Ep 395: Cultural Shifts and Mental Health
Liquor TalkSeptember 02, 2026

Ep 395: Cultural Shifts and Mental Health

Whenever someone leaves their home country they will experience a culture shift and in some cases it helps them evolve as a person. On this episode of the Liquor Talk Podcast, host Victor Jones engages with Dr. Nneka Oluoha, an author and physician, discussing her journey from Nigeria to the USA, the cultural shocks she experienced, and her insights on mental health. Dr. Oluoha shares her inspiration for her book 'Live for Me Kem', emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The conversation explores the connection between physical and mental health, the role of family and community in supporting those in emotional pain, and the pressures of success in today's society. Dr. Oluoha encourages listeners to take small steps towards improving their mental health and to seek help when needed. In this conversation, Nneka Oluoha and Victor Jones discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for communication, particularly in families and communities. They explore the silent struggles individuals face when they do not address their mental health issues and the role of empathy in both medicine and storytelling. Nneka shares her experiences as a physician and a writer, emphasizing the need for self-care and the impact of fiction in raising awareness about mental health. They also touch on the challenges of writing and the importance of persistence and constructive feedback. The conversation concludes with Nneka discussing her upcoming book and the themes it explores, including cultural narratives and the journey of mental health.