Hi fam,

This week, I’m excited to welcome Josh Rivers to AudioDiaspora. He has been building safe spaces throughout his career. And he’s done this using storytelling as a tool. He’s also the host of the podcast "Busy Being Black,” which explores and celebrates the richness of queer Black lives.

At the start of each show, he asks a simple yet poignant question: "How is your heart?" And I haven’t heard a disappointing answer - so when he joined me, I asked him the same question. Tune in to see what he said. I will say that the conversation that followed was rich, complex - and intimate.

Listen to our conversation with Josh about the importance of authenticity over quick monetization and the strength found in the community. If you’re uncertain about your purpose, this conversation may inspire you to embrace your journey and foster connections.

Follow Busy Being Black on IG.

As always, follow me to see what's making me laugh and think. (A shoutout to BlackPeoplePets for consistently making me laugh.) Also, follow the show to discover what questions I'm asking and who I'm talking to next.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Ep. 82: Louise Lyons-Appiah is Using Personal Narratives in Podasts to Break Barriers

In a world where societal expectations can be stifling, Louise Lyons-Appiah’s story is a testament to breaking free from self-doubt to build communities and empower others through collaboration.

In this episode, I speak with Louise, the co-founder of BreatheUnion and a passionate advocate for mental health, personal development, and equality. She shares her journey from feeling undermined as she battled sexism and racism in Britain, her home, to becoming an influential voice in the Black British diaspora. Her journey is nothing short of transformative. Discover how she channeled her personal experiences into creating the JNR Podcast with her brother during the lockdown, where she amplified vital perspectives often overshadowed by dominant narratives.

This episode is packed with insights into building a brand without limits, finding strength in the community, and using passion to propel oneself toward impactful change.

FOLLOW LOUISE LYONS-APPIAH on Instagram and LinkedIn.

—

Follow AudioDiaspora for updates on our community of creators and event news.

Follow AudioDiaspora and Christabel on Instagram to discover what in the world - literally - has caught our attention.

AudioDiaspora is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

EP 81: Fight for the Life of Your Work! AudioDiaspora 2024 Highlights

It’s nearly the end of 2024, and as the year winds down, Christabel takes a moment to reflect on some of the most impactful AudioDiaspora conversations of the year so far. From the power of telling your truth to the art of owning your narrative, this episode is packed with wisdom from Black creatives you SHOULD know - and stories that will help the creators amongst you to push boundaries and stay true to your roots as you create your work.

You'll hear Nana Ama Danquah's wisdom on fighting for your work, Fritznel D. Octave’s commitment to truth and journalistic integrity, Andy Mundy-Castle’s take on humility in storytelling, and Kerry Ann Stimpson’s actionable advice on using data to grow authentic communities. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a guide to navigating creativity and connection in a genuine and empowering way.

FOLLOW US

Remember, follow us on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok: @audiodiaspora

Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora.

Connect with Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Channing Chasten on ‘The 1% Kid’: Don’t Let Your Setbacks Dictate Your Future

Channing Chasten, the former Phoenix Rising football star and author of the kids' book, "The 1% Kid," shares why honoring disappointment and sadness in setting goals and boundaries was essential in achieving his career or creative goals. He also recounts how often being the only Black player on his team fueled his drive to excel - and how that drive has served him as a writer and business owner.

Channing loves football – or soccer, as it’s called in the US, and talks about his commitment to driving the sport's growth in that nation. He also shares some surprising views about the decision to host the 2026 World Cup in the Americas! 

Get step-by-step tips on using fear and criticism to fuel your success, setting goals, and becoming resilient in the face of seemingly overwhelming challenges. 

Follow Channing Chasten on IG

FOLLOW US

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Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora. 

Connect with Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Shaznay Martin Is Creating The World She Wants To See Using the Camera and the Pen.

In this week’s episode, we are joined by  Shaznay Martin, a writer and filmmaker who is forging her path in the media world and creating space for Black women on both sides of the camera. As a writer, Shaznay dissects and celebrates movies with complex Black women who take up space. Now, she’s spreading her creative wings by producing her film, inspired by classic Hollywood movies called ‘Noir.’ 

As she shares her journey with Christabel, you’ll learn effective strategies for raising support and funding for independent projects, which is crucial for building a supportive community. 

Follow Shaznay Martin on IG:

@sh4znaymartin

AudioDiaspora is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

FOLLOW US

Remember, follow us on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok: @audiodiaspora

Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora.

Connect with Christabel:

I.G.: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Hi everybody,

I think the universe is ‘having a laugh’ because why is the episode we’re playing one week after I broke my ankle about…sports?!

TOO. SOON!

I jest! It’s fine!

In this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Shaun M. Anderson, the Knight Chair in Sports, Race, and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill, who is on a mission to share how athletes increasingly use their influence for social change. 

Our conversation comes a week after releasing a new collection of essays called ‘The Power of Basketball: NBA Players, Coaches, and Team Governors on the Fight to Make a Better America.’ The book explores how athletes have confronted anti-Black racism since 2020. One contributor, Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon, reveals that his mother asked him a critical question during a conversation after the George Floyd protests: “What Now?”

I mean…

I asked myself the same question during the Paris Olympics closing ceremony. As I listened to IOC President Thomas Bach urging the world to live the Olympics'" culture of peace every single day,” I wondered what living a “culture of peace” looked like in the world of sports, where athletes are regularly told to ‘shut up and play’ as they see—or suffer—indignity. 

Dr. Anderson, the author of ‘The Black Athlete Revolt,’ answered that question in this episode of AudioDiaspora. In addition to helping me wrap my head around that question, we reflected on the impact of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee nearly ten years ago (I can’t believe that…) – and Dr. Anderson’s journey from ‘guy with a niche idea’ to thought leader on a critical matter.

But before we get to this week’s show, I’d like to share a few other happenings:

* LISTEN: New Fiction Audio release: The Light Eater

Just in time for Halloween, check out this ‘The Light Eater.’ It’s a ghost story set in a logging town called Candela Obscura. It's a world of new cities built on the ruins of a land destroyed by evil magic. What could go wrong?  🎧 Listen here

* COMMUNITY: Join the movement to support girls’ education in Ghana: Black Star Excellence

I’m a proud diaspora Ghana girl and a founding member of the non-profit Black Star Excellence. Join our movement to support future leaders from our home community in completing their education. $30 can make all the difference, but every contribution counts! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!   ♥️ Donate here

Now, onto this week's show:

Dr. Shaun Anderson: Why I Share th’ ‘Rig’t’ Stories of Athletes Pushing For Social Justice

There's a growing movement of athletes who are changing the social justice landscape through protests, strikes, and promoting policy reforms. That's according to Christabel's guest this week, Dr. Shaun Anderson, the Knight Chair in Sports, Race, and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill.

He joins her to dissect the evolving role of athletes as catalysts for social change, honor the legacies of trailblazers like Tommy Smith, John Carlos, and Colin Kaepernick, and explore persistent stereotypes that challenge athletes worldwide.

Then, discover which sports leagues he says are leading the charge to advance social justice initiatives, hear why he thinks storytelling is vital to advancing the social justice conversation, and inspire change.

Then, he reveals the patience and tenacity he needed to nurture social transformation and how, by remaining steadfast, he went from the guy who had the ‘crazy idea’ to a leader in this influential space.

Connect with Dr. Anderson:

IG: @smandersonphd

Website: www.shaunmarqanderson.com

Learn how to connect with your audience through Editorial and Audience Strategies

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Do You Like What You Heard?

Have you ever listened to a podcast episode and just needed more? We do! That's why we’re sharing exclusive content from our guests with you! It's available to paid subscribers.

FOLLOW US

Remember, follow us on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok: @audiodiaspora

Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora. 

Connect with Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com

AudioDiaspora is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Hi everybody,

I'll try to keep this note short(ish) because, well, a (not very) funny thing happened to me on Monday. I broke my ankle while on a run. I thought it might be a sprain. It turns out it is more than that. So I'm doing something I've never done before. I am going to rest, or should I say, I will sit my @$$ down (aka park my brain and slow things down.

How did it happen? Well, I went on a run one day after recovering from the cold that I told you last week had kicked my ass. I was distracted, or, to use the words of a friend who reflected on the story of my fall to me:

'Hold on – so you were surveying the area, you were literally deciding if you should go left or right…you stopped focusing on your feet and the uneven sidewalk, and that's when you fell…?' 

This friend said all this with a solid side eye and raised eyebrow. She trailed off for full effect, and we both chuckled because I was picking up what she put down. I was doing the most, thinking about the goal when I should have kept my eyes on the smaller steps.

That said, it's all great. As Josh Rivers, the host of 'Busy Being Black,' reminded me today, it takes a community to help you get back on your feet and make you laugh even when you're forced to slow down. I have that, and they're keeping me honest. 

I'll be sharing some shorter updates while I take some time to recover, but in the meantime, don't forget to enjoy this week's AD RoundUp, and look out for next week's conversation with Dr. Sean Anderson, author of The Black Athlete Revolt: The Sport Justice Movement in the Age of #BlackLivesMatter. We'll discuss what it takes to stick to your vision, even when everybody doubts you (or worse.)

Lastly, I'd like your support for my work with the non-profit Black Star Excellence. We're on a mission to help talented women with limited financial means complete their university education in Ghana and become the leaders they want to be - and the leaders we all need.

This week's episode:

On today's roundup, Christabel shares where Issa Rae, the creative genius behind Insecure and Awkward Black Girl, shared her secrets for balancing ambition and authenticity. They're insights from which we at AudioDiaspora think aspiring entrepreneurs can get inspiration.

If you haven't heard, Halle Berry, the Oscar-winning actress, discovered that Hollywood executives played some shady games to get her to sign on to play the X-Men character Storm. Find out how she reacted to the discovery.

And if there ever was a story that epitomized the impact of globalization on local businesses, 'pre-loved' clothing is good for the environment and the world, right? As it turns out, the trend is having an unexpectedly not-so-great impact on some local economies, like Zimbabwe. How is this surge in second-hand clothing reshaping consumer habits and challenging traditional markets?

We cover these cultural stories and more in this edition of the AudioDiaspora Round Up!

Resources Mentioned:

Issa Rae's Story:

https://www.businessinsider.com/issa-rae-business-skills-profitable-red-flags-to-avoid-2024-9

"Pre-loved" Second Hand Clothing Story:

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/9/30/how-secondhand-clothes-took-zimbabwe-by-storm-and-hammered-retail

Ta-Nehisi Coates' Story:

https://www.vox.com/culture/376202/ta-nehisi-coates-the-message-review

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-author-network

Halle Berry's Story:

https://www.avclub.com/halle-berry-thanks-matthew-vaughn-x-men-3-comments

New Episode Highlight:

https://www.audiodiaspora.com/p/nikki-fagbemis-dark-humor-helps-us

Learn how to connect with your audience through Editorial and Audience Strategies.

Sign up for a coaching session with Christabel to discover the tools you can use to build a relationship with your audience through editorial development. Sign up for a session here.

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Do You Like What You Heard?

Have you ever listened to a podcast episode and just needed more? We do. That's why we want to share exclusive BONUS content from our guests with you! It's exclusively available when you become a paid subscriber to our Substack.

AudioDiaspora is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Christabel Can Help You Take Control of Your Editorial and Audience Strategies

Sign up for a coaching session with Christabel to discover the tools you can use to build a relationship with your audience through editorial development. Sign up for a coaching session here.

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FOLLOW US

Remember, follow us on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok: @audiodiaspora

Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora. 

Connect with Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Hey AD Fam,

How's everyone doing? I hope you're all doing great. As for me, I'm battling a pesky cold at the moment. 'Tis the season, right? 

That didn’t stop me from my usual ‘nerding’ out over creation and engagement., I stumbled upon some intriguing facts and figures about podcasting this week. First off, my buddies at Spotify dropped these stats: 

In the US, 47% of podcast streams from users aged 18-24 and 45% from those aged 13-17 come from shows originating in other countries.

Then, there's this from a 2023 report by Vox Media called ‘A New Era of Influence’: 

An incredible 80% of listeners polled said their favorite podcast hosts feel like friends to them ‘as they listen to the podcast.’

What I'm taking away from all this is that the world is your oyster, friends. There's an audience out there just waiting to soak in your content and learn about your experiences. 

Take Nikki Fagbemi, a brilliant comedian and actor, for example. She hit the big time after reluctantly opening up and drawing inspiration from her real-life challenges - the things she initially didn't want to define her. By embracing her authenticity, she turned her story into her superpower. Sound familiar?

Like Nikki, every one of you can harness your vulnerability and turn your story into your superpower. It's all about telling your truth in a way only you can.

Find out about our latest episode after the jump, and look out for my tips for authentic show hosting and storytelling later this week.

This week’s episode:

British-Nigerian actor and writer Nikki Fagbemi unveils her remarkable journey from hiding her big break from her family and friends to sharing her darkly comic take on the highs and lows of life. On this episode of AudioDiaspora, Nikki discusses her breakthrough role in Russell T Davies' series "Banana" and how her unique brand of dark comedy, rooted in her personal experiences, has resonated with audiences. Her acclaimed short film "Why Me?" represents the power of telling singular, authentic stories.

Then, get a few ideas from Nikki on embracing and inviting criticism of your work to improve it. She shares her journey from early rejections to finding her audience (hint: it consisted of other people who love what she loves) and reflects on how personal hardships have shaped her creative voice. And because it’s AudioDiaspora, you’ll also get a glimpse into her relationship with her supportive yet cautious mother.

Connect with Nikki: 

IG: @Nikkifagbemi

Take Control Of Your Podcast’s Growth with a Podcast Audit.

Too many podcasters quit after only three episodes. Don’t let that be you! Take charge of your editorial and audience strategies by signing up for one of my exclusive podcast audits. Together, we'll uncover exciting opportunities and develop strategies to elevate your show to new heights. Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Sign up here, and let's get started!

Then subscribe to her show newsletter for free exclusive advice from my guests, delivered directly to your inbox.

AudioDiaspora is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Follow AudioDiaspora

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Follow Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Fam!

The impact of Black creators has been felt this week. For some, that has come with a feeling of uneaase. For others, it’s been a moment to celebrate a win. Nevertheless, what each of these creators are demonstrating is the power of following that north star, and the desire to tell the truth as you see it. Keep reading to hear about their inspiring achievements.

First, thank you for listening to my interview with the Haiti Editor of ‘The Haitian Times,’ Fritznel D. Octave. 

Despite the insane pop culture news about a former Hip Hop Mogul that has dominated many headlines (y’all know what I’m talking about,) the world is still paying attention to the threats Haitians and their safe spaces, including Fritznel’s workplace, have been subjected to following former President Trump’s comments. But this team of journalists is undeterred.

Get a recap of my interview with Fritznel, and read this excerpt from his book.

In other news…Tamara Barton-Campbell (episode 60) has been shortlisted for the Media Business Woman of the Year by the Great British Businesswoman Awards! I’m thrilled - and unsurprised that she’s been recognized. She’s an incredibly empathetic and dynamic leader. Big Ups to you, Tamara!

I first talked to Dr. Theri Pickens in December 2023. The English Professor and author of the book with the excellent title “Black Madness:: Mad Blackness” (Duke University Press, 2019) is now the *coughs loudly* Charles A. Dana Professor of English and Africana. And as if getting a promotion wasn’t enough, she’s also got a book coming out in the new year from Duke University Press. That also has a great title: “What Had Happened Was.” 

Thank you, Esther Armah and the Armah Institute of Emotional Justice, for including me in the month-long audio campaign, ‘The Story of Your Name.’ It’s the September 2024 project for the annual HEALING HARM | HEEDING HISTORY initiative.

If you know anything about me and my work – I’m obsessed with place, belonging and the impact of one’s name. The story I tell about my first day of school - in this piece is where my journey to journalism - and my love of storytelling began. I’ve spent a lifetime exploring the space between my Ghanaian name, ‘Ama,’ and my Western name, ‘Christabel.’

Listen to my entry (day 25) to discover why.

On today’s AudioDiaspora Roundup, Christabel spotlights the rising popularity of Nigerian-born artist Slawn, whose bold caricature style has taken the art world by storm. Discover his latest exhibition at the Saatchi Yates Gallery in London, and check out our tips to learn more about what makes him tick. Then she also celebrates seeing Hip Hop legend Eve and Nicki Minaj show each other love, with no agenda on social media. Then – which US comedy classic is returning to our screens - in cartoon form? Listen to find out!

Christabel also previews the upcoming Black Women Speak event in London and gives you a sneak peek into next week’s conversation with a rising star in the UK’s TV and comedy scene, Nikki Fagbemi, who didn’t tell her family or colleagues at her corporate job that she’d landed a role on a show written by TV titan, Russell T. Davies!

AudioDiaspora Interview Highlights

Fritznel D. Octave

Kimberly McIntosh

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, 

Thank you for joining me again. I’m glad you’re back. How are you? It’s been another insane week, at least in US politics.

Like everyone else, I laughed at the clever memes and remixes of the absurd, racist - and debunked - claims by former President Donald Trump that Haitian immigrants were stealing and eating cats and dogs in the US town of Springfield.

Trump’s comments were so outlandish I was confident we’d move on quickly. Remember when he talked about ‘Sh!hole Countries’? Exactly. And then I woke up to this headline in the New York Times last Saturday (September 14): ‘Donald Trump Jr. Piles On With Racist Comments About Haitians’

I remember thinking, "What has Don Jr. said this time?" So, I read on. The usual eye-rolling continued until I got to this part, where the younger Trump told a conservative news outlet:

“You look at Haiti, you look at the demographic makeup, you look at the average I.Q. — if you import the third world into your country, you’re going to become the third world.”

“The Demographic”: That would be Black people.

“The Average IQ”: Well, we’re all sub-par in his eyes.

I was hurt, horrified, and angered by Trump’s words. I was furious at the feeble news analysis. All I could do was repeat the words to my husband. He, too, couldn’t find the words. 

That’s when I knew what I had to do.

I had initially planned to play my conversation with Shaznay Martin with you this week. Instead, I will share my conversation with Fritznel D. Octave of ‘The Haiti Times.’ Apologies to Shaznay, and I promise the wait will be worth it. 

I felt duty-bound to run Mr. Octave’s episode, because my north star is to challenge old narratives about global Black communities. I did it as a reporter and showrunner by finding under-reported news stories. Today, I do it by amplifying the people who are asking us to think differently in the creative and media spaces.

Fritznel’s mission is to fill in the gaps in our knowledge about his country. Gaps that have negatively impacted the nation time and again. He has personal and professional reasons you’ll discover when you listen to our interview. He tells a story of bravery and purpose. 

Listen to the interview - and don’t forget to tell your friends to join our community.

This week’s episode:

Reclaiming Haiti's Narrative: Grassroots Journalism and the Power of Podcasting

What happens when harmful stereotypes and misinformation shape public perception? In this episode, Christabel is joined by Fritznel D. Octave, a dedicated journalist whose mission is to rewrite Haiti's narrative with empowering and rigorously reported stories. He does this as the Haiti Editor at ‘The Haitian Times, through the podcast "1804 Renaissance," and as an author. 

Fritznel, whose latest book is called ‘Haiti Between Pestilence and Hope,” shares his journey of becoming a journalist and his commitment to countering incomplete depictions of his homeland by emphasizing the importance of accurate representation in the media.

Reflecting on his early career with an alternative newspaper in Haiti during the mid-1990s, he shares the challenges and triumphs of amplifying the voices of the voiceless. From uncovering stories of everyday struggles to receiving support from local communities, his experience highlights the significant impact of solution-oriented reporting. 

This episode also delves into the intersection of traditional journalism and podcasting, exploring how fundamental skills translate into engaging audio content. Fritznel and Christabel share insights on building a loyal listener base among the Haitian diaspora and the importance of showcasing authentic Haitian stories and culture. Highlighting the notion that "Every Haitian is Haiti," we emphasize the resilience and pride that define the true spirit of the Haitian community. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the power of media to shape and redefine narratives.

Connect with Fritznel: 

IG: @fmnkoctave

X: @foctave1

Facebook: Foctave

LinkedIn: @fritzneloctave

Do You Like What You Heard?

Have you ever listened to a podcast episode and just needed more? We do. That’s why we want to share exclusive BONUS content from our guests with you! It's exclusively available when you become a paid subscriber to our Substack.

Christabel Can Help You Take Control of Your Editorial and Audience Strategies

Sign up for a coaching session with Christabel to discover the tools you can use to build a relationship with your audience through editorial development. Sign up for a coaching session here.

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive advice from our guests and get our newsletter directly in your inbox.

FOLLOW US

Remember, follow us on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok: @audiodiaspora

Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora. 

Connect with Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.audiodiaspora.com/subscribe