Meet Paula Sima Mulamula | Podcast Owner & Host of Talk Shit With P

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Sima Mulamula and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula Sima, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Deciding whether to keep going or give up boils down to my purpose—is it worth the fight?

Reflecting on this, I must confess that the notion of giving up has visited my thoughts more than once, leaving a testament to my resilient nature.

I left Tanzania (my home, in 2003) for UK and since bidding UK farewell in 2008, where familial bonds provided a semblance of solace, I’ve traveled through life mostly by myself, facing its ups and downs and many challenges alone—moving around and navigating life’s tough and challenging moments single-handedly while figuring out how to get through them with world’s current events.

Moving around and being alone most times has had me questioning my identity and belonging more than once (who am i, where do i fit in, what life do i deserve). And being an immigrant where getting the job you deserve is not an easy road and such a lonely one too.  Although my father (God Bless Him), who’s always been there for me, is still a strong support even if we’re not in the same place, might not be physically (not by choice, just life) which sometimes is what one needs (family around closeby).

Not knowing where I truly belong, dealing with time differences, and the constant life struggles of trying to make something of yourself in a world that isn’t making it easy because of your status makes giving up a recurring thought. It’s exhausting to fight for the life, love, and happiness I desire and damn well deserve with unnecessary road blocks.

However, giving up means forfeiting what I’ve already worked and fought so hard for.. just cause i am not where i want to be doesn’t mean i haven’t moved forward. Realizing that to surrender would entail relinquishing the hard-fought victories, the life, love, and happiness that I’ve relentlessly pursued.

I may lead a solitary existence, but within that solitude, I am blessed with incredible souls—individuals who steadfastly believe in me. Their unwavering belief becomes the compass guiding me away from the treacherous path of surrender. They truly ground me. Matthew, in particular, a beacon of strength in my life, not only mirrors but reminds me of my resilience and underscores my purpose. His profound understanding of who I am and unwavering faith in my purpose is nothing short of astonishing and in moments of weariness, he imparts wisdom, reminding me that it’s permissible to rest when fatigued but giving up is never an option—it’s just letting the devil win.

So in moments of wanting to surrender… leaning into God, my support system and rekindling my connection with my purpose becomes crucial. And believe it or not, Matthew’s counsel echoes in my mind always even when he ain’t there he kinda is lol.

I’ve chosen not to halt until I achieve the life and love I both want and deserve. While acknowledging the exhaustion of an un-easy journey. It truly is crucial to remember that resting or pivoting is acceptable, but giving up should never be an option on the table especially with how far i have already come and all the shit i have endured and so far overcome.

And with that, my resolve remains unshaken; I definitely won’t stop fighting until I attain the life and love I truly want and deserve, and I want a big life! a full life! Thats a place i ain’t ever settling however much it takes me to get there… so however much I will threaten to quit (which I do often when overwhelmed and my overthinking gets the best of me, i am such an overthinker which i am working on it lol). because I’m not content with my current life right now, so I shall  persist until the life and love I seek are not mere aspirations but tangible realities. Acknowledging the weariness, I truly do find solace in the fact that resting or pivoting is an acceptable course, but the unwavering commitment to never entertain the option of giving up remains my guiding principle. We somehow think that resting is giving up but resting is a crucial part of getting your mind right.

Remember, giving up would mean staying where you already don’t want to be. So, when the urge to quit surfaces, rely on your support system and reconnect with your purpose and take a break. Giving up is a line I dare not cross and hope neither do you however much you entertain the thought.
 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the host of Talk Shit With P and the reason why it’s called talkshitwithp is because I talk a lot of shit lol and what sets me apart is that my shit-talking actually makes sense. Am authentic and very unapologetic about who I am hence why I wanted to call my podcast that, so you can resonate with the person I am.

With this podcast, it started as me constantly highlighting my Journey with Mental Health making it a safe space for people to do the same and not feel alone… A place where we can connect through conversation, laughter & knowledge while advocating for Mental Health. As I believe there’s power in owning & sharing your story for there is someone out there who’s listening & glad they ain’t alone in this journey. I am also a firm believer of authenticity, building connections and surrounding yourself with authentic people while uplifting your community as community has been the anchor of my mental health journey and now my podcast. In 2022 we Pivoted… new logo & Strategy It became a space where we showcase & celebrate the talents, works, & stories of creative minds from all walks of life while also raising awareness for mental health through providing a supportive space to share their stories, insights, experiences and most of all journey inorder to inspire someone out there.

I am truly proud of how passionate I am about promoting mental health awareness and wellbeing in the creative community, as I believe that being creative can be challenging, and it’s important to acknowledge the mental health struggles that often come with it… We acknowledge that taking care of your mind is just as important as nurturing your creativity. And I am not going to lie, it’s exciting to see how people really open up about their struggles with their mental health as we heal through sharing.

Talk Shit With P’s goal is to truly provide a supportive and inclusive platform for creatives to share their experiences, inspire others, and promote mental health wellness… We’re here to show love and support to the creative community, while also advocating the importance of mental health in all aspects of life. Hence why we discuss these creative journeys, the highs and lows; and the ways we manage our mental health in the process.

As far as my personal journey with mental health, I battle with depression. This is what turned me into a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. I lacked the safe space for myself to share my struggles so I created one for myself and those who needed it ‘Life With Paula”, through that, It got me to believe in the power of owning and sharing my story and one’s story. Knowing that there is always someone out there who is listening and finding solace in realizing they are not alone on their journey &/or providing the support you lack. That’s why Authenticity is at the core of my values, as I believe in building genuine connections and surrounding oneself with authentic individuals while uplifting our communities. Positive energy and good vibes are the mantras I live by, and I consider self-care to be an act of self-love. You need to take care of your mind as much as your health.

This journey hasn’t been easy but I am eternally grateful for this incredible journey I am on, especially the stages I have had the privilege of stepping onto and speaking… From winning a Guinness World Record to engaging in meaningful conversations with remarkable individuals, the support I have garnered, the sense of community I am a part of, and the passion that has been ignited within me—I am thankful for it all.

And as far as challenges, gosh I had big worries hunting me in my head… worries like what am I going to talk about. Who am I going to bring, will they want to come? What do I have to offer? What do I have to say that would make people want to listen to me? Am I sharing too much? too little? Will people judge me? my journey? It was very stressful thinking about content for my show especially when you hear people talk about niching down when i didn’t want to niche down… all i knew was that i just wanted to create a safe space to have all sorts of conversations with all sorts of people while creating mental health awareness. So all I did was believe in myself and the space I wanted to create so being unapologetically authentic was the only way to do it and to create a safe space for me and I knew the right people would find me. You really got to believe in your PURPOSE for it all to work out. Challenges are always going to be there, but belonging in the right communities sure does help as the support is real.

Getting here where I am was not easy, and I am not even where I want to be yet but I’ve grown so much from being a Podcaster and that’s one thing I am so proud of… everything I have done, learnt & achieved in these 4years of this journey has been new and such an exciting world, one that I love so much. One that I have grown so much from. And the biggest lesson I have learnt through this journey is stop worrying/stressing on those that do not see your vision or support and show up for those who do cause they are the ones who matter, the rest will catch up on their own time.

In essence, I am a rebel with a cause, driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the realm of mental health and creative expression. So if you ever want to talk shit or collaborate in anyway then hit me up and as long as our values align we can create magic together

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all i must say i am a dive bar & breweries kinda girl and also love hunting for new spots especially rooftops lol and i barely make it to downtown but if i do it’s probably for the sights which i never get tired of as they are really WORTH the trip but big fan of Midtown for every now and then as they have amazing spots when the weather is nice especially for brunch lol

some of my fav dive bars are Red Door Tavern, Lost Dog Tavern, Fado Irish Pub (this has a special place in my heart), The Vortex Bar & Grill, Hole in the wall, Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium is a MUST!

You can always find me at Twin Peaks or The Ship & Anchor, – here they even know me lol

Every now and then The Ivy, Himitsu, Chapter Room, JINYA Ramen Bar, Habitat Kitchen & Bar, Bar Margot and Red Phone Booth, Taqueria Tsunami also have my heart, especially their FOOD.

For all my dancing peeps, Johnny’s Hideaway, Eclipse Di Luna and Rose Bar are some of my joints to go jiggy which I don’t do as much of.

Too many of my Brunch fav spots are found on Canton Street… Can’t go wrong with that street AT ALL as there’s everything for everyone. And not forgetting Another Broken Egg which is definitely my fav brunch spot, that food… gosh!

And as far as views go… SkyLounge, Spaceman, The Roof at Ponce City Market (I never get tired of it), Bar Peri @ AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter (gosh that view) while enjoying a drink is to die for!

Chops & Lobster Bar, Garden Room, Canoe, South City Kitchen, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar are some of my fav places for elegant night out not forgetting Rays By The River which will FOREVER have a special place in my heart. My fav of favs.

And as far as Breweries go Mutation Brewing Company (that energy), Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, SweetWater Brewing Company (This a spot for those with fur babies), Monday Night Brewing, Monday Night Garage, and one of my actual fav The Artillery Room @ Gate City.

& I definitely recommend Cafe Intermezzo for your desert needs.

And as far as my fun spots, Main Event, Puttshack, Skyline Park & SkyView Atlanta, Botanical Garden, The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (gotta catch the Hawks & ATL UTD games) without forgetting Underground Atlanta.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad Theophan Mulamula & brother Alvin Mulamula for always riding this wave with me.

Communities like Podfest Multimedia Expo, Afros & Audio, MowPod Media, Empowered Podcasting Clubhouse Room, Podmatch for not only being a support system but for the encouragement and believe in me.

Adam Schaeuble, Angela (Tswp Manager), Mylasia Campbell, Cleta-Marie, Sia Moshi, Queen Tifah, Dr. Gimbo, Golder, Gwantwa & Ricky Boshe for always supporting and ready to assist.

Ngaira Mandara, the best illustrator there is out there who not only is very talented but also very supportive.

Matthew, for always assisting with my pitches and making sure am prepared. Always ready to help me figure it out.

And not forgetting everyone who has been a guest, a listener &/or a shopper of Talk Shit With P.

I appreciate you all.

Website: https://www.flowcode.com/page/talkshitwithp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkshitwithp

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/paula-sima-mulamula-51845874

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkShitWithP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkwhitwIthp

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkshitwithp

Other: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/Tswp Buymeacoffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/talkshitwithp TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@talkshitwithp?_t=8ioVaUV6dCd&_r=1 Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/talkshitwithp/ Twitch – https://m.twitch.tv/ms_mula?desktop-redirect=true For BOOKINGS – https://calendly.com/talkshitwithp/talkshitwithp?month=2022-03 Google Forms – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVVE0FrJOD4xgDCzE5C_jIlgO7dVlpJBjVw5iyqnmEt5QVIQ/viewform SpeakPipe – https://www.speakpipe.com/talkshitwithp PODCAST: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0HSn3hI86EWSQmpYgBFjL9?si=4UNSoHckS8G9BlEq7XW3Qg Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-shit-with-p/id1509470001 BuzzSprout – https://www.buzzsprout.com/1028638