In The Fries

In this episode, PA Speaker, Rep. Joanna McClinton discusses her unexpected path from public defender to the first female Speaker of the Pennsylvania House, her roots in West and Southwest Philly, and her work serving a diverse community that includes many Liberian and West African residents.

She talks about priorities like the Crown Act to end hair discrimination, raising the minimum wage, marijuana legalization, youth engagement, and the importance of voting in local and national elections. The episode highlights her focus on listening, representation, and community empowerment.

Hosts sit down with Miss Faith Fayiah— a Liberian-born, Philly-raised Air Force air transportation specialist and former social worker — to discuss her new book and the urgent need for mental health care in the Liberian community.

The episode covers generational trauma, therapy as a tool for healing, navigating identity in the diaspora, networking and resources, plus candid conversation about relationships, community responsibility, and upcoming events.

Host and Sierra Leone influenced rapper Ajay Coker sits down for a wide‑ranging, candid interview about her musical beginnings, cultural roots, and how she balances music as a passion while building a career. They discuss collaborations, the West African music scene, and the realities of being an independent female artist.

The episode mixes humor and honesty—touching on influences, touring, community dynamics, industry lessons, and upcoming releases—while exploring identity, diaspora connections, and the business side of music.

In this episode, Domini Denn (Mabineh) joins the hosts to discuss her journey from the Liberian diaspora to becoming a viral food creator focused on making African dishes healthier without losing flavor.

She shares personal stories about wearing the hijab, her dramatic health transformation, practical tips for reducing salt and oil, portion control and smarter cooking methods, and why pepper and traditional foods can be part of a balanced diet.

The conversation also explores Liberian food culture, identity, restaurant experiences abroad, and advice for aspiring cooks and creators building a community around authentic, modernized African cuisine.

In this episode NDO Champ recounts his journey from Liberia’s hardship and war to life in the U.S., facing prison, street challenges, and ultimately transforming into a champion bodybuilder, actor, and community leader.

He discusses discipline, fatherhood, nutrition, and his comeback training for the Olympia, plus plans for a documentary and projects to build schools, gyms, and opportunities for Liberian youth.

Guests from Dry Face Productions join the In The Fries Podcast to discuss Liberian identity, diaspora experiences, and their new "Normal Days" project documenting Liberian stories. The conversation moves from candid banter about tattoos and culture to deeper debates about language, assimilation, civic responsibility, and rebuilding Liberia’s future.

The episode highlights the importance of preserving oral history, empowering creatives, and reconnecting diaspora Liberians with the realities at home while calling for collective action to strengthen national identity and infrastructure.

Dr. Wilhelmina Simmons joins a candid discussion about mental health in Liberia and the diaspora. They explore how trauma, cultural stigma, and learned behaviors shape emotional well-being; the challenges of men suffering in silence; and the importance of boundaries, self-care, and community accountability.

The episode highlights practical solutions—early intervention, training local caregivers, collaborative diaspora engagement, and building sustainable services—to promote healing and post-traumatic growth across generations.

Hosts discuss a recent high-profile domestic-violence case involving an older Liberian public figure and the death of his young girlfriend, urging caution while investigations proceed.

They also address border incidents with Guinea, concerns about Liberia’s military readiness and governance, and frustrations over resource management and corruption.

The episode explores the Liberian entertainment scene, the diaspora’s role, the need to bridge cultural and business gaps, and promotes the upcoming Liberian Entertainment Awards as a moment for community unity.

This episode dives into the Liberian and Afro music scene—artists, labels, content creators, and the business of promoting culture globally. Guests discuss marketing, artist development, collaboration, and the realities of streaming and promotion.

Key takeaways: educate yourself, focus on quality and consistency, build real community support, and 'steady the game' rather than chasing shortcuts or fame.

Host and guest Rolyn Clark, a family nurse practitioner and co‑founder of Heritage & Hustle, discuss growing up as Liberian immigrants, surviving wartime trauma, and the challenges of raising boys in the diaspora.

They cover women’s empowerment, relationships and marriage, healthcare disparities, and practical ideas to connect diaspora talent with opportunities in Liberia.

The episode highlights community building, entrepreneurship, and plans for cultural events and projects to strengthen ties between Liberians at home and abroad.