The Newcomers Podcast 🎙️

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Folasade Daini, a vlogger, content strategist, and agency owner.Folasade is a former veterinarian turned brand storyteller and is one of the most authentic and enigmatic personalities I have interviewed on this pod. We talk about the processes of immigration, differences in policing culture in Canada, the tax system, and raising a toddler in a new country. In this conversation, Folasade and I chat about:* The tax system * Missing her siblings and Naija food* The different phases of settling into a new country* Cultural differences that an immigrant has to adjust to* Her sweet daughter* And the one thing she would have done differently.Official Links✅ Connect with Folasade on LinkedIn✅ Watch Folasade share her journey on Youtube ✅ Read Folasade’s work on MediumOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Kamil Rextin, a B2B marketer who moved from Pakistan to Canada.Kamil is not just a badass B2B marketer. He’s also a beautiful mind and a straight shooter. One you can trust to tell you as it is all the time. We chat about resigning from P&G to move to Canada as a student, missing Pakistan, and raising biracial kids in Canada. This conversation had me smiling all through while editing.In this conversation, Kamil and I chat about:* Raising biracial kids* Parenting in Canada vs. parenting in Pakistan* The advantages and disadvantages of collective and individualistic cultures* The advantages you get by immigrating as a student* Never fitting in as a kid in Pakistan* And missing home, and how we carry a romantic memory of our home country around Official Links✅ Connect with Kamil on LinkedInOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Bolaji Oyejide, a griot, author, podcaster, and an all-around amazing human.After moving from Nigeria to America, attending a historically black college as an immigrant challenged preconceived notions about African-Americans, exposing Bolaji to brilliant scholars from diverse backgrounds. We talk about systemic racism, studying in America, and how his immigrant experience inspired him to write 50 superhero storybooks.In this conversation, Bolaji and I also chat about:* Losing cool points on his first night in college* Finding his confidence through dancing* The advantages of going to a historically Black college* Being the “other” as an immigrant* And seeing your dual identity as a strength.Official Links✅ Connect with Bolaji on LinkedIn✅ Listen to Bolaji’s Discover Your Talent podcast ✅ Watch Bolaji on YouTube✅ Buy Bolaji’s books on AmazonOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Sam Badoo, the Founder and CEO of Fleri Health, who moved from Ghana to Columbus, Ohio.Thriving as an immigrant requires defining one's identity in the new environment, focusing on relationships, integrity, and interactions rather than mere survival. I learn about how in the U.S., outcomes directly reflect choices, necessitating immigrants to believe they can "own their town" through hard work instead of settling for low-paying jobs.Sam talks about how joining the military offers immigrants a pathway to citizenship, the unique challenges faced by immigrant parents in the U.S, and how Fleri Health aims to revolutionize immigrant family care by providing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.In this conversation, Sam and I also chat about:* His journey from New York to Columbus, Ohio, to the United States military* Empowering immigrants to thrive and why he launched Fleri Health* Dealing with the identity of work as an immigrant and why jaiye can be much more fun when we are back on our continent* The immigrant’s tendency to glorify hardship* Raising kids and dealing with the effects of watching police brutality on your kids’ psyche.Official Links✅ Connect with Sam Badoo on LinkedIn✅ Check out his content on InstagramOne Ask If this podcast left you feeling inspired, do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Bona Adogamhe, a Technical Recruiter with Emerson, who moved from Nigeria to Canada.From learning more about the Canadian work experience to debating whether moving your family to Canada and staying back in Nigeria is a wise move, this chat is packed with a lot of insights for anyone looking to move to a new country with their family. In this conversation, Bona and I also chat about:* Why he chose Canada?* How Canada makes you a hands-on parent* His first day in Calgary, and more.Official Links✅ Connect with Bona Adogamhe on LinkedIn✅ Learn more about Boma on X✅ Reach out to him on Instagram One AskIf this podcast left you feeling inspired, do me a huge favor and tell one person to subscribe. Or share with someone who might find it useful. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Amir Feizpour, the co-founder & CEO of Aggregate Intellect.In one of the most vulnerable episodes I have recorded so far, Amir and I try to explore some of the existential feelings we immigrants face or deal with while settling into a new country. In this conversation, Amir and I chat about:* The immigrant’s concept of home* Dealing with an identity crisis as you shed your old self and adapt to your new society* Rebuilding self-confidence as you struggle to fit in* Dealing with the feeling of being culturally completely out of place, and more. Official Links✅ Connect with Amir Feizpour on LinkedInOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Nino Melikidze, the co-founder & CEO of Immitracker, who moved to the United States as a 17-year-old.“Everywhere I go, I’m a foreigner.” I still can’t stop thinking about this statement by Nino. It perfectly captures an emotion immigrants struggle with - always feeling out of place. Nino is an experienced immigrant. Her first experience with immigration was as a five-year-old. Since then, she’s moved to the United States, Colombia, and now lives in Canada.In this conversation, Nino and I talk about:* Why moving abroad is probably done best as a student* Dealing with cultural differences as you move across different countries* The exact moment she realized she wasn’t in the comfort of her home anymore* Dealing with the existential immigrant question - will I ever stop feeling like an immigrant? * Why fellow immigrants make the best friends, and more.Official Links✅ Connect with Nino Melikidze on LinkedIn✅ Reach out to her on InstagramOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Oyin Ajibola, who moved from Nigeria to Canada before it became very sought-after.Oyin is a multi-hyphenate. She’s co-published a book (Courage, Change, Faith & Leadership: Inspiring Narratives of Black Women Leaders), runs an immigrant magazine (The Immigrant Muse), actively advocates for the Canadian immigrant community, and works as a Senior Operational Policy Analyst with the Government of Saskatchewan. In this conversation, Oyin and I talk about:* Dealing with the fear of things not going as she planned after uprooting her life in Nigeria* The benefits of starting afresh where you have a community* Dealing with covert racism* Adjusting to the Canadian credit system* Her motivations for launching the Immigrant Muse, and more.Official Links✅ Connect with Oyin Ajibola on Linktree✅ Get Courage, Change, Faith & Leadership: Inspiring Narratives of Black Women Leaders on Amazon✅ Check out the Immigrant MuseOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Chika Offiah, a Senior Business Systems Analyst who moved from Nigeria to Canada.Chika Offiah's prior experiences in the US and UK for nearly 4 years provided a head start in understanding Western culture and parenting styles before moving to Canada. I learnt a lot about topics like the Western education system and balancing work and family responsibilities in Canada. Assured, upbeat, and cheery, chatting with Chika Offiah was a dose of fresh air. In the conversation, Chika and I also chat about:* Not missing Nigerian food 🫡* Taking advantage of immigration platforms, organizations, and YouTube videos to ease her and the family’s settling down into their new home in Calgary, Canada* Cultural systems and how they affect our approach to parenting* Building confidence as an immigrant, and more.Official Links✅ Connect with Chika Offiah on XOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.In this episode, I'm speaking with Ukwori Ejibe, the founder of Numa Immigration, who moved from Nigeria to Canada.How do you keep a piece of home with you when moving to a new country? For Ukwori, it meant shipping her favorite Aso oke woven chair to her new home in Calgary. Surviving as an immigrant in Canada requires looking for hope in familiar things, and it comes in many ways. These and more are what Ukwori and I chat about, including:* Raising kids in Canada* Job hunting and her way around the “Canadian Experience” * Launching her immigration consultancy business, Numa Immigration & Citizenship Services* The first night feels, and more!Official Links✅ Connect with Ukwori Ejibe on LinkedIn✅ Reach out to her on Instagram✅ Check out Numa ImmigrationOne AskIf you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com