HomeGrown

In this final episode of Season 1, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo look back on memorable moments and learnings from the interviews so far, and plans for the future...

We'll be back in January with more great interviews. Wishing you all safe and happy holidays!
Special thanks to:

• Yeleche Woluchor
• Eniola Williams
• Aaina Bhargava
• Eric Olander
• Cobus van Staden

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You can follow and message us on Twitter | Instagram  or email us at [email protected].

In the final guest interview of the first season, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak to Nicola Ezinne Onyema, a UX writer (and can we say singer/songwriter?!) who moved  from London to Hong Kong in January 2020.

Nicola speaks frankly and hilariously about everything from schooling taxi drivers, to her questionable gaydar and experience navigating  the LGBT community in Hong Kong.
Once again we're reminded of the complexity of the human character and the importance of seeing people as more than just a race or ethnicity, but as individuals - layered and complex. Join us for laughs and captionable quotes: "When the gap calls, you have to answer"  haha!

*Episode contains adult themes and language*

We want to hear from you! Each week our guest shares a story from their experience living abroad - sometimes funny, sometimes outrageous and sometimes quite heartbreaking and now it's your turn...
For the final episode we want your stories! Send us your 2-3 minute monologue and we'll pick a couple to share in next week's show. Send to us via:  Twitter | Instagram | Email. It's a great way to share your voice and your story so we're excited to hear from you!

Notes and links from this episode:

• Guest Instagram: @nic_oh_la
• Recommended books: Akata Witch | Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okarafor

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak to Sammy Dodoo, a barber who has lived in Hong Kong for 16 years after moving from Ghana.

Hair is a central part of black culture and for so many black men (and some women!) arriving in Hong Kong, "where can I get a haircut" is an important question...and the the answer is often "Sammy!"

Over the years, Sammy has built a life in Hong Kong with his wife and two kids, growing his business and positioning himself as an essential part of the black community. He talks to us about his experience in the city, some of the challenges he's faced and the things that give him hope for the progression of the society in terms of building a more inclusive culture.

Please subscribe and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. Plus we'd love to hear from you! - Send us your questions and comments on social media or by  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email

Notes and links from this episode:

• Guest Instagram: @sammy_the_afrobarber | @agalaletafro

In today's episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak to Christianne Joseph, an education centre manager who moved to Hong Kong from Trinidad and Tobago.

In the three years Christianne has lived in Hong Kong she has made a home for herself and her 10 year old  daughter, guiding her as she grows up in a culture significantly different to Trinidad.

Christianne talks about the culture shock she felt moving to Hong Kong, shares a bit about Trinidad and it's culture...even giving The Fantastic Fo tips on how to improve his whine! Join us for a chuckle and some food for thought.

Please subscribe and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. Plus we'd love to hear from you - you can send us your questions and comments on social media or by  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email

Notes and links from this episode:

• Guest Instagram: @mrsjohn82

Our first remote episode! This week Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak with Loye Oyedotun, a corporate solicitor who spent six months in Hong Kong as the final seat of his training contract.

Most of our guests so far have been living in Hong Kong for a year or more, but with Loye we bring a different perspective. A lot of expats' initial experience of Hong Kong is through a work assignment or secondment and Loye talks to us about exactly that. Coming to Hong Kong with a set end date means taking the city by the horns...or by the balls if you prefer!

And as a special treat, we answer the quickfire round as requested during our recap/Q&A episode.

 Subscribe and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. And we'd love to hear from you,  send us your questions and comments: Twitter | Instagram | Email

Notes and links from this episode:

• Guest Instagram: @kingloye 
• Book recommendations: 
  • The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger 
  • Taking Up Space: The Black Girl's Manifesto for Change by Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi
  • The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
  • Phantoms in the Brain by V. S. Ramachandran
  • The Power by Naomi Alderman
  • The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak with Jarius King, a 35 year old Chicago native who's lived in Hong Kong for five years.

Since moving to Hong Kong to start his family, Jarius has continued to make a name for himself as an educator and entertainer. We talk through what it means to be an expatriate vs an immigrant, his experience as a Mandarin-speaking entertainer and the hilarity that often ensues when learning a new language. 

Please subscribe and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. Plus we'd love to hear from you - you can send us your questions and comments on social media or by  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email

Notes and links from this episode:

• Guest Instagram: @djkinggns | @mogdance
• Book recommendations:
  • The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
  • Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno
  • Think Like a DJ by Martinez White
• Further reading - Expat vs Immigrant: Article

#EndSARS Resources 

• Feminist Coalition - A group of young Nigerian feminists championing gender equality in Nigeria Website | Twitter | Instagram
• Falzthebahdguy Twitter | Instagram
• HomeGrown Twitter | Instagram
• Chibundu Onuzo for The Guardian Article

Please feel free to share or write to us with any other good resources you have come across.

A mid-season special - The Fantastic Fo and Lou talk through highlights from the episodes so far and deep dive into a couple of the hot topics that have come up on the show. 

Plus we answer some of your burning questions from- everything from how to find jobs in Hong Kong to our favourite Sunday roast (spoiler alert: yam and egg for the win!)

Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Instagram: @homegrownthepodcast or you can email us at [email protected].

Notes and links from this episode:

• Host Instagram: @fofosow & @reallifewithlou
• Dim Sum recommendation: Maxim's Palace at City Hall
• Custom-made shoes: Vickie Shoes 

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo talk to Kat Ofori-Atta, a Ghanaian-born investment banker who moved from New York three years ago.

We discuss the intentionality behind his move, dealing with burnout culture and the career benefits of working in Hong Kong. Kat talks us through his experience as a black man in Hong Kong and the role that privilege plays. Join us for yet another colourful journey in a black expat's shoes.

Next week will be a special episode where we review and answer all your questions - no matter how big or small. As always, we'd love to hear from you - join the conversation on Instagram: @homegrownthepodcast or email us at [email protected].

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Notes and links from this episode:

• Book recommendation: Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo talk to model, student and entrepreneur Harmony Ilunga who moved to Hong Kong as a refugee when she was 12 years old.

She talks to us about her experience growing up in two very different cultures, creating her own lane  in the Hong Kong fashion industry and the changes she's seen since the global focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.

We'd love to hear from you, join the conversation on Instagram: @homegrownthepodcast or email us your questions/comments at [email protected].

Notes and links from this episode:

• Guest Instagram: @harmony_btd 
• Harmony HK
• Book recommendation: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah