Making Space: Recent Episodes
Danielle Nwosa
Couch conversations...without the couch. Making space to learn, laugh, reflect, and recognize the power in our stories.
My good friends Destny and Damilola are back on the podcast to rant about our hair struggles. We share our negative experiences with African hair braiders and dissect the rules and unrealistic beauty standards surrounding black hair. We also talk about learning to take care of our natural hair and confront the unhealthy social standards that women face.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
Previous episodes:
ep. 01: natural hair and the struggle of being a black girl in the American school system (ft. Damilola)
ep. 03: a beginner's guide to cultivating a joyful life (ft. Destny)
In this episode, Mfon and I have a very honest conversation about mental health and faith. She shares her ongoing struggles with depression and the role of faith in her mental health journey. We discuss the taboos around mental illness and medication in the Christian community and the importance of getting help and giving yourself grace.
We also share practical advice for those dealing with mental health issues and simple ways to support a friend struggling with their mental health.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
REFERENCES
Mental health resources:
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) – Education and resources on mental illness
- BetterHelp – Online counseling and therapy services
Videos:
- Forgiveness University – Sermon on forgiving yourself
- Detached: A Depression Story – Mfon’s video series on depression
Bible verses:
- John 16:33 (in this world you will have trouble but take heart)
- Ephesians 6:11-13 (we do not wrestle against flesh and blood)
- James 5:16 (confess your sins to one another)
- Psalm 139:14 (you are fearfully and wonderfully made)
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (the Lord is with you and will never leave you)
- Psalm 34:18 (the Lord is close to the brokenhearted)
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (take every thought captive)
Why are adult friendships so hard? Are we too quick to cut off friends because they’re “no longer serving us?”
Justine and I get deep about one of my favorite topics: friendship! We discuss seasonal friendships, navigating change in friendship, long-distance friendships, work friends, and much more. We also share practical advice on maintaining friendships in adulthood and the importance of platonic love.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
REFERENCES:
- ep. 05: being single is not a disease
- ep. 06: a crash course on speaking up for yourself
- ep. 11: what we’re glad no one told us about moving
In this episode, I'm joined by a special guest: my mom! We dive into 20 questions you all shared that you wish you could ask your mom. She shares the best advice she’s ever received, reflections on motherhood, relationship advice, and much more! We also discuss the age-old question of why it seems that mothers are "always" right.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
QUESTIONS:
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What is something you’ve learned or are currently learning that you wish your younger self could’ve known?
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If we were around the same age, and unrelated, do you think we would be friends?
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When did you first believe in your faith on your own?
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What was the hardest part about immigrating to the US? Did you have any regrets?
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Is there anything you wish you would have experienced or done differently before having kids?
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How would you describe what it feels like to be a mother?
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Why are mothers always right?
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How did you choose my name?
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What was the first similar characteristic you noticed between us as I was growing up?
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What is the scariest part about raising kids?
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
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Do you have any regrets about how you raised me?
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What is your best relationship advice?
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What is one thing you wish I were more confident about?
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Do we grow up to become our mothers?
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Is there anything you enjoyed doing when you were younger that you wish you could still do now?
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When have I most surprised you?
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What do you wish I understood about you?
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What do you hope our relationship will look like as I get older?
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Do you have any questions for me?
Dom is back for season two to discuss the ups and downs of moving out of state postgrad. We discuss the not-so-glamorous reality of following your dreams and get real about the challenges of moving on your faith and relationships.
We also talk about how moving forced us to become comfortable with being uncomfortable and taught us how to lean on our faith when things don’t make sense.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
REFERENCES:
- Matthew 5:14
- Mark 12:41-44 (the widow’s offering)
- season two intro: growing up – Making Space
- ep. 07: aging, adulthood, pineapple pizza, and other important topics – Making Space
- Local high school soccer player takes his goals international (Dom’s news story)
I'm back for season two! In this intro episode, I share a little life update, my vision for season two, and a sneak peek into upcoming episode topics.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
What makes breakups so difficult? Do you have to hate your ex to move on?
In the season one finale, Ivy and I discuss the reality of going through a breakup, the healing process, getting closure, and “moving on.” We talk about experiencing grief, shame, and anger, leaning on our faith and friends, and the importance of forgiveness.
We also dive into false assumptions about breakups, myths around Christian dating, and the pressure of finding “the one.”
Whether you or a friend are going through a breakup, have gone through one that’s been hard to get over, or have never been in a relationship but are scared about the idea of going through a breakup — this is for you. ❤️🩹
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
REFERENCES
Bible verses:
- Psalm 34:18
- Philippians 4:7
- Psalm 25:10
- Psalm 139
Podcasts:
- ep. 05: being single is not a disease – Making Space
- The psychology of breakups – The Psychology of your 20s
- We Found Love, Part 1: I Met My Husband in Prison – Love Letters (Ivy’s podcast series with the Boston Globe)
Lupita Nyong’o’s Instagram post on heartbreak
Book: Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall heartbreak
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(02:27) Conversation kickoff
(05:50) What’s hard?
(23:29) False assumptions about breakups
(46:15) What helps?
(01:08:06) Advice on “moving on”
(01:19:31) An interlude on the myth of Christian dating and finding “the one”
(01:26:48) Additional advice and encouragement
(01:35:44) Final thoughts & reflections on closure
(01:44:15) Outro
What was your first big disappointment?
In this episode, Lois and I get candid about facing disappointment in our 20s. We talk about failure, humiliation, and rejection and share practical advice on how to navigate disappointment and find the courage to try again.
We also discuss how to find joy in the process and “wait well” after your dreams are delayed.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
What defines you?
In this episode, my friend Jayden shares how being biracial and darker than her family impacted her journey to discover herself. We discuss the importance of learning to love yourself, becoming comfortable with your culture, and embracing your natural hair.
We also talk about disconnecting your identity from your ethnicity and the role of Eurocentric beauty standards in dictating “good” physical features.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, Dominique joins me for a fun Q&A about life, love, and everything in between! I answer your questions on faith, adulthood, dream jobs, and long-distance relationships while reflecting on the things I’m currently learning after becoming a year older.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
Why is it so hard to speak up for ourselves? How much power do we give other people over us?
In this episode, my friend Chinyere shares her wisdom on advocating for yourself and others based on her unique life experiences. We discuss navigating difficult conversations in professional settings, romantic relationships, and friendships.
We also talk about the roles of boldness and vulnerability when speaking up and touch on a range of topics including confronting racism, dealing with fear, challenging power dynamics, the dangers of one-way conversations, what loving others really means, and trusting God through stressful situations.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
Why are so many people afraid of being “alone?”
In this episode, Gill and I unpack a LOT of topics related to being single and content. We discuss what shaped our perspective on relationships from a young age, dealing with shame and fear, and learning to be honest with ourselves and others.
We also talk about the idolization of marriage within Christian culture and how to find your self-worth outside of your relationship status. Finally, we share the importance of developing good, deep friendships for every season of life.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, Hannah and I have an honest conversation about grief after the tragic loss of her brother Caleb. We talk about being vocal and honest about your pain, toxic positivity, questioning God, facing regret and anger, what NOT to say, and ultimately how to be there for your friend as they navigate loss and grief.
Whether you have experienced a loss of your own, are supporting a grieving friend through loss, or just curious about how to navigate grief through the myriad of ways it enters our lives, this conversation is for you.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
How can we maintain a sense of joy and wonder in a serious world?
Destny and I explore how to cultivate a joyful life in any season by approaching life through the lens of a child. We discuss a wide range of topics including being present and loving where you live, spending time with yourself and embracing every part of who you are, feeling your feelings, and letting go of fear.
We also share thoughts on how TikTok and our passive consumer culture can unknowingly keep us from actively producing a joyful life.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
Is work really where we should derive our fullest sense of meaning and fulfillment?
Tobi and I continue the conversation from episode two by unpacking his thoughts on work, purpose, and fulfilment. We talk about how much we should attach our identity to what we do, the role of faith in determining our purpose, and the unspoken risk of being blinded by pursuing your passions.
I’m excited to continue to make space for your thoughts through this new segment of the podcast so keep them coming! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
Are your 20s really the best years of your life?
In this episode, Vyana and I process the challenges and rewards of navigating change in our early 20s. We talk about feeling stuck and unsatisfied, the anxiety that comes along with change, and the pressure to be successful and have it all figured out.
We also discuss the reality of trying to break into a new career field and the freedom that comes along with taking the risk to pursue what you're passionate about.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
“Is that a weave?”
“Can your hair even grow?”
In episode one, my good friend Damilola and I discuss the journey to loving our natural hair while growing up as black girls in America. From overcoming relaxers to braiding our hair ourselves and wearing wigs. We laugh to keep from crying while talking about the shame black girls can experience when their hair isn’t “done” and celebrate black hair for what it represents and all the amazing styles we can achieve.
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: themakingspacepodcast@gmail.com
A lil about me episode where I talk about why I started the podcast and the story behind the name "making space."
For more, follow @themakingspacepodcast on Instagram.
Welcome to Making Space! Not just a podcast but a place for honest, open conversations about where people have been and who they’re becoming. Thank you so much for being here 🤍
Follow @themakingspacepodcast for more.