This episode of How Did You Get Here with Verastic is one that truly touched my heart. I sat down with Benny Bing, a Toronto-based Nigerian contemporary artist whose story is as powerful as his paintings.

We talked about grief, forgiveness, masculinity, creativity, and the healing power of art. Benny opened up about losing his brother and father, the process of letting go of vengeance, and how art helped him find peace and purpose again.

We also talked about us being African creatives — growing up in homes where “doctor, lawyer, engineer” were the only options — and how today’s generation of parents can nurture creativity in their children instead of suppressing it.

If you’ve ever lost someone, struggled to forgive, or wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this conversation will speak to your soul.

Connect with Benny Bing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennybing

Buy Benny's artwork on his website: https://www.bennybing.com/

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In this deeply moving episode of How Did You Get Here with Verastic, I sit down with Kechi Okwuchi — one of only two survivors of the tragic Sosoliso plane crash of 2005.

Kechi’s story is one of unimaginable pain, miraculous survival, and powerful transformation. From surviving burns over 65% of her body to undergoing more than 100 surgeries, from competing on America’s Got Talent to becoming a motivational speaker and author of More Than My Scars, Kechi’s life is a testament to faith, resilience, and purpose.

We talk about her recovery journey, the strength of her mother’s love, her unshakable faith in God, and how she decided that her scars would tell a story — but never define her.

If you’ve ever faced loss, pain, or seasons of doubt, this conversation will remind you that there is life — and light — after trauma.

Connect with Kechi:
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kechiofficial/
Buy her book: https://amzn.to/3KwlhBw

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How Did You Get Here with Verastic is a podcast that tells honest stories about how people became who they are — because, truly, those who are doing it do not have two heads.

#KechiOkwuchi #HowDidYouGetHerePodcast #Verastic #SosolisoCrash #SurvivorStory #MoreThanMyScars #FaithAfterTrauma #WomenInspiration #LifeAfterPain #NigerianPodcast #HealingJourney

The world is still learning about autism. And I, Vera Ezimora, know even less about autism. My first "real" experience with autism was when I got my first professional job after I graduated college. It was as a Service Coordinator, and I walked with individuals with intellectual disabilities. It seems like such a lifetime ago now. I learned so much from that job.

When I came across today's guest, Lola Dada-Olley on Facebook (through her husband), I just knew I had to bring her on because she has so many different experiences, all rolled into one human being: she's a mom, a mom of two children on the spectrum, a Nigerian, a sister to someone on the spectrum, a lawyer, an advocate, a podcaster, a writer, and many other things. Honestly, I don't know how Lola does it.

Sometimes, I complain about having such a full plate, and then, I meet dynamic unicorns like Lola Dada-Olley, and she just blows my mind away. Like how does she do it?! I asked Lola so many questions that she told me I was a tenured professor with a curriculum in asking loaded questions. I'm still smiling from that.

Please listen to this episode and give Lola Dada-Olley a mental high-five. Or better yet, reach out to her through any of the following means. Also, check out Lola's TedX talk below. Connect with Lola Dada-Olley on her podcast and on Instagram.

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