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One 54 Podcast

One 54 Podcast

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One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.

Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.

Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.

One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time2026 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Demetria Obilor on Going Viral, Body Positivity & Pressure Put On Women In Media | One54 Africa
    Jan 7 2026

    Demetria Obilor joins One54 for a raw, thoughtful, and deeply personal conversation about going viral, navigating online backlash, and standing firm in your identity.Demetria opens up about the moment her life changed overnight after a viral clip sparked intense public attention. She reflects on how quickly social media can magnify opinions, how body image became the center of a national conversation, and what it feels like to have your appearance debated by millions of strangers. Through it all, she shares how confidence, self-awareness, and inner strength helped her reclaim her narrative.

    The conversation explores the emotional weight of online scrutiny, the pressure placed on women in media, and the responsibility that comes with visibility. Akbar, Godfrey, and Demetria discuss resilience, self-worth, and the importance of representation—especially when confidence is challenged in public spaces.

    This episode dives deep into authenticity, courage, and learning how to own your voice when the spotlight arrives without warning. Honest, reflective, and empowering, Demetria’s story is a reminder that strength is built not in comfort, but in moments of challenge.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • Festus Ezeli A Nigerian Genius, NBA Champion, Golden State Warriors, Steph, Klay, Meg Thee Stallion | One54
    Dec 31 2025

    In this powerful episode of One54, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Godfrey sit down with Festus Ezeli for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about identity, resilience, and purpose. From picking up a basketball at 14 to becoming a first-round NBA Draft pick and NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors, Festus shares a journey that mirrors the paths of global athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Hakeem Olajuwon, Pascal Siakam, and Victor Wembanyama.

    Festus reflects on growing up Nigerian, the pressure of excellence in African households, and the confidence that comes with being raised by parents who believed nothing was impossible. He opens up about his relationship with his mother, the role family played in shaping his discipline, and how community defined his upbringing both in Nigeria and the United States. The conversation touches on immigrant ambition, late bloomers in sports, and how mentorship can change the trajectory of a young life.

    The episode dives deep into basketball culture, comparing today’s youth sports machine to the old-school development paths that produced players like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant. Festus explains why starting late was actually an advantage, how rejection built resilience, and why process matters more than hype.Beyond basketball, Festus discusses wealth disparity in Nigeria, philanthropy, and his work giving back through education and youth programs. As an NBA Africa ambassador, he shares why representation matters and how African excellence continues to rise across sports, entertainment, and global leadership — from the NBA to Hollywood, from Barack Obama to Denzel Washington.

    This episode of One54 is about legacy, faith, family, and believing in potential before the world sees it. A must-watch conversation for fans of sports, culture, and stories that inspire purpose beyond fame.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Prince Amukamara on Nigerian Roots, Super Bowl, New York Giants, NFL & Football | One54
    Dec 24 2025

    Super Bowl champion and former NFL standout Prince Amukamara joins for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. From growing up Nigerian in America to playing on the biggest stages in sports, Prince opens up about identity, discipline, faith, and what really happens after the lights go off in professional football.

    Drafted in the first round by the New York Giants, Prince reflects on life inside NFL locker rooms, Super Bowl runs, and the mental pressure that comes with expectations, comparisons, and public scrutiny. He shares candid stories about transitioning out of football, redefining purpose beyond the game, and navigating success in a world that often ties worth to performance.

    The conversation explores Nigerian upbringing, African parenting, and how cultural values shaped Prince’s work ethic and mindset—paralleling the journeys of athletes like Odell Beckham Jr., Saquon Barkley, Michael Strahan, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes. Prince also discusses representation in sports, legacy, and how African and first-generation athletes are reshaping American culture alongside voices like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Serena Williams, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

    They dive deep into post-NFL identity, mental health, finances, and faith, touching on lessons relevant far beyond football. From locker-room dynamics to life lessons that echo the journeys of figures like Dwayne Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Jay-Z, and Oprah Winfrey, this episode offers insight, honesty, and inspiration.

    Raw, reflective, and rooted in culture, this episode of One54 highlights what it truly means to evolve, honor your roots, and build a meaningful life after the spotlight.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    2 hrs and 10 mins
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