Beyond the Self with Africa Brooke

Oh my goodness. This conversation is everything I needed, and more.

I’m joined by one of my best friends and favourite humans on this planet, the incredible Rui Liu, a child of tea and founder of Grass People Tree. We went beyond what you might expect from a conversation that centres tea (though we go deep into that too). We found ourselves going into culture, identity, ancestry, friendship, artistry, business, beauty, reb...

I’ve been thinking a lot about the ways we convince ourselves we’re doing something noble - spiritual, even - when really, we’re just avoiding the thing that actually wants to set us free. Like last week, this conversation is personal. It’s present. And it’s pulled straight from the patterns I’ve had to face, and some I’m still facing, in real time. If you’re someone who’s ever thought or said ‘I’m just protecting my peace’ while s...

WOW! I really went there with you for this one. March is here, Spring is upon us, which means my 2025 begins. I return here with fresh thoughts and an open heart. I'm learning to allow myself to share the truth of what's happening in REAL TIME, instead of only sharing retrospectively, and as a very reflective but also private person - this feels exposing, yet insanely liberating. I am practicing what I preach. I am practi...

What does belonging look like for you? Can you think of a time when you navigated the space between two cultures, and how did it shape your identity? These are themes I'm exploring today with my guest, Caro Gomez. 

Caro opens up about her journey of figuring out her identity and finding her place, sharing the ups and downs of blending cultures and the hurdles she jumped over. We also explore the idea of privilege, cultural prid...

I know there's a sense of hopelessness in the world right now, and to be very honest, there always will be. And something that I want to do here is I don't want us to deny reality. That is not what we do. And at the same time, I want you to look at the areas of your life where you are in the driver's seat. 

In this episode, I want to impart my wisdom, experiences, and intellectual property and share anything I'm ...

Tired of feeling like you're constantly tripping over your own feet when it comes to sex and intimacy? You're not alone. Let's get real about the sneaky ways self-sabotage creeps into our bedrooms.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the dirty little secrets that might be holding you back. From the mind-bending effects of porn to the pressure cooker of societal expectations, I dive into the stuff tha...

Feeling like the system's rigged against you? Join us as Sharmadean Reid MBE, founder of The Stack and author of "New Methods for Women," dismantles that narrative. 

In this episode, we explore Sharmadean's journey of overcoming societal barriers, navigating limited resources, and redefining success on her own terms. Discover how she balanced creative and spiritual growth with financial empowerment, all while bui...

Do you find yourself avoiding conflict at all costs? In this episode, I explore the surprising impact conflict avoidance can have on our ability to build strong, intimate relationships. I also discuss the reasons behind this behaviour, examining the potential influence of our upbringing on conflict styles. 

The episode will challenge your perception of conflict as purely negative, as I believe it has the potential to foster deeper c...

Discomfort. It's that feeling that makes you want to crawl back under the covers. But what if I told you it could be the key to unlocking your full potential?

In this episode, we'll DITCH the dictionary definitions and dive deep into the world of discomfort. I explore why stepping outside your comfort zone might be the best thing you can do for yourself (even if it doesn't feel like it at first!).

Ever feel like a fraud despite your accomplishments? That nagging voice whispering "you're not good enough". What if that discomfort isn't a sign you're a 'fraud', but a nudge in the right direction? We often slap the "imposter" label on any flicker of unease, but sometimes it's a learning curve, not a character flaw.

In this episode, I'm reflecting on a change I made ...

Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of modern love and intimacy? Today I'm joined by renowned psychotherapist and sex therapist, Todd Baratz. Together, we're peeling back the layers of how our personal histories shape the way we handle conflict and connect intimately with others.

We're tackling the tough questions: How do self-awareness and open communication empower us to defy societal pressures and thos...

What a whirlwind this past week since my book has been published and has been in your hands! It's been a crazy but amazing past few years writing my book, The Third Perspective and I appreciate every single one of you who has purchased it, supported and shared with me what you think.

This episode is more of an update of what's been going on in my life, as well as some reflections on my book launch and how I'...

Get ready for an engaging conversation as I sit down with my dear friend, Mark Vicente. Many of you might recognise him as the whistle-blower for the cult NXIVM, but there's so much more to him than that. Mark is not just a public figure; he's an author, a speaker, and the cinematographer behind the iconic film Sarafina!

Together, we explore the intense demands placed upon us by social media, our battles with how...

This is something I'm experiencing firsthand. It's tender, and while some of me still feels low, I'm driven to share my insights with you from my recent experience of rejection. From viewing rejection as feedback to cultivating resilience and prompting deep self-reflection, in this episode I share 5 learnings that have reshaped my perspective.

So, if you're facing rejection, remember—it's not defe...

Today I want to revisit an episode I did that focused on the importance of rejecting urgency culture. I share some things I'm doing personally and riff out loud with you as well.

From honouring my own timeline and why it seems like we are all in such a rush, why I'm dedicated to simplifying and going deeper, to how I'm learning to set realistic expectations without compromising my standards.

Don&apo...

I have my thoughts about what it means to love and be loved in the modern world. What's the real cost of swiping right? Is there truth to attachment styles or has it become a (Western) collective obsession? Is the dating scene really as demotivating and disturbing as people say?

In this special episode, I'm joined by someone I've wanted to speak to for a while; the ever-insightful Rebecca Archer. Rebecca, a ...

Do you keep avoiding help from others? I'm guilty as charged. In this episode, I'm exploring the obstacles of seeking help and the profound challenge of accepting it. I've battled with this myself, particularly when I was neck-deep in writing my book.

I had this mind-blowing psychedelic trip, coupled with deep meditation, and it hit me like a ton of bricks—the lesson of opening up, of not letting this hyper...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to confront your deepest struggles head-on? Today, I'm revisiting a past episode where I talk about my letter addressing my battle with alcoholism, a letter I wrote in 2017. This letter is a testament to my growth and the crucial role of self-acceptance in my life.

I've learned that honesty isn't just a policy; it's the foundation of who I am and who I've...

As we journey through life, clashes in values and beliefs are inevitable, often leading to the discomfort of disappointing others. Especially in the realm of online interactions, where diverse perspectives collide, staying true to our integrity can sometimes mean disappointing those around us.

In this episode I explore how the pervasive influence of cancel culture amplifies the fear of disappointing others, stifling our au...