Free to Grow with Jerome Mbaga

Should I... ?

Inspired by Wild Geese, a poem written by Mary Oliver, this episode dissects the thoughts behind changes off made to my personality, university major, and daily habits. Serving as testament to the importance and beauty of change. Everyone is a lot more lost than we would like to admit; it's time we talk about it!Chapters00:00 Quick recap00:35 Poem Reading02:30 Big changes were made05:30 Thesis (if you will)08:40 A changing question13:50 Past investments19:00 Best advice I got all year22:55 Missing episodes?23:30 Tying it back to the poem

Universal truth is a myth and extremism is winning. Maya Fuerstenberg joins the show to dive into why religion divides us, what we sacrifice just to belong, and why the simple practices, such as Modeh Ani, is the radical reset we need in a world where nothing is guaranteed.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:50 Meet Maya04:00 GenZ vs Religion12:40 Lack of a middle ground15:20 Echo-Chambers19:00 How smart people approach any conversation26:39 Maya's mystery book28:00 How to talk to when you're not being listened to30:00 The paradox33:25 Modeh Ani & What you take for granted

When does "representation" become a cage? In this episode, I read my essay "The Endangered Future of Black Artists." We’re breaking down why the art world’s obsession with "trauma-porn" and performative diversity is actually silencing the very creators it claims to celebrate. It’s time to move past the "boxed" identity and allow Black artists the freedom to simply exist.Chapters00:00 Post-recording intro01:12: Essay ReadingEssay Link: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JPbiObQZEAStOLZJccmhuS73IPWPZtGl/view?usp=share_link)Article Link: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h01gydcdC0DjbAEY5HycYOow0gf8KK0f/view?usp=share_link)

Why do we all draw aliens the exact same way? In this episode, we’re dismantling the "factory settings" of reality. We explore the silly social propaganda that secretly runs our lives—from the marketing genius that convinced us diamonds equal love, to the absolute lie that penne is the only pasta for vodka sauce. Join us as we debunk the "sugar high," fix the world map, and defend vanilla’s reputation. It’s time to unlearn the default mode.

A detailed summarization of how me and my girlfriend met, lived together, and do long-distance! (Lowkey both half asleep)Chapters00:00 First guest on the podcast?00:46 Story of how we met08:10 Living together (Communication)21:15 Long-distance (Common fears) 36:24 How we've impacted each other 43:30 Important to remember

With houses leaving the market everyday, securing housing has become a task we can no longer ignore. What has helped me is envisioning who I want to be next year, finding the right group, and using every hack in the book. Let's talk about!Chapters00:00 everything went wrong 02:04 Topics 02:46 Personal vision board 06:46 Key to finding your group 08:57 Questions to ask yourself 13:56 Resources for finding houses 16:50 How to do a house showing 19:25 Remember this

I'm turning eighteen! Time to stop committing crimes. This episode shares with you five things I've been waiting for my birthday to complete, commentary on "the real world", and the most important lesson I have learned in my 18 years of life. I hope you find the relatable or useful in some way!Chapters00:00 Week Recap01:38 Podcast is growing!02:12 5 things I'm doing on my birthday09:54 The real world13:21 Most important lesson I've learned

After my first (rough) week of midterms, I want to share my experience with overconfidence, trying to catchup following my exams, and the best quote a teacher has ever told me. Chapters00:00 Introduction02:13 The hard truth07:55 Life-changing quote10:53 Getting through annoying weeks14:23 After the storm

Everyone needs someone you can count on when you're going through a hard week. For me it was Jake! Starting with my love for Calvin & Hobbes stories, Jake has become a fundamental piece of my life. What about your teddy bear?

Why do we attach profound meaning to moments, music, and people? In this introspective episode, we dive deep into the craving for emotional depth. We explore the beautiful, complicated, and sometimes messy reasons we look for a connection that feels bigger than ourselves.00:00 We're growing03:06 My reasons15:30 Playing judge24:30 Best music for this vibe

The average human says 10,000 - 20,000 words every single day yet still falls short from hearing others or feeling that the words hold weight. How do you fix this? Recognizing that you might not always be right. Join me while I talk about ways I’ve struggled and succeeded with this ideology!00:34 What I've been up to 06:35 You're being self-destructive 10:11 Storytime 15:04 Something to learn now 19:43 Promise yourself this

Ever stare into a closet full of clothes and feel like you have nothing to wear? Me too. We're smashing that problem for good. This episode breaks down fashion as a tool for self-expression, how to build a personalized style (without breaking the bank), and exposing the top 3 worst fashion trends right now. Instead of telling you to wear tight skinny jeans and dad jokes t-shirts like younger me, i’ll finish by putting you on to three BANGER clothing stores to shop at, including one you already own. 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Identity formation through fashion 15:27 Building a personalized sense of style 30:15 Top 3 worst fashion trends 34:22 Putting you on 3 stores 39:02 The secret

In light of recent events, Jerome pays respect, evaluates, and comments on the influence of Right-wing activist, Charlie Kirk. Jerome discusses the importance of universal ideologies while inviting you to criticize his logic.00:00 Hello + my posters 02:21 Conversation perspective 03:35 Why this episode? 09:40 Universability 16:50 Why a good opinion ACTUALLY matters 19:26 Politics & Morality 23:20 My full opinion 24:21 Final comments

Turning up the pace, Jerome discusses the 7 main lessons he has taken away from university over his first week. Regardless of your attention span, you will leave this episode with a sense of relatability, relief, or confidence!00:00 Introduction 00:42 Making friends 01:39 Chill dawg 02:47 It's ok 03:39 Best organization software/system 04:58 Showing up for people 05:50 Roommate/friend hack 06:57 Advice you need to hear 07:38 Closing

After waiting for as long as he could remember, Jerome finally moves away for university. Stepping into opportunity, he discuss how setting small or large goals can often be useless unless...00:00 Moving to university! 02:30 The optimal version of you 06:04 How to format goals 08:48 Why this method is better 10:54 My experience 13:26 Closing

Going back to kindergarten lessons, Jerome discuss the challenges and joys that come with making new friends! However amazing you are, this episode is bound to teach you something! (or so they say)00:00 Hey!01:44 Why do we want to have friends? 02:48 The secret trick11:28 Where to find friends15:19 My biggest piece of advice23:30 My kindergarten bully25:59 Just say hi

Moving to university in two weeks, I talk about facing some uncomfortable fears that come with moving away and how to navigate through it. I hope this helps you through whatever move you are making!00:00 Life Recap05:27 Natural emotions07:12 Past fears11:50 Present fears15:30 Future fears24:23 Takeaway

Finally taking a chill pill on serious discusions, episode 3 talks about my little joys in life and most likely some of yours :)00:00 Overview of my week02:53 Weirdly Specific Top 507:35 Odd Top 515:00 Deep Top 5

Turning the pen to you, Jerome Mbaga invites listeners to reflect and question the current direction of their life. Faced with a terrifying philospical question, Jerome discusses the importance of grounding ones self to find stabilty in themselves, their life, and time.

Commencing on a journey of self-exploration and personal growth, Jerome Mbaga introduces listeners to the inaugural episode of his podcast, 'Free to Grow'. The discourse is comprised of a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes and reflections that encapsulate his multifaceted life experiences. As a recent high school graduate from St. Michael's College School, with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine, Jerome candidly shares his tumultuous past, including the challenges of navigating a complex family dynamic marked by trauma. His narrative reveals a profound yearning for freedom from the constraints of his upbringing and a desire to evolve into a more compassionate individual for those around him. The podcast serves as a platform for Jerome to articulate his thoughts, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster connections with his audience, ultimately aiming to inspire others on their personal journeys of growth and self-discovery.00:00 Introduction 03:30 My history 07:10 What makes me happy 15:10 Why I'm starting a podcast 20:25 Abortion & Suicide 28:57 Decision to live 32:04 Closing