In an age dominated by curated perfection, noise, and emotional suppression, some conversations arrive like a wave of fresh air- wholesome and healing. The recent interview of Mr. Chude Jideonwo, founder and CEO of Joy Inc., by Oluwatosin Ajibade, founder of OloriSuperGal Media, was one such moment – sincere, reflective, and deeply human.

The conversation revolved around Chude’s newly published book, “How Depression Saved My Life,” but it went far beyond pages and publishing. It became a rare public exploration of depression, faith, joy, surrender, and the quiet strength of the human spirit. What unfolded during the interview was soul lifting.

“I Wasn’t Performing. I Lacked Awareness”

When asked by Oluwatosin, about a line from the book where he described himself as “dying quietly with a smile on his face,” Chude offered a striking clarification. He explained that he wasn’t consciously putting on a performance; rather, he lacked awareness.

At the time, he did not understand that human beings have the capacity to experience consistent inner joy; not the absence of trouble, but the presence of peace regardless of circumstances. He acknowledged that the choices we make daily directly affect our happiness.

Today, Chude defines joy as a state of constant happiness even when things aren’t going well. He firmly believes that everything that happens to him happens for him, not against him. One statement stood out clearly:“Nothing in this world has the right to take my joy.”

That belief was tested when his Instagram page (a platform he had built for years) was suddenly taken down by Meta while he was away on one of his annual retreats. Interestingly, he wasn’t consumed by panic. His response was calm and resolute: if it couldn’t be fixed, they would move on to other platforms.

For Chude, joy is not the absence of trouble.Joy is what we do when trouble comes.

FINDING GOD IN SURRENDER, NOT IN NOISE

Another powerful moment came when Oluwatosin asked about Chude’s journey of “finding God in therapy and surrender rather than in noise.”

During the height of his depression, Chude admitted that he questioned God deeply and at some point, even gave up. But instead of relying on teachings he had inherited, he chose to read the Bible sincerely for himself, searching for truth rather than comfort.

What he discovered reshaped his faith.

He realized that the Bible never promised a trouble-free life for the righteous. Scripture itself says that rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous, and Jesus openly declared that trials are inevitable. Faith, Chude learned, is not immunity from storms; it is the assurance of overcoming them.

This understanding rebuilt his faith and led him into a direct, honest relationship with God. One where he could speak freely, question sincerely, and surrender completely and from a place of challenging God.

Both Chude and Oluwatosin agreed on a bold truth:

The church is indeed often part of the noise.

Chude explained that many people are taught doctrines that unintentionally prevent them from discovering God personally. He emphasized that questioning God is not rebellion; it is a relationship. Even Jesus asked, “My Father, why have you forsaken me?” The Bible, he noted, is filled with people who asked God real questions from real pain.

THE VALLEY THAT SHORTENED THE JOURNEY

One of the most touching stories Chude shared was from 2016, when he felt led by God to speak with Fela Durotoye. During their conversation, Fela admitted something Chude had rarely heard from spiritual leaders before: “I don’t know.” That honesty gave him hope.

Later, Fela shared an image he believed God revealed. A journey to a mountain shortened by passing through the valley of the shadow of death. Not death itself, but its shadow. The purpose of the valley, he explained, was fullness. Chude said he included that diagram into his book.

That moment reframed Chude’s suffering. He understood that his pain was not pointless but it prepared him to teach others how to live joyful lives. Chude said he left Fela Durotoye’s with a ray of hope.

SOCIAL MEDIA, PERFECTION, AND THE LOSS OF SELF-REFLECTION

Chude also spoke candidly about how social media has robbed people of stillness and self-reflection. Many now wake up and immediately consume noise, comparison, and unrealistic standards of perfection.

According to him, this obsession with appearance (whether through gadgets, status symbols, or lifestyle pressure) has shrunk the space for authenticity. The result? A generation statistically unhappier than ever.

True joy, he insisted, cannot be bought. Success, money, and possessions are insatiable pursuits. Joy comes from within – from nature, meaningful friendships, delayed gratification, and moments of presence. Even something as simple as walking in a park without a gadget can restore the soul.

Chude advised people to visit parks and places of nature to reconnect with themselves. He also shared a few locations that were free for people to visit.

RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY, AND THE COURAGE TO STAY

On relationships, Chude shared that during the season when he was depressed, his mom stood by him and was a very great source of happiness and strength to him.

When asked by Oluwatosin his advice for those who do not have a figure like his mom, Chude acknowledged that not everyone has a safe or nurturing family.

However, he encouraged people to separate weakness from love. Loving imperfect people requires boundaries, communication, and patience – not constant cut-offs.

He warned that cutting people off easily means being prepared to rebuild relationships from scratch. Warm, stable connections are essential to human well-being.

THE TURNING POINT AND THE POWER OF THE STORY

When asked by Oluwatosin what ultimately moved him forward, Chude pointed to the resilience of the human spirit. Even in storms, it can thrive. His guiding question became:

“How do I make this trouble work for me?”

Chude also shared how Writing “How Depression Saved My Life” was not just for readers. It healed him all over again.

Oluwatosin asked Chude to give final words to those who might not have the opportune moment to watch the interview.

Chude’s final words were simple, yet profound:

“Right now, exactly as you are, no matter who you are or what you still want to achieve, you have access to happiness.”

Joy, he reminded us, is free. Peace is accessible. Even breathing deeply in moments of turmoil can restore calm.

Reading this article alone without watching the video will do little or no justice to the gems Chude shared.

Kindly watch the interview by clicking the link below. It’ll be a great headstart for your year.

https://youtu.be/nI-uP4GawLg?si=PJYM7tIVKgsiLvA8