273: Finding Home Within: Olla Abbas on Identity, Refugee Crisis, and Self-Love

The Brave Table with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

Hey, Brave Table fam! In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we dive into the essence of belonging, identity, and redefining what home means with none other than the incredible Olla Abbas. Join me, Dr. Neeta Bhushan, as I sit down with Olla, author of the memoir From Riyadh to Rio: A Healing Journey Back Home Through Cultures, Relationships, Religions, and Love. Ola shares her raw and vulnerable story about growing up as a Sudanese girl in Saudi Arabia, navigating cultural, religious, and familial expectations, and ultimately finding her true sense of belonging. This conversation is a testament to the strength it takes to define home within ourselves. You don't want to miss this, especially if you’ve ever asked yourself, "Where do I truly belong?"

Get ready for deep wisdom, inspiring stories, and heartfelt moments that will leave you reflecting on your own journey of self-discovery and belonging.

What you'll get out of this episode…

Home is an inner peace, not a place

Writing her memoir helped Olla embrace vulnerability and self-acceptance.

Olla reveals how love overcame cultural and religious challenges.

Navigating Multiple Identities but staying true to one’s roots

Olla stays centered with self-love and mindfulness through life's challenges.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome & Introduction to Olla Abbas

• [03:00] Defining Home: Olla’s Journey From Sudan to Saudi Arabia and Beyond

• [10:00] The Reality of Refugee Crisis: Displacement and War in Sudan

• [22:00] Exploring Identity: Growing Up Between Cultures

• [33:00] Love Story: Navigating Cultural and Religious Differences

• [40:00] Finding Home Within Yourself & The Power of Self-Belonging

• [46:00] Outro: Connect with Olla Abbas and Grab Her Book!

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Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

IG / @neetabhushan

IG / @thebravetable

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

YOUTUBE / @NeetaBhushanOfficial

Connect with today’s guest, Olla Abbas

IG / @olla.abbas

WEB / https://ollaabbas.com/

Grab her book From Riyadh to Rio → Amazon link

Want more?

Visit the website and order your copy of “That Sucked, Now What?” for free ( just pay for the shipping cost) → https://neetabhushan.com/book-offer-bonus

Grab the Conversation cards here → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/

Take just 2 minutes and find what YOUR emotional type is by taking my FREE quiz here → theemotionalreset.com/quiz

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If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.# 195: How to Finally Embrace Your True Self and Stop Caring About What Other People Think with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.# 202: Feeling Lost? Listen to this to RECALIBRATE Your Life and Find YOUR Inner Truth with Melissa Ruiz (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.# 222: How Friendships and Self-Discovery Make Great Storytellers with Tehzeeb Ahmed (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book, That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health Podcast The Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler.

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.