White Label American is SIX! A huge shoutout to all of you for your incredible support. Whether you're tuning in for the first time, have been with us since day one, or joined us somewhere along the way – you're appreciated more than you know. To celebrate, who better than my mini-me? Today's special guest is none other than my kiddo! Fresh off her 6th birthday, Klara finally gets her wish to be on the podcast. Join us as we explore Klara's world – from her adventures in Germany with her cousin ...
Oct 23, 2024•50 min•Ep. 191
Today we're diving into a special re-released conversation with Kerry Ann Reid Brown, originally aired on April 8, 2023. Kerry Ann is an inspiring entrepreneur and the founder of Breadfruit Media, which includes popular podcasts like "Bridge to You," "Carry On Friends," and "Strictly Facts." In this episode, Kerry Ann takes us on a journey through her rich Caribbean heritage, the origin and significance of her name, and her upbringing in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We explore how her family's matriarc...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 190
This episode was originally recorded in April 2021. Welcome to another episode of "White Label American." Nigeria just marked its 64th anniversary (Oct 1st, 1960), so we've pulled a gem from the archives for you. Host Raphael Harry chats with Maurice Tamman, a seasoned journalist and devoted sailor with a fascinating story. From upgrading his boat inspired by a Harry Belafonte song to exploring aquatic superstitions tied to his heritage, Maurice's journey is captivating. We dive into his immigra...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 189
This episode was originally recorded in March 2021. Sarah, the founder and CEO of Yarang Llamisi Foundation, hails from Gombe and shines as one of Nigeria's and the UK's finest. She's not just a business powerhouse; she's also a devoted mother and wife, making waves in both countries' economies. A fun tidbit? Sarah was one of my first online friends back in the Hi5 days, way before Facebook and my move to the U.S. Recording our podcast made me realize how much I had to learn about her—I never ev...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 188
today we have the privilege of featuring Dr. Claire Murigande, a brilliant and multifaceted individual with a truly global perspective. Dr. Murigande, originally from Burundi and raised in Kenya, now resides in Switzerland, bringing with her a rich tapestry of multicultural and multilingual experiences. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of names and identity, as I reflect on my personal journey with naming traditions and share impactful childhood memories. We also explore Dr. ...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 187
We're joined by two extraordinary guests: Dominic Lawson, a multi-award-winning podcaster and entrepreneur with a passion for the Olympics, and Zenith Malawo, a soon-to-be podcaster and dedicated sports fan. Together with our host Raphael Harry, we'll explore the thrilling world of the Olympics and Paralympics, celebrating standout athletes, inspiring stories, and moments that transcend the world of sports. From the fierce rivalry in wheelchair rugby between Canada and the United States to the h...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 186
Rokhaya and I shall be on a panel at the 6th Afros and Audio Podcast Festival happening in Baltimore Oct 18-21. Use promo code rhy24afau to get yourself a 10% discount. Today, I sit down with the multifaceted Rokhaya Ndiaye—a seasoned voice acting coach, nomad entrepreneur, and CEO of "Rokaya Flow." In this episode, we'll delve into Rokhaya's remarkable journey, from meeting her husband in Jamaica in 2017 to embarking on an inspiring career in voice acting and coaching after a job loss in 2019. ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 185
Today we've got a jam-packed show as we dive deep into the world of the first Olympics round table with an all-star panel featuring Mimi Jacks, Dominic Lawson, and Weyu Hodge. We'll discuss the thrilling 3-on-3 basketball game between the USA and Serbia, the dominance of the French judo team, and the unparalleled "black girl magic" in gymnastics. We'll also tackle the challenges facing sports like volleyball and water polo in the US, and the profound influence of international athletes. And it d...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 184
We’re joined by the dynamic Tasia, who takes us on an inspiring journey from the world of music videos to the high-stakes arena of live TV events. Tasia shares her experiences working behind the scenes at monumental events like the Democratic National Convention and the Tony Awards, offering valuable insights into the meticulous planning and teamwork that makes live TV magic happen. We dive deep into Tasia's personal story, discussing her childhood aspirations, her freestyle career path, and the...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 183
Today, we're diving into something extra special – the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics! As the excitement builds, join me, Raphael Harry, as I share nostalgic memories from past Olympic Games that have captivated my heart since childhood. From the magic of watching the 1982 Los Angeles opening ceremony on VHS to the thrilling moments of the Barcelona '92 sprints and beyond, this episode rekindles my Olympic spirit and celebrates the joy these events bring to fans worldwide. Tune in as we explore ic...
Jul 24, 2024•16 min•Ep. 182
Today we've got an exciting and thought-provoking conversation lined up with crowd favorite Ashwin Goutham Gopi. In this episode, we wander through my diverse experiences—from my recent trip to Europe, including a humorous mix-up in a women’s store, to candid observations. We also delve into the dynamics of soccer fandom, sharing a lively journey through a soccer match in Germany, complete with a colorful mix of supporters from Mozambique to Israel. Ashwin passionately details the political land...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 181
Join us as we explore Vlad’s captivating story, tracing his revolutionary beginnings in Romania, introspective days in Bermuda, and vibrant life in New York City. Born in Bucharest, Vlad’s childhood was painted with outdoor escapades and lofty dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver. But his journey was far from typical. From hustling at his cousin's restaurant at age 14 to weathering the storm of the financial crisis while managing real estate, Vlad’s path took a dramatic turn. Eventually, he dis...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 180
This was an incredible conversation with the amazing Paula Sima. We dove deep into her fascinating journey from Tanzania to the UK and Malaysia, exploring food, culture, and the beauty of embracing new environments. Paula shared her passion for hospitality, her vibrant family traditions, and the inspiring story behind her podcast, Talk Shit with P. We also had some fun moments reminiscing about eclipse viewings and unforgettable childhood memories. Don't miss out on this episode; it's full of in...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 179
I'm super excited to present an incredible conversation with the amazing Dominic Lawson, a multi award-winning podcaster, on the latest episode of "White Label American". Dominic takes us on a captivating journey from his humble beginnings in the Mar Terrace Projects of Memphis, Tennessee, to his well-deserved success as the host of "Black is America" and other highly acclaimed shows. In this episode, Dominic dives into the fascinating story behind his name, with its Italian origins, and shares ...
Jun 19, 2024•48 min•Ep. 178
Obinna Elechi, a man of many talents. Hailing from Nigeria, he's an architect, comic book artist, and painter all rolled into one. In his solo episode, he delves into the complexities of parenthood, the societal pressures to adhere to traditional life milestones, and the unique challenges of fatherhood. Obinna candidly shares his experiences of living in the Netherlands, his deep-rooted passion for football, and his personal struggle with identity as a Nigerian living abroad. Furthermore, he off...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 177
The month of June commences with a distinguished guest, Kwesi Foli, the host and founder of the African Time Podcast. Kwesi expounds on the embracing of dual identities, discovering cultural affinities, navigating his creative evolution, and the tribulations associated with being a fervent supporter of the Black Stars national team. This recording was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and we trust that you found it to be the same. We always value your feedback. Please use the links provided bel...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 176
I'm sorry for not releasing an episode last week. Remember Ep 169? It was related to that. I'm excited to release my first solo episode with Grace Nkem (who appeared in Ep 166 & 167). Grace discusses important topics such as her concerns about the impact of AI technology on society and culture, as well as the commercialization of art. We also talk about her passion for pre-Christian, pre-colonial Igbo sculpture and its influence on early abstract painting, and her experiences with art and sc...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 175
Welcome back to another eye-opening episode of White Label American. We dive deep into the extraordinary journey of motherhood with repeat guests Verena, Preet, Mimi, and Arabella. They discuss how cultural upbringing significantly influences their approach to parenting, how they navigate societal expectations, and the challenges and joys of motherhood drawn from their diverse backgrounds. This episode is a celebration of mothers in all their resilience and strength across the world—hear inspiri...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 173
With Mother's Day being celebrated earlier in many parts of the world before the United States, I couldn't resist sharing one of my dream episodes - a recording with my incredible mother, Emelia Harry Akponwei. In this heartwarming episode, she opens up about her passion for dancing, her health challenges, love for Ijaw musicians, her favorite American food, and so much more. We dive into topics like humility, forgiveness, respect, trauma, history in Ghana, Nigerian-Ghanaian relations, blended f...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 174
Hello everyone, in this solo episode, I open up about my recent health challenges and express my gratitude to you, our patrons, for sticking with me during a creative slump. I'm excited to share incredible stories lined up, including heartfelt family histories and insightful guest interviews that explore diverse cultural backgrounds and personal triumphs. I also discuss my experiences guest-starring on other podcasts and my engagement in a political leadership program for veterans. Join me on th...
May 01, 2024•18 min•Ep. 172
Raphael Harry wraps up the year with a personal reflection on gratitude. He expresses deep appreciation for the diverse array of guests who have shared their stories on the podcast. Reflecting on listener feedback, he notes an unexpected connection that led to love and discusses the impact of storytelling. Delving into his personal experiences outside of podcasting, Raphael shares insights into the TV shows and music that have resonated with him throughout the year. As he looks forward to 2024, ...
Dec 20, 2023•25 min•Ep. 171
Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode with Obinna Elechi, Grace Nkem, and Amir Bey as they engage in a captivating discussion on spirituality, art, and the impact of digital culture. Dive deep into mythology, religious beliefs, and the portrayal of powerful women in history, while exploring the significance of fine art across diverse cultures. Questioning religious texts and the representation of female deities, this episode offers a compelling exploration of diverse perspectives and...
Dec 13, 2023•58 min•Ep. 170
On our latest episode, we have a lineup of three incredible creatives: Amir Bey, Grace Nkem, and Obinna Elechi. They will captivate you with their inspiring stories, starting from their birth cities to their childhood memories and early sources of inspiration. Brace yourself as we take down the artificial walls that confine creativity! Our journey begins in Port Harcourt Nigeria, Tver Russia, New York, and Ann Arbor Michigan, but it doesn't stop there. We explore the boundless world beyond these...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 169
On this special Thanksgiving episode of our podcast, we have the privilege of being joined by two incredible guests from Brooklyn and Queens. We are truly grateful for our amazing listeners who make this all possible. At this moment, we want to know what you're thankful for. Our first guest is none other than Mimi Jacks, also known as Improper Mimi, a highly esteemed podcaster and storyteller. Through her podcast, Improper Mimi, she strives to empower women in every area of their lives - whether...
Nov 22, 2023•53 min•Ep. 168
I am thrilled to present the second part of my conversation with Jonaed Iqbal, the founder of NoDegree.com and NoDegree Podcast. Join us as we delve deeper into Jonaed's incredible journey from being the "good immigrant kid" to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Discover how he empowers his clients to pursue their dreams and passions while achieving their career goals. Our conversation takes us through the bustling streets of New York and the vibrant culture of Bangladesh. We also explore Jonae...
Nov 15, 2023•46 min•Ep. 167
In this episode, titled "Immigrant Odyssey: Thriving in Unexpected Career Avenues", Raphael, engages in a dynamic conversation with guest Jonaed Iqbal, founder of Nodegree.com and the Nodegree podcast. Join us as we unpack the empowering narratives of immigrants and redefine paths to success. In this engaging episode, we delve into various captivating topics such as the significance of family in Bangladesh, unforgettable childhood moments, the multifaceted role of sports beyond mere entertainmen...
Nov 08, 2023•47 min•Ep. 166
We kicking off November with a recap of our time in Baltimore at the 5th Afros and Audio Podcasting Festival. There's a question for you at the bottom. Corey and Weyu (and me too) had the opportunity to attend the 5th Afros & Audio Podcast Festival in Baltimore. In this episode, they will be sharing their key takeaways, personal testimonies, and valuable advice for future participants. Let's dive in and discover what this festival has to offer! Attending the Afros & Audio Podcast Festiva...
Nov 01, 2023•40 min•Ep. 165
Reverend Jide Macaulay is a remarkable individual who has experienced a transformative journey of self-discovery and faith. Growing up in a conservative Christian family, Reverend Macaulay had to confront his own truth as a gay man and face the challenging consequences that followed. The revelation of his sexuality shattered his understanding of his religious upbringing, leaving him with numerous unanswered questions and a profound sense of turmoil. In his quest for answers, Reverend Macaulay em...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 164
What a delightful episode it was when we had the pleasure of having Kala, the mother of our unofficial cohost and beloved podcast favorite Ashwin, join us for our first mother and son episode. In this episode, we embarked on a journey of learning, discussing my struggles with pronunciations, and so much more. Our conversation touched upon various topics, including Kala's childhood, her family history, and the surprising universality of arranged marriages. We also explored the concept of labels l...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 163
Welcome back to another exciting episode of White Label American! In today's special episode, we have the privilege of hosting three incredible guests from the Nigerian diaspora community in Texas. They will be sharing their past memories and experiences of celebrating Nigeria's independence and reflecting on how those experiences shape their present perspectives. Join us as we explore the intriguing question of whether national pride truly exists or if it's merely a conflation of gratitude for ...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 162
