Nneka Julia Is Giving Women A Powerful Voice With Her New Podcast ‘The Layover’
The pathway to manifesting our ancestors' wildest dreams, is first led by becoming a living embodiment of their legacy. For storyteller, photographer, and podcast creator, Nneka Julia, it's the weight of three consciousness, "a Black American consciousness, a Nigerian consciousness, and a Cambodian consciousness," that when fused together, ignites the purpose and vision behind her work.
Being the child of immigrant parents, Nneka has been surrounded by examples of resilience that have informed every aspect of her creative pursuits. As a teen, Nneka and her family traveled to Cambodia, her mother's home country, to visit after the passing of her grandparents. It was on this trip that she'd pick up her camera for the first time, and everything would shift, "That trip really changed my life; it changed the trajectory of knowing what I was actually interested in doing. At that point in time, I knew what it meant to be able to capture my family on camera and memorialize them in that way."
Courtesy of Nneka Julia
Nneka discovered the art of audio storytelling through her father's cassette collection of motivational speakers and self-help gurus like Tony Robbins, Les Brown, and Zig Ziglar. In a fateful twist, she would find herself utilizing this same form of storytelling, on her very own roster of podcasts, Passing Through and The Layover. While listening, you'll spot the unique sonic experience the podcasts offer: it's immersive. It's poignant and captivating. It uproots you from whatever location you happen to find yourself in while listening and teleports you into exotic destinations and the memories that were made there.
The single-narrative podcast is filled with life lessons and tangible anecdotes that strip down the highly-curated nature of travel glamour shots, revealing the humanity in each story Nneka tells, "I think when we're online, it's easy to feel like everyone's life is so perfect and that we're alone. All this stuff is so much more important to me than the image; it's that you don't feel alone."
The mission that Nneka fulfills with her platform is necessary, especially at a time where a global pandemic has warped our sense of time and connection is hard to come by. Fortunately, this time has allowed Nneka to reset and share new stories in the upcoming fourth season of Passing Through, that reflect all of the life lessons and updates that have unfolded, "I'm very excited for the next season of Passing Through because it's going to cover quite a bit. I finally caught up with myself in terms of the stories, these are very recent things, this upcoming season is very present."
xoNecole: What was the inspiration behind starting your podcast, ‘Passing Through’?
Nneka Julia: It started as a way to archive my thoughts, feelings, and life lessons learned along the way from all the different people I've met and different places I've been. But now it's turned into this vehicle for people to understand that they're not alone in what they are going through.
I was tired of seeing the same things. When you see people curate and present an image of themselves that completely doesn't match what they're going through at the time, it can kind of warp your sense of worth. So how do I create a tribe in this digital space and how do I keep it real with myself while I'm doing it? We're all kind of archiving our lives online, but what if it was whipped out? What would I have to show my children? For me, legacy, become this ever-present idea and thought, and the things that I continue to go back to are written word and audio. I have to be able to create in this space not just for me, but for the people who come after me.
"For me, legacy, become this ever-present idea and thought, and the things that I continue to go back to are written word and audio. I have to be able to create in this space not just for me, but for the people who come after me."
Courtesy of Nneka Julia
Coming from a Nigerian-Cambodian background, how has your heritage and being born to immigrant parents informed your work?
It has informed every aspect of it. I try to live by the saying that "to whom much is given, much is required," because my parents have given me so much. Not just to their children but to their community, and there's never been this ask for recognition or reward. For me, it's like I have their bones, but I'm wearing my flesh. That's really what it feels like. I owe it to them to carry us to the next level, tell their story to the world, and carry the legacy of our family.
Why is it important for you to share your space for others’ stories to be told on your secondary podcast, ‘The Layover’?
It was totally a byproduct of the live show we did for Passing Through in 2019. Now that I think about it, it was pretty wild to do: we were eight months into the podcast, people didn't know what the show was going to be, I could have Fyre Festival'd the whole thing. But it sold out at this great spot in Manhattan. I invited six black women to share their stories on stage, and it felt like church. I knew with the live show I didn't want to center myself, why not give other Black women a chance to share their stories?
For me, I've been to different storytelling shows and they've all been extremely white spaces, where the storytellers felt like they had to make people laugh and crack a joke. And I hated that. So I wanted to do away with that; I wanted people to feel like they could cry on stage, and feel whatever the story made them feel. Seeing that live with Passing Through, I thought we could do that on a week-to-week basis with The Layover, where people aren't scared to be vulnerable, cry, crack jokes, and run the full spectrum of who we are as Black women and WOC.
How has your work evolved since embodying photography to where you are now in the space of written and audio storytelling?
I didn't realize that my creativity wasn't medium-specific, I didn't realize my creativity could come out in writing, it could come out in audio, photos, and multiple different ways; when I started off, I thought photography was it. As time went on and I started to travel more for pleasure and for work, I started to meet so many people and there are worlds within those people. You're not just meeting a driver in Bali, you're talking about his mother and his daughter, and where he's from, and what his dreams are. Those things stay with you and it affects you. And I felt like photography, yes it was wonderful but if pictures are worth a thousand words, then how much are words worth?
Courtesy of Nneka Julia
"If pictures are worth a thousand words, then how much are words worth?"
With travel being such an intricate part of the work you do and stories you tell, what have you learned from this season of stillness?
It's been a lot. I've never shied away from myself or solitude. So I can't say that this time has been incredibly difficult. Thankfully, this time has been a reset period. Before it used to be just "hustle, hustle, hustle," but now, we're living in strange times, so it's like you have to listen to yourself. Finding a comfortable routine has helped, but also finding solace that you're going to want to break those habits sometimes but you can always get back on the horse. Be graceful with yourself, but be targeted with hitting the small things like taking a walk, writing 50 words, reading two pages - those are my goals. And if I hit it, it's a success, if I go over, it's even more of a success. The atomic things add up, they all compound.
Although the future is so uncertain right now, what does the next frontier for you look like?
For me, the next step (at least in my career) would be adapting these stories into larger-than-life works. Something that speaks to more than just Instagram, something that engages all the senses. I absolutely love audio and written work, but film is all of both of things in one. So I'd love to and am planning to branch off into film, with the ultimate goal to tell my parents' story at scale as well. Communities are niching down. Anytime we go super digital, there's always the antithesis which is analog. With my future work, I want to go analog, so people are able to touch something, feel something, and have something.
For more of Nneka Julia, follow her on Instagram and check out her podcast, Passing Through.
Featured image courtesy of Nneka Julia
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Everything To Know About Taylor Russell, Harry Styles' New Rumored Girlfriend
Canadian actress Taylor Russell has quickly become an indie darling since racking up acting credits in projects like the controversial 2022 film Bones and All. There, she landed one of her first major film roles, starring alongside Dune actor Timothée Chalamet. But it's her love life off-screen that has been getting her major buzz this past summer. The 29-year-old is reportedly dating "As It Was" singer, Harry Styles. Taylor and Harry were first seen holding hands while out and about in London, and the PDA has gotten more heated with every glimpse of the rumoured couple.
Aside from who she is seeing romantically, Taylor was most recently spotted turning heads during Paris Fashion Week, where she was making a pantless statement. She donned a striking oversized "tin coat" over her shoulders while attending the Loewe Spring 2024 show this past Friday.
@voguemagazine Bonjour, #TaylorRussell! The actor stepped out in style, with her own spin on the pants-free trend for #Loewe's spring 2024 show during #ParisFashionWeek. #TikTokFashion
Taylor's tendency to dabble in the experimental when it comes to fashion and stylistic expression captivates all who have witnessed her impeccably styled red carpet looks.
When she's not slaying red carpets, she is taking her acting chops to the stage. Taylor is currently starring as Connie in the stage play The Effect at the National's Lyttelton Theatre in London.
Who Is Taylor Russell?
Since deciding to take acting seriously post-high school, Taylor has landed a few supporting roles that would eventually lead to her breakout performance in the Netflix sci-fi series Lost in Space. After that success came a role alongside Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the movie Waves. Of course, those early career wins eventually paved the way for Bones and All, which really helped put her on the map.
Aside from red carpet fashion, being Harry Styles' new bae, and acting, what else is there to know about one of Hollywood's hottest new stars? Keep reading for 10 things to know about Taylor Russell.
1.Taylor Russell didn't grow up wealthy and recalls being on welfare at a time.
"I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family. My parents struggled; we were on welfare. Things changed a lot, so there was always an opportunity for reinvention, to create something new.” - via ELLE, November 2019
2.Taylor was born in Vancouver and moved 16 times before her 18th birthday.
@dazed Someone please advise ⚠️ Taylor Russell at the @LOEWE SS24 show #DazedFashionTV #TikTokFashion #TaylorRussell #Loewe #SS24 #PFW #ParisFashionWeek
Perhaps her acting ambitions are in her blood because Taylor takes after her father, who was also an actor for a living. Taylor Russell was born July 18, 1994, in Vancouver, Canada, but would move a whopping 16 times before she turned 18, a demand in the pursuit of her father's acting career and what would unintentionally set the tone for her adaptability.
In a 2022 interview with Dazed, she described her mother as an artist as well, though she doesn't rep the title as readily as Taylor or her father does. She also noted her family's inherent bohemian outlook on life. She shared, "I think it’s just part of their souls in some way. And it manifests in me, too.”
3.Before acting, there was ballet. Taylor Russell did ballet her whole life.
For Taylor, although acting would become her eventual love affair, her longest love came in the form of ballet. In a 2019 interview with Coveteur, she spoke about how her love for ballet would eventually lead to her love for acting:
"I did ballet my whole life, I love dancing. I wake up every morning and dance for 15 minutes, and it’s the only way I can get out of bed. I wanted to act when I was younger, but both of my parents worked full-time and couldn’t really be there for me on set. So they were like, ‘If you want to act, you have to wait until you’re old enough to do it on your own.’ After high school, I took an acting class and just knew that’s what I wanted to pursue. In many ways, I’m built for it, because I don’t really expect life to be a steady stream. I moved 16 times when I was a kid.”
4.Taylor Russell on what she'd be doing if it wasn't acting:
“Hands down, I would be a kindergarten teacher. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. I love kids.” - Coveteur, 2019
5.Taylor Russell has a lightning bolt tattoo that is a replica of her hero Patti Smith's tattoo.
In her 2019 interview with ELLE, she admitted the punk singer and poet was "one of my heroes" and even has the same thin lightning bolt as Patti Smith but on her left wrist. A lightning bolt that cements the affinity she has for one of her idols. She also revealed that Patti's Just Kids is one of her favorite books, and she's read it at least 10 times.
In the Winter 2022 issues of Dazed, she spoke about her love for Patti's poetry again, "Her words are so deeply ingrained in the map of my body." She added, "I discovered her writing when I first moved here [to New York], and I felt akin to her in so many different ways, ways that have revealed themselves to me more with time and reflection.”
“There’s a line I’ll never forget, and I think it captures how I really feel: ‘No one expected me. Everything awaited me.’”
6.Taylor Russell on her insecurity and not wanting to be too fragile:
@thepeoplegallery #streetstyle #ootd #streetwear #fashion #thepeoplegallery
"I’m looking forward to the day that I’m 60, when I can have some real gusto behind the things that I’m saying. I’m working with actors right now who are a lot older than me, and everything they say is so meaningful. Because they’ve said it in a whole host of ways in their real lives already, one thousand times over.
"And my insecurity is always that I don’t have enough soul behind me for the words to really hit. I just want to keep gathering that, and the only way to do it is by being around people who keep shit real. You have to keep it real, because if you rely on things that will fade, everything’s going to shatter really quickly. And I never want to be that fragile.” - via Dazed, 2022
7.Taylor on her dream actors and directors she wants to work with:
“I love Paul Thomas Anderson. I love Mélanie Laurent so much. Marion Cotillard. I love Léa Seydoux, all the French actresses. My favorite director is Maïwenn. She did a movie called My King with Vincent Cassel. It’s like the French Blue Valentine. It’s one of the best films ever.” - Coveteur, 2019
8.Taylor on feeling shame when she was her most 'unlovable' and 'ungraceful':
“We are so ungraceful as human beings. At my most unlovable and ungraceful, I’ve felt so much shame. What would be so great in those times is to have someone embrace you. That’s when you need it the most.” - via ELLE, November 2019
9.Taylor Russell on her views on love amid rumors of a relationship with Harry Styles:
@daydream_delusion It’s not the same as it was. #harrystyles #taylorrussell #harrystylesvids #loveontour #couple #london #love #larrystylinson #onedirection #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
“I mean, love, a lot of the time, feels like a drug, you feel so insane. Being with the person all the time, you’d do anything for them. You’re like, ‘I wanna have all of this stuff with you and I wanna do everything with you.’ That feels like, especially when you’re not in love all the time… I have my distinct loves of my life and so I can remember the feelings of them pretty specifically and intensely. When I think about them, and being in love, it definitely feels like a drug. But honestly, I didn’t experiment with drugs much when I was a teenager and in my twenties.” - via The Face, August 2023
10.Taylor isn't big on 'volunteering' her feelings and she thinks 'it's weird.'
“I’m never going to be volunteering all of my feelings. I’m somebody who, annoyingly, complicatedly, needs things to be asked and pulled from me to talk about it. But even then I’m like, ‘I’m sorry, is this too much? Is this too much?’ So I need a partner who is going to do that or else it’s never going to work," she expressed her reluctance to vulnerability with The Face.
“It’s weird,” she added. “It’s like that thing when you feel vulnerable or on display for saying something, or talking too much or whatever. Saying something about yourself and then feeling like, ‘Oh no, I shouldn’t be talking about myself. I should be asking about you, because that’s the thing I should be doing and it’s not that interesting. We don’t need to talk about me, don’t worry. I’ll handle it.’”
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Featured image by David M. Benett/Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images