Immigrant Stories. Great accomplishments.
Immigreats is a podcast that celebrates the indomitable spirit, resilience, and achievements of immigrants who have journeyed to new lands in search of better opportunities. Each episode features the compelling life story of an individual who climbed to remarkable heights in their adopted homeland. Our show uncovers the unique challenges and triumphs that define the immigrant experience. Tune in to be inspired by tales of perseverance, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the dream.
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S2 Episode 1 - Finding Your Path: A Journey from Zimbabwe to BBC Africa
In the season 2 premiere of Immigreats, host Munatsi sits down with Nyasha Michelle, a Zimbabwean-British journalist and BBC Africa reporter. Nyasha shares her unique upbringing, being raised by her grandparents in Zimbabwe while her mother pursued educational opportunities in the United Kingdom. She recounts her transition to life in the United Kingdom at age 12, the cultural challenges she faced, and her eye-opening experience in the British school system. Nyasha discusses...
29 May 2024TRANSCRIPT
From Sierra Leone to American Leadership: Ghida Dagher's Journey
In this episode of Immigreats, Munatsi sits down with Ghida Dagher, CEO of an immigrant focused New American Leaders organization. Ghida shares her remarkable journey from Sierra Leone to the United States, detailing her family's escape from civil unrest and the challenges they faced as asylum seekers. She delves into her experiences adapting to American culture, the profound impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on her formative years, and her growth into an influential political leader.
New American Leaders, the organization she leads today, is dedicated to empowering immigrants to take on leadership roles across the nation.
Tune in to hear about Ghida's vision for a diverse and inclusive political landscape, her advocacy for civic leadership, and her call to action for new Americans to step into their potential and lead.
15 May 2024TRANSCRIPT
Episode 15: Power to the People: Nse Ufot's Journey with Civic Engagement
In this episode of Immigreats, Munatsi delves into conversation with Nse Ufot, former CEO of the New Georgia Project. Nse traces her roots from Nigeria to the United States and highlights the transformative events that shaped her commitment to Civic engagement. From her pivotal meeting with former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams that led to groundbreaking voter registration initiatives, Nse's narrative underscores the importance of challenging voting stereotypes and amplifying marginalized voices.
Her work had a very direct impact on the United States 2020 election outcome.
Nse is a big believer in collective action and she explains why. Their conversation navigates the complexities of political activism, exploring its risks and rewards, while advocating for inclusive participation in shaping the future of any democracy.
Enjoy!
1 May 2024
Episode 14: Bridging Cultures: Nawar Shora's Journey from Damascus to America
In this episode Munatsi sits down with Nawar Shora, a remarkable Arab American whose life journey embodies the essence of cultural integration and understanding.
Through his personal anecdotes and professional endeavors, Nawar sheds light on the importance of cultural demystification, aiming to dispel stereotypes and foster genuine understanding between communities. From his unexpected career shifts post-9/11 to his pivotal role as a liaison between the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and law enforcement agencies, Nawar emphasizes the power of effective communication and trust-building in bridging cultural divides.
Discover Nawar's insightful approach to promoting inclusivity and dialogue, wheather through his engaging seminars or his groundbreaking books aimed to humanizing Arab and Muslim communities. In a world where misconceptions often overshadow shared humanity, Nawar's story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that by embracing our differences, we can truly unite as one. Tune in to explore Nawar Shora's inspiring journey of resilience, advocacy, and the pursuit of cultural harmony.
17 Apr 2024
Episode 13: The Immigrant Who Protected US Democracy
In this episode, Munatsi sits down with Aquilino Gonell, a former United States Capitol police officer. Aquilino tells his story about growing up in the Dominican Republic and his life experiences that led to him protecting elected US congress officials on January 6, 2021. He also shares intimate details of the fateful day and how his life changed forever in the aftermath.
Enjoy!
3 Apr 2024
Episode 12: From Zimbabwe to US Public Health: Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo-Davis
In this episode, Munatsi sits down with Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo-Davis, the Director of Health for the city of Saint Louis, Missouri in the United States. They dive deep into Mati's incredible journey, from growing up in Zimbabwe to her current role in public health. Mati touches on the obstacles she's overcome in her journey and how resilience has shaped her. Get ready to be inspired by Mati's story of persevering in a foreign land against many odds!
21 Mar 2024
Episode 11: Embracing Life's Second Chance - Wilmot Collins' Journey from School Teacher to Mayor
Wilmot Collins fled Liberia on a ship after war broke out. Years later he serves as the first black mayor of Helena, Montana. He tells Munatsi his incredible story. He has experienced everything from the loss of two brothers due to government upheaval, homelessness in a foreign land as a refugee, to the charitable kindness of acceptance and the pride of being elected Mayor of Helena, Montana.
Today he emphasizes the importance of interacting with community, taking risks, and stepping out of your comfort zone in order to experience growth.
He's a true Immigreat!
7 Mar 2024
Episode 10: Building Bridges - Arrey Obenson's Journey from Cameroon to Global Impact
In this episode of "Immigreats," host Munatsi interviews Arrey Obenson, a transformative leader whose journey from a lawyer in Cameroon to a global community leader in the United States epitomizes impactful change. Arrey's turning point came with his involvement in Junior Chamber International, where he significantly improved healthcare access in Cameroon, leading to his leadership roles that expanded JCI's reach across Africa and globally. As the President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, he champions immigrant and refugee integration, alongside founding "I Am Cameroon" to mobilize national development. Arrey's innovative and collaborative approach to leadership and community development has earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Great Immigrant, Great American Award, showcasing his dedication to creating sustainable change and empowering communities worldwide.
14 Feb 2024
Episode 9 : A Soldier's Tale - Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike's Path to Leadership
In this episode of Immigreats, host Munatsi sits down with United States Army Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike, a remarkable immigrant who has made significant contributions to her adopted country. Amanda shares her inspiring story of being born to a Nigerian dad and Zimbabwean mother, moving from the UK as a teen to becoming a high-ranking officer in the US Army. Amanda's early years were shaped by the values of resilience and determination instilled by her parents. Despite facing challenges, Amanda found her path through Junior ROTC in high school, which eventually led her to join the Army National Guard. Through hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks and became a commissioned officer. Amanda's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the American Dream.
22 Dec 2023
Episode 008: The Resilient Realtor: Lily Moore's Inspiring Immigrant Tale
In this episode Munatsi welcomes Lily Moore, an immigrant from El Salvador who shares her remarkable story of becoming a top real estate agent in America. Starting with her early struggles of single parenthood, language barriers, and financial difficulties, Lily's inspiring story is one of resilience and determination. You'll enjoy her passion as she recounts how she went from working for AT&T to her successful transition into real estate - culminating in her establishment of "Lily Moore Realty" - now one of America's most successful brokerages. Get ready to be inspired!
24 Nov 2023
Episode 007: The Lost Boy Who's Finding Others: Gatjang Deng
In this episode of "Immigreats," Gatjang Deng, a survivor and former Lost Boy of Sudan, shares his incredible journey and efforts to aid the youth of his home country. Deng details his escape from war torn South Sudan, years in refugee camps, resettlement in America, and founding the Village Help Foundation. Working tirelessly, he supports 52 Sudanese children in Uganda and hopes to rescue more from border areas. Deng's personal sacrifice, working non-stop to fund education and care for these children, embodies the profound impact of immigrants who contribute significantly to their communities globally.
10 Nov 2023
Episode 006: Effie Hwande - A Zimbabwean's Triumph
In this groundbreaking episode , host Munatsi conducts his first in-person interview, featuring Effie Hwande. The guest, born and raised in Mbare, narrates her transition to the UK , shedding light on the unique opportunities and challenges faced by herself as an immigrant. She delves into her relentless pursuit of learning and how she strategically leveraged various opportunities to carve out a successful path for herself. The episode takes a deeper dive into the obstacles she encountered and her strategies for overcoming them, highlighting her resilience and adaptability. She also highlights her ongoing efforts to support her community back in Zimbabwe through various ventures. Effie also shares her vision for the future, emphasizing her commitment to creating more opportunities for others. This episode not only showcases a personal success story but also serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for immigrants worldwide.
27 Oct 2023
Episode 005: The Remarkable Rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dive into the inspiring journey of Giannis Antetokounmpo, born to Nigerian parents in Greece and once stateless. Despite early challenges, his undeniable basketball talent shone through, leading him from Athens' streets to NBA stardom. Intriguingly, as he gained fame, Greece, which had once overlooked his family's struggles, eagerly embraced him as a national treasure. Join us to explore Giannis's transformation from an overlooked immigrant to an international sensation.
12 Oct 2023
Episode 004: The Covid Vaccine Scientist: Katalin Kariko
In this episode of "The Covid Vaccine Scientist: Katalin Kariko" we explore the remarkable story of a pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking research led to the development of Covid-19 vaccines. Dr. Katalin Kariko's journey was marked by resilience and determination in the face of discrimination and adversity.
The episode delves into Dr. Kariko's early career, where she faced challenges and discrimination due to her immigrant status. Despite almost losing her job and taking a pay cut, she persisted, refining her work and ultimately making groundbreaking discoveries. Her research laid the foundation for Covid-19 vaccines, saving millions of lives globally.
We also highlight the transformative moment when the same university that once doubted her expertise proudly claimed her as an alumna after she became a Nobel Prize winner. Dr. Kariko's story serves as a testament to the power of persistence and belief in one's work, inspiring listeners to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions.
28 Sept 2023
Episode 003: Elon Musk: The Contradictions
In Episode 003, Munatsi delves into the extraordinary life of Elon Musk. Born in South Africa, Musk's early experiences, from his move to Canada to his journey in entrepreneurship, set the stage for his remarkable trajectory.
His pivotal moment came with the creation of what would become PayPal. Musk has embarked on audacious business ventures, including SpaceX and Tesla, pushing the boundaries of technology and space exploration.
This episode explores Musk's relentless drive and personal sacrifices while analyzing him as a person and his relationships. Join us as we unpack the remarkable story of Elon Musk, a visionary who continues to shape the future of our world - love him or hate him.
15 Sept 2023
Episode 002: The Impact of CTE - Bennet Omalu's Influence on Football
In this episode, Munatsi tells the fascinating story of a Nigerian American doctor named Bennet Omalu who infuriated the National Football League with his research around head injuries and CTE caused by playing American football.
I enjoyed telling his story and was amazed at how many parallels I found to my life story!
23 Aug 2023
Episode 001: The Unstoppable Rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Immigrant Stories. Great accomplishments.
In this riveting episode, we dive into the extraordinary life journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger, an immigrant who truly encapsulates the essence of the American Dream. Starting from his humble beginnings in a small Austrian village, Arnold had ambitions that stretched far beyond his immediate circumstances. Not content with becoming one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, Schwarzenegger conquered Hollywood and even took a seat in the California governor's office. We explore the grit, determination, and raw ambition that propelled Arnold to worldwide fame, and the challenges he faced and overcame as an immigrant navigating uncharted territories.
Inside a recent episode
S2 Episode 1 - Finding Your Path: A Journey from Zimbabwe to BBC Africa
Published 15 Oct 2024 · Transcript excerpt
[…] But, you know, I think what you're saying is 100 % correct that it's just different, you know, how we were taught, how we were raised, the kind of system we grew up and was very different. But a lot of it also is that, you know, we had a curriculum that did acknowledge that the world was bigger than where we were, which sometimes I feel like, you know, when you're, you know, these European countries of the American curricula, I'm not always, you know, acknowledging it, which is interesting. Let's fast forward a little bit. So you, you know, you finally settle through school. We end up, you know, you go and do your high school education in the, in the UK. […]
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