Introduction

"This is the story of my family and our lives in a quote unquote, shit hole. I don't know why there's a live jazz band and customs at Kotoka International Airport," writes Radiotopia correspondent Alex Castellanos. "What is there for you in America, mommy of you?" he asks his mother after she makes him an offer to move into her new apartment. 'You can call me a phia,' says Castellanos with a laugh.