Episodes

  • S3E14: Dear First Gen: Your Mental Health Matters

    S3E14: Dear First Gen: Your Mental Health Matters
    May 6 2025
    What does healing look like when your culture tells you to keep pushing through? In this episode of The First Gems, we’re joined by Dr. Uche Ukuku—a psychologist specializing in trauma and mental wellness—to unpack mental health in first-gen communities. Together, we explore what it means to carry generational pressure, navigate stigma around therapy in Nigerian households, and prioritize your wellness without guilt. Dr. Uche shares practical insights on finding the right therapist, redefining strength to include vulnerability, and building systems of support—like her own Adda Group and the Talk Naija Therapy Fund—to make healing more accessible. Whether you’re at the beginning of your therapy journey or simply rethinking what mental health means to you, this episode offers community, clarity, and care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • S3E13: Sounds of Home: Reclaiming Identity through Music & Authenticity w/ itsENJ

    S3E13: Sounds of Home: Reclaiming Identity through Music & Authenticity w/ itsENJ
    Apr 22 2025
    In this episode of The First Gems, we tap in with Chimdi and Otìto—better known as the Dappa Duo behind ENJ—for a conversation that feels like home. From growing up between Enugu and the Bronx to creating genre-blending sounds rooted in identity and joy, the duo shares how they’re reclaiming what it means to live, create, and heal as first-gen artists. We unpack how music became their way of preserving culture, resisting assimilation, and building bridges across the diaspora. They talk about creative confidence, spiritual grounding, and the journey from basement dreams to purposeful artistry. If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures or called to create something bigger than yourself—this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • S3E12: Reclaiming Faith: The Beliefs We Inherit and The Ones We Build

    S3E12: Reclaiming Faith: The Beliefs We Inherit and The Ones We Build
    Apr 10 2025
    What happens when your learned faith no longer reflects the person you’re becoming? In this episode of The First Gems, we explore our personal relationships with faith, childhood experiences, and how our cultural background has influenced our spiritual journeys. Whether you're rooted in tradition or rebuilding your faith, this conversation holds space for wherever you are on your journey. Tune in as we unpack how our spiritual practices have shifted from inherited beliefs to intentional choices. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Faith and Spirituality 05:17 The Evolution of Faith from Childhood to Adulthood 10:22 Questioning Faith and Spiritual Practices 15:58 Cultural Influences on Faith Experiences 22:46 Comparing Different Church Experiences 25:50 Mindful Spiritual Guidance 26:50 Navigating Religious Transitions 27:49 Embracing Interfaith Dynamics 31:00 Virtual Worship and Non-Traditional Practices 33:43 Personal Spiritual Practices 41:20 Redefining Spiritual Journeys 45:29 Sharing Testimonies and Gratitude Takeaways Faith is a personal choice that evolves over time. Childhood experiences shape our understanding of spirituality. Questioning is a natural part of spiritual growth. Non-traditional practices can enhance one's spiritual journey. Community support is vital in navigating faith. Find what resonates with your soul. Your faith journey is unique and should be embraced as such. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • S3E11: The Ultimate Glow-Up: Career, Confidence & Designing Your Best Life with Jodie Taylor

    S3E11: The Ultimate Glow-Up: Career, Confidence & Designing Your Best Life with Jodie Taylor
    Apr 4 2025
    How do you go from feeling stuck to fully stepping into your power? In this episode, we sit down with Jodie Taylor—DEI executive, content creator, and personal development coach—to talk about mastering the glow-up from the inside out. Jodie shares insights on career success, balancing corporate life with creative pursuits, and why self-concept is key to transformation. Plus, she drops gems on manifestation, finding your “zone of genius,” and designing the life you truly want. Topics: Glow-up tips Finding your zone of genius First-gen career success tips How to manifest your life How to design your life Balancing a corporate job and content creation Diversity Equity and Inclusion DEI Impact Productivity and delegation tips for busy women Jamaican culture Nigerian Culture First Generation American Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • S3E10: Behind the Headlines: The Secrets to PR Success with Takyrah Jones

    S3E10: Behind the Headlines: The Secrets to PR Success with Takyrah Jones
    Mar 11 2025
    Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes in PR? In this episode of The First Gems, we chat with publicist and marketer Takyrah Jones, best known for her PR Moves series on TikTok. She breaks down the differences between PR and marketing, shares real talk on crisis management, and explains why authenticity is key to building a strong brand. Takyrah also dives into her journey in the industry, the power of networking, and how to stand out in today’s fast-paced media world. If you're curious about PR, branding, or making a name for yourself, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss! Topics: First Generation Black Podcasts Public Relations Marketing and Branding Women in PR Media strategy Personal branding Puerto Rican Culture New York Hustle Womens History Month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • S3E9: Black Joy Abroad: Afro-Colombian Heritage in Cartagena

    S3E9: Black Joy Abroad: Afro-Colombian Heritage in Cartagena
    Feb 28 2025
    In celebration of Black History Month, this episode centers our experience traveling to Cartagena, Colombia, spotlighting Afro-Colombian pride and cultural resilience. From Palenque's inspiring history to street performances and hospitality, discover the joy of celebrating Black culture in the Caribbean with The First Gems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • S3E8: Love, Culture & Connection with Kalaria & Jimmy [BONUS]

    S3E8: Love, Culture & Connection with Kalaria & Jimmy [BONUS]
    Feb 15 2025
    Love is more than just romance—it's about connection and personal growth. In this special Valentine’s Day episode, Kalaria and her fiancé Jimmy take on a fun and revealing couples quiz that tests their knowledge of each other while exploring their cultural backgrounds and relationship dynamics. From lighthearted questions to deeper reflections on love, family, and authenticity, this heartfelt conversation highlights how personal experiences and cultural values shape relationships. Tune in for laughs, love, and meaningful insights into what makes a strong and lasting connection. Topics: Valentines Day Couples Quiz Black Love Black Couples Milleninals First Generation Black Podcasts Love & Relationships Haitian Culture Nigerian Culture South African Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • S3E7: The Business of Beauty: Sheva Ahmadi on Being a Black Entrepreneur and Owning Your Success

    S3E7: The Business of Beauty: Sheva Ahmadi on Being a Black Entrepreneur and Owning Your Success
    Feb 11 2025
    In this episode of The First Gems, we sit down with Sheva Ahmadi, the founder of LA Beauty Club, to discuss her journey from a frustrating beauty supply experience to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur. Sheva keeps it real about the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up, the sacrifices she made, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From being featured on Revolt TV’s Bet on Black to franchising LA Beauty Club, Sheva shares the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship, representation in the beauty industry, and why keeping your 9-to-5 might just be your biggest asset. Plus, as always, we’re dropping gems you don’t want to miss! Tune in and get inspired to take your next bold step. Topics covered: Sheva Ahmadi’s journey Launching LA Beauty Club Black-owned business challenges Entrepreneurship struggles Balancing a 9-to-5 and business Revolt TV’s Bet on Black Supporting Black businesses First-generation entrepreneurship Black History Month Black Owned Beauty Supply in Los Angeles Lessons for First-Generation Entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins