The Self Sessions Marissa McCallam

In this episode, Marissa is joined by the Colossal Connections Coach, Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu. Vicki  empowers Artistic Women to let go of guilt, experience colossal transformations and reclaim their lives. She is also the Founder of Uchenna, a touring dance company that empowers, entertains and educates through dance.
Marissa and Vicki talk about:

1:30 = Vicki's work with Artistic women

5:34 = Turning down the noise and finding your voice
9:31 = Doing it guilt free
11:48 = Creating spaces where people feel nurtured
19:04 = Permission to express Joy
20:21 = Stop being so accessible to everyone around you
26:53 = You are the energy source of your life
29:13 = The danger of oversharing a creative process

34:18 = Key tips for Self-Care
41:01 = If Vicki ruled the world...

Find out more about Vicki's  work on her website https://www.vickiigbokwe.co.uk/
and Instagram = @vicki_igbokwe


References =

'Women Who Work Too Much' by Tamu Thomas

Season 3, Episode 13 = https://www.theselfsessions.com/1782809/14413651

'A Radical Awakening' by Dr. Shefali Tsabary 


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In this episode, Marissa is joined by Monica Gaga.

Monica is a British-born black African queer host, improviser, facilitator, maker and performer. She has been performing and hosting for 11 years, improvising for 24 years and facilitating professionally for 16 years.
A Comedy Store Players regular, Monica is the producer of HELL YEAH!, the femxle-centred queer improv collective. She is a cast member of Do The Right Scene, named ‘theatre that thinks’ by Timeout; Broadway Baby five-star reviewed show Yes Queens and feminist duo Derek's Mojo.
Marissa and Monica talk about:

1:44 = Where do I want to spend my time?
2:50 = The downside of saying 'Yes' to everything 
4:17 = Just because you could doesn't mean you should
5:31 = The principle of 'Yes and...'
7:43 = Improvised comedy in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion space
13:43 = Feeling comfortable with making mistakes

19:24 = Why play is important

22:52 = How Monica discovered Improv

25:30 = Improv and Youth Work

31:30 = Women aren't funny...

35:20 = If Monica ruled the world...

Find out more about Monica on her website : https://www.monicagaga.com/


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Marissa was unwell for most of 2023. In this 3 part series she shares how she tried ALL of the things to get better.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode in no way constitutes as medical advice. The experience was individual to Marissa, with choices and actions based on her circumstances. If you are worried about your health you may wish to consult with a qualified medical practitioner.

In the last episode of this 3 part series, Marissa talks about social media, support and faith.

References and resources:

Season 3, Episode 8 = Is there something on my face? Part 1 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1782809/14327152

Season 3, Episode 10 =  Is there something on my face? Part 2 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1782809/14334254

Season 3, Episode 13 =  Women Who Work Too Much with Tamu Thomas https://www.buzzsprout.com/1782809/14413651

‘Sacred Woman’ by Queen Afua

‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho

'Women Who Run With The Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

'Buddha' by Deepak Chopra

'Manual of the Warrior of Light' by Paulo Coelho

'The Third Jesus' by Deepak Chopra

'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle


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In this episode, Marissa is joined by Tamu Thomas.

Tamu is a transformational life coach and former social worker, specialising in helping women achieve work-life harmony by aligning with their nervous system for holistic well-being.   

In her groundbreaking new book, Women Who Work Too Much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity, Tamu challenges the societal norms that glorify relentless productivity and burnout.  She delves deep into the emotional and psychological factors that keep women trapped in a never-ending cycle of productivity, offering practical strategies for liberation.

Recognised as a thought leader, Tamu has been featured in notable publications such as Vogue and Forbes, and engages a wide audience through her Instagram and podcast.


Marissa and Tamu talk about:

1:30 = 'Women Who Work Too Much'  - Why this? Why now?
10:05 = What is Toxic Productivity?
14:08 = Hustle culture and exhaustion as a badge of honour
16:36 =The role of epigenetics and intergenerational trauma
20:20 = Living in 'Survival Mode' and intensity addiction
26:30 = The way we break our own hearts
31:40 = Would you be my friend?
33:33 = If Tamu ruled the world...

Find out more about Tamu's  work on her website :  https://www.livethreesixty.com/

References =
Break the Cycle : A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma by Dr. Mariel Buqué

Epigenetics = https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-epigenetics-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/


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In this episode, Marissa is joined by actor, improviser, performance maker and writer, Vera Chok.

Most recently on screen, Vera was a series regular on Channel 4’s flagship drama, Hollyoaks, playing Honour Chen-Williams, head of the first ever East Asian family on a British continuing drama. 

Vera has appeared in London’s West End multiple times, in the original cast for multiple Olivier-winning Chimerica, and alongside Judi Dench for The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company. 

Vera has a debut poetry collection coming out April 2024, via Burning Eye Press and she is currently touring  2:22 - A Ghost Story across the UK as 'Lauren'.

Originally recorded in November 2023, Marissa and Vera  talk about:

1:52 = Vera's path to performing

5:12 = The 'Bamboo Ceiling'

10:50 = What needs to change in the acting industry
14:09 = Being cast in the first  East Asian family on a British continuing drama
16:00 = The richness of diverse spaces
20:20 = Codeswitching
22:58 = The UK's first improv festival dedicated to East and South East Asian voices
25:05 = Empowerment and celebration

29:07 = Angry, yellow, woman

31:03 = How Vera took her career into her own hands

36:35 = Why are you doing the thing?
39:23 = Following curiosity
43:05 = If Vera ruled the world...
Find out more about Vera's  work on her website www.verachok.org and @verachok on Instagram.


References =
Code switching 
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In this episode, Marissa is joined by Transformational Life Coach, expert Reiki Master Teacher and the Founder of My Spiritual Butterfly Ltd, Gwen Allison.

Gwen's spiritual journey started over 15 years ago with the discovery of inspirational teachings such as The Law of Attraction and The Secret. After facing the life-changing challenges of divorce, loss and redundancy, Gwen became a Life Coach in 2008 and a Reiki Practitioner in 2015 when she also started her holistic business, all whilst juggling being a single mum and managing a successful, 20-year career in IT management. 

Gwen is now dedicated to helping others to see their inner light and create a truly fulfilling life as the person they wish to be.
Marissa and Gwen talk about:

2:40 = What is Reiki?

6:00 = The science behind Reiki
11:08 = The power to heal ourselves
12:55 = Polyvagal Theory and the Vagus nerve
16:50 = Eastern practices in a Western world
25:30 = Permission for peace
28:00 = Convenient self-care
30:00 = Gwen's journey from Corporate Management to Reiki Master Teacher
39:49 = If Gwen ruled the world...

Find out more about Gwen's  work on her website https://www.myspiritualbutterfly.com/ 

Instagram = @myspiritualbutterfly
Facebook =  My Spiritual Butterfly
YouTube = @MySpiritualButterfly

References =
Polyvagal Theory https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) https://www.cnhc.org.uk
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