In this first episode, Ukamaka Olisakwe chats with Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, Ujuaku Akukwe, Nneka Nwogu, Megan Ross, Temitayo Olofinlua, and Marie-Ange Rukundo, about the cultural and religious norms that make it difficult for women to talk about their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum complications.

Nsofor is the CEO of EpiAFRIC and the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Nigeria Health Watch; Akukwe, an international award-winning documentary filmmaker, is the CEO of Frances-Ashley Media and the co-founder of Leaps and Bounds Entertainment ltd; Nwogu is an Oil and Gas practitioner specialising in Social Performance with almost 25 years of office and field experience; Olofinlua is a creative writer, editor, and communications specialist with a series of awards to her credit; and Rukundo advises university students in career matters.

This episode is moderated by Noni Salma, a film-maker, writer and avid film enthusiast; and Ruth Amara Okolo, the author of the novel Black Sparkle Romance(2014) and the story collection Son of Man(2016).

The Body Conversation Podcast is edited and mixed by Ukamaka Olisakwe. Comments or suggestions? E-mail thebodyconvo@gmail.com.