This episode is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience in America, through the lens of author and speaker Simone W. Johnson. She shares insights from her book Decoding America and opens up about the emotional, psychological, and social challenges immigrants face while trying to “belong” in places that often reject them—even among those who look like them. Simone and Idongesit dive into cultural fragmentation, code switching, and how trauma, racism, and colonialism continue to divide communities.

They also unpack what true community means, the dangers of unchecked bias, and how immigrants can both protect themselves and contribute to collective healing. With raw honesty and deep wisdom, this episode calls all of us—immigrants and citizens alike—to do the work of unlearning, reconnecting, and building bridges across cultural lines.

#immigrantexperience #diasporaunity #decolonizeyourmind #codeSwitching #blackcommunityhealing

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 https://thebridgeconcepts.org/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWGXHad4QSaQ_v7at2ds6g

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@theimmigrantexperience

➤ CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Simone 01:25 – Why Simone wrote “Decoding America” 03:31 – The weight of belonging and assimilation 04:48 – Finding your community in a foreign land 06:45 – The dangers of assuming cultural acceptance 08:29 – Code switching and lack of solidarity 14:42 – Religion, colonialism, and mental division 17:09 – Diaspora disunity and social infighting 20:16 – The power of unlearning mental slavery 24:36 – How immigrants unknowingly perpetuate bias 33:05 – The immigrant’s responsibility to educate 39:01 – Delayed gratification and cultural values 44:13 – Misconceptions around immigrants and opportunity 47:15 – A call to heal, unify, and reclaim narrative

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In this electrifying episode, Idongesit is joined by the one and only Mr. Enthusiastic, Dr. Jonas Gadson. With his signature “bonus from Jonas” wisdom, Dr. Gadson breaks down the real difference between information and education, the power of self-investment, and why transformation, not just change, is the goal. From childhood on a plantation to training thousands across the world, his story proves that you don’t just go through things, you grow through them.

Whether you’ve struggled to believe in your value, feared stepping into greatness, or wondered if your voice matters, this conversation is your sign. It’s time to stop waiting for permission. The future isn’t outside you, it’s inside you. Get your notebook out, because this one is jam-packed with fire and clarity. What time is it? It’s NOW o’clock.

#transformationjourney #selfleadership #blackexcellence #growthmindset #mentorshipmatters

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 www.jonasbonus.com

Email Address: [email protected]

Direct Line (with voicemail message): +1 (585) 703-9547

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jonas-gadson-dtm-615106328/

https://www.instagram.com/jonasbonus2021/

➤ CHAPTERS:

 00:00 - Meeting Dr. Jonas 02:11 - The Four Pillars: Educate, Inspire, Transform, Motivate 03:42 - Are Elders Failing the Youth or Vice Versa? 06:53 - Information vs. Education 09:29 - Self-Education Beyond Formal Schooling 12:09 - What to Do When the Path Is Hard 14:41 - Is “Rolling Up Your Sleeves” Outdated in the AI Age? 17:15 - Why Sharing Your Story Matters 20:03 - Don’t Turn Your Couch Into a Coffin 23:16 - The Power of the Subconscious Mind 26:40 - From Plantation to Purpose 30:23 - You Can’t Take Everyone With You 34:00 - Fear of Greatness & Outside Validation

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What does it mean to improve your life on your own terms? In this energizing episode of Abeg Vex, Idongesit sits down with engineer and mentor Juliet Agocha for a heartfelt conversation on self-improvement, redefining success, and breaking generational and cultural barriers. From immigrant parents struggling to accept their children’s career choices, to women boldly entering male-dominated fields, Juliet shares wisdom and lived experiences that inspire courage and clarity.

They dive deep into the emotional toll of societal expectations, the illusion of overnight success on social media, and the importance of celebrating the small, unseen victories along the way. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or starting over from scratch, this conversation is your reminder that there is no age limit on growth—and your journey is worth celebrating. #SelfImprovement #RedefineSuccess #ImmigrantVoices #WomenInTech #UnseenVictories

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-juliet-agocha-phd-m-sc-b-sc-csm-aws-ccp-cspo-546a36b8/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.julietagocha/

https://www.julietagocha.com/

https://a.co/d/06SMhjL

➤ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Self-Improvement Starts with Discomfort 01:48 How to Know It’s Time to Change 04:06 Why Generations Clash on Success 06:48 The Immigrant Parent Dilemma 10:24 Gender Roles and Career Choices 14:55 Reinventing Yourself at Any Age 17:44 Social Media vs. Real Life Progress 20:02 Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Trophy 24:22 What Is “Unseen Victories” Really About? 29:36 Women Thriving in Tech Careers 31:26 Mentorship, Purpose, and Giving Back 32:12 How to Connect with Juliet

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In this thought-provoking episode of Abeg Vex Podcast, we sit down with Jaison Thomas, a leadership consultant who’s dedicated his career to bridging the gap between factory floor workers and their managers. From being an airplane mechanic to now leading Jaison Thomas Media, Jaison shares how humility, human connection, and genuine leadership can transform manufacturing culture from the inside out.

Together with Idongesit, they unpack the complexities of generational gaps in the workplace, the silent tensions of ego, and why listening often outpaces leading. Whether you're a plant manager, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone trying to navigate difficult work dynamics, this episode is full of real-world lessons and encouragement. #leadershipdevelopment #manufacturinglife #humbleleadership #generationalgap #workplacetrust

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaisonthomas/

https://www.jaisonthomas.com/

➤ CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome to the Episode00:46 – Bridging Blue Collar and White Collar Leadership02:19 – Why the Disconnect Happens04:32 – Managing the Generational Gap05:46 – Ego and Age Dynamics in Leadership07:10 – Humility: The Missing Ingredient in Leadership08:54 – Building Trust with Small Gestures10:18 – Learning Beyond the Textbook11:02 – Who Jaison Works With and How12:24 – Open to Other Industries Beyond Manufacturing13:47 – Golden Nuggets for Entrepreneurs and Managers16:32 – Why You Can’t Keep Everyone Happy

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What does it really take to become a successful entrepreneur in today's world—beyond the Instagram filters and million-dollar claims? In this episode, Marcel Clarke breaks down the real mindset, discipline, and work ethic it takes to build a sustainable business, drawing from his journey from corporate exec to multi-franchise owner. If you’ve ever considered starting a business or are deep in the trenches, this conversation will energize and challenge you.

We talk about smart goal-setting, surrounding yourself with the right people, and learning to fail forward. Marcel shares deeply personal stories and unapologetic truths about what the entrepreneurial grind really looks like. This isn’t another highlight reel—it’s the reality check you didn’t know you needed. #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessTruths #FranchiseLife #BlackBusiness #StartUpRealTalk

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

https://www.instagram.com/marcelclarke_/

https://www.marcelclarke.co/

➤ CHAPTERS:

 00:01 Entrepreneurship Begins in Childhood 00:02 Lessons from a Corner Store Legacy 00:03 Who Should Not Be an Entrepreneur 00:04 Educate Yourself Before Starting 00:05 Entrepreneurship vs. Social Media Myths 00:07 You Don’t Need a Mentor to Start 00:10 Define Your Own Version of Success 00:13 Making the Jump: Corporate to Franchise 00:17 The Power of Failure and Resilience 00:21 Your Circle Will Change 00:28 Should You Quit Your Job to Start a Business? 00:35 Why Mentorship is a Responsibility

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What do you do when your best efforts at peace are met with silence, blame, or rejection? In this heartfelt and practical episode, communication specialist Edoardo Guidali shares how broken families can heal with courage, consistency, and a few counterintuitive shifts in mindset. His approach is grounded in real experience—both personal and professional—and offers a roadmap for people stuck in painful relational cycles.

From toxic patterns to deeply rooted fears of abandonment, Edoardo shows how real transformation happens when communication becomes a conscious habit. Whether you're navigating family conflict, strained romantic relationships, or struggling with being the "black sheep," this conversation delivers tools, hope, and permission to prioritize your peace.

#communicationhealing #familydynamics #emotionalintelligence #boundariesmatter #healingrelationships

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/edoardo-g-9218a8231/

https://www.edoardoguidali.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@edoardo.guidali

https://www.instagram.com/better_communication_with_ed/

➤ CHAPTERS:

 00:01 Why family conversations implode

00:40 What inspired Edoardo’s work

03:00 A real family transformation story

05:00 How long does it take to fix broken communication?

08:00 The importance of commitment

11:12 Can one person derail a group’s healing process?

15:30 The deepest hurt people carry

20:05 When abandonment becomes real

25:00 Sibling influence and the “odd one out”

30:10 Edoardo’s process to start tough conversations

39:20 Choose to be happy, not right

44:50 When going no-contact is the healthiest option

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In this powerful episode, we dive into the complex world of emotional wellness, tech boundaries, and sex addiction with licensed professional counselor and coach, Patrick Eilers. From redefining what work-life balance really means to setting intentional boundaries with your phone, Patrick gives us tools for living a more emotionally intelligent and present life.

We also tackle sensitive but necessary conversations around sex addiction, the impact of pornography on relationships, and the road to healing when betrayal happens. If you’ve ever struggled with shame, avoidance, or emotional disconnect, this episode offers clarity, guidance, and most of all—hope. #MentalHealthAwareness #SexAddictionRecovery #EmotionalIntelligence #DigitalWellness #MarriageHealing

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickeilersbloomworkscc/

https://www.therapyportal.com/p/bloomworks/

https://www.patreon.com/bloomworks

➤ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:07 Patrick’s career path in counseling and coaching

02:50 The goal of emotional intelligence and balance

04:17 Understanding true work-life harmony

05:38 How tech addiction affects personal balance

07:00 Setting boundaries with devices

08:48 The importance of being present

10:58 Where to start with emotional intelligence

13:01 Are emotions really a weakness?

15:06 What sex addiction really looks like

20:01 When “just porn” becomes a real issue

25:07 Lifestyle choices: boundaries vs. dysfunction

33:50 Healing from pornography in marriage

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In this heartfelt episode, Idongesit dives deep with transformation coach Mark Collins, exploring the often unseen battles beneath outward success. Mark shares his personal journey of overcoming insecurity, the trauma that shaped his identity, and the powerful realization that real transformation begins within—not with habits or achievements, but with facing your story.

Together, they unpack how cultural expectations, childhood experiences, and unhealed wounds shape adult decisions. Whether you're driven by proving others wrong or navigating the tension between success and fulfillment, this episode offers practical wisdom and powerful reframes for mastering life with authenticity.

#transformationcoach #identityhealing #successvsfulfillment #lifemastery #mentalhealthgrowth

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 https://courses.freedom-for-life.net/

https://www.instagram.com/_freedomforlife_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-collins-freedom-for-life/

➤ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Transformation begins with self 03:13 Empathy from personal experience 06:07 When success hides inner struggle 08:36 Cultural expectations vs personal fulfillment 12:11 Passion without financial success 15:54 Easy vs trauma-based transformations 20:47 The identity beneath the trauma 26:22 Unpacking childhood wounds 30:35 Vulnerability and masculinity 34:17 What if success isn't healing? 39:09 Life mastery in every area 43:43 Are you succeeding because of who you are?

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In this powerful conversation, we explore what workplace culture truly means and why many companies fail to live up to the values they advertise. Cultural anthropologist Kristine Gentry joins us to explain how internal culture shapes employee experience, retention, and success—and why faking it is worse than not having any values at all.

From representation and DEI to the dangers of forced engagement and outdated leadership practices, we dive deep into what it takes to build truly inclusive, innovative, and people-centered organizations. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating modern workplaces or driving cultural change from within.

#workplaceculture #DEI #leadershipdevelopment #inclusionmatters #organizationalhealth

➤ EPISODE LINKS:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-mckenzie-gentry/

https://www.culturegrove.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kristinegentry

➤ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome + Guest Introduction 00:52 What is workplace culture? 05:24 Are companies being honest about their values? 09:12 Why representation matters in diverse workforces 13:19 Grandfathering and unqualified hires 18:16 Profit vs. culture-driven leadership 24:19 Companies stuck in the past 27:18 Red flags and gut feelings in job search 31:14 The harm of forced engagement 36:01 How leadership style impacts culture 45:14 Small vs. large company culture shifts 51:30 Final thoughts on culture and mutual respect

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In this episode, Idongesit sits down with Kunal Desai, the brilliant co-founder of Meal Deals—a platform that’s revolutionizing how we discover and engage with local food options. Kunal shares how his team built a hyper-personalized, location-based app that helps restaurants, caterers, and even food trucks reach diners in real time—all without needing a fancy website or digital know-how. From hotel QR codes to midnight cravings, Meal Deals is built for simplicity, growth, and community.Kunal also gets personal, opening up about his journey from academic failure to a master’s degree and co-founding a fast-scaling tech platform. His candid reflections on redemption, resilience, and the power of showing up every day make this episode not just about tech or food—but about life. #foodtech #restaurantmarketing #entrepreneurmindset➤ EPISODE LINKS: https://www.instagram.com/subjectmatterpros/https://www.facebook.com/subjectmatterproshttps://www.mealdeals.app/https://www.instagram.com/mealdeals.app/ ➤ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Candid Conversations Begin 00:11 Meet Kunal Desai, Co-founder of Meal Deals 00:43 What is Meal Deals and How Does It Work? 03:02 Why Real-Time Restaurant Ads Matter 05:23 Using Meal Deals While Traveling 07:08 Personalized Features: Filters, Birthdays, and Date Nights 10:01 Making Hotel Stays Less Boring with Local Food 12:03 Do Restaurants Need a Digital Footprint? 14:06 Helping Mom & Pop Restaurants Go Digital 18:05 Unlocking Growth for Private Caterers & Food Trucks 21:46 Repetition, Visibility, and Building Lifetime Customers 24:01 Kunal’s Personal Food Discovery Story 26:08 Shoutout to Mario, the Tech Backbone 27:21 Kunal’s Academic & Personal Transformation Journey 36:04 From Kicked Out to Summa Cum Laude 41:04 Wrapping Up & What’s Next for Kunal➤ CHECK OUT OUR CHANNEL HERE:https://www.youtube.com/@AbegVexPodcast ➤ SUBSCRIBE HERE:https://www.youtube.com/@AbegVexPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 ➤ DOWNLOAD EPISODE:https://open.spotify.com/show/4qiZMsvzl7adRa438zz6eThttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abeg-vex-podcast/id1743291298 ➤ WEBSITE:https://abegvexpodcast.com