In this episode of Conversations from the Diaspora, I’m joined by Nandi Kaye, travel and self-discovery enthusiast and founder of Nature is Balm. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to nine African countries and now curates holistic cultural birthright experiences to Senegal and The Gambia.
We talk about her personal journey of reconnecting with the continent despite not having direct family ties, how travel can be a tool for healing and identity-building, and what it means to create safe, intentional spaces for members of the African diaspora to experience belonging.
From her background in criminal justice reform to her mission of bridging community and self-discovery, this conversation reminds us that travel isn’t just about movement — it’s about memory, healing, and reimagining Black joy.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#ConversationsFromTheDiaspora
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In this episode of Conversations from the Diaspora, I’m joined by Dammi Sherri, a Nigerian-Irish entrepreneur and the founder of Sísè Foods—a brand on a mission to make African home cooking simple, flavorful, and accessible for modern living.
Dammi shares her journey from working in financial services to creating a food brand that started as a personal fix in her own kitchen. We talk about:
The immigrant experience in Ireland and how it shaped her perspective
Why preserving culture through food is so important
The realities of starting small, bootstrapping, and growing intentionally
What it means to balance purpose, business, and personal life as a founder
This is more than a food story—it’s about identity, heritage, and building something that keeps culture alive in everyday kitchens.
🎙️ Tune in for a conversation that blends food, entrepreneurship, and the African diaspora experience in such a beautiful way.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#ConversationsFromTheDiaspora
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In this episode of Conversations from the Diaspora, we sit down with Udochi Okeke, the brilliant co-founder of Mmuta Di Uto, a vibrant children’s YouTube channel transforming how Igbo language and culture are taught and preserved. What started with a puppet show and a dream has become a viral storytelling movement — and Udochi’s journey is as compelling as her creations.
We dive into her personal story — from being sent to boarding school in Nigeria at 13 to building a media company that educates and empowers kids worldwide. Udochi opens up about the legacy of her father’s cultural influence, the creative process behind Mmuta Di Uto, and why bilingual Igbo kids matter now more than ever.
If you’re raising kids in the diaspora, working in language preservation, or just passionate about cultural sustainability, this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#IgboLanguage #DiasporaParenting #CulturalPreservation #AfricanStorytelling #ConversationsFromTheDiaspora #MmutaDiUto #BilingualKids
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In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Young, a proud wife, mother, and homeschooling advocate, as we dive deep into why more Black families are choosing to reclaim control of their children's education and influences. We explore homeschooling not just as an educational alternative — but as an act of resistance, cultural preservation, and community rebuilding.
We talk about the importance of creating intentional learning spaces, rebuilding the village, and protecting the futures of our children by giving them a foundation rooted in truth, identity, and legacy.
If you’ve ever questioned the traditional school system or thought about how to raise free, grounded minds in today’s world — this conversation is for you.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#ConversationsFromTheDiaspora #HomeschoolingMovement #IntentionalParenting #ReclaimingEducation
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In this powerful and introspective episode, I sit down with Curtis Bobray — a Liberian-American husband, father, and trained marriage and family therapist — to explore the deep intersections of fatherhood, mental health, cultural identity, and emotional healing in the diaspora.
Curtis opens up about his personal journey as a father raising children in America, navigating generational patterns, and finding peace as a man committed to growth. We discuss the importance of emotional wellness in family life, how cultural traditions shape our views on manhood, and why healing the individual is essential for healing the family.
Curtis also reflects on his book Finding Peace, a self-guided journal created for men seeking clarity and balance in their lives.
🧠 Topics we cover:
Fatherhood in the diaspora: what it means to raise emotionally whole children
The evolving role of Black men in marriage and mental health spaces
Cultural and generational expectations around masculinity and emotional expression
Why community, healing, and honest conversations matter now more than ever
Whether you’re a parent, a partner, or simply navigating your identity across cultures, this episode will challenge and encourage you to rethink what it means to lead with love and intention.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#ConversationsFromTheDiaspora
#EmotionalWellness #AfricanDiaspora #HealingGenerations #MentalHealthMatters #DiasporaParenting
——
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📢 Sisterhood Revisited: I See You, Sis – The 2025 Edition! 💖
✨ Four years after our first conversation, we brought it back! ✨
In this powerful and honest discussion, we reflected on sisterhood, motherhood, marriage, and the evolving roles of women in our communities. We picked up right where we left off—sharing how life, work, and relationships have shaped us and how we can continue moving forward together while inspiring the next generation.
💡 Topics we explored:
💬 How has motherhood shifted our friendships and village?
💬 Are we truly showing up for each other as women—or are some being left behind?
💬 What does it really mean to pour into the next generation of women?
💬 How are we redefining sisterhood in this season of life?
👭 We had real conversations, shared our truths, and uplifted one another. Tune in to this heartfelt episode of I See You, Sis - Part II on Conversations from the Diaspora!
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#ConversationsFromTheDiaspora #Sisterhood #WomenSupportingWomen #MovingForwardTogether #WomensHistoryMonth
——
Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture
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In this deeply personal episode of Conversations from the Diaspora, I step out of my comfort zone to share a journey that has completely transformed me—my path to motherhood. From navigating nearly three years of unexplained infertility to holding onto faith and finally experiencing the joy of pregnancy, this is a story of resilience, hope, and self-advocacy.
As the eldest daughter in a Nigerian immigrant household, I’ve always carried a deep sense of responsibility. I grew up taking care of others, but nothing fully prepared me for the weight and wonder of becoming a mom myself. I open up about the emotional highs and lows of trying to conceive, the ways I mentally and physically prepared for motherhood before it even happened, and the unforgettable moment I saw those two pink lines.
I also get real about the realities of Black maternal healthcare—what I learned, the challenges I faced, and why self-advocacy is so critical in our journey to motherhood.
✨ The role of faith, visualization, and holistic health in my pregnancy journey
✨ The raw emotions of finding out I was pregnant and how I surprised my family
✨ Navigating the U.S. healthcare system as a Black woman and advocating for my needs
✨ The beauty of rest, transformation, and embracing my pregnancy experience
If you’re in a season of waiting, preparing for motherhood, or simply love hearing real, heartfelt stories, this episode is for you. Your journey may not look exactly like mine, but I hope it reminds you that delay is not denial—your moment is coming. 💛
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
#MotherhoodJourney #BlackMaternalHealth #FaithAndFertility #FirstTimeMom #ConversationsFromTheDiaspora
——Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.godaddysites.com/Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture Your support means everything: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bldgafricasfuture/supportBAF Convos Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/happybirthdaynki30/
In this episode of Conversations from the Diaspora, a Building Africa’s Future podcast, we dive into the unique experiences of Millennial and Gen Z African firstborns navigating life between cultures. Join us as we chat with two special guests—a Nigerian-American Millennial and a Kenyan-American Gen Z—who share what it’s really like to grow up as the eldest in African immigrant families.
We explore topics like the pressure to meet family expectations, balancing African values with Western influences, and the similarities and differences in how Millennials and Gen Z approach the firstborn role. Our guests open up about their relationships with family, the journey of self-discovery, and the ways they’re redefining traditional roles to fit a modern identity.
Tune in to gain insights into generational shifts, cultural identity, and family dynamics as we uncover the real stories behind the firstborn experience in African households.
Subscribe to our podcast today: Conversations from the Diaspora, a Building Africa's Future podcast. #bafconversationspodcast #africanfirstborns #africandiaspora —— Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.godaddysites.com/ Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture Your support means everything: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bldgafricasfuture/support BAF Convos Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/happybirthdaynki30/ #BAFConversationsPodcast
Kick off Season 4 of Conversations from the Diaspora with a dynamic live episode featuring special guest Nina Esimogu! We dive deep into the heart of cultural identity and generational shifts within the African diaspora. From navigating cultural clashes while raising children to redefining success for African women beyond marriage, we tackle the tough questions: How many generations does it take for cultures to fade? What cultural lessons will we pass on to Gen Z and Gen Alpha? And how do we, as Africans, command respect on a global stage?
Join us as we explore these pressing topics, including the role of "rest" in African homes, setting boundaries with in-laws, and the ongoing debate between Gen Z and millennials. Plus, we'll discuss the controversial case of a Nigerian woman facing jail time over a tomato puree review and ponder the diaspora's responsibility to continental Africa.
Don't miss this captivating and thought-provoking episode that challenges cultural norms and sparks meaningful dialogue! Tune in now! 🔥
Subscribe to our podcast today: Conversations from the Diaspora, a Building Africa's Future podcast. #bafconversationspodcast #culturalheritage #africandiaspora —— Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.godaddysites.com/ Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture Your support means everything: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bldgafricasfuture/support BAF Convos Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/happybirthdaynki30/ #BAFConversationsPodcast
Join us in this enlightening episode with Dr. Ndu David as we explore the motivations that led a Nigerian family to make a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia. We'll delve into the initial expectations they had before relocating and discover how these expectations evolved over time. Gain insights into the personal stories that shaped their decision to immigrate and how their reality in Saudi Arabia compares to their preconceived notions. This candid conversation reveals the challenges and triumphs faced by immigrant families, shedding light on the transformative power of such journeys. Subscribe to our podcast today: Conversations from the Diaspora, a Building Africa's Future podcast. #bafconversationspodcast #culturalheritage #africandiaspora —— Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.godaddysites.com/ Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture Your support means everything: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bldgafricasfuture/support BAF Convos Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/happybirthdaynki30/ #BAFConversationsPodcast
Join us on an inspiring episode as Sussan Ituen, founder of The Marinade Hub Fertility Foundation, shares her personal journey through infertility, leading to the creation of a transformative support network. Learn about the pivotal turning point that shifted her blog series into a foundation, offering insights into the sociological nuances of infertility within the African context.
Discover how the foundation tackles cultural stigma, fostering open conversations about fertility struggles within the African diaspora. Hear heartwarming success stories that reflect the emotional and psychological transformations the community undergoes. Tune in for an impactful episode that underscores the power of community, resilience, and empowerment.
Link to the YouTube video playlist: https://bit.ly/45Qs8uV
For more information, visit: https://marinadehub.org/. To financially support The Marinade Hub Fertility Foundation, donations can be made via PayPal: sussan.ini.ituen@gmail.com. Those in Nigeria can also make donations to the following account: Acct No: 1220537790. Acct Name: The Marinade Hub Fertility Foundation. Zenith Bank. —— Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.godaddysites.com/ Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture Your support means everything: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bldgafricasfuture/support BAF Convos Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/happybirthdaynki30/
Join us on an inspiring episode as Sussan Ituen, founder of The Marinade Hub Fertility Foundation, shares her personal journey through infertility, leading to the creation of a transformative support network. Learn about the pivotal turning point that shifted her blog series into a foundation, offering insights into the sociological nuances of infertility within the African context.
Discover how the foundation tackles cultural stigma, fostering open conversations about fertility struggles within the African diaspora. Hear heartwarming success stories that reflect the emotional and psychological transformations the community undergoes. Tune in for an impactful episode that underscores the power of community, resilience, and empowerment.
Link to the YouTube video playlist: https://bit.ly/45Qs8uV
For more information, visit: https://marinadehub.org/. To financially support The Marinade Hub Fertility Foundation, donations can be made via PayPal: sussan.ini.ituen@gmail.com. Those in Nigeria can also make donations to the following account: Acct No: 1220537790. Acct Name: The Marinade Hub Fertility Foundation. Zenith Bank. —— Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.godaddysites.com/ Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture Your support means everything: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bldgafricasfuture/support BAF Convos Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/happybirthdaynki30/
In this episode, Kweku Essien, Chief Commercial Officer of Seso Global, joins us to explore the world of property ownership in Africa and the impact of the Year of the Return on the African diaspora, particularly African-Americans seeking to relocate to Ghana and other African countries. We dive into the challenges of establishing trust when doing business on the continent and the crucial role of the remittance economy from the diaspora. Essien shares his powerful insights on finding internal solutions to African problems and why he believes investing in real estate can bring about long-term prosperity for the continent. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation on the future of the African diaspora and the transformative power of real estate. Tune in now to discover how you can secure your property in Africa!
For more information, visit: https://app.seso.global/properties/home.
——
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Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.today
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In this virtual panel discussion, we talked about a number of things we felt we didn’t have growing up such as the lack of open communication with our parents, assuming parental responsibilities as children, and the lack of affection. We discussed how these things have impacted us as adults and as parents and how we plan on being more intentional in our own parenting.
Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture
YouTube: BAF - Conversations from the Diaspora
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Your support means everything: https://anchor.fm/bldgafricasfuture/support
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**Join us as we nurture the culture to thrive. Follow our business partner, Afrimerican Cultural Initiative: https://linktr.ee/afrimericanone **
**Join the #livesinmechallenge: https://bit.ly/33P7gKe **
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jite Lark, the founder of Change4Africa Superfoods and the Embody Program that she started at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the importance of natural medicine, nutritional balance, and physical wellness and how continental Africans and those in the diaspora can tap into these holistic health practices. Her organization, C4A, works directly with African women farmers to increase their opportunities to benefit from agricultural value chains. To support her work, visit her website: https://change4africa.net/. In addition to her passion projects, she has 16+ years of experience teaching culturally relevant pedagogy in K-12 STEM education.
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Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture
Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.today
Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture
Your support means everything: https://anchor.fm/bldgafricasfuture/support
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I'm joined by Doria Wormbly as she discusses her experiences being the only Black student in her study abroad group and the challenges that she faced as a result of that. She is committed to shining light on the importance of diversifying international education programs on the student side as well as in program leadership and she discusses different ways that this could be done starting with providing additional funding and other resources to traditionally underrepresented students of color to prepare them before and during their study abroad travels.
To attend her free webinars on grant writing, please email The Sailor Justice Project (sailorjusticeproject@gmail.com) for more information.
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Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture
Website: https://buildingafricasfuture.today
Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bldgafricasfuture
Your support means everything: https://anchor.fm/bldgafricasfuture/support
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I'm joined by a dear friend and sister, Omba Tejan-Thomas, whom I have known for 20 years or so as we attended the same church when we first came to the country as young children. She talks about her experience coming to the U.S. at the age of 8 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and how her family had to assimilate to a new culture, leading to culture loss and feelings of identity crisis, being classified as a refugee, as well as other challenges related to navigating the immigrant experience. After discovering that she was a DACA student before graduating from high school along with the fear of deportation looming over her head, she had to postpone her education and focus on family. In May 2022, Omba completed her Masters in Health Administration and after 32 years of being in the States, she now has her permanent residency. She discusses how her faith in God helped her throughout her journey as well as key organizations in the Charlotte area that supported her in the immigration process. She concludes by sharing what she's learned about herself throughout this journey and her confidence in who she is today.
To follow her Healthcare Executive Future Leader internship series, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omba-marilyn-tejan-thomas.
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Links: https://linktr.ee/buildingafricasfuture
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Your support means everything: https://anchor.fm/bldgafricasfuture/support
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I'm joined by Sharif Muhammad who talks about his 20+ year commitment to detailing the black American experience through his digital artwork and teaching. He shares how growing up he couldn't connect in a meaningful way in most of his history classes because the history wasn't reflective of his family experience.
He discusses the types of stories he tells with his art, what he learned about himself and his creative process during the pandemic, and why he creates art with his children in mind and the type of future he envisions for them. His desire to make his art more accessible and affordable to reach more people within his community led to him creating the Black Cards which can be purchased on his website along with his other works: https://www.sharifmuhammad.com/home.
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I’m joined by Chukwunonso of Chukwunonso Captures as he discusses how he uses his photography to share his culture with others in the diaspora. This quest led to him starting the ‘Igbo Name of the Day’ series. We discussed Igbo naming traditions, navigating multiple cultural identities, the importance of language preservation, and how he intersects his culture into his photography.
Watch the full video playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzdAw8f7EUlHFHyjohZYl1AZDfENkHh-_
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Your support means everything: https://anchor.fm/bldgafricasfuture/support
