Joy in Purpose

When you have done all you can.... do this! Listen to episode and be blessed!  Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast.

Being in your thirties and struggling with your purpose can be challenging. This one thing might be stopping you from moving forward. Listen and let me know your thoughts. Instagram @lolasodunke

This One Tip Will Advance Your Career. Today, I will be discussing informational interviews. Informational interviews are essential to helping you find out more about the type of industry, company, or role you’re interested in,” says Dorie Clark, author of Stand Out Networking. “You may think you already know all about a certain position, but speaking to someone directly allows you to test your assumptions.” John Lees, a UK-based career strategist and author of The Success Code, agrees. Informational interviews “give you exposure — a way to get yourself known in the hidden job market,” he says. “The visibility may put you straight onto a shortlist, even if a job isn’t advertised.” https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-an-informational-interview An informational interview can help you build relationships with individuals in your field of interest. During the interview make sure, your interviewee does most of the talking. The interview is an opportunity for you to test your hypothesis about your dream career. Questions to ask: How do you get into this line of work? What do you enjoy about it? What’s not so great about it? What’s changing in the sector? What kinds of people do well in this industry? Don’t make PERMANENT decisions based on your conversation with one person. Try your best to interview at least three individuals. E-mail template to request an informational interview Hello, Mr./Ms./Dr. My name is Malik Taylor, and I'm a junior majoring in Media Studies at UC Berkeley. Is this a good time for you to talk briefly? I heard you speak at an event sponsored by the Undergraduate Marketing Association last semester. Although I am not currently looking for a job, I have become very interested in public relations and would like to learn more about the field. Would it be possible to schedule 20 to 30 minutes with you at your convenience to ask a few questions and get your advice on how best to prepare to enter the field?" My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Do you think it is possible to have a dream career? A dream career doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. It means you will have a career that matches your skills, interests, and potential. It will also provide you a financial reward that matches your expertise. Questions to ask yourself to help identify your dream career Who are you? Knowing who you are is essential to identify your strengths. Your race, background, environment, language, and culture can help you identify your dream career. Take a listen to the podcast- it will help you understand what I mean. Life career themes “... life career themes are ideas, beliefs, attitudes, and values that people hold about themselves, others, and the world at large. These “I am,” “Others are,” and “Life is” statements have a lot to do with people’s behavior. By looking at behavior—both words and actions—you can infer or directly observe life career themes. Excerpt From: Gysbers, Norman C., Heppner, Mary J., Johnston, Joseph A. “Career Counseling.” What are you good at? What do you like about your previous work experiences? What subjects or courses did you like when you were in high school and college? If there were headlines about your life? What would it say? Do you prefer working with data, ideas, things, and people? Or a combination of these things? Take a listen to the podcast to hear how answering these questions can lead you to identify your dream career. My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Christina Leeman is the author of the teen transformational booklet WORTH MORE THAN DIAMONDS. Discover your priceless value to God. You are made to shine! Her two passions are helping teen girls understand their worth to God and helping women to be free (and stay free) from what's holding them captive. She's worked in ministry with teen girls and women for ten years and counting. Christina is wife to Ethan and mom to two teen girls and many fur babies. She loves Jesus with all her heart, mind, and soul. She loves reading, hiking, laughing, and spending time with her family. Christina is launching the Raphah: Healed. Freed. Indeed experience for women soon. Social media: FB: @shewhohonorscl IG, twitter, pinterest: @shewhohonors Websites: www.ChristinaLeeman.com Questions discussed in this episode: Where were you born, and tell us your favorite childhood memory? What was your favorite activity (passion) as a child? You mentioned that your passion is helping teen girls understand their worth to God so they can transform their hearts, minds, and future. How did you discover this passion? What is the most important lesson that you try to teach young girls? How can parents positively impact the lives of their teen girls? Please let us know your social media handles. My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Laura L. Padgett is a multi-published, multi-awarded author and dancer. Her two nonfiction books “Dolores, Like the River” and “Jesus in Shorts: Twenty-five Short Stories of Life-Changing Jesus Moments” are among her many published works. With a passion for helping others see their worth and value through the lens of Jesus, she shares stories of God’s love and lessons in her journey of over decades as a writer, dancer and teacher.  Through her monthly blog, “Livin’ What You’re Given” found on her website at Lauralpadgett.com, she speaks with humor and authenticity into the truth that we are valuable and have purpose at every age and every stage. She also has been published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” as well as many online Christian publications. As she shares stories in written word and dance, she encourages others to find healing and inspiration for their life’s purpose in the Risen Christ. She is a wife,mother, grandmother, and proud native of Colorado who lives in Montrose, Co with husband Keith. She holds an MA in storytelling through creative movement from Regis University. Questions discussed in this episode Where were you born, and tell us your favorite childhood memory? What was your favorite activity (passion) as a child? How was it like growing up with parents addicted to alcohol? As an adult, what were the effects of growing up with alcoholic parents? Any advice for anyone who did not receive the love they felt they deserved from their parents? Tell us about your journey with Christ? (Your meeting with Dolores) Laura's Links: FB: Laura L. Padgett, Author, Speaker, Dancer https://www.facebook.com/LauraLPadgettAuthorSpeakerDancer Instagram: laurapadgettauthor Twitter: lauraleepadgett LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-padgett-7b084742/ Website: Lauralpadgett.com My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Kareemah Emordi is a born-again, Holy Ghost-filled proud Jesus Girl, word addict, and intercessor. She is a former Muslim who converted to Christ later in life after God did a miracle and revealed Himself to her. She is the co-Executive Producer and co-host of The Relevant Show, a revolutionary talk show created to disrupt the mainstream view of the relevancy, reality, and results of the Word of God.  Co-hosted by a multigenerational team of radical Jesus Lovers. Relevant opens your eyes to the ability of God’s Word to provide answers to the difficult questions facing our world today! Kareemah is recently married to Anthony the most amazing man she’s ever had the honor to know. She’s a mother to 2 amazing sons and 14 grandchildren. Instagram: @relevantdc & @kareemahelamin Facebook: Relevant: The Word Works & Kareemah El-Amin Questions addressed in this episode: Where were you born, and tell us your favorite childhood memory? What was your favorite activity (passion) as a child? How was it growing up as an African American Muslim in the United States? (Did you others think you were a foreigner?) Were you and your family practicing Muslims? Did you wear a hijab? Pray 5 times a day? When did you learn about Christianity? Tell us about your journey of developing a relationship with Christ? Tell us about your current walk with Christ? My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Michelle Watson trains digital missionaries to optimize Kingdom messages for the virtual space through SEO, social, and design. The culture war goes two ways, and her goal is to hone the skills of Christian content creators so their message rings clear, with excellence, without all the overwhelm. She is the owner of Thirtyone25 Creative, a content and coaching firm, co-hosts The Pantry Podcast with her husband Shea Watson, and builds awesome block towers and pillow forts with their daughter, Calia. Questions addressed in this episode: Michelle discussed in-depth about her role which includes helping Christian content creators optimize Kingdom messages. Can you share your journey dealing with low self-esteem and anxiety? How did you deal with the feelings of confusion, paranoia, and depression? Your advice for women dealing with low self-esteem? As a mother, what lessons would you like to instill in your children based on your experience? How would you like to encourage our listeners based on your life lessons? Michelle Watson's Social Media Handle: Social handles: Personal Insta  |  Podcast Insta  |  Facebook Group  |  Pinterest   Websites: ThePantryPodcast.com  |  Thirtyone25.com My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Isabella Boateng is the kingdom creative behind Truth By Bella. Truth By Bella is a lifestyle brand and podcast that discusses gems on life lessons, relationships, faith and entrepreneurship most importantly, connecting back to living a godly lifestyle by speaking the truth and the Word. Isabella enjoys helping and connecting with others via event coordinating, photography, networking and writing. Creativity and personality has really attracted people to wanting to hear the wisdom Isabella speaks about.  Questions addressed in this episode: Where were you born, and tell us your favorite childhood memory? What was your favorite activity (passion) as a child? How did you learn to trust God in your single season? Did you ever feel disappointed about not getting married at a certain age? What is the biggest lesson you learned during your single season? How do you learn to be intentional with the waiting season? Please let us know your social media handles. Isabella's Social media links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbybella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthByBella Truth By Bella Podcast Page: https://www.truthbybella.com/truth-talk/ My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Bad things sometimes happen, and the bad things can be good- Dr. April Jones.  This is an inspirational episode. In this episode, Dr. Jones discusses her family's journey with dealing with her oldest son, who was diagnosed with cancer at almost age 2. Tyler is now a cancer survivor, amputee, adaptive internationally competitive athlete, and college student. Dr. Jones mentioned how facing hardship has encouraged her and her family to seize the day, have a grateful heart, and trust the will of God. This is a must-listen!   Dr. April Jones is a speaker, author, and owner/co-founder of The Drifted Drum Company. As an Oncology Medical Director, she holds a B.S. in Chemistry, PharmD, and MBA.  Along with her many professional credentials, it's her personal journey that makes her an authority on transforming pain into purpose and struggles into strength. A mother of three boys, her oldest son, is a cancer survivor, amputee, and adaptive internationally competitive athlete. Through love, faith, hope, and inner discovery, Dr. Jones's story helps others heal while finding comfort and courage during the most difficult times. Dr. Jones discussed her journey with her faith during her son's cancer battle. She mentioned how isolating the pain can feel and how her supportive system rallied around her.   This week on Joy in Purpose, Dr. Jones mentioned: Her favorite childhood memory? Playing with fireflies  Her favorite childhood memory which included reading as a child The small-town love story between her and her husband.  Her reaction to her son being diagnosed with cancer at almost age 2, your son.  She also discussed how Tyler's cancer diagnosis impacted her family.  The support system that rallied around her family during the challenging time of their lives.  How Tyler is doing now? We also discussed not serving God for the blessings but serving him for the love!  Dr. April Jones's Bio: FB: @dr.apriljones and @thedrifteddrumco  IG: @thedrifteddrumco and @livebeautiful_dr.mom  TikTok: @drjones_nomessnomessage My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

First, I want to apologize for my lack of consistency with my podcast. I truly believe that being a podcaster is part of my purpose. I owe it to you and myself to be consistent with this journey. The past few weeks have been discouraging. From buying a highly recommended microphone that I can't figure out how to get it to work with my computer. I am a technology person, but this one is throwing me for a loop. Also, I discuss dealing with discouragement by the low downloads. I am almost at 300 downloads, so I am not complaining. But, that with other issues have added to my discouragement.  Additionally, navigating the editing. I am a techie person, but this has been discouraging as well. I plan to be more consistent and I have 6 already pre-recorded purpose stories coming to you starting next week. I am  excited to share this journey with you all! My Bio: My name is Lola Sodunke. I am a doctoral student in a Psychology program. I believe that everyone, no matter the obstacle they face, can become a person of substance in life. On my podcast, Joy in Purpose, I discuss mental health and purpose. Sometimes, I invite guests to share their purpose stories. My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

It does not work. When something bad happens to someone telling them that they didn't pray enough. They didn't visualize enough, it is OFFENSIVE!!! Manifesting does not work! Have you ever tried to manifest something and it didn't work? It might have worked sometimes, but it didn't work all the time. Yes, that's proof that manifesting does not work! Take a listen and message me on Instagram so that we can chat about it. LINK BELOW For more information, check out this video: Christians...STOP "Manifesting" What You Want! Trust God My Bio: My name is Lola Sodunke. I am a doctoral student in a Psychology program. I believe that everyone, no matter the obstacle they face, can become a person of substance in life. On my podcast, Joy in Purpose, I discuss mental health and purpose. Sometimes, I invite guests to share their purpose stories. My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: Click here. Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast.  Lola

This year has been tough. Many have lost their jobs. You might have been one of those individuals. In this episode, I discuss career transitions with my brother, Kenny Sodunke.   Takeaways:  Your resume should tell a story.  Represent both your soft and hard skills on your resume.  Use Linkedin to connect with managers and employees in the companies you are applying to.   Be Confident.  Practice your interviewing skills with people that will provide you with constructive criticism.  Kenny's Bio: Kenny work as an Applications Analyst for Tyson Foods. He has been in the IT industry for almost three years now. He also runs a resume business on the side, which he started back in August 2020. He loves basketball, helping friends, making new adventures.  Kenny's Info: www.linkedin.com/in/kennysodunke Check out Austin Belcak on Linkedin to have access to the post Kenny mentioned during the interview. My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73  Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com  Instagram: instagram.com/lolasodunke  Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

You are not alone. You are valuable, You are so valuable, and you are so loved. In this episode, Manyi Ebot shares her story of overcoming sexual abuse to becoming a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach. She shares how she changed her mindset and went from survivor to thrive. Take a listen and enjoy the episode. Manyi’s Bio: Manyi Ebot is a servant of Jesus Christ, serving people and her purpose as a Wife, Mother of 4, Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Author of The Caged Giant: From victim through survivor to thriver. She is the founder of Possibility Realm and the Lead Facilitator of Possibility Realm Sisterhood Gathering. Learn more about her at www.possibilityrealm.com Podcast Link: https://tinyurl.com/3c87vs74 Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/possibilityrealm/ My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73  Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: instagram.com/lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Bukky Sodunke, a personal stylist discusses how developing a unique style can impact our mood and self-confidence. Guest Bio: Bukky Sodunke is a Personal Stylist and reseller on Poshmark. She enjoys talking about clothes and coming up with multiple ways to style an item and helping others look their best. She also enjoys watching movies, trying new foods, and is looking forward to traveling this year. You can connect with her on Instagram or email her at bukkysstylingservices@gmail.com for any questions. My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73 Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: instagram.com/lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Liz as she shares with us realistic and affordable ways to engage in self-care. I loved when Dr. Liz mentioned that self-care is about replenishing ourselves. Keep listening to get the full gist! Dr. Elizabeth Adedokun, Ph.D., LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 7 years of experience working with adolescents aged 12 to 17 and their families struggling with severe depression, anxiety, and interpersonal relationship issues. Elizabeth received her Master’s degree at Northwestern University in 2014 and holds a Doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Drexel University. Dr. Adedokun currently works at Hennepin County, assisting adults with severe mental health illnesses.  Dr. Adedokun also works part-time in private practice, providing therapy for new parents, young women, and adolescents struggling with symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.  Additionally, Dr. Adedokun serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.  In 2016, Dr. Adedokun published an article focusing on mental health in the Black community from a spiritual perspective. Her article is still being cited in scholarly articles to this day. As Dr. Adedokun continues to work closely with the Black community in Minneapolis, her hope is to help decrease the stigma around mental health by providing a safe space for clients to feel heard, seen, and validated. When Dr. Adedokun is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two children and husband. Dr. Liz's links: Psychology Today: tinyurl.com/1dr0pwcw Instagram link: tinyurl.com/1hwvn106 My Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams: https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73 Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: instagram.com/lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

I want to discuss how the pandemic might have impacted you. This is an important topic for us to talk about. Suicide rates have increased. Depression rates have increased. Anxiety rates as increased. People are experiencing isolation and loneliness.  Individuals are dealing with job loss, loss of family members, and uncertainty about the future. My heart goes out to everyone dealing with the challenges of this pandemic. In this episode, I discuss the lasting psychological impact of lockdown and tips to deal with the stresses of this season of our lives. Links: Download The 5 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams, and you will be signed up to receive a weekly email with a NEW episode link. https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73 Email: joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: instagram.com/lolasodunke Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

In this episode, I will be sharing a story of a man who had a bright future, but his life took a different turn. So, “Is Character more important than purpose?” This is a question you will have to answer for yourself. What are your weaknesses? What character flaws do you need to work on now so that it won’t become your “frailties” in the future. I share John Edwards’s story not to mock him, but for us to learn a lesson from a portion of his life story. He has shared on other platforms how politics exposed his “frailties.” If you already know his story, please still listen with an open mind because there are lessons I will point out from his story that might be new to you. Your purpose can also expose your frailties if you don’t put it in the hands of God and work on it. I am not preaching about perfection. I am speaking about choosing to focus on your character as well as your purpose! ABC Article Link: John Edwards and the Mistress: A Breakdown of One of America's Most Sensational Scandals: https://tinyurl.com/yxkat93t John Edwards’s Oxford Union Speech Link: https://youtu.be/FP7rH73auE4 Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Lola

Want to know what is a purpose friend, and why you don't have one? Listen to the FIRST EVER EPISODE of the Joy in Purpose Podcast to find out. Welcome, and let's talk! Sometimes we find ourselves struggling to make relationships work that we should have cut off a long time ago.  In this episode, I talk about the signs of a toxic friendship. I also encourage you that it is okay to be by yourself.......for some time, so you can have time to reflect on your goals and what you want out of your friendships. PLEASE SHARE this podcast with your friends and family.  Download 5 Steps to Achieving Big Dreams: https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73 If you have any questions, email me at joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lolasodunke/

Come on in and have a seat. Let’s talk about mental health, career development, and purpose.  Let’s talk about choosing joy in this journey called life. Let’s talk! PLEASE SHARE this podcast with your friends and family. Download 5 Steps to Achieving Big Dreams: https://tinyurl.com/y3rqmc73 If you have any questions, email me at joyinpurposepodcast@gmail.com Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lolasodunke/