We made it to the finale of our first season, and it's a really good one. We had the opportunity to do a deep dive into Dr. Seyi Akintorin's journey of self-discovery and transformation. A first-generation Nigerian immigrant and doctor, Seyi shares her powerful story of breaking free from the expectations and pressures placed upon her by her family, society, and herself.

Seyi opens up about the impact of racism on her mental health, the challenges she faced in her surgical residency, and the pivotal moments that led her to make life-altering decisions. She candidly discusses the internal struggles she faced, the feelings of inadequacy, and the realization that she needed to prioritize her own well-being over societal expectations.

As Seyi navigates different phases of her life, from Chicago to Boston to California, she reflects on the importance of finding inner peace and fulfillment beyond external achievements. She shares her journey of rediscovering her true self, embracing her strengths, and letting go of the need for validation from others.

Through Seyi's story, we witness the power of resilience, self-reflection, and the courage to redefine one's sense of self. Join us as we explore Shay's path to self-acceptance, healing, and the pursuit of a life that aligns with her authentic identity.

Thank you for tuning in to Sense of Self. Stay connected for updates on future bonus episodes and the possibility of a second season. Remember, your sense of self is a journey worth exploring!

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.

Ria Tobaccowala, a former Google employee turned screenwriter and director. Ria shared her journey of self-discovery, starting from her childhood in Chicago to her experiences as a primary caregiver for a loved one. We delved into how she navigated being an outsider after a traumatic incident in high school involving photography and law enforcement. Ria also discussed her path to rediscovering her passion for storytelling and filmmaking, despite facing challenges and self-doubt. Through therapy, Ria learned to be kinder to herself, embrace the present moment, and trust in the flow of life, much like a soothing waterfall, as her name suggests. The episode highlighted the importance of self-exploration, resilience, and finding peace in one's journey of understanding oneself.

Transitioning from a successful career at Google to becoming a primary caregiver for a loved one, Ria faced life-altering decisions that prompted her to reexamine her priorities and aspirations. Through therapy, she discovered the importance of self-care, self-compassion, and being present in the moment. Ria's journey of self-discovery and resilience serves as a testament to the power of introspection, growth, and embracing one's true identity. As she continues to navigate the waters of life, Ria strives to embody the essence of a waterfall, flowing with grace and trust in the journey ahead.

Join us for the next episode of Sense of Self as we explore more stories of self-discovery and personal growth. Thank you for listening.

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.

Cierra Glaude, also known as “Shooter,” Cierra is an accomplished director and filmmaker from Mobile, Alabama. She initiated her career under the guidance of Ava DuVernay, beginning with a role on the film Selma. Cierra’s passion for filmmaking ignited during her tenure at the University of Alabama, where she was instrumental in launching the Black Warrior Film Festival, an experience that paved her path to meeting DuVernay.

Her directorial journey includes four episodes of the series Queen Sugar, where she evolved from a production assistant to a director. Cierra’s directorial acumen extends to other notable TV series such as Power Book IV, BMF, Riverdale, and several others. Her work is marked by a commitment to diverse representation, particularly for people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community. She directed the poignant short film Last Looks, which was showcased at the Urbanworld Film Festival and later featured in Issa Rae’s “#ShortFilmSundays” series on YouTube.

Cierra’s approach to filmmaking is deeply communal and collaborative, often emphasizing the importance of creating films with friends and nurturing relationships on set. She believes in a servant spirit in directing, focusing on serving the story and those who help bring it to life. Her career is characterized by a strong work ethic, personal connection, and joy.

Shooter shared the profound impact of her brother's passing and the challenges she faced in coping with grief and loss. She opened up about her family dynamics, particularly her sometimes fraught relationship with her father and the responsibilities she has taken on as the eldest daughter, and setting personal boundaries. Shooter was candid about her need to protect herself, and the bifurcated self she has constructed—she is "Cierra" in certain situations, and "Shooter" in others. Shooter's remarkable resilience and determination shine brightly, as does her ability to find humor and wisdom in challenging circumstances.

Thank you for listening to Cierra's story, and for being a part of our community. Tune in next week for episode 4 of season 1, and please subscribe.

You can learn more about us at www.senseofselfpod.com and follow us for updates on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sense.of.self.pod/.

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self and The Mission Entertainment.