The recently launched Fun+nel Chat Show is a zoom programme created to establish open and frank discussions on subjects that are not comprehensively preached from pulpits and may otherwise be deemed taboo.
In a recent interview with Pepperpot Magazine, the architects and presenters behind this “Women Only” programme, Eslyn Harris and Marcia Forde divulged that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were inundated with programmes on Facebook and Zoom, but they were not interactive.
“We wanted more on some of the topics, but we realised that because of the stigma and taboo that exist in places of worship; those answers would not be provided anytime soon, [hence] the birth of the Fun+nel Chat show,” Marcia explained to the Pepperpot Magazine.
According to Marcia, FUN+NEL stands for Fun plus Never Ending Learning and the purpose is to provide a platform for discussion on “non-preachable” subjects.
She explained that based on the name of the show, their tagline, “we pour into each other, as God pours into us” and mantra, “fun+nel your thoughts, they fashion your future” were coined to motivate and encourage the participants.
Marcia believes that some topics preached in religious settings need to be more exhaustive but understands that it cannot be done because of the make-up of congregations and the discomfort it may cause. She states, “But what I cannot understand is why are some topics prohibited, forbidden and barred. Didn’t God make the exact things we deem as offensive and distasteful?”
Eslyn posited that the participants are all receptive and are at ease with the topics discussed. She informed that the ages of the target audience range from 24 to 60+. Lady Eslyn also reported that the response has been overwhelming and when participants’ log on, they stay for the duration of the programme.
The programme aims to discuss those taboo subjects holistically and decently, making them mentionable and acceptable. To that end, they ensure that in every episode, a “God Aspect” is presented, tying the discussion to scripture which is linked to the motto: “Guiding each other for a secured eternity.
The Fun+nel Chat show is a safe space and a non-judgmental zone where participants are encouraged to express themselves in an acceptable manner minus expletives. Both Marcia and Eslyn expect this programme to be more successful as each woman invites another.
One participant Raelene Phillips who joined the show from its inception, told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview that she believes that the show is very informative and reaches a wide cross-section of participants.
Drawing from her knowledge based on what she learnt from the show is that we can work with women and families.
“Well for me, it has changed me in a positive way and that is why I keep going on the show , because I am learning how to relate to people, teenagers and others, the respect of other people’s opinions is very important. There are certain things you don’t share with everybody, inclusive of your husband if it is going to cause a conflict, if it isn’t relevant necessary, so I have just learnt to choose what I say and to whom I say it,” Phillips said.
Societal Impact
“ As long as individuals choose to use the new knowledge we have in a positive way, we would have an influence on others around and they can have an influence to persons around them and it is going to work out,” Phillips added.
Phillips opined that one of the takeaways that she has been able to pass on to her students in the school where she teaches, is that of learning to respectfully, respect other’s opinions of any situation.
