Send a text

In this powerful episode, Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Neresia Osborne, therapist, mother, advocate and lifetime caregiver. This episode only scratches the surface in unlocking the depth of her personal account of navigating birth trauma, systemic racism, and rediscovery. This episode offers clear insights into how one could possibly recognize their own lane, redefine success on their own terms, and build resilience through authentic self-awareness. Because parts of her journey deal with detailed personal recollections of trauma, discretion is advised.

Key topics:

• The impact of birth trauma and systemic racism on Black women’s health and mental well-being
• Learning to recognize and embrace one’s lane amidst societal expectations
• The role of hope multipliers and community support in healing and reimagining life
• How existentialism illuminates the path to self-awareness and wholeness
• Practical strategies for boundaries, self-care, and creating sacred spaces for Black families
• The importance of visibility and authentic storytelling in dismantling systemic barriers

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The importance of understanding systemic barriers and personal wholeness
02:20 - Recognizing your lane: From trauma to self-awareness
04:45 - Birth trauma and systemic neglect: A personal account
08:24 - The role of systemic racism in healthcare experiences
11:18 - The physical and emotional aftermath of traumatic birth
16:32 - Connecting systemic issues with cultural stigma and expectations
19:02 - Recognizing the need for self-care and redefinition of success
24:22 - Building a supportive environment through education and community support
27:30 - The influence of hope multipliers and authentic space-making
33:43 - Reintegrating systemic work and personal healing through therapy and advocacy
42:35 - How existentialism helps to see the fullness of oneself
44:12 - Owning your story: The power of visibility and authenticity
50:02 - The long journey: Deconstruction, deprogramming, and sitting in the process
53:09 - Establishing boundaries as a pathway to reimagining thriving
55:19 - The foundation of a trauma-informed therapy and coaching practice
60:49 - The significance of sacred spaces and working from the 'open heart'
66:35 - Legacy, impact, and the importance of nurturing future generations
66:44 - Final lesson: Believe in your worth and own your truth

Resources & Links:

• Neresia Osborne - LinkedIn
• The Open Heart Model (concept overview)

Support the show

www.loladadaolley.com

Send us a text

In this episode of Unapologetically Whole, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of self-advocacy and wholeness, exploring themes of identity, caregiving, and resilience. Through intimate reflections and powerful storytelling, she encourages listeners to own their stories and advocate for themselves with intention and courage.

Takeaways:

• Your story matters and deserves to be told.
• Self-advocacy is a muscle that grows with use.
• Wholeness is the integration of all parts of your story.
• Perfection is not the goal; wholeness is.
• Guilt can be a barrier to healing.
• Healing begins when you stop negotiating with guilt.
• Self-advocacy starts with small steps like asking for help.
• You are worthy of the life you are building.
• The world needs you whole, not perfect.
• Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth.

Sound bites:

• Your story matters.
• Self-advocacy is a muscle.
• Wholeness is integration.
• Perfection was never the assignment.
• Guilt is a barrier.
• Healing begins with acceptance.
• Ask for help.
• You are worthy.
• The world needs you whole.
• Embrace your journey.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Unapologetically Whole
• The Journey of Self-Advocacy
• Embracing Wholeness
• Overcoming Guilt and Healing
• Empowerment and Personal Growth

Support the show

www.loladadaolley.com

Send us a text

Summary

In this conversation, Lisa Hurley and Lola Dada-Olley explore the complexities of healing, emphasizing that it is a non-linear journey filled with ups and downs. They discuss the importance of embracing stillness and practicing gratitude as essential components of emotional well-being.

Takeaways

• Healing is definitely not linear.
• Sometimes healing can feel like it's going up and down.
• Periods of stillness are important in the healing process.
• Trusting stillness is crucial to avoid anxiety about the future.
• Introspection plays a vital role in personal growth.
• Expressing gratitude can enhance emotional well-being.
• There is always something to be grateful for, even in tough times.
• Healing requires patience and self-compassion.
• The journey of healing is unique for everyone.
• Embracing the journey can lead to deeper understanding.

Unapologetically Whole is a podcast for people who have spent years giving themselves away—to caregiving, culture, or career—and are finally ready to reclaim their voice. Hosted by attorney, author, TEDx speaker, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada‑Olley, the show explores identity, healing, neurodiversity, cultural stigma, and the quiet work of rebuilding yourself after burnout.

Lola draws from her lived experience as an attorney, a mother of two autistic children, the older sister of an autistic, intellectually disabled adult, and the former host of Not Your Mama’s Autism. She also serves as Lead ADA Counsel for a global banking institution and appears with her family in the Vox Media documentary Sensory Overload on Hulu.

Each episode blends storytelling, reflection, and honest conversation to help caregivers and other leaders recognize the lane they’re in, redefine success on their own terms, and reimagine what it means to thrive without disappearing.

Learn more about Lola’s work and her upcoming memoir at loladadaolley.com, and join the newsletter to stay connected to the movement.

Support the show

www.loladadaolley.com