In this episode of the Vulnerability Muscle, Reggie is joined by Emeka and Victor, the hosts of "The Village Boyz," to explore the origins of their podcast, the depth of their friendship, and their often intense conversations on topics such as capitalism, immigration status, and the complex Black experience from various cultural backgrounds. They emphasize the value of intellectual curiosity and the creation of supportive communities. The episode delves into their personal journeys involving faith, diversity, and empathy, focusing on their experiences in multicultural environments, navigating differing belief systems, and the impact of curiosity on their perspectives.   The trio also reflects on their relationships with their parents, their exploration of faith, and the consequences of colonialism on religion, as well as the importance of distinguishing the misuse of power from the core of spirituality. The conversation addresses the dynamics of Nigerian immigrant households, childhood comparisons, and performance, highlighting themes of family dynamics, religion, and the impact of growing up in such households. The Village Boyz share personal stories and experiences, discussing trauma, the impact of unconditional love, and their journey towards healing and understanding their past.  

Highlights: 

⭐️ The impact of immigration status on an individual's ability to work, get an education, and live in the U.S. 

⭐️ Emeka shares his journey from feeling rebellious and hurt within his faith to exploring new-age religions, including Buddhism and Taoism. 

⭐️ Victor emphasizes the importance of creating space for diverse beliefs and fostering respectful conversations through intellectual curiosity. 

⭐️ They underline the need for empathy, nuance, and curiosity in addressing diverse beliefs and promoting understanding. 

⭐️ Questioning religious beliefs, experiencing religious trauma, and the realization that many religions share common principles. 

⭐️ Reflecting on how the history of colonizers in Africa using religion to subjugate people led to internal spiritual struggles. 

⭐️ The influence of immigrant culture on family dynamics and love expressed through actions rather than conversation. 

⭐️ How the emphasis on comparison and performance in Nigerian culture can lead to success but also leave individuals broken. 

⭐️ Victor shares his journey of healing, reconciliation, and growth, reflecting on the impact of resentment and unresolved issues within his family relationships. 

⭐️ Reggie reflects on trauma presenting in two forms: the presence of something bad and the absence of something good, emphasizing the complexity of family relationships. 

⭐️ Emeka shares his journey of healing and his evolving relationship with his aunt, who played a significant role in his upbringing, revealing how he has moved from anger to compassion. 

📲 Connect with Reggie 

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📲 Connect with Emeka and Victor:  

IG - https://instagram.com/vllgboyz  

Emeka's IG- https://instagram.com/ce.akoma  

Victor's IG - https://instagram.com/vtsado19  

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