Return to Source

Araba Ofori-Acquah
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Whether through stories, traditions or rituals, the wisdom of our Ancestors shows up in our lives more than we recognise. Ghanaian-British healer and writer, Araba Ofori-Acquah, interviews creatives, cultural leaders and entrepreneurs to learn how this wisdom influences their work and their lives. Return to Source is a podcast about culture and creativity, healing and heritage. As well as hearing about the innovative and impactful work of the guests, you'll gain an insight into the diverse Black and African cultures that shaped them 🌍✨

Episodes

  1. Returnees, purpose and moving with the system w/ Michelle Konadu | S1E11

    12/13/2022

    Returnees, purpose and moving with the system w/ Michelle Konadu | S1E11

    In this episode, I speak to Michelle Konadu, the founder of Villa Diaspora - a community and provider of stress-free accomodation for people looking to move to Ghana. This conversation is filled with tips for anyone looking to move from the West to Ghana, or really any other Global South location. We discuss: The importance of community in both Michelle's Ghanaian heritage and Diasporan upbringing  Why she moved back to Ghana Michelle’s spiritual journey and dream experiences Aligning with purpose through starting her business  What is bringing so many Diasporans to Ghana? Some of the tensions that exist between Ghanaians and 'returnees' Michelle’s passion for sharing the things that connect us  The legacy that Michelle wants to leave behind If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Michelle or Villa Diaspora? You can find them on Instagram @aj.konadu and @villa.diaspora or email hello@villadiaspora.com Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87 This episode was recorded at Musical Lunatics studio in Accra.

    38 min
  2. Community, leadership and the true story of Africa w/ Caleb Mensa-Bonsu | S1E10

    11/22/2022

    Community, leadership and the true story of Africa w/ Caleb Mensa-Bonsu | S1E10

    In this episode, I speak to Caleb Mensa-Bonsu, a travel enthusiast who is passionate about depicting Africa in its true, beautiful light and promoting the importance of mental wellness in Africa. This was an inspiring and very honest conversation. We discuss: Being raised in the Ashanti culture Caleb’s experience in the MEST entrepreneur programme His experience travelling around Africa Some misconceptions about Africa  What Diasporans need to know about the continent Talking to God at any time How Caleb found mindfulness Tips on being a good leader The legacy Caleb wants to leave behind If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Caleb's organisations? You can follow find them across social platforms @thetravelclan_ and @talk2mehq If you'd like to learn more about the entrepreneur programme Caleb took part in, visit the MEST website. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    41 min
  3. Christianity, theatre & the drama of life in Ghana w/ Jessica Hagan | S1E9

    11/08/2022

    Christianity, theatre & the drama of life in Ghana w/ Jessica Hagan | S1E9

    In this episode, I speak to Jessica Hagan, a writer and arts professional. This was a great conversation exploring the arts and Christianity from a very honest lens. We discuss: The importance of sowing seeds in the community  The benefits of creative collectives The theatre industry in Ghana How storytelling aids Black liberation Jessica’s route to Christianity The merging of Christianity and African traditional religions The role of religion in social order  Balancing creative writing with being a responsible Christian Jessica’s writing process Finding belonging as a British-Ghanaian  The legacy Jessica wants to leave behind If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Jessica? You can follow her @thejesshagan on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn. The book I mentioned in our conversation is A History of Indigenous Slavery in Ghana by Akosua Adoma Perbi. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87 This episode was recorded at Musical Lunatics studio in Accra.

    55 min
  4. Embodiment, spiritual mandem and becoming your own best friend | S1E8

    11/01/2022

    Embodiment, spiritual mandem and becoming your own best friend | S1E8

    In this episode, I speak to Tamu Thomas, an emotional well-being coach, writer, podcaster, workshop facilitator and Non-Linear Movement practitioner. This is an excellent episode for anyone on a healing journey, with plenty of excellent tips and personal stories. We discuss: Giving ourselves permission to be multifaceted in a world that wants us to stay in boxes Who are our Ancestors? Building a relationship with your Ancestors What is non-linear movement therapy? Meeting yourself where you are in your healing journey  The importance of embodied practices for Black people Balancing the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine  The link between self-care, social care and system care How to befriend yourself  How coaching helped Tamu How to live in everyday joy If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Tamu? You can follow her @livethreesixty on Instagram. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    59 min
  5. Activism, matriarchy and a history of Queerness in Ghana w/ Alex Kofi Donkor | S1E7

    10/18/2022

    Activism, matriarchy and a history of Queerness in Ghana w/ Alex Kofi Donkor | S1E7

    In this episode, I speak to Alex Kofi Donkor, a photographer, model, campaigner and community builder, and founder of LGBT Rights Ghana. This was a powerful conversation and - whatever your views - is a must-listen for an education on the history of LGBTQ+ people and politics in Ghana. We discuss: Growing up in a matriarchal home Radical rest for activists What Kofi’s utopia looks like  How a Humanist approach informs Kofi’s life and work The history of homosexuality in Ghana  How Ghanaian tradition rejects binaries How Western Christianity has gradually demonised different groups in Ghana (and beyond) How the global Black community can support our LGBTQ+ family The legacy Kofi wants to leave behind If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Kofi or his organisation? You can follow him @ahuoden_gh on Instagram or follow @lgbtrightsghana on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Creating change costs money! Please donate whatever you can through CashApp, PayPal or GoFundMe. If you're in Ghana, you can donate through Paystack. If you want to donate your time and skills, reach out to LGBT Rights Ghana on any of their platforms. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87 This episode was recorded at Musical Lunatics studio in Accra.

    1h 6m
  6. Travel, leadership and the African Renaissance w/ Vidette Adjorlolo | S1E6

    10/11/2022

    Travel, leadership and the African Renaissance w/ Vidette Adjorlolo | S1E6

    In this episode, I speak to Vidette Adjorlolo, founder and CEO of Sorted Chale, a company that curates experiences across Africa. This is a great interview for anyone interested in starting a business! We discuss: How Sorted Chale was born Collaboration between Diasporans and Africans Giving back to local communities as a travel business Hearing the voice of God in daily life How to tap into some of the benefits of travel if you don’t have the opportunity to physically travel Tips on becoming a better leader Vidette’s biggest highlight since starting her business  The legacy Vidette wants to leave behind If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Sorted Chale? You can find them on Twitter or TikTok @sortedchale or on Instagram @sorted.chale. Check out their website to see their upcoming trips 🌍 Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    33 min

  7. 10/04/2022

    Creativity, education and casting tradition into the future w/ Ben Boateng-Owusu | S1E5

    In this episode, I speak to Ben Boateng-Owusu, an engineer specialising in self-driving vehicles and co-founder of Owari Kids, an organisation focused on creating Afro-centered media for preschool kids. This is a great interview for anyone interested in how we both preserve and modernise culture and tradition. We discuss: Growing up between cultures The undervaluing of Ghanaian culture The role of music and humour in culture and education Preserving and futureproofing our culture for future generations  The story behind Owari Kids and the game owari itself Ben’s approach to personal growth Mental health and therapy in the Black community The psychological impact of moving away from our culture and how we can course correct A call for all creatives to ensure they make work for kids  If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Owari Kids? You can find them on Spotify, YouTube and Instagram @owarikids. Check out their website and get in touch if you're a creative keen to work with them on kids content. This is the soca song we mentioned! Here's the Glamour article I mentioned about men and loneliness, and here's the Psychology Today piece it's based on. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87 This episode was recorded at Musical Lunatics studio in Accra.

    55 min
  8. Elders, oral history and the African roots of Christianity w/ Kirstie Kwarteng | S1E4

    09/27/2022

    Elders, oral history and the African roots of Christianity w/ Kirstie Kwarteng | S1E4

    In this episode, I speak to Kirstie Kwarteng, founder of The Nana Project and Doctoral Candidate at SOAS, University of London in the Department of Development Studies. This is a great interview for anyone interested in oral history and education. We discuss: The difference between education and knowledge The definition of first-generation and second-generation The African roots of Christianity The power of praying in your mother tongue Honouring Ancestors without ‘worshipping’ them The importance of capturing elders' stories How Kirstie manages competing priorities Kirstie’s biggest achievement so far If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with The Nana Project? You can find them on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook @thenanaproject or @the_nana_project on Instagram. Check out their website and email them at stories@thenanaproject.org if you would like to contribute. Be sure to watch Kirstie's powerful TED talk too! Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    46 min

  9. 09/20/2022

    Masculinity, problem-solving and going plant-based in Ghana w/ Zuu | S1E3

    In this episode, I speak to Zuu a.k.a The Ghanaian Vegan, a photographer, graphic designer, podcaster and content creator. This is a great interview for anyone interested in hearing about the transition to veganism but we also talk about much more. We discuss: The innovative nature of Ghanaians Zuu's personal journey with veganism Navigating veganism in Ghana The importance of unlearning for our personal growth Making space for men to be vulnerable How Zuu wants to be remembered If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Zuu? For his personal content, follow @zuutg on Instagram and Twitter. For foodie content, follow @theghanaianvegan on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For podcast clips and info, follow @staybyplanpod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/ashewellness If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    42 min

  10. 09/13/2022

    Pan-Africanism, privilege and Ancestral dreaming w/ Asia Clarke | S1E2

    In this episode, I speak to Asia Clarke, a multidisciplinary artist and the creatrix behind Wild Moon. This episode is filled with gems for Black creatives, any Diasporans thinking of visiting or moving to the continent and people interested in African spirituality. We discuss: Is Pan-Africanism a myth? The privilege of knowing where you’re from/your heritage Overcoming the Western mindset How to create from a place of vulnerability and authenticity Creating your own spiritual practice  Dreams and meditation as tools for connecting with our Ancestors Asia's experiences of motherhood - from her grandmother’s presence to her mother’s affirmations to her pregnancy journey If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with Asia? Check out her website or connect with @wild_moon on Instagram. You can see her 'Moon Masquerade' concept I mentioned here. Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/babsofori If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    45 min

  11. 09/13/2022

    The African concept of Divine Destiny | S1E1

    Welcome to the first full episode of Return to Source! In this episode, I introduce myself and share some of my reasons for starting this podcast. It's a short episode but packs a punch! I go into: The African concept of destiny The difference between destiny and purpose How the global wellness industry ignores African knowledge  Sankofa - looking back to move forward The one key question that will guide you in living in alignment with your purpose  If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, review & share! 🌟 Want to connect with me? Check out my website, connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @araba.oa, or meditate with me on Insight Timer. You can also join my mailing list for monthly musings about all things wellness. To support the show, you can donate here: paypal.me/babsofori If you’re a business dedicated to culture, wellness or empowering people of colour and you’d like to sponsor, get in touch at araba@arabaoa.com Podcast theme song created by musician and spoken word artiste Menaye 🎶 Find her on YouTube and Instagram. If you’d like to be a guest on the show, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/av8AuWsfGdEEvxn87

    13 min

  12. TRAILER

    Introducing Return to Source Podcast

    Akwaaba! Welcome! Return to Source podcast launches on Tuesday 13th September 2022 - here's what you can expect. Click subscribe to stay up to date - new episodes every Tuesday ✨

    1 min

Trailer

About

Whether through stories, traditions or rituals, the wisdom of our Ancestors shows up in our lives more than we recognise. Ghanaian-British healer and writer, Araba Ofori-Acquah, interviews creatives, cultural leaders and entrepreneurs to learn how this wisdom influences their work and their lives. Return to Source is a podcast about culture and creativity, healing and heritage. As well as hearing about the innovative and impactful work of the guests, you'll gain an insight into the diverse Black and African cultures that shaped them 🌍✨

Information

  • Creator
    Araba Ofori-Acquah
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Araba Ofori-Acquah
  • Show Website
    Return to Source