Creative Encounters: Recent Episodes
Candle Culture
Creative Encounters is a podcast at the intersection of faith, creativity and inspiration. Creators talk about how their ideas are born, sources of inspiration, and how they continue to be courageous enough to create, despite adversity. Listen to stories of people with brilliant ideas, especially young people who are birthing and building divine ideas. It is an ode to the Holy Spirit, the creative spirit of God.
On this episode, I share my reflections on the one thing I pray for every day: the mercy of God.
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
Hebrews 10
Psalm 37:23-25
Daniel 9:18
2 Timothy 2:13
James 2:13
Lamentations 3:22-23
Psalm 139:5 (TPT)
Romans 9:16
Resources [Mentioned]
Soulful Sundays 135: Mercy on Apple Music and Spotify
The Divine Mercy chaplet
Meet Morewa, the founder and visionary behind Candid Christian Conversations, a brand dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and deep introspection within the Christian community. As the Resident-Chief-Unpacker and Advocate for deep conversations, she is on a mission to foster authentic dialogue. Driven by her own introspection, she recognizes the transformative power of asking hard questions and the importance of candid conversations in breaking down walls that isolate Christians. Through her captivating podcast episodes and the immersive Candid Christian Conversations card game, Morewa empowers others to embark on journeys of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Her experiences as a spouse and parent inform her perspective on faith and spirituality, grounding her work in a deep sense of love, compassion, and empathy.
On this episode, Morewa talks starting with what you have in your hands, not being afraid to pivot, how motherhood has changed her perspective of God and why holiness is a more worthy pursuit than happiness.
Shop Candid Christian Convos Card Game
Verses Mentioned
Ephesians 3:20
Romans 12:1-2(MSG)
2 Timothy 1:12
Micah 7:19
James 1:2-4
3 John 1:2
Resources Mentioned
Morewa's Business Insider article
Does God Care About My Happiness?
The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
Instagram: @mycandleculture
On this episode, I discuss one of the most beautiful gifts in the faith, the gift of grace.
Resources Mentioned
Seven Bible Chapters About The Holy Spirit
Creative Encounters podcast episode: Everything is Here (from the Back to Basics series)
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
Ephesians 2:8,10
Roman 6:14,16 (TPT)
Ephesians 6:18 (MSG)
2 Corinthians 9:8 (TPT)
1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)
Philippians 2:13 (AMP)
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Nini Oki is a creative consultant and brand specialist, who has established herself as a driving force in the industry. With a commitment to fostering connections, creating opportunities, and spotlighting Black talent within the creative community, Nini has orchestrated numerous impactful events, showcasing her dedication to bridging gaps and establishing networks, particularly among Black female creatives within the Middle East region. Nini’s impressive portfolio features collaborations with renowned businesses and publications, a testament to her expertise and innovative approach to brand management.
On this hilarious episode, Nini talks her journey from law school to the beauty industry, building friendship with God, how to find collaborators for your creative vision and the power of dreams.
Verses Mentioned
John 12:27-28 (MSG)
Quotes Mentioned
"I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me thinking what can I do to make this mountain taller so the women after me can see farther
-legacy"~Rupi Kaur
Instagram: @mycandleculture
N.B. Our sincere apologies for the audio quality; we encountered some issues while recording this episode. We hope you enjoy this great listen; we just had to share it!
On this episode, I share my musings on the connection between emotional wellness and a healthy prayer life.
Resources Mentioned
The Garden Within (book) by Dr Anita Phillips
This Here Flesh (book) by Cole Arthur Riley
Built to Last Women (newsletter & podcast on Spotify) by Ijeoma Adesanya
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
John 11:35
Hebrews 4:15
Psalm 103:8
Psalm 42:6-8 (MSG)
Other Resources
Still Holy (song) by Tribl & Maverick City Music
Soulful Sundays 21: Letters to God I; Soulful Sundays 70: Vulnerability
Listen to Soulful Sundays playlists on Apple Music and Spotify
(Short) Quotes Mentioned
"The more I understood my emotions, the more specific my prayers became."-Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts
Uzoma is a lifestyle, beauty and faith creator based in Canada. She creates videos and content to inspire Godly living in the most mundane circumstances. She seeks to inspire young people of this generation to know that loving God and living a beautiful life are not mutually exclusive. She started this venture in 2020 and has been loving it ever since. She seeks to present God to people of all ages in every possible way, and show that true Life is found in Him alone.
On this episode, Uzoma shares practical tips for growing a YouTube channel, the power of community and how to process disappointment.
Resources Mentioned
Fear Is Not My Future-Todd Galberth (Soulful Sundays 120: New Wine on Apple Music and Spotify)
See How Far-Victoria Orenze
Promise (Jude 24)-Daniel Obadun
Verses Mentioned
James 4:10 (AMP)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Romans 8:28
Psalm 37:23
Psalm 18:29
Psalm 116:1-2
In this episode, I introduce a new series called "Are We Saying These Prayers?," reflections on prayers that have nourished my faith walk. Today, we discuss the idea of praying for transformation and how to remain hopeful as God heals and unravels us.
Resources Mentioned
Closer Than Close by TY Bello, Sunmisola Agbebi, Isi Igenegba
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
1 Samuel 16:7 (GNT)
Psalm 139:23 (NIV)
Psalm 19:12 (TPT)
2 Corinthians 3:18 (MSG)
Romans 7:15, 19, 22-25 (NLT)
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Quotes Mentioned
"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done."-Bryan Stevenson.
Dolapo has a keen interest in developing the creative industry in Africa and is the Creative Director for an African jewellery brand, Refine. She is also an Investor at Ventures Platform Fund, an early-stage African venture capital firm with investments in Paystack, Piggyvest, Remedial Health, etc. Prior to investing, she was a strategy consultant for 5+ years at Accenture and Bain working across multiple countries in the Middle East and Africa. She is passionate about self-development, faith and enjoys mentoring younger professionals.
On this episode, Dolapo shares her Refine story, rejection as redirection and her favourite thing about knowing God.
On this episode, I introduce a new season of the podcast and share the desires of my heart with you.
Verses Mentioned
Psalm 36:9
Isaiah 43:19
Resources Mentioned
So What About Faith? on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
@mycandleculture
It's the season finale! There has been a constant throughout the Back to Basics series: Bible verses. In this episode, I discuss the Bible, a compilation of divinely-inspired writings, foundational to our faith walk. I engage in conversation with Emely, my wise friend and Bible study partner. She shares her experience as someone who started reading the Word recently, and the ways in which it has enriched her life. This episode embodies everything that I envisioned for Back to Basics: honesty, simplicity and light. Thank you for listening to the Back to Basics series; I pray that it plants seeds of truth and life in every unsettled or wondering heart.
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
John 4:48
Quotes Mentioned
"We come to Scripture not to learn a subject but to steep ourselves in a person."-C.S Lewis
In this episode, I talk about our companion for the faith walk, the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit). Inspired by a book on the Holy Spirit by Charles Spurgeon, I discuss the signs of the Spirit including creative works, resurrection works, and works of healing and total transformation. "But the Holy Spirit is the one who will help you. My Father will send him in my name. He will teach you everything I have said to you." John 14:26. In life with the Spirit, we find everything; Everything is Here.
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Resources Mentioned
Book Title: "Power Through the Holy Spirit by Preacher Charles Spurgeon" (Apple Books)
Seven Bible Chapters About the Holy Spirit
Verses Mentioned
Genesis 1:2
Luke 1:35
Romans 8:11
Galatians 5:22-23
John 14:15
Quotes Mentioned
"To believe is supernatural; faith is the work of the Spirit of God."-Spurgeon
In this episode I talk about humility as the fuel for our journey of faith. I discuss the ways in which humility helps us remain true students of the faith, makes us willing to obey, enables us relinquish control and allows us to pour out our lives continually for the glory of God. "He must increase; I must decrease."-John 3:30.
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
Luke 6:46
John 14:15
1 Corinthians 15:10
2 Kings 5:1-19
Job 38-42
Luke 9:24 (MSG)
Quotes Mentioned
"A humble man is not afraid of failure. In fact, he is not afraid of anything, even himself, since perfect humility implies perfect confidence in the power of God."-Thomas Merton
In this episode, I talk about prayer as a means of communicating with God in order to foster a relationship with our maker. While there is no one way to pray, I share little notes on the "how" part of this practice. I discuss the ways in which our view of God and prayer affects how we pray (perception), using sincere words (simplicity), knowing that we are never alone in prayer (community), diligently seeking God (consistency) and graduating from praying solely about our needs to praying for transformation (introspection).
Resources Mentioned
Prayer, The Discipline We All Suck At
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Are We Saying These Prayers?
Verses Mentioned
Matthew 6:9-13
Matthew 6:7
Luke 22:34
Luke 22:54-62
2 Corinthians 12:9
Hebrews 11:6
Quotes Mentioned
“For prayer is request. The essence of request, as distinct from compulsion, is that it may or may not be granted.”-C.S Lewis
"What I mean is this. An ordinary simple Christian kneels down to say his prayers. He is trying to get into touch with God. But if he is a Christian he knows that what is prompting him to pray is also God: God, so to speak, inside him. But he also knows that all his real knowledge of God comes through Christ, the Man who was God – that Christ is standing beside him, helping him to pray, praying for him. You see what is happening. God is the thing to which he is praying – the goal he is trying to reach. God is also the thing inside him which is pushing him on – the motive power. God is also the road or bridge along which he is being pushed to that goal. So that the whole threefold life of the three-personal Being is actually going on in that ordinary little bedroom where an ordinary man is saying his prayers."-An excerpt from Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis
In this episode, I discuss the ways in which worship music has been a gift in my life, and how it has strengthened my faith. I also talk about the power of music in general, and nuanced ways of thinking about its effects. How do we move from laws to love (of God) in the questions we have about what types of music we can listen to as beginning believers trying to honestly walk this faith path?
Resources Mentioned
Singing My Dad Back To Me
Soulful Sundays Playlists
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
Matthew 5:8
Galatians 5:9 (TPT)
1 Samuel 16:23
In this episode, I discuss my personal journey with "Fasting," a practice I started only three years ago. I talk about types of fasting including Fruit fasting, the Daniel Fast and social media/content fasting. I also share the ways in which fasting helps to break old habits and refine one's life. Lastly, I highlight a few reminders: start small, know your why, be encouraged in your why, take care of yourself and remember the worthy purpose-to go deeper with God.
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
Daniel 10
1 Kings 19
Philippians 1:29
In this episode, I discuss the ways in which journaling helps me remember, stay present and be accountable to God. I also share my top 5 tips for journaling including curation, conversational writing, asking God for confirmation, consistency and concluding your entries on a hopeful note.
Resources Mentioned
Six Bible Verses About Writing Things Down
Instagram: @mycandleculture
Verses Mentioned
Exodus 14:13
John 15:5
Psalm 27:13
1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22
In the very first episode of the season, I introduce "Back to Basics," a series of solo episodes aimed at sharing the foundational elements of my faith walk; the what, the how and most importantly, my why.
Verses Mentioned
Colossians 2
@mycandleculture
Oriana Jemide is a multidisciplinary creative working within visual arts and creative writing, specialising in landscape painting. She is currently focused on combining her love for textiles and landscapes to produce paintings that document daily life. She is interested in exploring what it means to Black outside focusing on the body; it is why her figures don’t include features. Influenced by her Nigerian heritage and her love for nature her work sets out to archive the stories of one’s life journeying from childhood to adulthood. Her hope is to develop sensory sets through combining multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, photography and sound.
In this episode, Oriana talks painting & prophecy, navigating rejection, finding freedom in faith and being the fruit of creative legacy.
Verses Mentioned
Ephesians 1:4-5
In this episode, the last solo episode of the season, I discuss processing thoughts through questions, asking God for help and resting in divine alignment.
Verses Mentioned
Psalm 66:9
John 12:27-28 (MSG)
2 Timothy 2:13
In this episode, I talk about dealing with some of the most uncomfortable moments in our faith journey: being in the "Refiner's Room," stepping out of one's comfort zone in obedience and experiencing supposed silence from God.
Verses Mentioned
Romans 8:1
2 Timothy 4:2
Judges 6:33-40
Jeremiah 1:2
Poem Mentioned
Beyond Water
Joannah Ekoh is an enthusiast for all things creativity, brand building and digital marketing. She started her wellness and lifestyle blog, “The Naturale Club,” in 2018/2019, her first steps in the creative world. She would go on to transform the blog into a program in her secondary school to teach young girls about the beauty of self care and wholeness. As a budding brand strategist, she works with top brands locally and internationally, to bring their blueprints to life. In 2022, she soft launched her agency ‘The Good Atelier,’ a brand building agency which aims to help birth vision, and manifest goodness through creativity and design. She hopes to expand TGA so that it includes an initiative to uplift and educate creatives.
In this inspiring episode, Joannah talks starting before you are ready, walking an unconventional path and following God’s leading.
Resources Mentioned
Creativity in Crisis-Erwin McManus & Jerry Lorenzo (YouTube)
Verses Mentioned
Psalm 19:14
Luke 21:15
Psalm 73:26
In this episode, I share some musings from a week-long period of rest. In this third minisode in the "My Encounters" series, I cover the necessity of recalling, drowning out the noise in the world and seeing life through God's eyes.
Resources Mentioned
Fear Is Not My Future-Todd Galberth, Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Bible Verses Mentioned
Romans 8:28
John 12:29
Atinúké Seriki is bubbly, energetic and passionate about healing and restoration through the Gospel. She works as a medical doctor and writes a newsletter for her initiative, “Beauty Beyond Mirrors,” a platform centred on teaching women to behold the beauty of Jesus and reflect him to the world around us. Atinúké is also a budding singer-songwriter. In July 2022, she released her debut EP ‘It’s Time’ where she shares her own healing experience through songs and spoken word. “Rhythm of Grace,” a fan favourite from her EP, recently received airplay on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
In this episode, Atinúké discusses God speaking through music, navigating pain through honest prayers and refining perspectives.
Resources
Atinúké's Links
Verses Mentioned
Psalm 18:33
1 Corinthians 9:27
Job 38-39;42
2 Corinthians 3:13-18
What happens when we prioritize seeking God for what He can do for us at the expense of seeking Him simply for who He is? In this episode, the second minisode in the "My Encounters" series, I talk about the importance of placing the greatest value on hosting God's presence in our lives and work, as creators.
Resources Mentioned
Open Your Eyes-Stephanie Ike
Bible Verses Mentioned
Daniel 11:32
Romans 12:2
Matthew 7:22-23
Other Resources & Verses
Nothing Like Your Presence-William McDowell, Travis Greene
Exodus 33:15
Psalm 16:11
Demilade Osunsina is the founder of Skinneeds, a brand at the intersection of God, beauty and wellness, aimed at inspiring young people to live holistically. She is an ordained Minister at The Liberty Church London and the author behind the 2022 book release, “Understanding Why God Loves You,” a story about the redemptive love of God. As the CEO of Key Garden Properties, a Real Estate firm in Lagos, Nigeria, Demi also spends her time transforming spaces into beautiful homes and implementing management systems that allow businesses to thrive.
In this episode, “Spirit & Systems,” Demi delivers a playbook for founders trying to execute vision God’s way. She talks building capacity, measuring impact and the power of prayer.
Welcome to "My Encounters," a series of short solo episodes where I share the things that Holy Spirit is teaching me, so that we can learn and grow together. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by too many opportunities or bogged down by lengthy daily to-do lists? Here is a "minisode" on choosing God's pace over ours and aligning with purpose, starting with our daily rhythm.
Resources Mentioned
Sermon: What is My Purpose? Purpose vs Calling/The Paradox of Purpose/Charles Metcalf .
Reach out via mycandleculture@gmail.com or Instagram: @mycandleculture.
lanaire aderemi is an award-winning poet, playwright and PhD researcher committed to amplifying and archiving untold stories. She is the recipient of the 2019 Shoot Festival Artist Development Award and the 2020 Peter Gutkind Prize. In 2021, her play ‘protests, hymns and caskets’ was shortlisted for the Mustapha Matura Award. Her work on memory has appeared in the BBC, Tate Modern, Warwick Arts Centre and The Republic Journal.
In this episode, we talk about preserving joy, creating from a place of stillness and approaching life with a childlike sense of wonder.
In this first episode, I tell the story of Creative Encounters, where faith meets creativity. Creative Encounters is an extension of Candle Culture, an artistic outlet for the expression of curated sounds of worship and words of wisdom. Influenced by the essence of the podcast, I share the inspiration behind the interview series and what I hope to achieve as we go on this journey together.
~love, Onyinye-curator of Candle Culture.
candleculture.org