Keep It Korede! (Identity, Mindset, Womanhood)

I like to think I’m a chill person. In fact, I can count the number of times I have erupted in anger on the fingers of one hand (I think). So when in the unforgiving heat, dust and stress of the Abuja NYSC camp, 3 bullies tried to cut the line when it was my turn, I couldn’t help but spit lava. Instead of 3 little piggies against one big bad wolf, this was one little Korede against 3 big bad wolves. There’s a lesson somewhere in this about standing up to bullies. But not the way you think.Stand up to bullies, yes, but you’d better be clear-headed about the odds against you. To every little piggy with lava in them.Love,KoredeP.S.: Holler on IG @thekoredeazeez or on Twitter @iamkorayday This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

My new Instagram handle is @thekoredeazeezI’d heard that Hausa Muslims think they’re better than Yoruba Muslims. But I only experienced it when I went to NYSC camp in Abuja.This (bad) attitude is likely rooted in history. Islam did reach the North before it trickled down to the South West. But honestly, claiming superiority because of the convenience of geography and timing comes off as childish. I hate to imagine what would have happened if Islam actually originated in Northern Nigeria.There are other issues as well, like the Hausa-Fulani prioritising Arabic education over what they call “Western” education while the Yorubas combine both. Apparently, “Western” education is supposed to be some sort of a stain. And of course, Yorubas are known for taking education seriously. And when you're educated, you're exposed to different people, different systems, different ways of thinking. You become more tolerant. It's really that simple.Finally, Yorubas haven’t diluted their culture like the Hausa-Fulani have. Many of us have kept our names, dress, and customs, blending them with Islam instead of total erosion as we can see on the Hausa-Fulani side. Heck, it’s hard to find Hausas with actual Hausa names because they’ve adopted Arabic names. Yorubas have a long history of Islamic jurisprudence and have produced globally recognised scholars. So, the claim that Hausa-Fulani Muslims are better or more religious simply doesn’t hold up.What I experienced at NYSC camp was probably just pride. And if anyone should know just how dangerous pride is, it’s Muslims.P.S: Can we all just be friends? :) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Ola amigo!Why Spanish?No reason. It’s a vibe. I guess…As I write this, I’m listening to an acapella Disney medley…for no reason in particular.In this episode, I’m easing back into season 2 (or 3) of ‘Yoruba Igbo Muslimah’ (the old title for this podcast). I get into the Senegalese web series Salma…which you MUST watch!Search “Salma serie Senegalaise” in YouTube and you’ll find it. Actually, just take the link: You’re welcome.Seeing Muslim women on screen means so much to me. And the titular character, Salma is the “bad girl, good Muslim” that many of us were or are. Even just typing “bad girl, good Muslim” makes me wonder if that’s really what it is. Shouldn’t it be “bad girl trying to be a good Muslim?” But I’m curious what you think, can you be a bad girl and a good Muslim?I’ll start adding time stamps to these episodes. Not sure if they’ll help if you’re not listening on a traditional podcast app, but let me know if they’re helpful. In this episode:(00:00) Why I’m Done With “Seasons”(01:05) My Track Record With Starting (and Actually Finishing) Podcasts Projects(02:10) Merging All My Podcasts Into One(03:30) Why I’m Not Editing Episodes Anymore(04:15) How I Stumbled on the Senegalese Series Selma(05:00) Why Seeing Hijabi Women On-Screen Matters to Me(07:00) First Impressions of Salma(07:45) Struggling With Sin(09:00) Can You Be a “Bad Girl” and a Good Muslim?(10:10) What Does “Bad Girl” Even Mean?(11:50) We Have No Right to JudgeHit me up on Instagram @cpbykorayday. I lost my old IG account and trying to build back up without letting it stress me. Tell a friend too. Ciao! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Could it be more beneficial to be in scarcity more often?How do we defeat our desire to consume insatiably?Why must we?If nothing else, the planet would be in much better condition if we didn’t consume so much. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

I still haven’t figured out how to prioritize properly, but I know I need to learn to do it if I’m to reach my destination.Here’s one thing I’ve learned that can help though…Put everything on a scale. The most ‘important things’ should be number one. For example, your job or main hustle because it helps you keep a roof over your head. Do the same thing for everything else you want to spend your time on. Then, block out time on your calendar for each thing in the order of priorities you’ve set. Your number one thing may require 40 hours a week and your number 20 thing may require 1 day a year. The good thing about this method is you don’t have to feel like you’re ‘abandoning’ anything. And of cours, if it takes a year to finally do that last thing on your list, you’d have had enough time to decide whether you even want it on your list at all. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Are you confused about your career?I was too. Too many talents. Too many choices.And everything else that comes with being a ‘multipotentialite’ stuck in a great job that does enough, but not enough.…if that makes sense. Whatever happens though, one thing is clear to me…I want to tell stories that are powerful enough to push people to change and make better decisions because I believe we all have a role to play in making the world even a little better for the next person.That sounds a bit like a mission statement, right?A little clunky perhaps.But what’s yours?What’s your mission?Let that guide you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

I tried to cancel an online course I paid for. Module 1 promised to help me figure out my niche. It didn’t. At least, not a profitable enough niche (in my opinion).Coming here a few years later to say I didn’t get my money back. Needless to say, I still haven’t implemented what I learned from the course. I still have the notes though. So do you really need to take a course?Only if you’re 2000% ready to implement. Otherwise, just binge-watch tutorials on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

I really liked season 1 of the Yoruba Igbo Muslimah podcast, but it felt impossible to follow it up cos what would I talk about?I know now there were things to talk about, but I wasn’t as sharp as I am now. LOLSooo…I started a new blog (which I lost somehow) and started recording my posts in audio. So, not so lost huhn.***Do you keep the promises you make to yourself?Apparently, I don’t. Because here I am 4 years later, realizing that I don’t even remember when I broke this promise (to write every day). I have at least a dozen excuses, but what’s the point?I won’t write every day, but I will create consistently. I’ve been doing that for 2 months now. So I guess there’s hope for me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

The Final Episode of Yoruba Igbo Muslimah - Ridiculous things people say to Muslims.Having lived in the North for 8 years now, I get more people than ever speaking Hausa to me because I look Fulani (apparently).I promise I tried to learn. I even got a tutor. But alas, I can’t speak the language. I blame my husband who speaks Hausa fluently but always forgets to speak it with me. Sigh…Fine. In the spirit of taking responsibility. I blame myself.I should start watching Arewa films. That should help, no?Holla at me on Twitter @iamkorayday This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

No, I don’t go to church. No, there are no Muslim churches.No, you didn’t pay attention in social studies classes.Yes, you should make friends with Muslims and other strange people. Yes, yes. Muslims are indeed strange. And that’s okay. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Ever had a stare down with a stranger?Yup, done that plentyyyy of times. But I couldn’t blame the folks staring at me. Emi, hot cake. Cutie petunie…I’m a bit defiant, but I imagine some people might want to shrink with so many eyes on them.If that’s you, my heart goes out to you. 💓No one’s worth shrinking for, mon ami. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

If you’ve ever tried transitioning from tank tops and skinny jeans to oversize skirts and shapeless dresses, you know just how messy it can be.From awkward layering to horrendous color and fit combinations, the transition can be so confusing. BUT…Embrace it.Ease yourself into it. And don’t let anyone bully you into thinking you don’t have a fashion sense. Because deep down, I know you’re a fashionista just waiting to ‘swan the world away with your taste’ (whatever that means). 🌚And I’m saying this to anyone who’s trying to figure out their style, hijabi or not. Would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Tweet me at @iamkorayday This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Has your name ever been mispronounced?Not once.Not twice.But every single time!!!No one, and I mean NOBODY ever got my name right because it’s a Yoruba name and they were Igbo. But guess what?When Korede Bello blew up, everyone could suddenly pronounce the name. So thank you Mr. Bello. However, I want that Korede.com domain! (Please? No? Okay)By the way, if you Google Korede Azeez now, I’m the first person you see. Glory be to God! What did you think of this episode? Let me know! I'm @iamkorayday on Twitter. Follow Korede:Twitter: https://x.com/iamkoraydayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akorede-azeez/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Aaaaand I've changed the title of the podcast again!!! I think this one is here to stay. LOL! The new title is...DRUM ROLL!!!Keep It Korede! Cool right? 😎 I'm a Yoruba Muslim girl who grew up as the "other" in Christian Igbo land. This episode introduces you to my 'Yoruba Igbo Muslimah' series where I explore what it was like growing up as a minority in Nigeria.This was the beginning of my journey into podcasting.It landed me a gig with the Presidency Office of Digital Engagment.I have since produced podcasts for NGOs, thought leaders, and 8-figure business owners in the U.S.And to think the first step was a podcast I recorded in my closet nearly a decade ago!Anyways, let me know what you think when you listen. Thanks!Follow Korede:Twitter: https://x.com/iamkoraydayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akorede-azeez/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Consider this Episode 00 - The Intro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

AI is taking over the world. Are you ready? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

In this episode, I try to find out just how much of an inspiration I am. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Being a female filmmaker means you’ll be pregnant sometimes! What was it like shooting my movie With Difficulty Comes Ease while pregnant? HARD! But rewarding. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Do you function better when you work on one task at a time or when you’re working on several things at the same time? How do you juggle all your projects and responsibilities? I think, leaning into your tendencies instead of fighting them all the time might help with consistency and productivity. What do you think? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

No season lasts forever, so make the most of where you’re at right now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

How consistent have I been as a Muslim woman over the past seven years? Recently, I’ve been beating myself up over the fact that I don’t feel focused, and I lack consistency. However, I reminded myself that there are a few things in my life that I have been consistent with.If you struggle with consistency, you might enjoy listening to this episode.Connect with me on Instagram @KoraydayThanks again for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

Yes, I’m a Yoruba, but I didn’t always “feel” Yoruba. So, marrying into a Yoruba family felt new. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

When a Muslim woman takes her hijab off, everyone talks about it, but should they? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com

In keeping with my new gist-style podcast episodes, I talk a lot about how I found myself here, that is, as a filmmaker.This episode was actually inspired by a follower on Instagram, who asked me to talk about how I got my first camera.It took me a long time and a lot of agony to finally figure out what I am meant to do with my life. Even then, I still have my moments of doubt. I hope you can find something in this episode that helps you in some way. Perhaps, you’re also wondering if you’ve figured out your path. Sometimes, all you need is time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit korayday.substack.com