Chude Jideonwo reveals inspiration behind “Interview Series With Chude”

Media personality Chude Jideonwo has opened up about the inspiration behind his popular podcast, “Interview Series With Chude,” in an interview with filmmaker Mo Abudu ahead of his 40th birthday

According to Jideonwo, his podcast was born out of a personal struggle with depression and online criticism.

In 2016, he faced intense trolling and backlash on social media following his involvement in the 2015 campaign.

The experience left him feeling vulnerable and seeking answers.

Jideonwo’s search for solace led him to an episode of Oprah Winfrey’s “Super Soul Sunday” featuring Brené Brown, where they discussed handling criticism without losing vulnerability.

This conversation had a profound impact on Jideonwo, inspiring him to create a platform that could heal and support others.

Jideonwo recalled breaking down in tears and seeking comfort from a colleague, but it was the conversation between Oprah and Brené Brown that ultimately healed him.

He was inspired to create a show that could provide similar healing and support to others, particularly Africans.

He said:

“WithChude comes from a unique place. I was going through clinical depression in 2016, and in 2017, after overcoming it, I noticed I was trending on Twitter,” he said.

“I trended on Twitter for three days consistently for what I did with the 2015 campaign. People continued to criticise it for three days.

“One day, I woke up, picked up my phone, saw the trend, and broke down in tears. I then called a colleague asking him why Nigerians hate me so much. He gave me an intellectual strategic answer but it was not what I was looking for because I was hurt.

“So, I went on YouTube and searched ‘what do when people hate you’. I came across an interview between Oprah Winfrey and Brené Brown.

“They were talking about Brown’s viral TED talk on shame and vulnerability and how people attacked her for being overweight. So, she talked about how you have to be ready for backlash when you are in the arena without losing your ability to feel.

“The conversation healed me and that motivated the show, a show that heals people. The show was recorded by Oprah in Chicago or wherever and I was in Lagos being healed. So, I said to myself that I would do a show like this but for Africans.”

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