A Conversation With Drea

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:We don’t know how to take care of ourselves. We can’t expect other people to know how to take care of us. You know what I mean? There’s nobody who knows what we need better than ourselves. So you got to learn what that is, then you show others.

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Zeke: I’d like to welcome everyone to another episode of the Let’s Gather Podcast. I’m your host Zeke. In this episode, I have Drea, who is an author and a podcast hosts, she hosted the podcast Conversations With Drea, which you could find out more information about click the link in description below. I hope you have a nice day and enjoy the show. 

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Thank you so much. I’m honored to be here. It’s a pleasure. 

Zeke: Let’s so like every call episode starts, what would your origin story be? And how would you like to represent it?

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Alright, so my name is Andrea Munroe-Kulima. But you and the listeners can call me Drea. I have a podcast called at Conversations With Drea. I’m also a writer, I write books. And within this pandemic, I just follow up, I love for writing children’s stories. So I’m really excited about that. And, and I have an exciting Brooklyn kids back to school drive, that I’m really excited about. So with regards to my origin story, I would say, I’ve been working in the child welfare industry for the last 10 years or so. And I’ve had the privilege of working with children and families who are going through crisis, right. And this insight gave me a real idea of what’s going on with children and families in our community. I mean, there are so many things going on, that you wouldn’t believe and just the kind of person that I am, I’m always trying to find ways to to help, you know, if we don’t do it for our community, then who’s going to do it? You know, I think my niche is little girls and grown up little girls like myself, who have, you know, come from humble beginnings and have experienced things like trauma and has evolved to kind of find her place in this world. And however, I can contribute to letting little girls and growing up little girls know how beautiful they are, how powerful they are, how loved they are already, then that is what I’m going to do. I must say the only thing I have to get over my shyness at times, but I’m so passionate about this, that I am always striving to push myself, you know, beyond that boundary.

Zeke: In order to represent it would you make? Would you write a book about your story? Would you make a movie? Would you make a TV show?

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:I actually wrote a book about my story, it’s actually called the Emergence. And it talks about coming from a place of trauma, depression, and then finding myself, you know, finding my identity in God, and just knowing that I’m loved already, and not having to look outside of myself for love and validation from other people. And so I thought to myself, how do I translate that to children, because it’s really important to kind of capture them when they’re young. And so that’s when I had the I do have writing show books and you see them, you know, I want to implant with very important life lessons. And even though they are seeds that I’m providing, I’d like to partner with the parents who read these books to kind of make the connection between the characters, and the message, the deeper message within the story. So for example, the story of the Blackbird is about a beautiful black bird, who falls down and hurts herself while flying. And, you know, someone scoops her up, puts her in a cage, she mens and then she is all of a sudden, terrified by the fear of flying, right. And then this individual helps her says to her, you know, you are not meant to be caged up in this way, you were meant to soar in this life. And on the surface, it looks like a regular children’s book about a bird. But um, you know, figuratively speaking, it’s about our children, and the things that they’re going to encounter in life, they’re going to fall down, sometimes they’re going to get hurt, but I want them to know that they can get back up again, I want them to know that they were created to sort and be successful in this life. And so that’s where I need the parents to kind of read the stories to them and kind of make that connection so that it resonates with them, you know, throughout their years in life.

Zeke: Mm hmm. So let’s start with writing for So what kind of really got you into writing? Because a lot of people were ready to be really daunting. Wow.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Well, I as long as I’ve known myself I’ve loved to write, since I was a little girl, mostly, it’s poetry that I write, you know, that’s what I started with. Poetry is my first love language. As I mentioned, I’m very shy. So I’ve found it to be very therapeutic to write everything down. And I have a love for language. So I’m always talking, you know, in figurative language. And then one day, one of my mentors, Master Garth Benz, read some of my stuff. And he was like, you know, you should publish this. And so, you know, he mentored me through that. And I published my first book back in what 2007 it was a book of poetry called within the mask. And that’s where I talked about, you know, battles with depression, you know, love this stuff together. And from there, it’s just been kind of progressing.

Zeke: Nice, nice. And then with your writing do you, are you intentional in what you’re writing? Like? Do you have a goal that you want to reach was like, the words? Or is it more like free flowing?

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Um, I would definitely say it’s intentional, right? So I want to share who I am what I have been through and the fact that I have evolved from it or come out of it, so that those who can relate those who are going through similar things like I did in my past, that they know that they can also get through things and that they are not alone. You know, because I’m just me and if I can do it, then anybody else can?

Zeke: Got it yeah, understand. With be creative, what kind your approach to being creative? Do you draw from what kind of your creative um style? Like? Yeah,

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:That’s an interesting question. You know, I’ve never really thought about that. Um, I don’t know, I draw from so many things, you know, um, whether it’s Les Brown, Myles Munroe, Oprah. individuals in my family, um, spoken word artists. motivational speakers, you know, um, I don’t know, I’ve never really kind of put myself in a box. I think that’s probably because I’m still kind of defining myself you know, defining what it is that I that I do. I just know that everything that I do comes from a place of love and and sincerity and just wanting to serve however i can’t i that’s definitely my mission and my purpose. 

Zeke: Got it. Because I could always give it to people who pass go see seems like who inspires you? And I said, Nobody, because I kind of dislike create from. This whoever comes to my head, he was like find that person to learn more about. Yeah.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yeah, definitely, I definitely find that it’s helpful to have people that we can look up to and say, Hey, but at the same time, it’s good for us to maintain our own individuality, you know, and so I’m definitely trying to find that and I don’t want to be like anybody else. I want to be just draya. You know, because I think the more sincere you are, the more people can you know, feel you and connect with you instead of trying to be someone else that makes

Zeke: You pay their rent that way rival about everybody being the same.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So as you know, I have a podcast conversations with draya not unlike yourself. Um, it’s been a journey so far. You know, as I told you, I’m very shy. And now I understand the reluctance of people that I asked to be on the show. Because every time I ask them to be on the show, they’re like, nervous and scared. I’m like, God, no, it’s no big deal. Now you’ve got me in the hot seat. So I can, you know, definitely understand their reluctance. But I just think it’s important to have the kind of conversations that you know, benefit others you know, so if anybody’s interested in on being on my podcast, please, hit Zeke up or hit me up. Because I would love to talk to you. I definitely want to talk about things concerning little girls and growing up little girls like myself.

Zeke:  And then with the podcast. We were kinda inspired to start a podcast. So what else you want to talk about the So like what the podcast so froze, did you? Yeah, we’re back. So yes, there you are. Okay, that’s why you just start the podcast.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Okay, so question. So within my 10 years of experience working in the child welfare industry, I realized that there was a lot happening to children, but specifically girls and their mothers, that was not really being talked about, like, there’s a tremendous amount of domestic violence going on in our community, and you really don’t care about it that much. And it really spiked a lot during the pandemic, you know, the cycle of abuse, and it’s just heartbreaking to see certain things like that, um, sexual abuse of little kids, girls, it’s still, like, so prevalent in our community, as well as mental health. I’m a big advocate of mental health. And I don’t feel, you know, obviously, there’s a big disparity between what our community has access to. But I think that we also have to address the fact that it’s still seen as taboo in our community. And I think that we need to have more conversations about it. So we know that it’s okay if you need help to get help. And and it doesn’t necessarily mean, you know, you need therapy, or you need medication, but it could be, you know, reaching out to someone, you know, what I mean, who can hear you out, and, you know, help you go through what you’re going through? And, yeah, so that’s what inspired the podcast. And I’m, I’m hoping to have some more conversations about deep topics like that. And that not only that, entrepreneurs, like, I’m fascinated by entrepreneurs like yourself, who, you know, are out there grinding and doing what they have to do. I want to have more conversations with individuals like that, because it inspires me. That’s who I want to become, you know, a successful entrepreneur and not just someone who’s clocking in nine to five, you know what I mean? So, if you’re out there guys, got to

Zeke: (inaudible) with that before we get too different. So how does your shyness come about in the podcast? Or are you doing are you like, able to manage that?

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:I think it does, I guess because I could feel what I’m going through. But most people, they’re like, Ah, you’re not shy. They don’t see it. But I can feel it. You know, I do have the ability to, I guess put on as you say, airs, to kind of mask it. My mom used to always say the show must go on, no matter what you’re feeling inside show must go on. If you’re fearful, you get out there and you do it anyway. So there are times when I’m relaxed, and there are times when I’m nervous. Like right now I’m nervous being in the hot seat. I don’t know if it’s apparent to you, but I can certainly feel it. But I am not going to allow that to stop me. You know, from being here being present with you and getting the message out because it’s more important than my my shyness. You know what I mean? Yeah.

Zeke: Me, I’m not really. I don’t really like talking too much. Yeah, but I will also know how to this talk when I need to, like, depending on the situation.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yes, I saw on your, your Instagram, you refer to yourself as an omni vert, right. Yeah, I love that. I love that. Because I’m definitely an introvert and an extrovert, when needed or in certain situation where I feel comfortable. But mostly, I’m a quiet person, you know, but you know what, sometimes, when it comes to what we want to do in life, we gotta have to push past that. I’m trying. I’m trying to do it. So I’ve made a commit my commitment to myself to post more. Ted Talk more, and even if I don’t have a guest to record more, to get the message out. How do you feel about you? Does it does it impact your ability to record your podcasts?

Zeke: Including the podcast? No, because I like talking and communicate with people who like I like being around people. So for my friends, I might be the quiet one is watching and absorbing the essence of the situation. Right? But Maybe he to take charge or I need to say something. I’m not gonna be afraid to say it.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Right? Oh, yeah, that’s definitely I may be shy, but you know, I can stand up for myself and speak and advocate for myself and my loved ones if need be, you know what I mean? So yeah, definitely situational.

Zeke: I feel like I just like, um, my nature, I’m not sure they got it because like, my nature is more people going out going, and then my natural is more of being alone. I guess I just being quiet and all those watching situations happening first and then reacting. So yeah, we’re safe. And we should also.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yeah, it’s a good thing to be right to kind of observe before you react, as some people, as we know, you know, they just boom, they’re reacting. And then there are all these dominoes that trickle down, you know, all these consequences. So it’s a good thing to observe before you react. Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Definitely.

Zeke: And then, I guess, just hear my voice recording. It’s still trying to use it.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yeah, tell me. I’d never get used to that. I never used to. Sometimes I just played in my car. And I listened. So I tried to hear what other people will hear. You know? Yeah. But it gets easier as it goes on. It gets easier. It sure does. But I love it, though. I really enjoyed. Yeah, and you get to meet great people. Right. I’ve seen some of your, your, um, your posts. So you’ve had some pretty cool guests thus far? That’s pretty awesome. Yeah.

Zeke: The world’s

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yes. Let’s talk about my Brooklyn kids back to school drive. Yeah, this I’m so excited about this. So you know, the pandemic has hit our communities very hard. And so there’s been a lot of loss of work and, and families are struggling and juggling between, okay, do I take the resources? I haven’t buy food? Or do I pay the rent? Or do I pay this bill, you know, so, as the coming school year approaches, and it’s going to be at 100% capacity in New York City, they’re opening up, right? I know that, um, parents are going to need school supplies, and uniforms and clothes, you know, for their children. And so I have a GoFundMe, it’s in the link in my bio at Conversations With Drea. And I am collecting money to buy school supplies, uniforms and clothing for children to take some of the burden off, you know, it may not be a lot. But if I can take off a little bit of the burden off of the families in our community, then I feel like I’ve done something and I’ve always wanted to do something during the pandemic. And I didn’t know what to this. I’m really, really passionate about really passionate about, and it’s going to be in Brooklyn. I got my first donation of $100. Today, I’m super excited about that. We’re working on the venue and the date. But I know that charter schools start early August, public schools open early September, so maybe around the first week of August, just to kind of make sure that everybody is covered. That’s what I’m looking to do. So if anybody wants to donate to a cause Brooklyn, stand up Canarsie, Bed Stuy, Brownsville, East New York, I’m a Brooklyn girl, I work in Brooklyn, I live in Brooklyn. So I am down to help my my community, my kids, you know, and if you’d like to help, check the link in my bio conversations with draya you remember zeek the first day of school when you had on your fresh clothes. We used to say fresh and add fresh clothes. Hello my age, you know and your school supplies. I want kids to feel comfortable you know their first you know, they week or whatever, back to school so I pray that people join me on this and even if they can’t donate money, if you want to stand by my side and help me give out the school supplies, you want to donate water you want to show up and bring some sweets or whatever for the kids. You know, I would be I’d be thrilled. So that’s what I’m excited about. It’s called the Brooklyn kids back to school Dr. happenings nice. Yes.

Zeke: Mr. Days nice food supplies but people how What’s that? I’ll miss a day so I needed school supplies but school supplies. Tell me about it.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Tell me about it. But I know as a mom that sometimes kids have a list like lists big all the school supplies that they need to get. So I’m ready to help.

Zeke: Yes, yes, definitely share it on my Instagram, and everything. Please do, please do. I appreciate that very much. Cool. So, let’s go to work. So I’m dealing with like, the serious topics and everything. How do you kind of like manage that by their emotional weight?

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:You know why? Stress used to be a big part of my life, I just transitioned from one job to another, all within the child welfare field, and the stress was really killing me, you know, and there was a lot of what they call vicarious trauma, seeing families go through all this, it was affecting me everyday. And I realized I had no time for me, I had no time for my, my children, you know, my life. And I discovered the importance of selfcare. And I know that term is cliche, selfcare, but it’s so important. And that means to me just taking time out, doing things that I love to do, you know, on my days off, I like to roller skate. I like to ride a bike, you know, I like to go walking in the park, I love music, so, put on my headphones and just kind of vibe out and tune out, you know, it means I’m doing things, finding moments with my kids or enjoying, for me also a big part for me, I’m spiritual, it means prayer and kind of leaning on God, you know, for the strength to, to get me through it. And, and I’m coming to a place of peace. You know, even within the storm of all that’s going on in the world, I’ve definitely seen a drastic change in how I handled stress and just so much going on, I lost an aunt recently and grieving and it’s just definitely my my faith has definitely helped me a lot and just practicing selfcare, and any, any any form that I could think of even eating well, that’s a form of selfcare. So yeah, that’s how I do it.

Zeke: Definitely feel that way. When selfcare with a couple of years, I was like, This is tough to take care of ourselves.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yes. You know, if you can’t, if you don’t take care of yourself. Number one, who’s gonna do it for you? Number two, how can you take care of anybody else? You know, and there’s a comes a point where you see that you’re giving, giving, doing doing doing and you’re like falling apart, you got to say, hold up for a second, I got to take care of me. You know, and it’s not being selfish. It’s, it’s, it’s just so important. It’s just the way that it’s supposed to, you know, for a better quality of life. And it’s working. It’s working. Yeah.

Zeke: I think kids do that, like naturally, where they don’t want to do something. Yeah, don’t feel comfortable with but like, a lot of times parents don’t understand. Like, it’s like they’re doing selfcare, smoke, like, just do what I say. I didn’t hear you that while you were saying kids, can you repeat that for me? I think kids some kids do that naturally, like selfcare where they kind of things within, like, parents don’t understand. 

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Oh, yeah, my daughter is if my daughter is infamous for that she’ll withdraw from everybody and everything that’s going on, and find a little quiet, quiet place and just, you know, read or do something, you know, that that centers her and she was a child who got a lot of anxiety, especially with the remote schooling and all that. And so she would like oh, freak out, like right before school, and then she herself realized, okay, I’m going to get up a couple of hours earlier. And I’m going to she gets on her phone and she reads these little stories or whatever. You hear her laughing early in the morning, but it centers her and prepares her at a relaxed pace, so that she can have a more productive day on school. So yeah, I was so like, impressed by her. And she taught me something you know, so now what I get up for work in the morning, I get up early, and I go sit down in the corner and I have my coffee and pray or listen to some motivational thing on YouTube. You know, that gets my mind right my spirit right before I go out and face it. And you will, you wouldn’t believe how helpful that is. So kids can definitely benefit from doing that as well. However, in whatever shape or form, they want to do it. It’s all part of selfcare.

Zeke: Yeah. selfcare. So good. Definitely need it.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yeah. We don’t know how to take care of ourselves. We can’t expect other people to know how to take care of us. You know what I mean? There’s nobody who knows what we need better than ourselves. So you got to learn what that is. And then you show others. Hey, I need time to myself.

Zeke: Don’t get me started. I can talk about this all day. Tick Tock was like when he first got therapy, how she wanted to be like a husband, a father, a father worker, and then there was like, robot shoe. And then he kind of realized you forgot by himself. I lost you. Back.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yes, you do that we do that? Yeah, we’re back. I kind of caught the just you froze a little bit. I caught the chips. Yeah. You said that he forgot about himself, he realized he forgot about himself. We do that a lot. You know, and it’s so important that we have to learn to put ourselves first. You know,

Zeke: (inaudible) to be a good time to stop. Quick episode. So okay, before we go. Last question. Last question, what would you name your origin story? What do you need to book over the right?

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Yes. So the three books on the back wall, the butterfly, who will Alex B and the Blackbird are all available on amazon.com. And you can follow me on Instagram at at conversations with Julia. And in the bio, you can find links for the books. You can also find links for the back to school drive, and you can find links to my podcasts. So I hope you’ll stop on that.

Zeke: Nice. Thank you for joining the podcast.

Andrea Munroe-Kulima:Oh, it was my pleasure. Thank you so much for the invite. I appreciate it. It was such a joy to be here with you. I hope you’ll do me a favor and be a guest online. Yes, anytime. Awesome. Awesome. I’m gonna hold you to that. Cool. All right. And then

Zeke: That brings another episode of the Let’s Gather Podcast to a close. Again you can find out more information about Conversations With Drea by clicking the link in description below. For next week, I have my friend Dami to speak about financial freedom and religion. I hope you continue to have a nice day and hope to see you there.

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