This Kelowna woman is digging deep to understand motherhood

• Created through a grant
• Experiencing motherhood as a black woman
• Understanding motherhood from all aspects

A new Kelowna-based podcast focuses on speaking the truth about motherhood and how to navigate being a parent.

Hosted by Lady Dia, MoM:ents features moms from the across Okanagan and all walks of life, including but not limited to Indigenous, Black, women of colour and spiritualists, all navigating their own experiences as a parent balancing kids, work and creativity.

Originally from Zambia, Dia told Kelowna10 about her personal experience with racialized motherhood, and said it’s been hard for her. She said therefore it is important to create spaces for black people to gather with their children and families.

“It’s very isolating here,” she said. “That Is my main goal right now even with MoM:ents is creating community for me, and also my child, to not necessarily have to feel they’re alone and to be together, but to grow and nurture themselves in a holistic way.”

Often referenced in her show is the concept of ‘radical motherhood,’ which she describes as not letting anyone tell you how to live your life.

“It’s an ability and boldness to dream and that boldness to live to say, ‘I don’t care what reality and expectations in the world thinks, I’m going to live this way and I’m not going to sacrifice myself,” Dia said. “In you living your life, the way you’re supposed to, in the way it’s supposed to fill your heart, your children also see that and then they go beyond that way because they say, ‘I can believe in myself.’”

Throughout the first four episodes, Dia said she has learned to understand that life is a continuous cycle and that it is important to balance being a parent and creating.

“When you have one child, it’s very different than having two. You have to change how you think of time, how you think of your space and where you think you can gain inspiration from,” Dia said.

There is one message she has for all moms.

“Be kind to yourself. There’s always going to be stuff to do so take the time to rest and be honest. Don’t try and pretend that you’re a superhero. Be honest and your child will appreciate it, and you’ll appreciate it for yourself.”

Dia, who was one of 15 people to receive a $10,000 grant from Telus STORYHIVE in 2020, was encouraged by a local artist to enter, and the final product became her podcast, MoM:ents.

Episodes can be found online or on Telus Optik TV channel 707.

Dia plans to have it on all major streaming platforms soon.