the reminder that transformation is possible. 🔗 Learn more about Tijana Tucic:https://set-priorities.com/ 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tijana-tucic-793796102 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it inspired you🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on healing, resilience, and transformation💬 Comment below — What helps you turn pain into growth? #TijanaTucic #MakingOfMePodcast #TraumaHealing #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #HealingJourney #Transformation #SelfDevelopment #MentalHealth #Purpose #Inspiration #PostTraumaticGrowth

    36 min

  7. 1d ago

    How to Recover from Corporate Burnout: Rabejar Shukraj’s Step-by-Step System for Balance | The Making of Me

    Feeling overwhelmed, drained, or stuck in a cycle of constant work pressure? In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, award-winning author and lifestyle coach Rabejar Shukraj opens up about his personal experience with corporate burnout and the practical steps he used to rebuild balance, energy, and joy in his life. Rather than focusing on drastic career changes, Rabejar shares realistic, sustainable systems that help professionals regain control—even while still in demanding jobs. This conversation is packed with simple but powerful habits that can help you reset your daily life and prevent long-term exhaustion. 🌿 In this episode, you'll discover: How to recognize the early warning signs of burnoutWhy your relationship with your boss can impact your wellbeingDaily routines that support energy, clarity, and focusSimple habits like structured meals and movement that improve resilience“Quick wins” to regain control even if you can’t leave your job yetHow personal organization reduces stress and mental overloadA step-by-step approach to building a more balanced work lifeIf you're feeling stretched too thin or disconnected from your life outside work, this conversation offers practical tools to help you move from burnout to balance—one step at a time. 🔗 Connect with Rabejar Shukraj:https://linktr.ee/rabesh.sukrajh 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it helped you feel seen or supported🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on work, wellbeing, and personal growth💬 Comment below — What’s your biggest burnout warning sign? #BurnoutRecovery #WorkLifeBalance #MakingOfMePodcast #CorporateBurnout #RabejarShukraj #SelfCare #Productivity #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Wellbeing #StressManagement #LifeBalance

    27 min

  8. 2d ago

    How to Avoid Burnout: Self-Care Strategies for Leaders in Education and Nonprofits | Dr. Megan Sweet | The Making of Me

    Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from the purpose that once drove your work? In this powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Dr. Megan Sweet—educator, leadership coach, and wellbeing advocate—shares her personal and professional journey through workplace trauma, parenting challenges, and the process of rebuilding her identity while leading in high-pressure education and nonprofit environments. This conversation goes beyond surface-level self-care and explores what it truly takes to sustain yourself in service-driven work without losing your health, clarity, or joy. Dr. Sweet introduces a grounded approach to resilient leadership, emphasizing the integration of intellect, insight, and intuition as a pathway to sustainable wellbeing for both leaders and their teams. 🌿 In this episode, you'll discover: Why self-care is essential for leaders in education and nonprofitsHow burnout develops in mission-driven, high-responsibility rolesThe impact of workplace trauma on leadership capacity and wellbeingWhy integrating intellect, insight, and intuition supports resilienceHow to create emotionally safe and supportive team environmentsPractical strategies to prevent burnout and restore balanceHow to reconnect with purpose when feeling depleted or overwhelmedIf you're a leader, educator, or nonprofit professional feeling stretched thin, this conversation offers practical tools and deep insight to help you recover balance and lead more sustainably. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Megan Sweet:https://drmegansweet.com 📌 Don’t forget to:👍 Like this video if it resonated with you🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth💬 Comment below — What helps you reset when you're feeling overwhelmed? #MeganSweet #MakingOfMePodcast #BurnoutPrevention #Leadership #SelfCare #Education #NonprofitLeadership #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #ResilientLeadership #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealth

    22 min
See All (476)

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

“THE MAKING OF ME” is a podcast that explores the real experiences that shape who we become; the struggles, the lessons, the turning points, and the moments we usually keep to ourselves. You’ll love this show if you enjoy honest storytelling, personal growth, and conversations that help you reflect on your own journey. Each episode breaks down simple but powerful truths about life, identity, and becoming better, one step at a time. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s made for anyone who’s growing, evolving, or finding their way.

Information

  • Creator
    Aro Benaiah Kehinde
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    476
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Aro Benaiah Kehinde
  • Show Website
    THE MAKING OF ME