Gist with Tofu
Gist with Tofu
Favour Jesutofunmi
Hey gist partners, join me as we discuss everything relationships, from love, friendships, to family we talk about all of it with very interesting guests. Tag along and let’s roll
So… What Are We Supposed to Have Figured Out by 26?
So… What Are We Supposed to Have Figured Out by 26?I almost didn’t make this episode.I wasn’t feeling too well this week, so there was no buildup, no snippets, no fancy rollout… nothing. 😂 But I had already decided that I was going to be consistent, so here I am, gisting anyway.In this episode, I’m giving you a little life update and talking about the things currently living rent-free in my head: turning 26, career confusion, trying to figure out what I actually want to do with my life, and the very real question of whether I want to spend more years studying nursing when I’m not even sure nursing is where my heart is.I also talk about moving to Canada, working as a nurse in long-term care, trying to figure out my next career move, and that uncomfortable feeling of wondering, “What have I actually achieved so far?”But somewhere in all that confusion, I had to remind myself that I’ve actually done quite a bit. I built this podcast from the ground up, doing the shooting, editing, production, marketing, PR and hosting myself. And honestly? That’s something worth being proud of.So maybe I’m not behind. Maybe I’m just figuring things out.Come and gist with me. 🤎🎧 Listen to the new episode of Gist with Tofu now.
Aug 28
9 min
Wait… Nigerian Audio Dramas Have Been This Good?
What if the future of Nigerian storytelling is happening in sound, not video? Tofu stumbles onto Asoebi, an audio web series - and gets completely pulled in by a format most listeners are still discovering for the first time.From that surprise find on YouTube, she unpacks why audio dramas feel so immersive, how they let your imagination become the director, and why this medium is making a serious comeback across podcasts, streaming platforms, and digital storytelling. She breaks down what makes Asoebi so effective, from the ensemble voice cast to the emotional precision of the performances, and why good audio acting has to carry everything when there are no visuals to lean on.You’ll discover:- What an audio web series actually is, and why it hits differently from film- How Asoebi uses sound, dialogue, music, and atmosphere to build scenes in your head- Why Nigerian storytelling is expanding beyond movies into short films, web series, audio dramas, micro-content, and video essays- How podcasts helped make audio-first storytelling feel natural again- Why creators can only keep making ambitious shows if audiences actually show up and watch, listen, and shareTofu also connects the rise of audio drama to a bigger conversation about Nigerian creativity, especially the struggle to get people to support experimental work before it disappears. If you’ve ever wondered why innovative local stories keep getting overlooked, or if you’re ready to find your next obsession in an unexpected format, this episode is for you.Perfect for anyone who loves Nigerian pop culture, emerging creators, short-form storytelling, or just wants a reminder that some of the best stories don’t need a screen to hit hard.
Aug 21
14 min
The evolution of short films in Nigeria
Short films are quietly having a comeback, and this episode explains why they might be the smartest storytelling format in Nigeria right now. I aka Tofu, break down why short movies are hitting harder than ever, why Zikoko’s short-film work is getting attention, and why a 10-minute story can stay with you longer than a three-hour blockbuster.He traces the evolution of Nigerian short films from YouTube uploads and festival circuits to more intentional, cinema-standard projects, then zooms in on the films that brought him back into the genre. He gives flowers to Zikoko Life and Uzoamaka Power for turning editorial stories into standalone films, and makes a strong case for why short-form storytelling deserves more respect from viewers and creators alike.You’ll discover:- Why Nigerian short films are becoming more polished, more serious, and more emotionally effective- What makes Zikoko Life stand out as an anthology format- Why Uzoamaka Power’s work feels so human and memorable- How *When Tari Met Voke* sparked a bigger reflection on temporary connections, missed chances, and the beauty of stories that end before they overstay their welcomeAt the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful idea: not every connection needs to last forever to matter. Sometimes a short encounter, a short film, or a short story leaves the deepest impression because it knows exactly when to end.Perfect for anyone who loves Nollywood, Nigerian web films, strong character-driven storytelling, or just wants a fresh reason to start paying attention to short films again. If you have a favorite Nigerian short film, this episode will probably make you want to revisit it and recommend a few more.
Aug 14
13 min
What’s the worst that could happen?
What’s the Worst That Could Happen?After months of silence, Gist with Tofu is finally back. 🎙️And honestly? This comeback didn’t go the way I thought it would.I stepped away from the podcast because I thought it needed a rebrand. I wanted a new direction, a fresh look, and basically… everything to be perfect. But the rebrand never even made it out of my drafts. 😂Somewhere along the way, I realized the podcast wasn’t the problem. My perfectionism, overthinking, and fear of not being good enough were.I also found myself overanalyzing the numbers and wondering if people still connected with the podcast the way they used to. Instead of creating, I questioned everything. And before I knew it, months had passed.So I started asking myself one simple question:What’s the worst that could happen?What if the episode isn’t perfect?
What if everyone doesn’t listen?
What if someone doesn’t like it?What if I just… do it anyway?In this comeback episode, I’m talking about perfectionism, fear, disappearing from something you love, the pressure to get everything right, and why I’ve decided to stop waiting for perfect before I start.Because maybe the worst thing that could happen isn’t that you fail.Maybe it’s that you never try at all.So if you’ve been sitting on that idea, that dream, that content, that business, that podcast, or that thing you’ve been telling yourself you’ll do “someday”…This one’s for you.Start it. Record it. Post it. Do the thing.And when the fear kicks in, ask yourself:What’s the worst that could happen? 🤍Welcome back to Gist with Tofu.
Aug 7
8 min
Late Night Radio: The Nostalgia and shows we grew up with
A heartfelt return to what matters most: connection, storytelling, and the simple magic of shared moments. When life pulls you away, the memory of late night radio in Lagos reminds you why you started. This episode is a nostalgic journey through the stories, songs, and moments that made us feel less alone, and how those experiences sparked a lifelong love for authentic, intimate conversations.We now have a Substack guyssss!!!click the link below to go check it outhttps://substack.com/@gistwithtofu?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
Mar 27
12 min
Body Dysmorphia, Desire & Being Loved
Valentine’s Day can be loud. And if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like your body was the reason love hasn’t found you yet… this episode is for you.We’re talking body dysmorphia, desire, being wanted but not valued, and the quiet fear of being fully seen. Why do compliments feel suspicious? Why do we accept crumbs? And why does February 14th amplify every insecurity?This is a soft, honest, slightly chaotic roundtable conversation about loving yourself in the body you have right now, not the one you’re planning for.If you’ve ever felt “not enough” but still deeply wanted to be loved… press play.
Feb 14
9 min
Little things that are carrying me right now “Happy New Year Gistpartners”
We’re back 😊 and we’re starting the year easy, no pressure, no stress, just real life and good energy.In this episode I’m talking about the little things that have been carrying me lately. Quiet moments, random comfort, music that feels like a hug, ordinary days that are actually doing more for us than we think. Nothing heavy, just a cozy conversation you can listen to while you’re doing your thing.If your year is starting softly or you’re just trying to take life one day at a time, come sit with me for a bit. This one feels like company
Jan 23
11 min
Confusion, Control and the people we give too much power
Sukanmi and Ini dynamic from Phases and using it as a starting point to talk about the times we let people who don’t really want us have too much power in our lives.Why do we stay? Why do we bend? Why is confusion sometimes more familiar than clarity?I also react to some of your messages: the gym guy who’s doing too much, the fiancé who makes decisions alone, the girl whose friends are somehow, and the colleague who’s oversharing to management.It’s a soft, honest, reflective conversation. Enjoy.
Nov 21, 2025
15 min
Feeling stuck in your 20s: Learning to be okay with where you are
Ever felt like everyone else is doing better than you? Or like you’re stuck in the same spot, just trying to figure life out? This episode is for you. 💛In this honest and heartfelt conversation, I talk about comparison, jealousy, feeling stuck, and learning to trust your own timing. From navigating life changes to finding my footing in a new country, I’m sharing real experiences, gentle reminders, and practical advice to help you feel seen and encouraged.We’re getting vulnerable, real, and hopeful—because it’s okay not to have it all together. You’re not behind; you’re just becoming. 🌱
Nov 7, 2025
13 min
Love and Friendship: A Delicate Balance
The conversation explores the dynamics between friendships and romantic relationships, particularly focusing on the boundaries that should exist between friends and partners. It discusses the potential insecurities that arise when friends become too close to a partner and the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries.
Oct 31, 2025
15 min
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