Square Pegs Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sheila Bett
Square Pegs podcast is created and hosted by Sheila Bett, featuring monologues and conversations with friends and acquaintances! The Square Pegs Podcast started as a space that covered a myriad of topics such as self-development, arts, environment, society & culture. It has now evolved into a forum that informs and educates on feminism and women empowerment. Join me for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore learn and grow together! :)
Ep 5: In this final episode on the feminism and family series we explore the complexities involved in modern day motherhood.
Ep 4: In this episode, I explore the surname phenomenon and share my unconventional take on family names.
Ep:3 In this episode of the Feminism and Family series, I share my perspective on gender roles, better yet, gender equality in a feminist household. I relay how my earliest years informed the views I currently hold on the place of a man and woman in a family dynamic, and how these ideas were challenged along the way.
Episode2: I share my feminist perspective on motherhood. What guides the raising of my daughter
Ep 1: In this episode I explore the relevance of Bride Price in modern day, and share my take on why we might need to kick this age-old practice to the curb.
Ep: 0
In this episode, that marks the beginning of Fired Up! I let you in on how we got here, and my less than linear journey with podcasting.
Going from Good Vibes, to Square Pegs Podcast and now Fired Up! They say "Third times the charm".
We did a rebrand! From Square Pegs Podcast to Fired Up!Because that's truly how we feel here about all things feminism, specifically, female empowerment.
1st episode comes out tomorrow! Join in, have a listen and share your thoughts.
Ep 18: In this episode I explore the idea of creative license in art when it means that history is rewritten. Particularly when the rewrite makes the villain a hero.
I was one of the many people who enthusiastically went to the cinema to watch the Woman King. Usually this would be preceded by me watching the trailer to catch a glimpse of what to expect. However, knowing Viola Davis was the main character and that it was filled with strong black women; was a good enough sell. Black Panther II was soon coming to the cinema too! So the timing seemed perfect.
Soon after watching it, I came across some contradictory information about the premise of the movie. It got me thinking and I share my thoughts in this episode!
Ep 17: In this second and final part of the interview. Tanya chats more about the different abilities that hemp or cannabis is capable of and the products they're launching through her new company, Invegrow.
She also lets us in on who inspires her work and persistence and shares advise for those starting out in the entrepreneurial space.
If you enjoyed and learnt from this conversation, feel free to share it with others!
To learn more about Tanya Clarke's work, visit:
Kawandama Hills Plantation
Invegrow
and follow their socials
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/invegrow/
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/kawandamahills/
Facebook:
https://web.facebook.com/invegrow?_rdc=1&_rdr
https://web.facebook.com/kawandamahills?_rdc=1&_rdr
Ep 16: Today's episode is special as it's a part of a series of interviews I'll be doing with women in climate action through business, activism, policy and much more!
In this episode I speak to Tanya Clarke, a serial entrepreneur based in Malawi, running 2 companies and a charity in education. We talk about the companies she runs and how she ensures sustainability, gender equality as well as the challenges she faces as a female leader in the field.
Join us next week for part 2 of this conversation where we delve further into her hemp business, Invegrow, and the process of starting a business using a controversial product that required legalisation before they could begin work on the ground.
If you enjoy and learn from this conversation, feel free to share it with others!
To learn more about Tanya Clarke's work, visit:
Kawandama Hills Plantation
Invegrow
and follow their socials
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/invegrow/
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/kawandamahills/
Facebook:
https://web.facebook.com/invegrow?_rdc=1&_rdr
https://web.facebook.com/kawandamahills?_rdc=1&_rdr
Episode 15: Today we collectively celebrate International Women's Day, and the UN theme for this year is "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow." In this episode I highlight some of the women who have lent their voice to the climate conversation! The change they inspire through their passion and bravery, as they defend our planet for future generations!
Ep 14: A celebration of the women who inspire me and many others to be bold, use our voice and embrace our femininity…or in Shaggy’s more eloquent words, the “Strength of a Woman.
Ep 13: This episode is on the latest Ammendment to the Law of Succession in Kenya.
President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law this revision that completely leaves out mistresses and spouses not legally registered as married from inheriting property upon the husband/wife's death.
I explore this new law, it's merits, flaws and possible consequences. What it implies in the real world, who wins and who stands to lose.
Indulge me through writing to my email sheilapodcast@gmail.com or reaching out on Instagram @sheilabett.
You can even send voice notes with your thoughts and opinions to be included in the next episode.
Ep 12: This episode marks the end of #16DaysOfActivism as we observe the International Human Rights Day.
Women's rights are human rights, and in this episode I talk about why the 16 Days of Activism are essential to achieving equality of the sexes. It goes without saying that speaking up against GBV is essential throughout the year.
For other resources and to catch up on interesting conversations that took place around the #16Daysofactivism, visit the
UNWOMEN website : https://www.unwomen.org/en
and @Laetitiaky on Instagram
Write to me on sheilapodcast@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @sheilabett
Ep 11: We've made it to the final episode of the introduction to feminism on The 'F Word' Series. It was bit of a wild ride for me navigating the depths of modern day feminism, and that is reflected in this episode!
Thank you for tagging along for this entire 3 part series, there will be a lot more coverage of specific topics related to feminism today. And I can't wait to share and hear your thoughts about it! For now, buckle up and let's explore this maze that continues to evolve and grow.
Resources:
NewAfrican
Kenya: My Dress my choice
Aljazeera
My dress, whose choice?
National Geographic
Six years ago, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls. Where are they now?
Guardian
How #MeToo revealed the central rift between feminism today
HeForShe
HeForShe | Global Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality
Ep 10: In this episode we dive into the history and evolution of the feminist movement. From where it started to where it is now.
To understand a concept or school of thought you sometimes have to get to its roots. That way there's little room for misunderstanding...and differentiating between fact and fiction is much easier.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
Here are some online resources for further information:
Women of the World, Unite! - UNWOMEN
The suffrage movement - Britannica
Protofeminism in Ancient Global Texts
The Evolution of Feminism -Medium
Feminism - History.com
A surprising fact about feminism - Chicago Tribune
Ibn Rushd's Platonizing (proto-)feminism and economics - Digressions&Impressions
Betty Friedan: The Three Waves of Feminism - Ohio Humanities
The waves of feminism and why people keep fighting over them, explained - Vox
Ep 9: In this new series I'll be talking about the 'F Word', Feminism. A subject I am passionate about and have wanted to cover for a while.
Over the years, I've noticed that the word feminism elicits strong reactions, mostly negative, from both men and women. Many people who speak against feminism have little to no idea of what it really stands for and what it seeks to accomplish. Conversations taking place in online platforms and on social media are usually a reaction to extreme ideas of what this controversial word means.
Through this 3 part series, I hope to introduce naysayers and sceptics to the true idea of feminism; to build an understanding of its true purpose and intent. Something that most of us essentially agree on!
So join me on a journey to debunk myths on feminism, learn more about how it has changed the world we live in, and what more needs to be done to create a world of equality and fairness for all, regardless of gender. Because as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says, "We Should All Be Feminists".
Episode 8: In these unprecedented times, a lot of us are having to deal with feelings of uncertainty from the effects of the COVID19 pandemic. Majority of us have been affected one way or another. A lot of businesses, especially small businesses have come to a standstill, others are separated from their loved ones. And everyone is trying to figure out how to get out of this global pandemic relatively unscathed. The moments of uncertainty that come from tragedy, though unpleasant or downright horrifying can present opportunities for growth and learning. The nature of its unpredictability challenges us to look inward and find the strength to pull through, build resilience. In this episode, I navigate the state of uncertainty and how to find a way through the fog.
Sending love and strength to you all.
Helpful Resources:
Resilience Ted Talk, by Lucy Hone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWH8N-BvhAw
Yoga by Candace
https://www.youtube.com/user/YOGABYCANDACE
Episode 7: In this episode, I chat with Abu Sense, a storyteller who practices different forms of creative art including acting, spoken word, scriptwriting as well as screenwriting to tell stories. He is most renown for a theatre series "Too Early for Birds" that features stories about Kenyan history and historical figures both famous and infamous.
He takes us through his journey as an artist, a brief stint in training to become a pilot and his hope for the growth of the art industry as well as his personal growth.
Too Early for Birds has show reruns this weekend 9-10 November 2019.
Tickets still available on https://mookh.com/store/event/too-early-for-birds
ResourcesToo Early For Birds
Facebook: @tooearlyforbirds
Twitter: @tooearly4birds
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCADqgtiVGaSMSMIs3RPQ5xQ
OWAAH
https://owaahh.com/
To learn more about Abu Sense
Twitter: @AbuSense
Website: https://www.abusense.com/
Find the film 'Lusala' on https://mymovies.africa/
Episode 6: In this episode, I am joined by Louise Raura, a friend from university and most importantly, a 'polar warrior' as she aptly describes herself. She talks about her journey living with and managing Bipolar disorder. We talk about mental health in general as well as her mental wellness journey.
This episode was recorded in September which is Suicide Awareness month, September,10 is International Suicide Awareness Day. Only 2 days ago we marked October, 10 as World Mental Health Day. It is important to discuss mental health and demystify the myths and crash taboos surrounding it to create a more understanding, tolerant and mentally healthier world.
Remember to check in on those you love, whether friends or loved ones...you never know what they might be going through.
Love🧡 & Light💡!
To reach out or learn more about Louise:
Blog: https://bipolarable.wordpress.com/
Instagram: @subadupa
Twitter: @lazizi
More Resources:
"World Mental Health Day sheds light on worrying rates of youth suicide" -UN News
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/10/1048931
WHO Suicide Factsheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
"Kenya Suicide Rate Hits 10 Year High"- Business Daily
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessdailyafrica.com/datahub/Kenya-suicide-rate-hits-ten-year-high/3815418-4628496-view-asAMP-o3pb2v/index.html
"...The state of Millenials' mental health in 2019"
https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-mental-health-burnout-lonely-depressed-money-stress?IR=T
Episode 5: In this episode, I have a conversation with Liron, an artist and friend, who has practised positivity deliberately for 10 years! She's one of the most positive people I know as far as her outlook on all things life!
The idea of positivity sometimes gets a bit of flak so we demystify the myths around it and discuss practical applications in everyday life!
I got some gems from this conversation and also shared my experience on how to stay positive regardless of what's going on in your life.
Episode 4: In this week's episode, I explore the idea of mindfulness, especially of others as illustrated by the Japanese culture. Mindfulness is something that is often overlooked in our pursuit of happiness, but it can go a long way into helping us all lead happier more peaceful lives ☺
I'd like to hear from you! So feel free to comment or email me on sheilapodcast@gmail.com. Is there a topic you would love to hear me talk about? Let me know.
...and remember, to have a mindful week ahead 💛
Watch: 'The Best of Japan' on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezimmW8pmCU
Episode 3: In this episode, I talk about bullet journaling, how it works and why I chose to join the Bujo community!
We all have different ways to keep our lives organised and maintain our sanity in a busy world. For me, bullet journaling was the perfect way to have it all in one convenient and pretty package.
Resources:
Bullet Journal Website: https://bulletjournal.com/
Watch 5-minute tutorial: https://bulletjournal.com/pages/learn
'The Ultimate Bullet Journal Cheat Sheet' https://littlecoffeefox.com/ultimate-bullet-journal-cheat-sheet/
'Thorough Guide to the Bullet Journal System' https://www.tinyrayofsunshine.com/blog/bullet-journal-guide
Episode 2: Today's episode is about 'Self Care', what it really means and why it matters. I speak about my experience with including self-care in my daily routine. It's a work in progress which sometimes involves adjustments to find the things that best fit my personal taste and preferences…this applies to everyone!
So far, I'm enjoying my journey, all the lessons learned and progress made over time.
Tell me about your experience with self-care practices. I'd love to hear from you! :)
Episode 1: For the very first episode, I take you through my journey to podcasting. Where did it begin? And why do I do it? This one is a brief podcast episode as I give a little introduction to who I am and how I got here :) A new episode will be uploaded every other Friday evening so stay tuned!