Hello 234 Tribe!
It’s been a hotttt minute…
Our first newsletter of the year? Yes.
First in a long time? Also yes.
Over a year since the last one?
We apologize for the break in transmission from our newsletters, adulthood be throwing some curveballs some days, crazy work, but we stay on top and keep going! (who give up don fvckup hehehe)
But guess what?
WE. ARE. BACK. And we missed you.
Before we go any further, let’s run through the essentials:
📢 Share the 234 Essential Podcast with your crew.
🗣 Tell a friend to tell a friend to subscribe, listen, rate, and comment.
📲 Follow us on all socials @234Essentialpodcast across the board.
📬 Subscribe to this newsletter (we won’t ghost again 🥹)
💌 Send us your fan mail (and release therapy rants) at fanmail@234essential.com. We want to hear from you!
It’s about to be a bit of a lengthy read, so get comfy.Midyear Check-in:
A Quick Recharge ⚡️
WELCOME to the refresher class on the 234 Essential Newsletter
The first half of 2025 has been a whirlwind.
There were highs, lows, and unexpected plot twists (life, na).Going forward, you’ll receive a monthly dose of 234 newsletter goodness, dropping on the last day of every month, packed with banter, updates, behind-the-scenes gist, and first dibs on episodes, guests, thoughts, and tribe talk.And most importantly, staying connected to YOU.Exciting times ahead, guys! Truly exciting. So please be on the lookout, stay locked in, and let's keep in touch.
234 in 2025
At the start of the year, we promised to restore consistency to 234 - and we meant that.
2024 was choppy (life was life-ing), and we felt the disconnect. Butttt look at us now;
🎙 22 episodes deep this year
🎙237 episodes total for your bingeing pleasure
Life Be Life-ing… Globally
With inflation at an all-time high and so much uncertainty, threats to life and livelihood, from the cost-of-living that's up against the living, to AI anxiety, Israeli-Iranian tensions, U.S. immigration and trade tariff panic, China’s global market hustle, and heatwaves across Europe, the world has been spinning extra fast.
Add Naija’s own wahala? We all deserve a breather.
So... take a deep breath.
In. Out. Again. (x3)
We got you.
Lagos Rain 🌧️ & New Segments = Survival Mode Turned On
If you live in Lagos (especially the Island), you already know, rainy season = stress.
But don’t worry, we’re fighting back with new segments:
✨ "Believe It or Not" – Wild but true stories from around Nigeria
✨ "234 Weekly Essentials" – Tips & hacks to help you survive the 234 with style
Highlights from the Pod 🎙
On 234 Essential this year, understanding that everyone needs a break from the curated and uncertain, the plan is simple: keep it simple and intentional, the banter high, and the conversations engaging and relatable, and so far, so good.
With that in mind and a pocket full of promise, we started the year with a trip to the John Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History and the National Museum in Lagos, taking you on a journey through time and culture #234Trips.
These locations, we believe, are ones every Nigerian, home and abroad, should experience and know about as our history lies in bits and pieces all around us - Listen here
Guest Episodes You Shouldn’t Miss
🎧 EPISODE 227 – Kiss the DJ
Guest: DJ Kiss
On this episode, we sit down with Superstar DJ, DI Kiss, as we discuss “breaking barriers” with a foremost Nigerian female DJ and disc jockey on her journey as a female DJ in a male-dominated entertainment industry scene.
DJ Kiss is a dynamic Nigerian DJ known for her electrifying mixes of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and Afrohouse. With an ear for rhythm and a passion for creating unforgettable vibes, she’s built a reputation for lighting up dance floors across Nigeria and beyond. Whether she’s spinning live or dropping sets online, DJ Kiss knows how to keep the party going.
Click to listen 🎧 EPISODE 230 – 234 League
Guest: Ope Adebanjo
On this episode, we discussed with Ope, a Nigerian American storyteller, to discuss how she balances her passions with her professional life. Ope shares honest insights about her identity, creativity, and the challenges of navigating life between cultures.
Ope Adebanjo is a Harvard Law School-educated lawyer and legal technology expert. Passionate about law and artificial intelligence, legal innovation, and non-traditional paths in the law, Ope often advises students and lawyers on how best to leverage their legal expertise in the 21st century. She is the author of The Food Lover's Guide to Law. Raised in a Nigerian-American home, Ope loves inspiring the next generation to write their own stories. The League of Style is her debut fiction novel.
You’ll want to replay this one.🎧 EPISODE 234 – The Power of Community
Guest: Marvis Marshal
Architect, carpenter (interior designer), mother, youth mentor, and founder of The Marshals Club.
We talked about creating safe spaces for children living with trauma, abuse, and special needs, and how the community can truly change lives.
Marvis Marshal is a trained architect with a master’s degree in interior design and a practicing project manager with a keen eye for detail and transformation, both in spaces and in lives. Beyond her professional career, Marvis is deeply passionate about working with children and teenagers, especially those healing from the trauma of sexual abuse.
Since 2007, she has worked closely with young people, offering guidance, mentorship, and support through various creative and safe spaces. She is the founder of The Marshals Club—a values-driven initiative dedicated to nurturing resilience and purpose in children and teens.
Marvis is also a registered coach and mentor with the Chartered Institute of Corporate Mentoring and Coaching of Nigeria and remains committed to taking on new challenges in trauma-informed mentorship and youth advocacy.
💛 An emotional, deeply moving episode. Listen with care.Five Years Strong & We’re Just Getting Started 🥳
This year makes it FIVE years of 234 Essential! Five years of community, consistency, culture, and conversations that matter.
We’ve got surprises loading, exciting episodes dropping, and tribe-only exclusives in the works.
Na us and una. No retreat, no surrender.
You’ve rocked with us this far. Thank you🖤
Final Housekeeping (aka Don’t Dull!)
🎧 Listen, 💬 Comment, 🔁 Share,❤️ Like & follow.
Send us your fan mail (and release therapy) to fanmail@234essential.com.
📩 Subscribe to this newsletter.
💸 Support us — donate via this link(every coin counts).
We love you. We see you. We hear you.
Speak soon, sparring Tribers.
- The 234 Team🖤
Wop wop 👐🏼
Congratulations! 🥳