Shades Of Reality

Hosted by Shardia O'Connor

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Award winning columnist and mental health advocate Shardia O’Connor is the founder of Shades Of Reality, a feel good talk show that aims to educate and encourage the listeners and viewers through the power of storytelling.

Listen to episodes

29 recent

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 thecharts!)✨ The strategies she uses to help businesses thrive while staying true to values✨ Lessons on leadership, identity, and creating a life you loveWhether 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 AcademyWhat real leadership and emotional intelligence look like in actionHow young people (and adults) can reclaim their power through purposeShifting from surviving to thriving—personally and professionallyThis 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.

April 17, 20251 hr 8 min

"Exploring Color and Creativity: An Interview with Hue the Artist, Visionary Photographer"

In this episode, we sit down with Hue the Artist, an Australian mixed-media artist renowned for her emotive photography and vibrant artworks. Through her unique fusion of photography, paint, and texture, Hue crafts pieces that delve into themes of self-discovery and personal journeys.Join us as we discuss her creative process, the inspiration behind her 'Unravel' collection, and how she uses art to connect with and inspire others. Whether you're an art enthusiast or someone seeking a deeper understanding of the emotional power of visual storytelling, this conversation offers valuable insights.Listen now to discover how Hue the Artist transforms emotions into visual masterpieces.

January 16, 202541 min

Eckley Global Community School (E.G.C.S): An interview with Richard Eckley

Richard Eckley is the founder of Eckley Global Community School, he is also a No.1 best selling author, life coach, podcaster and teacher. He joins me to speak about his phenomenal journey from hardship to success and how perseverance, self believe and consistency play a huge role in creating a happier life. As the saying goes “Change your mindset and it will change your life”.

December 10, 202435 min

Raised: An interview with Scott Kirby

Scott Kirby is the co - founder of raised, an organisation with a mission to level up the investment playing field for start ups, small business owners and entrepreneurs.

November 8, 20241 hr 26 min

Dr. Claire Handby FCIOB MAPM

Meet Dr. Claire Handby❤️🎙️Dr. Claire Handby is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in business growth, infrastructure and transformation. Originally from Oldham, Greater Manchester Dr. Claire has built a career defined by integrity, authenticity and a passion for lifelong learning. As an executive director, business growth coach, non-executive director (NED) and trustee, Dr. Claire brings deep sector expertise from her work with three of the Big 4 accounting firms.In addition to mentoring individuals and driving transformational change within organizations, Dr. Claire has dedicated herself to promoting diversity, inclusion and social mobility. She’s been recognized with numerous awards, including the Deloitte Impact & Purpose Award and nominations for EY’s Northern Power Women awards. 🌟Stay tuned – this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss!

October 4, 20242 hr 6 min

Paradigm shifts: SOR and Tania Sarah

Tania Sarah is a transformational coach, speaker and catalyst from LA. Tanias background is in the music industry where she was a music director for over 20 years before transferring her skills into her coaching career.With her wealth of knowledge and experience working with individuals from all walks of life she joins me for a powerful and insightful conversation about the challenges and solutions surrounding mental health and our wellbeing.