Shows
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhy Resource-Rich Countries Stay Poor | Governance, Power & Public Contracts in Sierra LeoneSierra Leone is rich in natural resources — yet poverty remains part of the narrative. Why?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard is joined by Andrew Lavali, a governance and public policy expert, for a deep conversation about how poverty is produced and maintained — not just through corruption, but through power, control, and public contracts.This episode examines the hidden layer of governance: who controls revenue, how large public contracts are structured, and why governments often derive little benefit from major infrastructure and resource projects.The conversation explores:Why governance reforms often look good on paper but fail in p...
2026-02-1759 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat Kind of Sierra Leone Do We Want?In conversation with Zainab Bangura, one time presidential aspirant in Sierra Leone and now Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, we explore values, civic responsibility, and the shared role of leaders, institutions, and citizens in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.Grounded in love for country, the discussion reflects on where we are as a nation, what has gone wrong beyond politics alone, and why reclaiming values such as truth, integrity, accountability, unity, and courage is essential for national renewal.The episode also centres women’s dignity and considers how mindset, silence, and everyday choi...
2026-02-011h 25
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardPart 3 - January 18: What Does Remembrance Ask of Us Now?In Part Three of this special Honestly Speaking series for National Remembrance Day, the focus turns to prevention — and responsibility.Often repeated, “never again” can sound like a slogan. In this episode, it is treated as a question: what must be done to ensure Sierra Leone never returns to the kind of brutal conflict that defined the civil war?Through reflections from survivors, historians, media practitioners, civic voices, and ordinary Sierra Leoneans, the episode examines unresolved grievances, the risks of forgetting, and the role of leadership, media, and civic education in sustaining peace.The co...
2026-01-2213 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardPart 2 - January 18: What Does Remembrance Ask of Us Now?This is Part Two of our special National Remembrance Day series.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard picks up a difficult but necessary question:How did a country like Sierra Leone descend into war just thirty years after independence?Building on conversations from Part One at the Peace Museum and the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, Part Two brings together voices who lived through the war, documented it as it unfolded, and tried to make sense of it in real time.Featuring reflections from:Hannah Fullah
2026-01-2216 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardJanuary 18: What Does Remembrance Ask of Us?January 18 is National Remembrance Day in Sierra Leone.But what does remembrance really ask of us?In Part 1 of this special Honestly Speaking series, journalist and creative storyteller Antonia Howard begins a journey into memory, accountability, and unfinished questions from Sierra Leone’s civil war.This episode starts at the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Peace Museum — places where truth was documented, responsibility examined, and history preserved. Through conversations with Joseph Kaifala and Marie Bob Kandeh, we explore why remembrance was one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s key recommendations, and why memory matters beyond ceremo...
2026-01-1917 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWho Are We Without Our Stories?Across Africa, storytelling was how knowledge moved. It shaped values, preserved history, and held communities together.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Usifu Jalloh, widely known as The Cowfoot Prince — a storyteller, cultural practitioner, and educator who has dedicated his life to preserving Sierra Leone’s oral traditions and reintroducing them to new generations, both at home and abroad.Through festivals, performance, and education, Usifu reflects on the responsibility of storytelling, the challenges of preserving culture in a rapidly changing world, and what happens when a nation forgets its stories — and wh...
2026-01-111h 07
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardHow Do You Build a Global Brand Without Diluting Culture?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Foday Dumbuya, founder and creative director of LABRUM London, for a thoughtful conversation about fashion as cultural storytelling, identity and power.Through LABRUM’s work, from references to African history and diasporic memory, to global collaborations with institutions like Adidas and Arsenal FC — the conversation explores what it means to build a globally respected brand without diluting meaning for acceptance or profit.This episode speaks to creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners across Africa, the diaspora, and beyond — especially those interested in how African stories are to...
2026-01-0442 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCarrying Culture Forward: What Does It Take to Rewrite Tradition?Culture is often treated as something fixed. But culture is also lived — and sometimes changed by those bold enough to step into it differently.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard speaks with Lala Bayani Sidibe — kora performer, girls’ advocate, and Miss Sierra Leone finalist — about identity, heritage, and women occupying spaces once closed to them.From performing the kora to leading The Empowered Girls Advocacy and navigating national visibility through pageantry, Lala reflects on what it means to carry culture forward without being limited by it.
2025-12-2938 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardHow Do We Protect the Rights of Women & Girls While Honouring Culture?Culture is often defended as “the way things have always been done.” But what happens when tradition causes harm?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with feminist activist Josephine Kamara to confront the reality of Female Genital Cutting/Circumcision/Mutilation in Sierra Leone.No shouting. No finger-pointing.Just a conversation many avoid.
2025-12-211h 01
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCan Sierra Leone Build a Culture of Quality in Music Entertainment?For over a decade, Joseph “Nashito Kulala” Koroma has been a quiet force behind some of Sierra Leone’s most defining sounds. In an industry shaped by limited resources, inconsistent standards, and a culture of “that’s good enough,” Nashito has built a reputation for insisting on excellence — often at personal cost, but always in service of the craft.This episode of Honestly Speaking looks beyond talent and passion to examine the real drivers of quality: mindset, systems, training, and infrastructure. Through Nashito’s journey as a sound engineer, producer, and creative mentor, we unpack why quality is so difficult to sus...
2025-12-1255 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat is the Role of Theatre and Arts in a Nation's Story?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with legendary playwright, cultural curator, and founder of the Freetong Players, Charlie Haffner, for a deep, unfiltered conversation on art, power, and national identity.We explore:– How artists function as watchdogs, just like journalists– Why creative expression is a form of civic accountability– The role of theatre in documenting culture, challenging authority, and inspiring collective memory– How artistic communities can act as a pressure group to propel governments to do better– The future of theatre in Sierra Leone: training, infrastructure, and policy– Refle...
2025-12-081h 24Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardHonestly Speaking Live — Truth, Progress & the Power of ConversationThirty conversations later, Honestly Speaking stepped out of the studio and into a live room full of truth-tellers, dreamers, and changemakers. 🎉Hosted by Antonia Howard, this milestone 30th-episode celebration brought together some of Sierra Leone’s most compelling voices for an evening of laughter, reflection, and honest dialogue.The live panel — featuring Naasu Fofanah and Ibrahim “Beloz” Bangura — explored what honesty really looks like in a country still striving for progress. From the tension between truth and patriotism to the role of creativity and leadership in building a better Sierra Leone, this episode asks the questions man...
2025-11-171h 01
Thinking About Ob/GynEpisode 10.10 Habits That Help Doctors ThriveAntonia and special guest Kristi Angevine explore how physicians can rethink habits beyond routines to include default thoughts, feelings, and reactions, and how that shift relieves burnout and restores purpose. Practical micro-habits, internal validation, and redefining productivity help us lead better and live better.• habits as automatic thoughts, feelings, reactions• perfectionism, people pleasing, catastrophizing as learned solutions• survival seasons and low‑friction wins• two micro‑habits: emotional check‑ins and box breathing• escaping all‑or‑nothing with iterative learning• redefining productivity around alignment, not to‑do lists• internal validation and making yourself make sense•...
2025-11-131h 00
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardHow Do We Build a Better Sierra Leone Without Burning Out?Everyone wants change, but what happens when the people trying to fix Sierra Leone are running on empty?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Ibrahim Yusuf (Beloz) Bangura to unpack the emotional weight of being a young Sierra Leonean today. They explore the tension between ambition and exhaustion, purpose and pressure, and what it means to care deeply about a country that can be so hard to live in.From burnout and mental health to the burden of national responsibility, this conversation asks how Sierra Leone’s millennials can keep sh...
2025-11-1053 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardBeauty, Risk & Reality: What Should We Know About Cosmetic Procedures?From “glow injections” and IV drips to lip fillers and body sculpting, Sierra Leone’s beauty industry is evolving fast — but not always safely. As more people turn to quick fixes and unverified beauty treatments, the risks are becoming impossible to ignore.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Dr. Ese Thomas-Macauley, Founder and CEO of Footprints Sierra Leone to discuss the truth behind the booming cosmetic industry. They explore the rise of unlicensed clinics, the growing popularity of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures, and the health dangers without proper care or regulation. Dr. E...
2025-11-0359 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat Is Fueling Youth Addiction & How Do We Stop It?Drug dependency among young people in Sierra Leone is alarming and “Kush” has become a dangerous escape for those caught between pressure and hopelessness. But beneath the crisis is a deeper story about mental health, limited opportunity, and a generation trying to survive.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Consultant Psychiatrist and Director of Mental Health and Noncommunicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, to unpack Sierra Leone’s addiction crisis.What is fueling youth addiction and what will it take to stop it?Together, they u...
2025-10-2751 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCan Journalism Rebuild Trust and Hold Power Accountable in Sierra Leone?In Sierra Leone, the role of the journalist has never been more complex or more necessary. The fight for truth is happening in an environment where access to information is limited, resources are shrinking, and public trust in the media is fading.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, journalist and host Antonia Howard sits down with her longtime colleague Lamrana Bah, one of Sierra Leone’s most respected investigative reporters, to reflect on the state of journalism today. Together, they explore the pressures of reporting truth in a polarized society, the economics of media survival, and what ha...
2025-10-2047 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 10.8 Speed in Surgery (+Circs & Autism)In this episode, Howard and Maddie White challenge shaky claims linking autism to circumcision and Tylenol, then zero in on speed as the byproduct of essential, evidence-based surgery. We show how essentialism, confidence, and efficiency reduce complications, lower costs, and improve outcomes in the OR.• correlation vs causation in autism narratives and bias in research• why operative time predicts complications across procedures• surgeon volume, variability, and outcome differences• evidence-based cesarean steps that cut time and bleeding• tool and method choices that are safer and faster• confidence as self-efficacy, not arrogance• practical efficiency: se...
2025-10-1655 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCan Sierra Leone Redefine Leadership for the Next Generation?Leadership in Sierra Leone is often discussed through titles, politics, and power, but what if true leadership has less to do with authority and more to do with values, competence, and followership?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce, leadership expert and founder of the Africa Leadership Group, to explore what it means to lead with integrity and purpose in today’s Sierra Leone. Together, they unpack the crisis of followership, the culture of dependency, and how young people can develop the mindset and discipline required to lead effectively....
2025-10-131h 39
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardHow Do We Rebrand Farming for the Next Generation?For years, farming in Sierra Leone has been seen as a last resort — something for survival, not success. But what if agriculture could be reimagined as innovation, opportunity, and national pride?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Lachaeveh Alberta Caizarine Davies, Miss Sierra Leone 2025 and Miss World Top 8 finalist, to discuss how her Dynamo Project (“Feeding Dreams, Rebranding Farming”) is challenging outdated views of agriculture. From tackling hunger and youth unemployment to redefining sustainability, Lachaeveh shares her vision for a future where farming is not only smart and modern but also a key dr...
2025-10-0644 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhy Does Sexuality Education Matter for Sierra Leone’s Future?In Sierra Leone, conversations about sex and sexuality remain taboo. In our homes, schools, communities, and even in policy, sexual and reproductive health is rarely named or discussed openly. But this silence comes at a heavy cost: high rates of teenage pregnancy, preventable infections, unsafe terminations, and futures cut short before they begin.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Leanne Mahota Rizk, Country Director at the Mama-Pikin Foundation, to explore why sexual health must be at the center of Sierra Leone’s development. Together, they unpack the stigma, myths, and cultural barriers th...
2025-09-2950 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCan Sierra Leone Build a Future Without Protecting Its Environment? (Part 2)In Part 1, we celebrated Sierra Leone’s UNESCO recognition of Tiwai Island and the Gola Rainforest with environmentalist Tommy Garnett.In Part 2, host Antonia Howard speaks with Bala Amarasekaran, founder of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, about what it truly takes to build a culture of conservation. From rethinking mindsets to linking eco-tourism, education, and national pride, Bala shares why protecting nature is not a side issue but central to Sierra Leone’s future, even as Tacugama itself faces challenges that show just how fragile conservation gains remain.
2025-09-2238 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 10.6 Natural Birth ClaimsDr. Howard Herrell explores common questions about birth alternatives posed by Anna, a mom-to-be with questions, examining scientific evidence behind claims often found online that challenge evidence-based obstetric practices. The discussion separates facts from philosophy by analyzing actual research data on interventions like epidurals, oxytocin, and birthing positions.• Maternal mortality has decreased 173-fold since 1850, coinciding with the rise of modern obstetrics• The "cascade of interventions" theory isn't supported by scientific evidence• Studies show epidurals don't increase cesarean delivery rates, contrary to popular belief• Oxytocin augmentation, when properly used, can decrease cesarean rates rather than increase...
2025-09-1758 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCan Sierra Leone Build a Future Without Protecting Its Environment?Sierra Leone just celebrated its first World Heritage recognition with Tiwai Island and the Gola Rainforest — a milestone decades in the making. But beyond the pride lies a deeper question: can we truly build a future if environmental protection remains on the margins of our development agenda?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard speaks with environmentalist Tommy Garnett about what the UNESCO recognition means, the everyday costs of neglecting nature, and why protecting the environment is not just about forests and wildlife, but about Sierra Leone’s survival, justice, and progress.
2025-09-1556 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat Can Sierra Leone's Past Teach Us Today?Sierra Leone’s past is full of lessons ,but are we paying attention to the ones that matter for our future?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with veteran educator Mrs. Cassandra Garber, whose decades of teaching and leadership give her a unique perspective on how far the country has come, what has been lost along the way, and what values we need to carry forward.The conversation reflects on how education shaped generations, the cultural values that once held communities together, and the shifts — both good and bad — that mark today’...
2025-09-0848 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 10.5 The Dense Breast DilemmaHoward and Antonia explore the safety of medications during pregnancy and the controversial reporting requirements for breast density on mammograms, examining how science is being overshadowed by fear-mongering in healthcare decision-making.• Examining the evidence behind avoiding fluconazole (Diflucan) in first trimester, finding that short courses likely pose minimal risk• Discussing the important distinction between possibility and probability when evaluating medication safety in pregnancy• Analyzing the wide variation in cesarean delivery rates across US counties, from 5.4% to over 53% for low-risk patients• Critiquing politically-motivated FDA actions on SSRIs, food dyes, and other health policies not supported by scien...
2025-09-0457 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardDid Sierra Leone Forgive & Forget?We often say we have forgiven and forgotten the past, but have we really? In Sierra Leone, forgetting doesn’t erase trauma; it lingers, shaping our identity and our future in ways we rarely admit.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with writer, historian, and human rights lawyer and advocate Joseph Ben Kaifala to explore the dangers of forgetting. From colonial legacies to the civil war and its aftermath, we ask: what happens when a nation chooses silence over memory? And what are the consequences of building a future on stories half-told, or no...
2025-09-0151 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardAre Sierra Leoneans Truly Engaged Citizens?Democracy is not just about elections, it is also about citizens' participation. But how engaged are Sierra Leoneans in shaping the future of the country?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with Valnora Edwin, a leading civil society leader and governance advocate, to unpack the state of citizenship in Sierra Leone. From political literacy and participation to fear, apathy, and systemic barriers, we explore why many citizens remain on the sidelines and what it would take to build a culture of accountability and everyday engagement.We discuss:What active...
2025-08-2549 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardAre Sierra Leone’s Youth Ready to Lead?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with youth advocate Mariama Sahid to explore the state of youth engagement, leadership, and service in Sierra Leone. From political spaces to grassroots movements, we unpack the opportunities and barriers facing young people who want to lead.We’ll discuss how mentorship, intergenerational cooperation, and skills development can prepare young leaders for real impact, and what needs to change for the next generation to step confidently into positions of power.#ARFICANYOUTH #YOUTHLEADERSHIP #SIERRALEONE #HONESTLYSPEAKINGSL
2025-08-1845 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardSpeaking Truth to Power: What is the Price of Truth in Sierra Leone?Speaking truth to power sounds noble, but in Sierra Leone, it can come with a heavy price.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with journalist Umaru Fofana to unpack what it really means to challenge authority in a country where truth can be dangerous — and sometimes, even for sale.From political backlash and personal risk to the quiet pressures of survival in a fragile media landscape, we explore how power responds when questioned, and why truth itself can become a commodity.What does it cost to stand against corruption, in...
2025-08-111h 08Thinking About Ob/GynEpisode 10.3 Post-Cesarean Antibiotics, Hysteroscopy, and More!Recent evidence challenges the practice of prescribing oral antibiotics after Cesarean delivery in obese patients, finding no significant reduction in infection rates compared to standard preoperative antibiotics alone. Howard and Antonia analyze studies showing why this once-promising intervention may not be necessary.• ACOG updates delayed cord clamping guidance to minimum 60 seconds for preterm infants• Baby born at 21 weeks and zero days celebrates first birthday, highlighting advances in neonatal care• Systematic reviews show no difference between chlorhexidine and iodine for vaginal prep before hysterectomy• Conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders shows improved outcomes over immediat...
2025-08-071h 11
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWho Are We Leaving Behind in Sierra Leone’s Classrooms?Sierra Leone’s classrooms are full, but not always inclusive.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with a specialist teacher trainer working to support children with special needs to unpack the hidden crisis of exclusion in our education system. From undiagnosed learning disabilities to outdated teaching methods, we explore how many children are being labelled as “dull,” “difficult,” or “disruptive” when in reality, they simply learn differently.What does inclusion really mean in practice?Are teachers equipped to identify and support children with learning challenges?And what kind of system are we...
2025-08-0431 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat Role Does Mental Health Play in Sierra Leone's Journey?Sierra Leone has survived war, disease, economic instability, and natural disaster, but what has it done to our minds?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard sits down with mental health advocate Dr. Carol Labor to explore how unspoken trauma, cultural stigma, and the absence of support systems continue to affect the nation’s emotional health.We unpack the long-term psychological effects of the civil war, even on those born after it, and examine how traditional and religious beliefs shape the way mental illness is understood and treated. From schools and homes to national po...
2025-07-2853 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardIs Beauty Empowering or Exploitative in Sierra Leone?We talk about beauty all the time in Sierra Leone, but rarely do we stop to ask what beauty actually represents.In this episode, Antonia is joined by Hawa Turay - pageant coach, entrepreneur and Sierra Leone's first representative to Miss Universe, to reflect on how beauty pageants shape society’s expectations of women. They discuss the perception of beauty as power, but also the drawbacks that may come with being in the spotlight.Hawa also speaks candidly about her own journey and challenges us to think differently about what beauty means.#HonestlySpeakingSL #Be...
2025-07-2130 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardIs Patriarchy Our Biggest Barrier to Progress?We talk about bad roads, corruption, poor education systems, but how often do we name patriarchy as a root cause of Sierra Leone’s slow progress?In this powerful episode, lawyer and activist Nicky Spencer-Coker challenges us to rethink development through a gender lens. She argues that until we address gender-based oppression - at home, in schools, in parliament, in the court, we’ll continue building a nation that leaves half its population behind.#HonestlySpeakingSL #GenderJustice #PatriarchyAndProgress #SierraLeone #WomenInLeadership
2025-07-1451 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 10.1 VBAC Updates, Estrogen Packs, Co-Sleeping, and More!Howard and Antonia dive into their tenth season with a critical look at several new studies. Topics include:• Estrogen-soaked vaginal packing after surgery lacks evidence for benefits while carrying unnecessary costs• Recent studies on vaginal birth after cesarean deserve careful interpretation beyond aggregate outcomes• Hospital uterine rupture rate is 0.2-0.4%, with only 8% resulting in catastrophic outcomes when properly managed• Warnings against infant co-sleeping date back to ancient times, predating modern pediatric recommendations• Vaginal hysterectomy continues to decline despite shorter OR times, lower costs, and similar complication rates• Swedish study shows only 25% of ideal candid...
2025-07-101h 07
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhy Honestly Speaking?In this special solo episode, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect. No guest, just me, Antonia, sharing the heart behind the podcast and what I hope it does for you, for us, for Sierra Leone.This episode is about the why: The thoughts that sparked it. The love that fuels it. The honest conversations we desperately need but rarely have.If this podcast has ever made you pause, laugh, nod, think, see something differently or feel slightly uncomfortable, that’s the point. And we’ve only just begun.Let’s keep tal...
2025-07-0723 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardIs Feminism Misunderstood in Sierra Leone?Feminism is a word that sparks debate — sometimes curiosity, sometimes backlash.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia Howard and Dr. Aisha Fofana Ibrahim explore the meaning, the misconceptions, and the lived realities of feminism in Sierra Leone. From cultural resistance to structural inequality, the conversation unpacks why some view feminism as threatening, how power and patriarchy shape daily life, and what it truly means to advocate for gender equity in a society still redefining its norms. This episode is a reflection on identity, inclusion, and the systems that still determine who gets he...
2025-06-3046 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.13 The Surgical Maze: Trocars, Cuff Closure, Visceral Slide, and MoreSurgical techniques in gynecology vary widely between surgeons, creating both excitement and frustration for residents trying to learn the "right way" to perform procedures. Howard and guest host Maddie White discuss this and more:• Trocar placement during laparoscopy requires careful consideration of patient factors and potential adhesions• Elevating the abdomen during trocar placement remains standard practice, though definitive evidence on its necessity would require studies of over 100,000 patients• Surgeons should understand power analysis to recognize when studies are underpowered to detect meaningful differences in rare complications• Visceral slide technique using ultrasound can identify adhesions and dete...
2025-06-251h 05
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardHow Do Cultural Events Contribute to Nation-Building?From festivals to fashion shows, cultural events in Sierra Leone are doing more than just entertaining — they’re building identity, community, and pride.In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia sits down with educator and vibe curator Yeniva Sisay to explore how intentionally curated events help shape national consciousness, challenge social norms, and raise the standard for what progress can look like.They discuss the power of storytelling, safe spaces, and shared experience in a country still redefining itself — and why events like Ma Dengn are far more than just moments of celebration.🎧 Listen no...
2025-06-2325 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardCustomer Service: A Reflection of Culture and StandardsWhy is poor service so widely accepted in Sierra Leone?Is it a lack of training — or a deeper cultural mindset about what people deserve?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia and guest, Edleen Elba, explore how customer service reveals more than just business practices — it reflects what we’ve come to tolerate as a society. From apologies to the absence of accountability, we break down how low expectations and cultural complacency have allowed bad service to thrive.If we want better, we have to expect better — and demand a shift in both mindset...
2025-06-1629 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9:12 Serial Cervical Lengths, MAHA, and More!Howard Herrell and Antonia Roberts explore evidence-based practices in obstetrics and gynecology, examining both established protocols and emerging research with critical perspectives on medical misinformation.• Serial cervical length monitoring after LEEP procedures lacks evidence for improving outcomes despite being common practice• SMFM's 2016 recommendation explicitly advises against routine cervical length screening for patients with history of cervical procedures• Retrospective studies on induction timing require careful interpretation due to inherent biases in methodology• Understanding the difference between intent-to-treat and per-protocol analysis is crucial when evaluating medical research• Pseudoscience and alternative medicine have gained mainstream acceptance over decad...
2025-06-121h 04
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardEnvironmental Crisis: Are We Ignoring the Writing on the Wall?Floods. Landslides. Rising tides. The signs are no longer subtle — Sierra Leone is in the middle of an escalating environmental crisis. In this episode of Honestly Speaking, Antonia sits down with environmental scientist and advocate Dr. Alhaji Njai to explore the urgent consequences of environmental neglect. From disappearing mangroves to unchecked construction and poor waste management, they ask: why aren’t we acting — and what will it take to change course?This conversation is a wake-up call about responsibility, policy, and the power of prevention before the damage becomes irreversible.#Honest...
2025-06-0936 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardThe Digital Dilemma: Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Sierra Leone?From trending clips to viral outrage, Sierra Leone’s digital space is louder than ever — but is it actually moving us forward?In this episode, Antonia Howard is joined by media personality and digital strategist Vickie Remoe to explore how social media is shaping our society. They discuss online conflict culture, influencer responsibility, digital integrity, and the blurred line between relevance and reputation.It’s a real conversation about how we use our platforms — and what it costs when we don’t use them well.#HonestlySpeakingSL #TheDigitalDilemma #VickieRemoe #SocialMediaSL #DigitalResponsibility #MindsetShi
2025-06-0236 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.11 Cervical Cancer with Stuart WinklerCervical cancer represents a success story in developed countries due to screening and vaccination, yet remains a significant global health problem with over 340,000 deaths annually worldwide. We explore the current state of cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment while discussing exciting advances that could eventually eliminate this disease.• Different levels of prevention for cervical cancer: primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary• HPV vaccination as the most effective primary prevention method, with Australia on track to make cervical cancer rare by 2035• Evolution from Pap smears to primary HPV testing, with potential future urine-based screening options• Less rad...
2025-05-281h 05
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardYouth on the Rise: Can We Really Make It Here?In a country where systems often fail and opportunities feel limited, what does it really take to succeed? In this episode, media entrepreneur Phebean Swill and host Antonia Howard unpack the balance between personal responsibility and systemic barriers.They discuss youth mindset, entrepreneurship, the over-reliance on government for jobs, and why young Sierra Leoneans need to stop waiting — and start building.This episode challenges us to rethink where we place our energy, and who we expect to create our future.📺 Watch the Word on the Street segment here: https://youtu.be/qvJDTUmeOH0
2025-05-2637 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat Does It Take To Make Music A Sustainable Career in Sierra Leone?In this episode of Honestly Speaking, award-winning artist Drizilik joins Antonia Howard for an honest conversation about what it really takes to turn music into a sustainable career in Sierra Leone.They explore the business side of creativity — from record deals, branding, and financial discipline, to the mindset and strategy needed to survive in an industry with limited infrastructure. Drizilik shares his personal journey, the lessons he’s learned, and why fame without focus won’t take you far.Whether you're a creative, a music lover, or just curious about how talent translates into livelihood, this e...
2025-05-1939 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.10 Pit Breaks, Cannabis, and IUDs for Endometrial ProtectionHoward and Antonia explore the evidence behind pit breaks in labor, cannabis use in pregnancy, and IUD options for hormone replacement therapy.• Pit breaks in labor lack substantial evidence of benefit when used in active labor• Current research suggests stopping oxytocin during active labor may slightly increase cesarean rates rather than decrease them• Long pit breaks (up to 8 hours) in latent labor may be beneficial by allowing rest and promoting patience• Recent systematic review shows prenatal cannabis use increases risk of low birth weight by 75%, preterm birth by 50%, and perinatal mortality by 29%• Cannabis use during...
2025-05-151h 06
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardIs Sierra Leone's Education System Preparing Us for the Future? (Part 2)In Part 2 of our education deep dive, we move beyond policy talk and dive into what really happens in classrooms, workshops, and training spaces across Sierra Leone.Why do we still treat vocational skills like a fallback plan?What does it say about our values when creativity and craft are seen as “second options”?This episode explores how deeply rooted mindsets continue to undermine skills-based learning — and why true development depends on reimagining what success looks like.🔗 Watch the companion Word on the Street segment here: https://youtu.be/cRK5fJurf...
2025-05-1236 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardIs Sierra Leone's Education System Preparing Us for the Future?In this episode, Antonia and Dr. Yakama Manty Jones explore whether Sierra Leone’s education system is equipped to meet the demands of the future. The conversation dives into outdated curricula, the need for skills-based training, and how the system prepares young people for work in an increasingly digital and globalised world. Check out the #wordonthestreet segment here: https://youtu.be/cRK5fJurfI0
2025-05-0538 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.9 Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology EssentialsJoin Howard and Janeen Arbuckle for this discussion of pediatric and adolescent gynecology essentials. Pediatric and adolescent gynecology is a newer discipline bringing specialized care to young women with unique gynecologic needs, with a focus on counseling, education, and age-appropriate interventions. • Abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents is rarely caused by structural problems (unlike in adults) and typically relates to immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis• Hematologic workup should be considered for adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding as this may be the first time their clotting system is challenged• Hormonal therapies are safe to use once menarche has oc...
2025-05-0157 min
Honestly Speaking with Antonia HowardWhat is the Sierra Leonean Mindset?Exploring the cultural and psychological traits that shape Sierra Leone’s national identity—for good or bad. Antonia Howard and Dama James dive into the often unspoken ways attitudes influence national growth, with critical reflection on how mindsets shape the nation’s future.Check out the #WordOnTheStreet Segment on YouTube: Word on the Street - What is the Sierra Leonean Mindset?
2025-04-2837 minThinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.8 Rethinking Bacterial Vaginosis and More!In this episode, Antonia and Howard explore the groundbreaking study on treating male partners for bacterial vaginosis, revealing significantly reduced recurrence rates and challenging our traditional understanding of BV pathophysiology.Plus: • Evidence doesn't support treating mild gestational hypertension with antihypertensives• Studies confirm acetaminophen in pregnancy doesn't cause ADHD or autism• New research questions the benefit of routine postpartum thromboprophylaxis• The history of heparin and coumadin00:00:34 Treating Mild Hypertension in Pregnancy00:06:14 Distinguishing Chronic vs. Gestational Hypertension00:15:46 Male Partner Treatment for Recurring BV00:27:0...
2025-04-171h 05Thinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.7 OB Triage Essentials (plus The Pitt)This episode features our favorite podcast ninja, Dr. Maddie White. She and Howard discuss how medical dramatizations misrepresent obstetric emergencies (yes, we are watching The Pitt). Then, we dissect evidence-based approaches to common triage scenarios including labor evaluation, rupture of membranes, and preterm labor assessment.• Television shows like "The Pitt" and "ER" portray shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage inaccurately, lacking proper urgency and technique• Hospital-based labor triage often costs approximately 10 times more than office-based evaluation, often without clinical benefit• Understanding pretest probability fundamentally changes how test results should be interpreted for suspected rupture of membranes•...
2025-04-031h 01Thinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.6 New Birth Control Products and Other UpdatesAntonia Roberts and Howard Herrell review several new articles: • Epifoam for postpartum pain lacks evidence of effectiveness compared to simple ice packs while costing nearly $100 per unit• AMH levels above 5.39 are associated with PCOS diagnosis, providing a specific threshold for clinical use• External aortic compression demonstrated as a life-saving technique during severe obstetric hemorrhage• Vaginal estrogen in breast cancer survivors shows no increased risk of cancer recurrence or mortality• Delayed cord clamping in preterm twins reduces mortality by 30% and significantly decreases transfusion needsThen they discuss new birth control options while questioning...
2025-03-191h 05Thinking About Ob/GynEpisode 9.5 Operative Vaginal DeliveriesWe discuss the pressing issues surrounding operative vaginal deliveries, including trends in their usage and the disparities impacting delivery outcomes. Join us as we navigate these critical insights with expert guests Jamie Perry and Howard Herrell, revealing the complexities and nuances surrounding forceps and vacuum deliveries.• Examining the historical context of operative vaginal deliveries • Analyzing the decline in forceps and vacuum usage since the 1990s • Discussing the rise of cesarean deliveries as an alternative • Revealing racial disparities adjacent to delivery practices • Outlining effective techniques for both forceps and vacuum-assisted deliveries Learn more about...
2025-03-0500 min