Some stories go far deeper than what we see on our screens.

In this episode of The Unfiltered Podcast, we sit down with Belle for an honest and emotional conversation about loneliness, mental health, motherhood, and what happens when life doesn't turn out the way you imagined.

Belle opens up about one of the darkest moments of her life: when nobody showed up to her 16th birthday, an experience that left her feeling so alone that she nearly took her own life.

She shares her journey from those painful teenage years to becoming a single mother, the challenges she has faced along the way, and her experience on Bachelorette Suomi — including how she felt she was treated by the production and the emotional impact of being part of reality television.

This is a conversation about feeling unseen, being judged by others, navigating motherhood, and finding the strength to keep moving forward when life gets difficult.

Because behind every public image is a person with a story we may never fully understand.

🎙️ This is Belle, beyond what you see on TV.

⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, loneliness, and mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional. You don't have to face it alone.

Welcome to The Unfiltered Podcast — real stories, deeper conversations, no filters.

Africa has enormous potential, but across the continent, millions of people continue to face unemployment, inequality, corruption, poor infrastructure, political challenges and the difficult decision of whether to stay or leave.In this episode of The Unfiltered Podcast, we have an honest conversation about some of the issues facing Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana and South Africa. We talk about what governments and institutions are doing, but also about the responsibility of communities, individuals and the African diaspora.No polished speeches. No pretending we have all the answers. Just an honest conversation about where Africa is today, why some of these problems persist, and what needs to change.

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my friend Aja Daffeh for a conversation about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), trauma, reconstruction, healing, and everything that comes after. Aja opens up about her journey in a way she never has before, sharing deeply personal experiences surrounding FGM and the road that followed, including her decision to undergo reconstructive surgery and what that experience meant for her physically, emotionally, and mentally. This was not an easy conversation. There were moments of vulnerability, pain, reflection, and emotion. But there was also strength. We talk about what it means to live with something that happened to your body when you were young. These complicated emotions can come with reconstruction, identity, intimacy, motherhood, healing, and learning to reclaim ownership of your own body and story. Most importantly, this episode is about Aja as a person — not just what happened to her. Aja is also involved in projects with Solidaarisuus, an organisation working to raise awareness around FGM and support women and communities affected by it. Through their work, they help bring information, awareness and support to women who may be going through similar experiences. If you have been affected by FGM, are looking for information or support, or don't know where to turn, you don't have to face it alone. Need support or more information?

You can reach out to Solidaarisuus:

📧 Email: ⁠solidaarisuus@isf.fi⁠

📱 Instagram: @solidaarisuus

🌐 Website: solidaarisuus.fi

⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses FGM, trauma, surgery, and its emotional and physical consequences. Some parts may be difficult to hear. Thank you, Aja, for trusting me with a story you had never shared before. This is her story. Her body. Her journey. And her voice.