Yemoja Speaks
Yemoja Speaks
Shalonda Swanson
Hey, my name is Shalonda, your host. This podcast is about foster care and our experiences growing up in custody. We want to highlight success stories to give the next generation tips on how they can survive foster care and thrive after. I share my experience and advice for what I did and didn't do while giving the lessons that I learned. I look forward to interviewing foster youth, foster parents, caseworkers, and biological families to understand the full story so we all can understand how to work together to create a better system.
Emotionally Control
This is a preview of emotional control. If you like this preview let me know and I’ll release the full episode sooner.
Aug 1, 2025
4 min
I’m back!
Just sharing that I have not abandoned my baby. I had to take a step back but I will be back.
Jul 29, 2025
27 min
Relationship with self
I have a hard time developing a relationship with myself becauee I care deeply about the relationships with others. I prioritize the emotions and actions of others as I hide my emotional struggles. However, developing a relationship with myself has become the most important thing to me. Let’s talk about the setback we have by prioritizing others over ourselves. If you like this podcast topic let me know. Leave a comment and share what you are doing to deepen the relationship with yourself.
Oct 10, 2024
32 min
Temptations
People make jokes about us reverting back to an old version of ourselves through habits or behaviors because they are uncomfortable with our change. They want us to stay at the level that they are comfortable with because they haven’t started their journey to change so our new energy disruption their spirit. Let’s discuss it!
Jul 18, 2024
20 min
FASTING AND CLEANSING THE MIND
When we fast the body, soul, and the mind we understand how we are responsible for our own happiness. Our negative experiences doesn’t define our joy but it helps to shape our identity. Let’s talk about it!
Jul 11, 2024
22 min
Youth Summitp
Foster youth have resources that need to be discussed and Ohio Action and YAB is hosting its annual youth summit to discuss the resources. If you would like to attend please visit the website at
Jun 6, 2024
19 min
You are worth it
Many times what holds us back is the belief that we aren’t worth it. We have been told that we aren’t good enough so we believe it and treat ourselves according to the thoughts of others. Don’t hold yourself back. You are worth it and you deserve it!
May 28, 2024
21 min
Prospectives of youth in foster care
You have rights and amazing perspectives to give. Listen to other foster youth and alum give their perspective and experience in foster care.
Apr 25, 2024
15 min
Protect foster youth
Unfortunately Darnell T. life was taken by his temporary foster mother February 2024. We are discussing his case.
Mar 29, 2024
35 min
CONQUERING FEAR
We want to be successful but sometimes the fear holds us back. We fear success, opinions, or failure but that doesn’t mean we cannot accomplish our goals. We can do it through the fear. Let’s talk about it. Follow me on Instagram @yemojaspeaks #facing fears, #understandingmyself, #authenticself
Mar 12, 2024
21 min
Load more