Episodes

In this episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph Baba Ifá delves into sacred Odù Ifá and traditional stories to explore the significance and importance of the pig within Ifá. Through the wisdom preserved in Odù and pataki, Joseph discusses the deeper lessons connected to this animal and why the pig appears within certain teachings, ceremonies, and spiritual concepts of the Ifá tradition. Join us as we continue uncovering the wisdom, symbolism, and stories preserved within Ifá and the Lukumí tradit...

There is a lot of information about Ifá and Orisha tradition online, but how much of it is actually true? In this episode of Our Roots, Joseph Baba Ifa takes on some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Ifá, the Hand of Ifá, Orishas, divination, ebó, initiation and African Traditional Religion as a whole. Does receiving your Hand of Ifá make you a Babalawo? Can you choose your Orisha? Is Ifá witchcraft? Does every ebó involve animal sacrifice? Is your Odu basically a prediction of your fu...

What does it truly take to prepare for priesthood in the Lucumí tradition? In this episode of Our Roots Podcast, host Joseph Baba Ifa explores the spiritual, mental, and practical preparations that should take place before taking the life-changing step of full initiation. Drawing from traditional teachings and years of experience, Joseph discusses the importance of developing discipline, strengthening one’s character, building a relationship with the Orishas, and understanding the responsibiliti...

What is Ela, and why is it held in such high regard within the tradition of Ifa?In this enlightening episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph Baba Ifa explores the traditional concept of Ela through the wisdom of Odu Ifa and timeless patakís (sacred stories). He examines the role of Ela as it is understood in the Ifa tradition, its relationship to divine wisdom, truth, and spiritual consciousness, and why a proper understanding of Ela is essential for anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of Ifa.Draw...

In this enlightening episode of Our Roots Podcast, host Joseph Baba Ifa explores the sacred relationship between Obatalá and Ori through the wisdom of the Odu Ifá and traditional storytelling.Why is Obatalá so closely associated with the human head? What does Ori truly represent within the Ifá tradition, and why is it considered one of the most sacred aspects of our spiritual existence? Through traditional narratives and the teachings preserved within the Odu, Joseph Baba Ifa uncovers the profou...

ODU OGBE OFUN is an Odu rich with hidden wisdom, powerful teachings, and timeless guidance. In this episode of Our Roots Podcast, hosted by Joseph Baba Ifa, Joseph uses captivating storytelling, traditional interpretation, and the sacred teachings of Ifá and pataki to unfold the deeper meanings behind this extraordinary Odu. Join us as we explore its core concepts, spiritual lessons, and practical wisdom that continue to guide seekers on their journey.

ODU OGBE OSHE is an Odu rich with hidden wisdom, powerful teachings, and timeless guidance. In this episode of Our Roots Podcast, hosted by Joseph Baba Ifa, Joseph uses captivating storytelling, traditional interpretation, and the sacred teachings of Ifá and pataki to unfold the deeper meanings behind this extraordinary Odu. Join us as we explore its core concepts, spiritual lessons, and practical wisdom that continue to guide seekers on their journey.

What makes OYA one of the most powerful and revered Orishas? In this compelling episode of Our Roots Podcast, host Joseph Baba Ifa explores the fearless spirit of OYA, the Warrior Queen. Through the wisdom of Odu Ifá, Joseph examines her role as a force of transformation, justice, change, the marketplace, and the cemetery gates, revealing why she is honored as one of the greatest warriors in the Yoruba tradition. Discover the deeper meanings, sacred teachings, and timeless lessons behind OYA’s u...

Join Joseph Baba Ifa as he explores the profound wisdom of ODU OGBE TUA, one of the powerful and thought-provoking signs of Ifá. Through storytelling, traditional interpretation, and practical logic, this episode uncovers the lessons, warnings, blessings, and deeper meanings hidden within this sacred Odu. Whether you’re new to Ifá or a seasoned practitioner, discover how the teachings of Ogbe Tua continue to offer guidance, clarity, and insight for everyday life. Listen now and uncover the timel...

Is Elegua truly a trickster, or is there a deeper meaning behind one of the most misunderstood titles in the Afro-Cuban Lucumí tradition? In this thought-provoking episode, Joseph Baba Ifa explores the theology, patakís, and traditional teachings that have led many to refer to Elegua as “the trickster.” Through sacred stories and cultural context, he examines the lessons hidden within Elegua’s actions, the role of divine testing, destiny, choice, and why this powerful Orisha often challenges our...

In this special episode of Our Roots Podcast, host Joseph Baba Ifa dives into the powerful and fascinating Odu Ogbe Tumako, a sign that holds a particularly special place in his heart as it is the Odu of his wife, Poroye Join Joseph as he explores the many layers, teachings, and interpretations of Ogbe Tumako, breaking down its wisdom in a way that is accessible to both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. From its core messages and spiritual lessons to the character traits, challenges, blessin...

Step into a powerful and rare conversation on the next episode of the Our Roots Podcast hosted by Joseph Baba Ifa. In this exclusive special episode, we are honored to sit with a highly respected Oba Oriate and elder initiate of Ogun for an authentic and deeply educational discussion rooted in wisdom, culture, and spiritual responsibility. We explore: • What it truly means to be an Oba Oriate • Core concepts every practitioner should understand in the Lucumí tradition • Advice for newcomers ente...

In this enlightening episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph BABA IFA takes listeners deep into the sacred practice of EBBO, one of the most important ceremonial traditions within IFA. Through storytelling, spiritual insight, and practical understanding, Joseph explains what EBBO truly is beyond common misconceptions and why it continues to play a vital role in spiritual alignment, protection, elevation, and transformation.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the purpose behind EBBO, when ...

Dive into a powerful Mother’s Day special on the Our Roots Podcast . In this heartfelt episode, “Yemaya: Mother of the World,” Baba Joseph explores the sacred energy, wisdom, and unconditional love of Yemaya the revered Orisha known throughout the Yoruba spiritual tradition as the divine mother of humanity.Through storytelling, spiritual insight, and ancestral wisdom, this episode breaks down why Yemaya is deeply connected to motherhood, protection, healing, fertility, and emotional strength. Wh...

In this powerful and enlightening episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph Baba Ifatakes us deep into the sacred world of Ifá through the lens of one of its most symbolic animals—the goat. Through ancient patakís (sacred stories), this episode explores the deeper meaning, spiritual responsibility, and cultural significance the goat holds within the Ifá and Orisha traditions. Listeners will gain insight into how storytelling serves as a vessel for wisdom, how animals are spiritually interconnected w...

In this powerful episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph Baba Ifa dives into the sacred Odu Ogbe Ika, unfolding its wisdom through rich storytelling and traditional Patakí. Through layered narratives, Baba explores the deeper meanings within this Odu—touching on themes of destiny, balance, consequences, and the unseen forces that guide our paths. Each story serves as both a mirror and a lesson, offering listeners practical insight into how these ancient teachings still apply to modern life. Wheth...

Step into a relaxed and soulful conversation with Joseph Baba Ifa as he opens up about some of his favorite Patakís—the sacred stories of the Ifá tradition.In this laid-back episode, Baba Joseph shares powerful narratives passed down through generations, offering deeper insight into the wisdom, symbolism, and life lessons hidden within these timeless stories. From guidance on character and destiny to the unseen forces that shape our paths, each Patakí reveals a layer of spiritual truth meant to ...

Step into the sacred symbolism of the peacock through the lens of Ifá tradition in this powerful and thought-provoking episode. Joseph Baba Ifa unpacks the deeper spiritual meanings behind the peacock—its beauty, pride, mystery, and divine connection within Yoruba cosmology.From ancient pataki to modern-day reflections, this episode explores how the peacock represents both elevation and warning—grace paired with ego, spiritual power balanced with humility. What lessons does the peacock carry for...

In this powerful episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph Baba Ifa takes us deep into the sacred wisdom of Ogbe Sa, a profound ODU within the Ifá corpus that speaks to destiny, clarity, and the consequences of alignment versus imbalance.Through storytelling, ancestral teachings, and spiritual insight, Joseph Baba Ifa unpacks the hidden messages within Ogbe Sa—revealing how this ODU guides us to walk in truth, honor divine order, and recognize the spiritual responsibilities tied to our path. Listener...

Step into the fire, power, and divine authority of Shango, the legendary Orisha of thunder, lightning, and kingship, in this electrifying episode of Our Roots Podcast hosted by Joseph Baba Ifa.In this episode, Joseph dives deep into Yoruba cosmology and theory, breaking down the essence of Shango—not just as a warrior, but as a ruler whose command extends beyond the physical into the spiritual realms. Why is Shango revered as the King of Kings? What makes his leadership, justice, and divine auth...

In this powerful and enlightening episode of Our Roots Podcast, hosted by Joseph Baba Ifa, we take a deep dive into the sacred Odu Ogbe Yono—a path rich with wisdom, revelation, and divine instruction. Ogbe Yono speaks to the essence of clarity, elevation, and walking in alignment with one’s true destiny. Through traditional teachings, pataki (sacred stories), and real-life application, Joseph Baba Ifa breaks down the deeper meanings behind this Odu—uncovering its guidance on overcoming obstacle...

In this powerful episode of Our Roots Podcast, host Joseph Baba Ifa explores the profound relationship between the Orishas and the forces of war, conflict, victory, and loss. Through the wisdom of Odu Ifa and sacred Pataki (traditional stories), Joseph unpacks how the Orishas embody different aspects of struggle—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. From the strategic power of warriors to the lessons found in defeat, this conversation reveals how ancient Ifa teachings guide us in navigatin...

On this powerful episode of Our Roots Podcast, Joseph Baba Ifa sits down with social media personality Jay the Orisha’s Baby for an unfiltered conversation on spirituality, identity, and personal evolution.Practicing a multitude of spiritual paths — including Ifa, Obeah, and Spiritism — Jay shares their spiritual background, lived experiences, and unique perspective on navigating multiple traditions in today’s modern world.Together, they dive deep into:✨ Spiritual upbringing and initiation journ...

What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern spiritual curiosity? The All Things Spiritual Conference is a powerful and thought-provoking gathering led by Joseph Baba Ifa, where sacred traditions, lived experiences, and spiritual responsibility come together in one transformative conversation. In this dynamic panel experience, we explore: ✨ Reincarnation — Is the soul eternal? How do destiny, karma, and ancestral lineage shape our present life? ✨ Trance & Spiritual Possession — Understandin...