Orange and Steel Podcast with Etemi Bloom and Become

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Zim, a travel influencer, shares her journey of exploring over 70 countries, emphasising the importance of solo travel, cultural immersion, and the challenges faced by Nigerian travelers. She provides valuable insights on balancing work and travel, planning affordable trips, and the significance of respecting local customs. Zim also discusses the therapeutic aspects of travel and offers practical advice for aspiring travelers, encouraging them to start small and be mindful of their budgets.TakeawaysZim's passion for travel was sparked by childhood experiences and her first solo trip to Belgium.Solo travel can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, despite common fears.Planning is crucial for balancing work and travel, especially for those in demanding jobs.Asian countries are often more affordable for travelers compared to Europe and Africa.Short getaways and staycations can be just as valuable as long trips.Common mistakes in travel planning include not doing enough research and last-minute bookings.Using travel planning tools like Pinterest and TikTok can enhance the travel experience.Safety is paramount; staying in hotels rather than Airbnbs can provide more security for solo travelers.Travel can be a form of self-care, allowing individuals to reflect and recharge.Experiencing different cultures can broaden one's worldview and promote open-mindedness.TitlesExploring the World: A Travel Influencer's JourneySolo Travel: Embracing Adventure AloneSound Bites"You need to plan everything.""Start small, start local.""You have to put in the work."Chapters00:00Introduction to Zim's Travel Journey02:19The Joy of Solo Travel05:09Memorable Experiences and Kindness Abroad07:39Balancing Work and Travel10:21Affordable Travel Destinations12:58The Value of Short Getaways14:46Common Travel Planning Mistakes17:29Tools and Apps for Travel Planning19:22Safety Tips for Solo Travelers21:50Travel as a Form of Self-Care23:46Cultural Immersion and Worldview Expansion25:12Cultural Experiences and Personal Growth27:59Respecting Local Customs and Traditions29:53Unique Travel Experiences and Adventures33:42Practical Tips for Aspiring Travelers39:16Navigating Visa Challenges44:16Building Travel History45:38Planning Travel for Others46:54Future Travel Aspirations48:12Advice for Aspiring Travelers55:08lifestyle-intro-low-short.wavKeywordstravel, solo travel, travel tips, cultural experiences, travel planning, affordable destinations, travel safety, visa challenges, travel influencer, self-care

Today’s episode is a special one. I’m joined by my closest friend and bestie, Oseme Thomas, a friendship that has lasted 24 years (yes, you read that right!).We talk about how we met, how we've stayed close through different seasons of life, the times we’ve helped each other grow, and why adult friendships matter more than ever.This is a beautiful, honest conversation about love, loyalty, faith, laughter, and the intentional work it takes to maintain strong friendships.Whether you’ve had the same friend since childhood or you're building new bonds, this conversation will remind you of the beauty and strength of true friendship.Tag your bestie and share with someone who needs a reminder that solid friendships are still real and worth fighting for.Follow @orangeandsteelpodcast on Instagramhttps://www.youtube.com/@orangeandsteel on Youtube

Today on the podcast, I am joined by Adesuwa O’man Nwokedi, the brilliant author of No Perfect Love.In this engaging conversation, Adesuwa, an investment banker and romance author, shares her journey of writing and publishing her book 'No Perfect Love'. She discusses the evolution of her work, the themes of love and relationships, and the cultural influences on marriage choices. Adesuwa reflects on the importance of nostalgia in storytelling, the balance between passionate and safe love, and the impact of age on relationship dynamics. She also emphasises the significance of reader engagement, offers advice for aspiring writers, and shares her inspirations and upcoming projects.TakeawaysAdesuwa is both an investment banker and a romance author.Her book 'No Perfect Love' explores the complexities of love.Cultural influences play a significant role in marriage choices.Nostalgia is a powerful tool in storytelling.The tension between passionate love and safe love is common.Age impacts how individuals approach relationships.Self-discovery is crucial for personal growth.Engagement with readers is vital for authors.Aspiring writers should write what they are passionate about.Reading significantly enhances writing skills.Connect with her @adesuwaonwokedi on Instagram@adesuwaonmannwokedi on TikTok@adesuwanwokedi on XGet your copy on Amazon @rovingheights Masobe Books and in all other bookstores near you. Follow our podcast handle @orangeandsteelpodcast on IGSubcribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@orangeandsteelAdesuwa, No Perfect Love, romance author, love stories, cultural influences, marriage choices, writing advice, reader engagement, personal growth, relationship dynamics

In this episode of The Orange and Steel Podcast, I chat with Seyi Banigbe, a serial entrepreneur, lawyer, media founder, and the creative force behind @bland2glamSeyi Banigbe shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced while balancing her nine-to-five job with her entrepreneurial ventures, and the importance of having a clear vision and passion for her businesses. Seyi emphasises the significance of building a strong team, managing finances wisely, and the role of problem-solving in entrepreneurship. She also shares insights on how to identify business ideas and the impact of her media projects on empowering others. Throughout the conversation, Seyi encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action on their passions and highlights the fulfilment that comes from pursuing one's dreams.Follow her on IG: @sheyibanShop her jewellery collection: https://bland2glam.com.ng/ @bland2glam on IGListen to her podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@seyibanigbeWatch her show, Binging with Game Changers: https://www.youtube.com/@b2gnetwork#OrangeAndSteelPodcast #EntrepreneurshipJourney #WomenInBusiness #SeyiBanigbe #CorporateToEntrepreneurship#PodcastNigeria #PodcastAfrica

In this episode, I chat with Esther Okuru, the author of What Love Left Unfinished, as we have an honest conversation about love, grief, healing, and finding purpose after loss. Esther shares her deeply personal story of losing her husband just months after marriage, and how that loss transformed her journey and perspective on life and faith. It is a gentle guide for anyone navigating grief, holding on to faith, and rediscovering meaning after unimaginable pain.Connect with Esther on Instagram: @estherokuruRead her reflections on Medium: @okuruestherGet her book What Love Left Unfinished on:– Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Roving Heights, Book Nook, Readershub Bookstore (Accra)– Ebook: Amazon, Apple Books, Selar, KoboTune in and share with someone who needs this.TakeawaysEsther identifies as a corporate counsel and writer.She describes her relationship with Tobi as deep and uncomplicated.Planning their wedding was a mix of excitement and chaos.Losing Tobi shortly after their wedding was unimaginable for Esther.Grief is a physical experience that can take your breath away.Writing became a coping mechanism for Esther after her loss.She emphasises the importance of vulnerability in storytelling.Esther aims to keep Tobi's memory alive through her writing.Navigating love after loss comes with pressure and confusion.Esther learned to acknowledge and sit with her loneliness.

April is Autism Awareness Month, and in this episode, I chat with Mr. Adewale Ajao, a seasoned expert with 16 years of experience working with typical and neurodivergent individuals. He is the founder of BRAE, an autism centre in Lagos, and specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior.We discuss a crucial topic: Not All Neurodivergent Children Should Start From Mainstream Schools. Mr. Adewale shares deep insights on alternative learning paths, tailored support systems, and how parents can make informed decisions for their children.Listen and share with anyone who needs this!For more information or support, reach out to Mr. Adewale Ajao:BRAE Centre – 6, Aina Eleko Lane, Maryland, Lagos, NigeriaWebsite:https://brae.org.ng/IG: @brae_appliedbehaviorhttps://www.facebook.com/brae.org/Email Address: [email protected]: 0811 026 1749Address: 6, Aina Eleko Lane, Maryland Lagos, Nigeria#AutismAwarenessMonth #Neurodivergent#SpecialNeedsEducation #Podcast #OrangeAndSteelPodcast

In continuation of celebrating women in March, I’m excited to share the inspiring story of Besidonne Moore.Besidonne’s journey through single motherhood is one of grace, strength, and resilience. In this candid conversation, she opens up about the initial shock of becoming a mom, navigating societal expectations, balancing career and parenting, and ultimately raising a well-rounded young man. Her story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, you can still thrive, find joy, and build something beautiful.Listen and share with whoever needs this!Besidonne founded the Victor Moore Foundation(VMF), which focuses on providing children with quality education. Visit their website: www.victormoorefoundation.org to learn more, donate and support the causeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-moore-foundation-622542219/?originalSubdomain=ngInstagram: @victormoorefoundationwww.orangeandsteel.com

This March, as we continue to celebrate women and their remarkable journeys, I chatted with Morayo Adisa, Director of Policy, West Africa at Mastercard, about what it really means to navigate motherhood while building a thriving career. We discussed the challenges, the sacrifices, the lessons, and the moments that make it all worth it.It’s an insightful episode for every woman striving to find a balance between family and career.Listen now via the link in my bio. I’d love to hear your thoughts Please like, comment, and share with someone who needs this!Connect with Morayo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morayo-adebayo-adisa-bb99ba39/?originalSubdomain=ng#OrangeAndSteelPodcast #WomenInCareer #MotherhoodAndCareer #WorkingMothers #Balance

Do you feel stuck in your career? Have you reached a plateau and found yourself wondering, "What next?" It can be a frustrating place to be when the excitement you once had for your job fades, and every day feels like a routine. In this interview, my guest, Nechia Omiyi, a Sonographer specialising in ultrasound, who has been in her career for 18 years, shares her journey of recognising when she had outgrown her role, taking bold steps to seek growth, and eventually using her expertise to impact professionals worldwide. From relocating to the UK to launching global training webinars, her story is a testament to the power of reinvention.If you’re at a crossroads in your career, this conversation will give you valuable insights and practical steps to help you move forward. Connect with Nechia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nechia-omiyi-19b29447/

Hi, and welcome to the Orange and Steel Podcast. I’m your host, Etemi, and I’m so excited to have you here. This podcast is all about exploring the stories, experiences, and lessons that shape us as individuals. We’ll dive into topics, like navigating careers, motherhood, singlehood, wellness, relationships, and more.Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a fresh perspective, or just a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey, you’re in the right place. Each episode is a chance to learn from real stories of strength, resilience, and growth, all shared with a touch of warmth and authenticity.Check out my blog www.orangeandsteel.com