Growing up with gal-dem
97 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Welcome to gal-dem's first ever podcast, Growing up with gal-dem. Over the course of the series Natty Kasambala and Niellah Arboine invite a different guest to respond to old diary entries, text messages, or letters from their younger selves - nurturing important conversations about growing up.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
Jonathan Nunn on online beef, great kebabs, and the growth of food journalism
March 04, 2021 00:01 - 41 minutes - 95.6 MBOn this week's episode of Growing up with gal-dem, Natty and Charlie are joined by food writer and editor of new food publication Vittles, Jonathan Nunn. Jonathan reads us an early review of his from online food forums, and explores how social media in all its forms has shaped the world of food journalism, and what he's learned along the way. We are updating the transcripts on our website - thank you for bearing with us! You can find episode transcripts here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Madam Storm on finding adoration in the BDSM world
February 25, 2021 00:02 - 40 minutes - 92.1 MBThis week on Growing up with gal-dem we're joined by international dominatrix and empowerment coach Madam Storm who introduces us to the world of dominatrixes and dungeons, and reads us a letter she wrote to her sister years ago. Reflecting on the importance of self confidence and believing in your own self-worth, Madam storm tells us how she grew up and learned to love herself, and the role that her community of Black dominatrixes is having in her own personal growth and celebration. We ar...
Ericka Hart on black femmes centring themselves
February 18, 2021 00:01 - 37 minutes - 86.5 MBCW: Childhood sexual trauma On this week's Growing up with gal-dem we're joined by the brilliant Ericka Hart, who is a Black queer femme activist, writer, speaker and award-winning sexuality educator with masters of education in human sexuality. Ericka shares a piece of writing from 4 years prior where she reflects on memories of childhood trauma and the impact this has had on her ability to centre herself throughout her life. Ericka joins Natty and Charlie to talk about reclaiming the act ...
Naomi Shimada on childhood wisdom
February 11, 2021 10:22 - 41 minutes - 94.2 MBIn this week's episode of Growing up with gal-dem, Charlie and Natty are joined by author, model, and broadcaster Naomi Shimada, who's work encourages us to practice care and tenderness with ourselves. Naomi shares (and translates) an entry she wrote as a child about her mother, the grief she and her family were processing at the time, and reflects on how much responsibility and wisdom she bore during that period. We are updating the transcripts on our website - thank you for bearing with u...
Shydeia Caldwell on leaning into her spirit-led purpose
February 04, 2021 00:01 - 35 minutes - 81.6 MBWelcome back to Season 3! In this first episode of our new season, Natty Kasambala is stepping in while Liv takes a well deserved break. Natty Kasambala is an ex-editor, and long-time contributor to the gal-dem family, and an incredible music, arts and culture commentator, curator and creative who we're so excited to have with us for the next few episodes. In this episode, gal-dem are joined by wellness educator, spirit-led guide and co-founder of Black Girl Magik, Shydeia Caldwell. She sha...
Liv Little and Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff on rushing black women syndrome
January 07, 2021 00:01 - 42 minutes - 98.4 MBFor the last episode of the season, hosts Liv Little and Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff share their own extract: an essay they collaborated on years previously about ‘rushing women of colour syndrome’. Reflecting back on their headspace at the time of writing it, Liv and Charlie reflect back on what has changed, what has stayed the same and what they’ve learned along the way. Growing up with gal-dem is taking a short break, but we'll be back with you in February! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
IRL and online communities with Zezi Ifore
December 31, 2020 00:01 - 41 minutes - 94.8 MBFor this episode, gal-dem are joined by arts broadcaster, host, cultural consultant and journalist Zezi Ifore who shares an extract that she wrote as a teenager at the turn of the century. Zezi reflects on her hopes for the 2000’s as a fifteen year old, as well as delving into the community she was grounded in. Join gal-dem and Zezi as they discuss everything from Nigerian culture and the church, to wellness and meditation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rachel Ama on loving her hair
December 24, 2020 10:48 - 40 minutes - 92.9 MBIn this episode, gal-dem talk to chef and influencer Rachel Ama, who discusses motherhood, hair and food. Rachel shares an extract from her younger years, disclosing the pressure she felt to manipulate her hair with relaxers and heat in order to appear ‘presentable’. Rachel speaks her journey of self-love with her hair and how thinking about what she put into her body on the inside, made all the difference on the outside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Asserting boundaries with Tia Campbell
December 17, 2020 09:33 - 40 minutes - 91.8 MBIn this episode, gal-dem are joined by visual artist, DJ and co-founder of BBZ, Tia Campbell, who discusses family, the pressures of being a teenager and why they’ve decided to move to the other side of the world. Tia shares a conversation with a family member and explains why asserting boundaries was imperative in helping to heal their relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shingai on not being the girl she used to be
December 14, 2020 10:00 - 50 minutes - 115 MBSinger songwriter Shingai Shoniwa delves into her liberating musical journey into becoming a solo artist. Once the lead singer of the Noisettes, Shingai shares difficult moments she faced in the music industry and touches on the treatment of black artists. Reflecting back on a song that she started writing at the age of sixteen, Shingai draws similarities to the girl she once was, but also shares why being bold became one of her best lessons from growing up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
The power of words with Nikesh Shukla
December 03, 2020 09:41 - 35 minutes - 82 MBIn this episode, gal-dem chat with writer, screenwriter, editor and mentor Nikesh Shukla as they take a closer look at his career and the writing world. Nikesh explains how he didn't allow a saddening and unforgettable experience with a scam company at a young age to overcome him, and instead, made him realise the respect that should be given to his work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nao on stepping into your other self
November 26, 2020 10:12 - 28 minutes - 66.3 MBFor this episode gal-dem are joined by East London hitmaker Nao. Here, Nao describes her initial issues with confidence as a singer and what it was like to come up in the midst of the Soundcloud movement, a creative space that gave prominence to so many musicians today. Join us, as we also discuss finding your sound, the importance of mentors and why balance is key in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Finding stable ground with Simran Randhawa
November 19, 2020 08:00 - 32 minutes - 75.3 MBIn this episode, we catch up with a fave member of the early gal-dem team, the wonderful Simran Randhawa, whose career as a model and writer has skyrocketed over the last few years. Delving into topics such family, social media and imposter syndrome, Simran shares an extract from a turning point in her life and shows how ultimately, facing her past meant that she was able to flourish and feel grounded in the present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Family sacrifices and feeling carefree with Sophie Duker
November 12, 2020 17:36 - 31 minutes - 72.4 MBFor this episode, gal-dem are joined by comedian and writer Sophie Duker as she discusses grief, escapism and teenage escapades. During a difficult period of her life, Sophie describes the comfort she found in trivial dramas during her teenage years. She was soon met with the stark reality of growing up after the passing of a close relative, causing her to realise the sacrifices her family had made for her happiness and to enable her to feel carefree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Nicole Dennis-Benn on growing up with colourism in Jamaica
November 05, 2020 00:01 - 34 minutes - 79.8 MBAuthor of incredible novels ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Patsy’, Jamacian born writer Nicole Dennis Benn joins us this week to discuss colourism. A topic that she’s previously explored in both of her novels, Nicole reads an extract from an article she wrote on the colourism she was exposed to as a child. Having been witness to the glorification of skin bleaching in Jamaica, Nicole speaks on the long lasting impact of absorbing negative views about dark-skin, how writing has helped her heal and h...
Sharmane Lovegrove on creating her own family and finding home
October 29, 2020 18:00 - 40 minutes - 93.7 MBFollowing a big move to Berlin prompted by Brexit, Dialogue Books publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove joins us this week to reflect on her journey of finding home. Having experienced homelessness after she moved out of her family home at 16, Sharmaine speaks about the difficulty she had receiving government support due to assumptions made about her middle class background. Despite a strained relationship with her parents, Sharmaine acknowledges the privileges her upbringing afforded her and speaks ...
Tanya Compas on the beauty of being different
October 23, 2020 16:50 - 39 minutes - 90.2 MBToday, gal-dem are joined by youth worker, community organiser and founder of Exist Loudly, Tanya Compas as she covers sensitive topics including racism, homophobia and homelessness. Framed through her journey with counselling, Tanya opens up about difficult periods in her life and the chosen family that were key in giving her the confidence to be the truest version of herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Becoming different people with Mariel Richards
October 15, 2020 09:14 - 30 minutes - 70 MBIt’s time to meet our new CEO, Mariel Richards; a familiar face who has previously headed up the Commercial division at gal-dem! An independent, sorter of problems, art lover and sewing extraordinaire, it’s time to get to know the many lovely facets to Mariel (she even knows some Japanese). Having matured from the self-confessed recklessness and adventure of her youth, join us as Mariel reflects on the true beauty of growing up: meeting all the different versions of ourselves. See acast...
Becoming different people with Mariel Richards
October 15, 2020 09:14 - 30 minutes - 70 MBIt’s time to meet our new CEO, Mariel Richards; a familiar face who has previously headed up the Commercial division at gal-dem! An independent, sorter of problems, art lover and sewing extraordinaire, it’s time to get to know the many lovely facets to Mariel (she even knows some Japanese). Having matured from the self-confessed recklessness and adventure of her youth, join us as Mariel reflects on the true beauty of growing up: meeting all the different versions of ourselves. Hosted on Aca...
Lady Phyll on religion, queerness, and learning to love yourself
October 08, 2020 10:23 - 49 minutes - 113 MBA major voice within the queer activism pace, we speak to the person at the heart of UK Black Pride, Lady Phyll. Delving into moments in her life and the pockets of wisdom that arose from them, Lady Phyll covers important topics when growing up as a young queer person of colour, such as spirituality and colourism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Diane Abbott on maintaining hope as a political activist
September 30, 2020 23:00 - 28 minutes - 66.2 MBDiane Abbott reflects on her Maiden speech and speaks to Liv and Charlie about her expansive political career and how she maintains hope for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aja Barber on how the importance of inclusivity in sustainability
September 23, 2020 23:00 - 32 minutes - 75.1 MBThis week Aja joins Liv and Charlie to reflect on a recent article about sustainability, she discusses recent events online and gives us an insight into what she was like as a child - a furious letter written who called for brands to be and do better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aja Barber on how the importance of inclusivity in sustainability
September 23, 2020 23:00 - 32 minutes - 75.1 MBThis week Aja joins Liv and Charlie to reflect on a recent article about sustainability, she discusses recent events online and gives us an insight into what she was like as a child - a furious letter written who called for brands to be and do better. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Diane Parish on why there is no one way to be black
September 16, 2020 23:00 - 39 minutes - 90.6 MBActress Diane Parish joins gal-dem and shares a short story written as a teenager. She offers insight into where the inspiration for the story came from as well as sharing valuable insights into parenthood and how she’s been coping during lockdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chanel Miller on the freedom and craft of speaking her truth
September 10, 2020 16:33 - 38 minutes - 87.2 MBChanel Miller speaks to gal-dem about the process behind writing her book, the importance of family and why she reads children's books to start her day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Basma Khalifa is obsessed with telling stories
September 03, 2020 09:32 - 39 minutes - 90.7 MBIn this episode, gal-dem are joined by director, filmmaker and fashion stylist Basma Khalifa as she reflects on her love of storytelling and how it has nurtured her multifaceted career. A self-professed workaholic, Basma gives insight into how being a Black woman has shaped her sense of drive, shares wise words from her parents and proves why being ballsy can be a great thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Letting your guard down with cktrl
August 27, 2020 08:55 - 28 minutes - 65.4 MBIn this week’s episode of the podcast, gal-dem speak to Lewisham-raised musician, producer and songwriter Bradley Miller, who DJ’s as cktrl. Having experienced a difficult breakup, Bradley shares how heartbreak shaped his upcoming EP and ultimately led to fond memories and lessons learnt. Bradley discusses the ways in which cis straight men open up about their feelings, letting your guard down in relationships and his experience featuring in Beyonce’s Black is King. Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Clara Amfo on what success looks like to her
August 19, 2020 23:03 - 35 minutes - 80.8 MBThis week we are joined by Clara Amfo, who reflects on how her parents instilled within her the confidence to do anything in life - despite the stereotypes around black parents. She was the world's cutest kid, and she speaks to us about how she's defining what success looks like to her and dealing with people's all too often unsolicited opinions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Motherhood and music with Tiwa Savage
August 12, 2020 23:00 - 32 minutes - 75.1 MBThis week, we are joined by the incredibly talented, Tiwa Savage. She talks about her activism work, supporting survivors of sexual violence in Nigeria as well as all things motherhood and the lessons her son has taught her over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amanda Seales on setting boundaries online
August 05, 2020 23:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MBThis week, we are joined by Amanda Seales, who reflects on her personal statement from a university application. She speaks to Liv and Charlie about the lessons she's learned throughout her career, about race and politics and how social media has cemented the idea that if it didn't happen online, it didn't happen! Amanda is a firm advocate for blocking and deleting people who don't make you feel good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Raveena on growth in and out of relationships
July 30, 2020 10:55 - 37 minutes - 85.6 MBIn this week’s episode of Growing up with gal-dem we chat with LA based musician Raveena, one of our cover stars for gal-dem Secrets. As a singer whose career has skyrocketed, Raveena delves into her journey to success and the difficulties she has faced along the way. We discuss relationships, life in and out of them, and how important boundaries and space are for personal growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kelsey Lu on finding freedom
July 23, 2020 09:32 - 37 minutes - 86 MBSinger and cellist Kelsey Lu joins gal-dem to discuss religious cults, family love and finding harmony in nature. Growing up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household, Kelsey Lu often got into trouble for having friends outside of her religion. Delving into her moments of rebellion and the associated guilt that came alongside them, Kelsey Lu explains how she found freedom by learning to accept herself. Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here. Hosted on Acast....
Yomi Adegoke on the power of manifestation
July 15, 2020 23:01 - 39 minutes - 91.1 MBIn this episode, gal-dem are joined by journalist, author, and host of Slay In Your Lane podcast and book, Yomi Adegoke as she discusses manifestation, taking up space, and why social media is blurring notions of success. Upon entering an industry traditionally dominated by white, privately educated men, Yomi describes how she forged her own path as a journalist and became the representation she wanted to see growing up. Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem he...
Yomi Adegoke on the power of manifestation
July 15, 2020 23:01 - 39 minutes - 91.1 MBIn this episode, gal-dem are joined by journalist, author, and host of Slay In Your Lane podcast and book, Yomi Adegoke as she discusses manifestation, taking up space, and why social media is blurring notions of success. Upon entering an industry traditionally dominated by white, privately educated men, Yomi describes how she forged her own path as a journalist and became the representation she wanted to see growing up. Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem he...
Emma Dabiri on growing up with boys as a number one hobby
July 08, 2020 23:01 - 45 minutes - 104 MBThis week, author and broadcaster Emma Dabiri joins Liv and Charlie to talk about her experiences of growing up black in Ireland and how as a young girl she was held to more rigid standards than her peers. Her number one hobby at the time was boys, and she kept a diary which she speaks through during the show. Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Analysing family ties with Joy Crookes
July 02, 2020 09:28 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBSinger-songwriter and BRIT nominee Joy Crookes joins gal-dem in this episode to explore all things family. Having moved out at a young age, Joy reflects on what it meant to have a ‘chosen’ family as a support network during a time of newfound responsibility and freedom. Also discussing topics such as generational trauma, Joy shares a restorative, bonding exercise that helped shape her connection with her heritage and her relationship with a loved one. Find transcripts and show notes for a...
Travis Alabanza on silencing shame and discovering queer spaces
June 25, 2020 13:51 - 47 minutes - 109 MBTheatre maker, producer and artist Travis Alabanza speaks to gal-dem about the idea of confessions, shame, and their introduction to queer spaces. They discuss the confidence that came with embracing their inner freak and how a pivotal moment at 17 have shaped who they are today. Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ruby Tandoh on finding strength through friendships
June 17, 2020 23:01 - 36 minutes - 84.3 MBJoining gal-dem for this episode is writer and cook Ruby Tandoh, who discusses food in lockdown, high expectations and why friends are so important. Having always been hyper-productive, as a teenager Ruby would closely align self-satisfaction with personal targets. A plethora of challenging goals and Ruby’s own high expectations of herself, caused her time to be spread thinly, weighing heavily on her mental state and sense of inner well-being. Here, Ruby discusses how being less busy enabled...
Ruby Tandoh on finding strength through friendships
June 17, 2020 23:01 - 36 minutes - 84.3 MBJoining gal-dem for this episode is writer and cook Ruby Tandoh, who discusses food in lockdown, high expectations and why friends are so important. Having always been hyper-productive, as a teenager Ruby would closely align self-satisfaction with personal targets. A plethora of challenging goals and Ruby’s own high expectations of herself, caused her time to be spread thinly, weighing heavily on her mental state and sense of inner well-being. Here, Ruby discusses how being less busy enabled...
Michaela Coel on feedback and ‘taking the note'
June 10, 2020 23:01 - 36 minutes - 83.9 MBIn this episode of Growing Up with gal-dem, we speak to actor, writer, producer and creator of Chewing Gum Michaela Coel. Michaela reads an old blog post from her days in drama school where she reflects on the idea of "taking the note" as a young actor, as well as the limited roles that exist for black women on screen. Michaela also speaks to us about her experience of being spiked and how this informed her new drama; I May Destroy You, which is available to watch on iPlayer now. Find tran...
Growing Up With gal-dem live with Anita Sethi, Reni Eddo-Lodge and Mariam Khan
June 03, 2020 23:01 - 58 minutes - 134 MBRecording live from Words Weekend festival, on this special episode we’re joined by Reni Eddo-Lodge, journalist and author of ‘Why I’m No Longer Speaking to White People About Race’, Mariam Khan, editor of anthology ‘It’s Not About the Burqa’ and writer, journalist and critic Anita Sethi. In a joint discussion between all three of our literary guests, we speak about encountering casual racism within friendship groups, the complexities of existing in multiple cultures and the impact that has ...
Sasha Keable on destigmatising mental health and medication
May 27, 2020 23:01 - 35 minutes - 81.8 MBDuring the fifth episode of Growing Up with gal-dem, singer-songwriter Sasha Keable speaks to gal-dem about her journey with mental health, substance abuse, and why taking medication should be destigmatised. After a lengthy battle with depression, we hear about the importance of therapy at various stages in her life. After seeking out therapy at a period when she was self-harming at a young age, she guides us through how these experiences have shaped her process as a musician. Find transcri...
Rejecting heteronormativity in queer relationships with Naeem Davis
May 20, 2020 23:01 - 40 minutes - 93 MBFor the fourth episode of Growing Up with gal-dem, we hear from cultural curator and founder of BBZ, Naeem Davis. Naeem tells us about the LGBTQI+ spaces that helped to shape their identity growing up and how they were inspired to curate spaces that were even more inclusive. We hear about how a trip to San Francisco was a pivotal moment for adopting the term ‘queer’ and how this has influenced how they define themself. Naeem shares a text they sent a soon-to-be girlfriend, who they chased i...
Munroe Bergdorf on ending toxic relationships
May 13, 2020 23:01 - 38 minutes - 87.6 MBIn this episode of Growing Up with gal-dem, we sit down with model, LGBTQI+ activist and founder of Goddess Platform, Munroe Bergdorf. A prominent speaker on trans rights, she highlights members of the community and works to combat transphobia through her activism. Munroe reads text messages from a toxic relationship and shares the difficulties that come with growing apart from a partner. Having been in a relationship with someone with vastly differing views to her own, she reflects on how...
Finding beauty in friendships with Elizabeth Gabrielle Lee
May 06, 2020 23:00 - 31 minutes - 73.1 MBAfter moving to London from Singapore, artist Elizabeth Gabrielle Lee was shocked by the everyday discrimination and sexualisation she faced and quickly realised that many other East Asian women either had been through or would experience similar issues. This inspired her project Xing - a photography book that explores how East Asian women move through the world. Through collaborating on creative projects, Elizabeth explains the strength and beauty she has found in forging interracial friend...
Candice Carty-Williams on why she's over being the strong friend
April 29, 2020 23:01 - 34 minutes - 80.1 MBKicking off the series, gal-dem speaks to Candice Carty-Williams, author of best-selling novel ‘Queenie’, about continuously being labelled the strong friend and family member. After the death of a close friend in her early twenties, Candice discusses her battle with depression and anxiety, and the pressures facing in the context of her Caribbean upbringing. We hear about the tools she has used over the years to enhance her mental wellbeing and set boundaries and how they inevitably influenc...
Introducing Growing up with gal-dem
April 20, 2020 22:46 - 1 minute - 3.48 MBWelcome to Growing up with gal-dem, our first ever podcast. Inspired by our book I will not be erased: our stories growing up as people of colour, Liv Little and Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff of gal-dem magazine interview guests with their past diary entries, text messages and letters to uncover valuable lessons on growing up. Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.