The Black Experience

What happens when a poet follows the pull of home across the ocean?

In this soul-stirring episode of The Black Experience Podcast, I reconnect with Khemistry, a spoken word artist and creative force, as she unpacks her recent month-long trip to Sierra Leone.

🌍 From discovering the rhythm of African living to reflecting on her creative growth and future plans, Khemistry shares lessons learned, cultural contrasts between the U.S. and West Africa, and how this journey influenced her poetry and life vision.

👉 If you’re into travel, culture, Black creativity, or poetic storytelling, like this video, subscribe, and tap in every Wednesday for new episodes!

***Khemistry's Links to be provided at a later time***

Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠


One-time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠



#khemistry #sierraleone #blackexperiencepodcast #africatravelstories #blackpoets #howtoliveinafrica #diasporaconversations #africavsus #blackcreativesabroad #travelingwhileblack #spokenwordartist #returntoafrica #africaninspiration #blackexpatlife #cultureandtraditions

What does it take to turn your toughest years into your most honest ones?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Chris Nelson—a man who calls himself an open book—for a vulnerable and inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and personal growth. 

🎧 Watch the full video and smash that LIKE button if you're about authenticity, healing, and real talk.

Chris shares how his journey through the challenging years of 2017 and 2022 helped shape his outlook and openness today. From his upbringing and early role models to how he found his career path and the exciting projects he's currently working on, Chris drops wisdom with heart. Whether you're navigating hard times or just looking for some solid life advice, this episode is filled with gems, especially for the next generation.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:54 Icebreaker
4:41 Meet Chris
8:39 Something Magical about PNW
12:52 Who Inspired Him
20:45 How He Died For 2 mins and 13 seconds
24:47 Finding the Friend Group
30:35 An Open Book
37:01 Advice To The Younger Generation
38:31 Connect With Chris/Outro
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Chris Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hyp3_lyf3/



Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One-time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠



#theblackexperiencepodcast #chrisnelson #blackmentellstories #seattlepodcast #openbooklife #lifelessonsfromstruggle #overcominghardtimes #blackexcellence #purposefulliving #blackcreatives #inspiringconversations #mentalwellness #vulnerabilityisstrength

Tigest Beyene shares a powerful journey of identity, healing, and purpose. 
Hit that subscribe button and stay inspired as we dive into her story of navigating culture shock, writing her testimony into a transformative book, and embracing the highs and lows of motherhood as a Black woman in America. In this heartfelt episode, Tigest opens up about her early influences, how she overcame life’s toughest moments, the lessons she’s learned in her 30s, and the advice she wants to pass down to the next generation. Whether you're searching for motivation, faith, or a reminder that you're not alone — this episode delivers.



Tigest Beyene Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lovetigest25/


Tigest Documentary:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950649814/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_pcengywt1a7ymgfwqtka/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaednSdNLSSBYJYcDKVWeFi-TW5yHbU2tEP0iD6dCQNeSEgNLCrlrn1Drw6Dew_aem_UTXsm38TIVVTEAUUu-clHA



Get Her Book Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD9Q5RmJpbg



Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠


#tigestbeyene #blackmotherhood #immigrantstories #faithandresilience #blackauthors #seattlepodcast #blackexperiencepodcast #blackwomenempowerment #diasporavoices #blackmothersmatter #mentalhealthawareness #healingjourney #testimonytime #blackculturematters #inspirationalstories #purposefilledlife

These 10 lessons changed my life—and they just might change yours.

Subscribe now to The Black Experience for powerful stories, timeless advice, and inspiration from Black voices across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

In this special solo episode, I reflect on the top 10 lessons I’ve learned from interviewing over 100 guests—from the power of self-love, to speaking life into others, to understanding your financial triggers. Each takeaway is rooted in wisdom, authenticity, and community.



Link to all platforms:
https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos



Support The Movement:
https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias





#blackpodcast #blackcreatives #blackvoices #blackcommunity #blackexcellence #podcastclips #personaldevelopment #selfgrowth #mentalhealthmatters #financialliteracy #youtubepodcast #spotifyshows #applepodcasts #lifelessons #motivationalpodcast

Money shouldn’t be a mystery — especially for Black and Brown students.
Hit that subscribe/follow button to stay connected with real conversations that uplift, educate, and empower!

In this powerful episode of The Black Experience, I sit down with Miladys Garcia, a proud Dominican and Special Populations Program Supervisor at FEPPP (Financial Education Public-Private Partnership). From her first bank account at 21 to leading programs that impact thousands across Washington state, Miladys shares her personal financial journey, the mission of FEPPP, and how financial education can be a tool of liberation, especially for Black students and other communities of color.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:55 Meet Miladys Garcia
4:16 Her Mother's Pathway to Entrepreneurship
13:50 Opening Her First Account at 21
21:26 FEPPP and The Black Community
27:11 3 Things To Better Your Finances
32:23 FEPPP and Financial Education in Schools
36:50 What To Walk Away With
38:39 Outro
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FEPPP Website:
https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/financial-education




Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠




📲 Follow us, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs it.




#financialliteracy #blackandbrownvoices #financialeducation #FEPPP #theblackexperiencepodcast #moneytips #miladysgarcia #dominicanvoices #financialempowerment #youthfinance #pnwleaders #latinxandblackunity #investinyourself

What happens when a newly crowned PhD and proud Eritrean dives into a raw conversation about identity, culture, and generational healing?

Hit that subscribe button and join us for one of our most meaningful Tigrinya episodes yet!

In this impactful Tigrinya episode of The Black Experience, I sit down with my cousin, Dr. Yonas Tesfamariam, who recently earned his PhD. Yonas shares what it feels like to reach this huge milestone, what’s next in his journey, and the values that carried him through.

The heart of this episode explores the question: "ካብ ትውልዲ ናብ ትውልዲ?" ("How can generations understand one another?") Together, we reflect on the cultural gaps between Eritrean parents and their children raised in the diaspora. How can we better connect, understand, and support each other across age, language, and lived experience?


Spoken in Tigrinya, this episode is a must-listen for Eritrean youth, parents, and anyone navigating identity across borders.



Yonas Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/yonasmehari/



Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One-time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠




#theblackexperience #tigrinya #tigrinyapodcast #eritreaindiaspora #eritreanyouth #phdjourney #tigrinyaculture #africandiaspora #blackpodcast #generationaldialogue #eritreanpride #eritreaninspiration #eastafricanvoices #habesha #habeshatiktok #habesha interview #eritrean #eritreaninterview 

Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and bell for more amazing content!

In this powerful episode of The Black Experience, I sit down with creative force and model Jourdin to discuss his journey to the Pacific Northwest, breaking into the modeling world, and launching his own platforms: Auraberry Studios and the Local Lookbook Blog.


Jourdin opens up about what drives him, his inspirations, and how he’s building spaces that amplify local Black creatives. He also shares what’s next in his career and drops real, heartfelt advice for the next generation of creatives and aspiring models.

🎧 Tap in for a blend of style, purpose, and wisdom you won’t want to miss.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:35 Background
7:02 Inspiration To Modeling
9:50 Auraberry Studios
14:45 The Local Look Book
19:48 PNW v. East Coast
23:33 Fatherhood & Creative Passion
25:00 Advice to the Younger Gen
28:00 Connect With Jourdin
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Jourdin Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jourdinandre/


The Local Look Book:
https://www.instagram.com/thelocallookbook/


Auraberry Studios:
https://www.instagram.com/auraberrystudios/


Jourdin Videographer:
https://www.instagram.com/vantevisualsllc/



Link to all platforms:
⁠https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos⁠



One time donation:
⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠





#Jourdin #BlackCreatives #ModelLife #AuraberryStudios #CreativeEntrepreneur #TheBlackExperiencePodcast #BlackVoicesMatter #PNWCreatives #LocalLookbook #BlackModels #InspiringCreatives #BlackExcellence #FashionAndPurpose #NextGenCreatives

This is a masterclass in passion, purpose, and powerful storytelling — hit that SUBSCRIBE button and get inspired by one of the most creative minds in Seattle!

In this moving and motivational episode of The Black Experience, I sti down with Beniam Yetbarek — an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller — whose lens doesn’t just capture beauty, but amplifies truth. Born and raised in Seattle by a resilient single mother, Beniam opens up about his early love for poetry and acting, the evolution into visual storytelling, and how his roots in Tigray, Ethiopia shaped his voice and mission.

We dive into how Beniam uses photography as a healing tool and a platform for justice, including his work spotlighting the Tigrayan genocide and building awareness through powerful documentaries. He breaks down how his heritage, identity, and upbringing fuel his creative process — from Pioneer Square to the heart of the Habesha community — and how he's blending art and activism to empower the next generation.

Whether you're a creative, an activist, or someone searching for a deeper purpose, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.


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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:20 Icebreaker
5:13 Background & Roots 
9:48 Beginnings of Beniam's Creativity
16:07 The Truth of Finding Your Purpose
18:50 Beniam's Work in Pioneer Square
25:10 What's Next For Beniam
30:39 Advice to Younger Generation
_________________



Follow Beniam here:
https://www.instagram.com/beniam_y/


Beniam Website:
https://byvisualsproduction.com/





#theblackexperience #beniamyetbarek #blackcreatives #blackfilmmakers #africandiaspora #tigrayawareness #seattlephotographer #blackstorytellers #blackpodcasts #habeshacreatives #portraitphotography #filmmakingjourney #visualstorytelling #blackexcellence #africancreatives

What happens when two visionaries turn a simple idea in a Seattle coffee shop into a thriving movement for the culture?


➡️ Tap in now, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode that inspires, empowers, and uplifts our community.



In this powerful episode of The Black Experience, Ermias sits down with Robel and Ermias from The UpNUp Network — a groundbreaking media platform born in Seattle and rooted in the mission of empowering underrepresented voices. They break down their origin story, the inspiration behind their journey, and how Pioneer Square and the greater Seattle community helped shape their path. We dive deep into the impact their work has had on the city and their mission to bridge the Habesha community with the broader Black diaspora. From reflections on their biggest moments to the future dreams of the network, this is a masterclass in purpose-driven creativity. They close it out with real talk for the next generation — advice on how to thrive, lead, and build something that truly lasts.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:30 Icebreaker
11:40 Introductions
20:33 Beginnings of The UpnUp Network
30:17 UpnUp Network Impacts on Pioneer Square
41:45 Infusing The Habesha Identity Into Their Creative
45:08 Advice to Younger Generation of Creatives
48:08 Connect with Robel & Ermias/Outro
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UpnUp Network Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/_theupnup/


Robel Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_greatrobino/


Ermias Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/yung_erm/

UpnUp Network:
https://www.upnup.com/


The World Is Yours:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-world-is-yours-workshop-at-the-ctc-tickets-1311003178799?aff=oddtdtcreator





#theupnup #theblackexperiencepodcast #blackcreatives #blackmedia #habeshapride #youngblackentrepreneurs #seattleblackcommunity #pioneersquareseattle #blackvisionaries #blackpodcasts #blackexcellence #culturecreators #blackyouthempowerment #representationmatters #blackstorytelling #blacklegacy

Creativity isn't just about what you create — it's about who you uplift along the way!

Hit that subscribe button and tap in for an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode — the first of our 4-part Pioneer Square Project series — fashion stylist and CEO Safia of Safiasofly, and creative director and founder Fuego of Ignited Minds, dive deep into their creative journeys, their special partnership, and the power of community storytelling. We talk about how their work through Sofly Spotlight and Ignited Minds is shaping culture in the Pioneer Square area and beyond. Safia opens up about the connection between thrifting, fashion, and identity, while Fuego shares what self-expression means across music, video, and storytelling. Together, they drop gems on why it's so important to spotlight underrepresented voices and give advice to young creatives trying to carve out their path. This episode captures the energy, collaboration, and cultural renaissance happening right now in Pioneer Square — and why Black creatives are leading the way.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:26 Icebreaker
8:16 Meet Safia
13:09 Meet Fuego
19:42 What Makes Their Creative Partnership Special
33:34 The Neighborhood Discount !
40:25 Elevating Underrepresented Voices
54:58 The Art of Consuming
1:01:42 Advice to Young Creatives
1:07:00 Social Media Plugs/Outro
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Fuego Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fuego_gatsby/


Ignited Minds:
https://www.instagram.com/ignitedmindsco/


Safia Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/safiasofly/


Safiasofly Spotlight:
https://www.instagram.com/soflyspotlight/?hl=en




#pioneersquare #blackcreatives #communityovercompetition #selfexpression #soflyspotlight #ignitedminds #blackexcellence #creativejourney #fashionstylist #storytellers #upliftothers #pioneersquareproject #podcastcommunity #seattlecreatives #blackculture #creativecommunity