Shades Of Reality

Hosted by Shardia O'Connor

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Shades of Reality is a thought-led podcast exploring identity, culture, leadership, and lived experience through honest, unfiltered conversation. Each episode moves beyond surface-level discussion, unpacking the psychological and social forces that shape how we think, behave, and relate. Through personal narratives and wider societal dialogue, it brings forward perspectives that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or simplified. This is not about easy answers. It is about depth, nuance, and challenging what we’ve been conditioned to accept—inviting listeners to think differently, reflect more deeply, and engage with the complexities of the world around them. Hosted by Shardia O’Connor.

Listen to episodes

34 recent

November 1, 202635 min

SOR | Episode 6 | The System Beneath the Surface: Education, Poverty and Power.

In this conversation, we look beyond the surface to explore the systems that shape our lives, from education and poverty to power, opportunity and financial independence. Riaz, a criminal defence solicitor, shares his perspective on the criminal justice system and the wider social structures that influence people’s lives. Drawing on his professional experience and connection to inner-city Birmingham, we explore how background, access to education and socioeconomic circumstances can shape the opportunities available to us. The conversation also examines how we can better understand the systems around us, question established ways of thinking and explore alternative routes to success and financial independence. A conversation about more than the law, it’s about understanding the bigger picture and questioning what shapes our reality. Shades of Reality, real conversations, different perspectives, a deeper look at what shapes us.

September 28, 202650 min

Behind the Procrastination: An Interview with Auden Allen

Why do we procrastinate, even when we know exactly what needs to be done? In this intimate conversation, Auden Allen opens up about his own relationship with procrastination, the patterns behind the delay, and the experiences that have shaped how he approaches his goals, creativity and personal growth. This isn’t just a conversation about putting things off. It’s a look behind the behaviour, and what we might discover about ourselves when we do. Shades of Reality, real conversations, informed psychology.

September 18, 202620 min

Chyna Victoria: The journey behind the music

In this episode of Shades of Reality, I sit down with Chyna Victoria, a multi-talented creative whose expression spans music, fashion, acting and modelling. From writing and performing music to modelling and acting, Chyna explores what it means to express different sides of yourself creatively, the experiences that have shaped her journey, and what it takes to pursue a path that feels authentic to who you are. We talk creativity, identity, self-expression, growth and the reality behind building a life around the things you love. This is more than a conversation about what she creates. It’s about the person behind the creativity. Subscribe to Shades of Reality for more real conversations exploring people, behaviour, identity, culture and the experiences that shape us.

August 19, 202628 min

From Law To Creativity: A conversation With Jenny De Pretto

From Law to Creativity: Finding Meaning Through Art, Yoga & Connection In this conversation, I speak with Jenny De Pretto, a former lawyer who realised that law wasn’t where she wanted her life to go, and began exploring a different path through creativity, movement and connection. What started as a personal journey of finding comfort and expression through art and yoga gradually became something much deeper. Today, Jenny is a yoga teacher and creative practitioner, using art, movement and physical communication to help people connect, explore and create together. We talk about leaving behind what no longer feels aligned, finding meaning through creativity, the power of physical expression, and how connection can exist beyond words. A conversation about creativity, identity, meaningful connection and having the courage to explore a different way of being. #ShadesOfReality #Creativity #Yoga #MeaningfulConnection #Identity #ArtAndYoga #HumanConnection #PersonalGrowth

July 8, 202634 min

Beyond the Streets: A Conversation with Chris Abeso on Change, Choice & Chances

In this conversation, I sit down with Chris Abeso to explore his journey from lived experience of gang involvement, violence and crime to creating positive change within communities. Chris shares his story, the lessons he has learned, and the work he now does supporting young people, schools, prisons and community organisations, helping to bridge the gap between disadvantage, education and opportunity. This is not just a conversation about the streets. It’s about identity, choices, resilience, responsibility and the possibility of change. A powerful discussion around what happens when people are given the opportunity, support and belief to choose a different path.

December 2, 202544 min

WeAreLoveMondays | Sonja Leeson’s Blueprint for business

Join us on WeAreLoveMondays as we sit down with Sonja Leeson, a best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and founder of Love Mondays. From experiencing homelessness to becoming a global tech magnet and helping six- to seven-figure businesses scale, Sonja's journey is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and purpose. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ How Sanye overcame adversity and turned struggle into opportunity ✨ Her path to becoming a best-selling author (yes, she once knocked Elon Musk off the charts!) ✨ The strategies she uses to help businesses thrive while staying true to values ✨ Lessons on leadership, identity, and creating a life you love Whether you’re an entrepreneur, dreamer, or someone looking for inspiration, Sonja's story will challenge what you think is possible and show you how to embrace your journey fully.

August 30, 202555 min

The Power Of Response | An interview with Maisha Sumah

In this powerful episode I speak with Maisha Sumah, an international multi award winning speaker, mental health expert and youth mentor, Listed 50 most inspiring black woman in the UK and the youngest mental health representative. She is also the founder of "She walks in value" and chair of VAWG Forum. Maisha shares her remarkable journey of survival after a near death domestic violence experience, and how she transformed that trauma into a global mission to advocate for and empower.

July 31, 202553 min

The power of timelessness | In conversation with Tania Sarah and Shardia O’Connor

In this soulful collab, I reconnect with Tania Sarah , transformational coach and founder of Timeless Lady . We dive into the heart of our latest projects, what we’re building, why we’re building it, and the deeper mission behind it all. From Thawadar to Timeless Lady, it’s about more than brands, it’s about reclaiming identity, shifting narratives, and standing in purpose. A grounded, powerful convo for women creating with intention.

July 7, 20251 hr 22 min

Awaecian: A new world of embodied creativity.

In this episode I’m joined by Felicia Lee, an artist, international speaker, teacher, coach and the co-founder of the Awaecian academy, a space dedicated to unlocking potential through emotional intelligence, leadership, and deep self-awareness. Felicia doesn’t just talk about education, she lives and breathes transformation. Her work goes beyond academic success. It’s about identity, resilience, and helping people break through generational patterns to build something meaningful. We talk about: Her journey and the why behind Awaecian Academy What real leadership and emotional intelligence look like in action How young people (and adults) can reclaim their power through purpose Shifting from surviving to thriving—personally and professionally This conversation is a reminder that true education is about more than qualifications, it’s about confidence, clarity, and community. 🔊 Tune in, reflect, and share if it speaks to you. #ShadesOfRealityPodcast | #AwaecianAcademy | #PurposeDrivenEducation | #LeadershipMatters

May 9, 20251 hr 2 min

"Embodying Creativity: A Conversation with Marie Ferguson

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Marie Ferguson — a multifaceted creative, embodiment coach, global platform speaker, photographer, breathwork facilitator, and co-founder of Awaecnian Academy . Marie shares her incredible journey of transformation, from expressing truth through the lens of a camera to guiding others through the healing power of breathwork and embodiment. Her work is deeply rooted in creativity, ancestral wisdom, and the belief that true empowerment begins with reconnection to self. We explore identity, healing, the role of creative expression in personal evolution, and the founding vision behind Awaecnian Academy — a space dedicated to awakening, empowerment, and conscious living. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and witness the strength in vulnerability and the art of becoming.