We’re celebrating one year of the Voices of Disruption podcast on this week’s episode as well as the return of the podcast. After a much-needed break between the transition of summer to the new school year, the stories that need to be heard are coming in HOT from this space of vulnerability, empathy, and rejuvenation.

One year ago, I sat in my freshman dorm room and hit record on a software I was unfamiliar with using. This week’s episode was recorded in my sophomore dorm room with completely different world conditions than when that first episode went live. Sharing stories is such a huge part of my identity now, in the moments when I’m uploading regularly, being present with the people I love, and trying to understand the world around me. Thank you so much for being a member of this community. I really love and appreciate every single one of you. Thanks again for listening and disrupting and sharing and growing with me!

In this episode of the VODPOD, I talk about what the past four months (June-September 2021) have been like, living with my close friends, moving from Boston to Philadelphia, navigating college life, and updates on my personal growth journey. I also share how shifts in my mental wellness have shaped my relationship with creativity and how I’ve dealt with some recent challenges in my life. I dive into the sacred practice of allowing others to show up for you and inviting softness into every area of connection. As someone who is often seen as a source of inspiration, I talk about the limitations behind the dimensions of our personhood online. The value of being present, speaking truths out loud, and discovering the new are all unraveled in this episode! Two months ago, I wrote the phrase “glory in the mystery” in a journaling session and this week I finally explored what this term means to me. I look at how this statement and affirmation to search for casual magic in the midst of madness has helped me through the constant change in my life, from changing my major to redefining what it means to be challenged as a student.

The VODPOD is all about centering voices and stories of Generation Z authentically. As voices of disruption, we recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and embrace storytelling in a way that sparks thought, inspiration, action, and conversation. Every time that you disrupt, you step into a power that allows you to create, uplift, and empower yourself and others.

LIVE DISRUPTED: Questions to ask yourself after listening to this episode:

• What are things that I can celebrate in my life? (even the things that seem small)
• What does “finding glory in the mystery” mean to me in this season of my life?
• Who can I check in on today? How’s my well? What can I do to fill my well so I can check in on someone else?

You can follow my instagram @deb_olatunji, the podcast page, and the website to stay updated and uplifted! Be sure to leave a rating and write a review so that we can continue to share the stories of how fellow disruptors are being connected and empowered all over the world. Let’s disrupt together now!