White Label American

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 upbring...

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 her...

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 po...

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 tradit...

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 ...

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 inspiri...

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 ...

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, discuss...

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 j...

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 Moz...

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 ...

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 ch...

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 fascina...

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 strugg...

  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 sam...

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 influenc...

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 ...

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,...

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 engagem...