WHO IS SHE?- Nneka Browner

 

Nneka Browner’s journey could be a case study for dealing with the ebb and flow of everyday life and learning to balance it all. As a wife, mother and podcaster, who is also managing a career and being a student, Nneka has found healing in sharing not only her wellness journey but her consistent growth as a woman. Let’s meet her…

 

Tell our readers where you grew up and where you are based now?

I spent my childhood in the charming town of Mt. Rainier, Maryland, nestled right on the border of Washington, D.C. The close proximity to the nation’s capital infused my upbringing with diverse experiences and cultural influences. Currently, I am based in Oxon Hill, Maryland, continuing to draw inspiration from the dynamic surroundings of the Washington metropolitan area.

What led to you starting your podcast/channel, Me and The 3? What topics do you cover?

Starting ‘Me and The 3’ was a spontaneous decision fueled by the curiosity of ‘let me see if I can do this.’ I initiated the journey on the AMP app at the end of June 2023. Initially, the focus of the radio show was on sharing my personal health journey, navigating challenges associated with PCOS, Diabetes, and Pituitary Adenoma.

As the radio show evolved, so did its range of topics. Today, ‘Me and The 3’ delves into a diverse array of subjects, exploring the interconnected facets of spirit, soul, and the body. From discussions on personal growth to matters of spirituality, the channel has become a platform where we engage in conversations that touch on the well-rounded aspect of our existence.

Who is your target audience?

My target audience for ‘Me and The 3’ is individuals seeking hope and encouragement. I aim to connect with people who are looking for inspiration and a positive perspective, fostering a sense of encouragement in their lives. Whether facing health challenges, seeking personal growth, or exploring spiritual aspects, the podcast is tailored to resonate with those in need of uplifting content and a supportive community.

 

Was there a catalyst to you expanding the content or did you find the natural evolution of focusing on the illnesses led to you also working on overall wellness?

 

The expansion of content on ‘Me and The 3’ was a natural evolution that unfolded organically. As I shared my personal testimony episode by episode, the conversations naturally progressed to encompass the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, and body. The journey of sharing my experiences led to a realization of how these three aspects go hand in hand.

The podcast became a platform not only for discussing specific illnesses but also for exploring the broader spectrum of overall wellness. This seamless transition in content reflects the genuine progression of the narrative, shaped by the unfolding stories and insights shared with each episode.

 

Tell us about your healthcare journey with PCOS, Diabetes and Pituitary Adenoma.

This journey has had many twists and turns.  I have been dealing with PCOS since my late teens. It really didn’t start bothering me unit my mid 30’s when I was trying to conceive children. It was also in my late 30’s after having a cyst removed that was the size of an orange removed from my right ovary that I learned about the Pituitary Adenoma.  That is a tumor on my pituitary gland.

What lifestyle/health/wellness changes did you make after each diagnosis? Looking back, do you feel like you were given the best medical advice in the beginning? Have you found that finding providers who are knowledgeable about these illnesses who you could trust has been daunting?

Following each diagnosis, I implemented various lifestyle and health changes, often influenced by information gathered from online research and social media. Initially, I adopted practices such as reducing carbs, trying intermittent fasting, and joining a gym, inspired by what I observed others doing.

Over time, as I’ve navigated these health challenges, my approach has evolved. I’ve delved into different methods and experimented to determine what works best for my body. Looking back, I don’t believe I received the best medical advice initially. There was a lack of comprehensive information about the diseases, their impact on my body, and their interconnections.

Finding trustworthy healthcare providers has proven to be a daunting task. Currently, I am in the process of searching for a new primary care physician, as I feel the need for a healthcare professional who aligns more closely with my health preferences and provides counseling in a manner that I believe is best suited for my well-being.

Did you feel like you wanted to connect with others with the same or did you need a platform to release everything you were going through for your own way of coping?

Releasing my experiences through a social media platform has been a therapeutic outlet for me. Following the first episode, I experienced a sense of release and ease, leading me to recognize that sharing my journey is part of my purpose.

Did you have a strong support circle to support you during the more trying periods?

I am incredibly fortunate to have a robust and supportive circle during challenging periods. The foundation of my support starts with my husband, who follows a no-nonsense policy, offering honesty and transparency rather than telling me what he thinks I want to hear. His straightforward approach has been invaluable. Additionally, my family, including our daughter, parents, and siblings, has played a phenomenal role in providing support throughout these health transitions.

The realization of the strength of my support system became even more apparent during a particularly trying time in 2020. I was pregnant, and right before discovering the pregnancy, my God Mother, for whom I had been a caregiver and like a child for the past 15 years, passed away. In the beginning of my third trimester, my best friend also passed away. Learning posthumously that she was excitedly sharing news of my pregnancy with everyone added to the emotional weight.

Amidst these challenges, my family and close friends, even those physically distant, stood by me. Their unwavering support has been a source of immense gratitude, forming a crucial part of my circle during these trying periods.

 

Tell us about any other entrepreneurial endeavors you have?

Beyond  Me & The 3, I’m engaged in another entrepreneurial endeavor as The Mom Executive Officer of a wonderful group called The Moms Day Out. This group comprises moms and the individuals who support us. Our activities are diverse and spread across the DC Metro area, including favorites like brunch, trips to wineries, and self-care workshops.

In addition to The Moms Day Out, I’m actively working on several other projects aimed at establishing multiple streams of income. These ventures reflect my commitment to exploring various avenues and building a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial pursuits.

Do you work outside of your online content creation and if so what do you do?

Certainly, in addition to my work in content creation, I have a role as a manager for a local portable toilet company based in Maryland. Alongside my professional responsibilities, I am also a student at Trinity University in Washington, DC, where I am majoring in Journalism & Media Studies. Balancing both my managerial role and my studies allows me to diversify my skills and experiences outside of the content creation sphere.

 

What would be your dream job?

My dream job encompasses two aspects that resonate deeply with my passions. Firstly, I aspire to be a writer, bringing to life the plethora of books and skit ideas that constantly dance around in my head. Being paid to write would be a dream come true, allowing me to share my creativity and storytelling with the world.

Additionally, I dream of being a motivational speaker. The joy I find in encouraging people is unparalleled. Witnessing a person’s face light up with hope and encouragement is absolutely priceless to me. Being able to inspire and uplift others through speaking engagements would be a fulfilling and meaningful pursuit in my ideal career.

What is family life for you?

Family life holds immense joy and fulfillment for me. I’ve been happily married to Reyhan Browner for five years, and together, we’ve built a wonderful, blended family. Our family includes two amazing kids, a beautiful granddaughter, and a cherished son-in-law. The dynamics of our blended family are something we are passionate about, and we’re excited to share our experiences through an upcoming podcast. Family is the heart of my happiness, and each member brings unique and special moments to our collective journey.

What hurdles, if any, did you encounter when it came to blending families? What has been your biggest lesson thus far in marriage and/ or family blending?

I feel truly blessed because blending our families wasn’t a challenging process for my husband and me. Given that we’ve been in each other’s lives for a significant amount of time, the official blending of our family happened seamlessly. I’ve been a part of my bonus daughter’s life since she was two years old, and over the years, we’ve cultivated our own relationship, making it easier for us to grow as a unit.

 

Recently, I’ve encountered the realization that our daughter has her own life and family. Learning to step back and respect her autonomy, especially during times when I see some of my own behaviors reflected in her, has been a valuable lesson. It can be challenging at times, but understanding the importance of minding my own business has become crucial.

 

A significant lesson for me, applicable to both of my kids, is the importance of modeling the behavior and attitude that I want them to adopt. It’s not just about words but demonstrating through actions the values and qualities I hope to instill in them.

 

What hobbies do you have?

I have a few cherished hobbies that bring joy and relaxation to my life. Playing Bid Whist is a favorite pastime, especially when enjoy it with my parents and their friends. Crocheting is another hobby I love, allowing me to express creativity and create beautiful pieces. Exploring new coffee shops is a delightful way for me to unwind and appreciate different flavors.

Additionally, I enjoy the process of learning how to make new foods, expanding my culinary skills. Recently, baking has become a newfound passion, adding a sweet and enjoyable dimension to my hobbies. These activities not only provide a source of leisure but also contribute to the diverse and fulfilling aspects of my lifestyle.

 

What if anything about this interview created a sense of fear?

This interview sparked a sense of fear in me for a few reasons. Firstly, I questioned whether I was good enough or polished enough to be featured on someone else’s platform. “Me & The 3” started as a personal venture, and its growth has unexpectedly thrust me into a larger spotlight. With this expansion comes the potential for more exposure and, consequently, more opportunities to be affected by people’s opinions.

As someone in recovery from being a people pleaser, the fear of what others think of me used to weigh heavily on my mind. Although I’ve made progress in letting go of that concern, the thought of potential judgment still lingers. Lastly, the act of putting myself out there is something I’m not entirely accustomed to, but I recognize its necessity for the growth of my platform. Overall, this fear stems from a combination of self-doubt, concerns about external opinions, and the vulnerability that comes with sharing my journey with a wider audience.

 

You are enough and don’t you ever forget that. Now lastly, for our readers who want to connect, when do you post new videos for your podcast and what platforms can you be found on?

On Friday, February 2, 2024, I relaunched Me & The 3 on Instagram and Facebook. Here is all our social media information:

Watch the first episode of 2024 now!