Unapologetically Whole
Unapologetically Whole is the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt invisible while holding everyone else together. Hosted by attorney, advocate, and lifelong caregiver Lola Dada-Olley, this show is a raw, honest invitation to reclaim your story and rebuild your sense of self without abandoning your responsibilities or values. Through deeply personal storytelling and candid conversations, Lola explores the layers we carry: as caregivers, professionals, parents, partners, and cycle-breakers navigating cultural stigma, trauma, and the pursuit of wholeness in a world that often asks us to disappear.
Each episode offers a practical, three-part framework for transformation: Recognize the lane you’re in, Redefine success beyond external validation, and Reimagine what it means to truly thrive. You’ll hear real lessons from lived experience—how to hold the tension between vigilance and joy, how to honor incremental progress, and how to shine your light in a world that can feel dark. Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, or simply someone searching for permission to exist beyond your roles, Unapologetically Whole bridges the gap between personal healing and professional reinvention, creating space for authentic community and honest growth.
This podcast is the companion to Lola’s forthcoming memoir, Unapologetically Whole: A Memoir About Autism, Caregiving, and Owning Your Story, coming June 2026. If these conversations resonate with you, help us extend the reach—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a rating or review. Your voice helps others find the hope, healing, and wholeness they deserve.
Unapologetically Whole
Owning Your Story: A Short Reflection with Lola
In this episode of Unapologetically Whole, Lola Dada-Olley shares her personal journey of self-advocacy and wholeness, exploring themes of identity, caregiving, and resilience. Through intimate reflections and powerful storytelling, she encourages listeners to own their stories and advocate for themselves with intention and courage.
Takeaways:
- Your story matters and deserves to be told.
- Self-advocacy is a muscle that grows with use.
- Wholeness is the integration of all parts of your story.
- Perfection is not the goal; wholeness is.
- Guilt can be a barrier to healing.
- Healing begins when you stop negotiating with guilt.
- Self-advocacy starts with small steps like asking for help.
- You are worthy of the life you are building.
- The world needs you whole, not perfect.
- Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth.
Sound bites:
- Your story matters.
- Self-advocacy is a muscle.
- Wholeness is integration.
- Perfection was never the assignment.
- Guilt is a barrier.
- Healing begins with acceptance.
- Ask for help.
- You are worthy.
- The world needs you whole.
- Embrace your journey.
Chapters:
- Introduction to Unapologetically Whole
- The Journey of Self-Advocacy
- Embracing Wholeness
- Overcoming Guilt and Healing
- Empowerment and Personal Growth
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