Connected Roots and Routes

What happens when you don’t fit the boxes around you?In this episode, I explore how self-esteem is often understood as something internal, something we either have or lack. But when we zoom out, a different picture emerges.Our sense of self is shaped in relation to the environments we grow up in : the norms, expectations, and categories we are placed into, or excluded from.Drawing from my own experience and insights from social psychology, I explore how self-esteem is not only personal, but deeply contextual.Because sometimes, what feels like a problem within us is actually a reflection of the structures around us.

In this episode, I take you back to where my story begins and explore the power of identity narratives, how the stories we tell ourselves shape our sense of self. Whether you’re an adoptee, a mother, a parent, or simply someone reflecting on your own path, this episode is an invitation to step back, reframe, and perhaps even rewrite your own story in a way that empowers you.

🎙 Welcome to Connected Roots and Routes! 🌍 I’m Dounya Chennah, and my story begins with adoption. Living life as an adoptee sparked a deep curiosity about what shapes who we are and how we find our place in the world. This journey led me to explore identity, belonging, self-esteem, and resilience—universal questions that connect us all. In Connected Roots and Routes, I share personal reflections and host open, unfiltered conversations with experts in psychology, social sciences, and human rights. Together, we dive into topics like love, attachment, family, and self-worth, uncovering the stories and environments that shape our lives. Adoption is my lens, but the aperture is wide—because if we focus on the tree, we might miss the forest. This podcast is for anyone seeking insights, connection, and growth. Subscribe today and join me as we navigate life’s journeys, one story at a time. 🎧 Listen to the trailer now! #ConnectedRootsAndRoutes #NewPodcast #Identity #Belonging #SelfDiscovery