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The Diaspora Door with Nze

Diaspora Door

On the Dispora Door Podcast with Nze, we discuss every day lifes issues affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.

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32 episodes
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Avg 54 min
English

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Wednesday · 51 min
Our Shared Neighborhood: Building Trust and Belonging
What makes a neighborhood truly feel like home? In this powerful episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with Marinely Abud and Manisha Chourasia from the Gloria Timmons Community Center in Nashua, NH. Together, they explore what it means to build "the village" across generations—bridging the gap between 1st and 2nd-generation immigrant experiences and long-time local residents. Amid growing anxieties over safety, identity, and community change, Marinely and Manisha share how simple acts of kindness, accessible local spaces, and shared perseverance (inspired by Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist) can turn fear into connection. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on personal dreams, raising families, and creating a community where every voice belongs. Listen now and join the conversation! Host: Nze Obinelo Guests: Manisha Chourasia, Marinely Abud Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favour Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso, Shane Lemire
October 28 · 51 min
Reclaiming Narrative and Retaining Wisdom in the Diaspora
In this episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with Kaosi Unini—a brilliant multi-hyphenate talent who is charting a unique path as an up-and-coming writer, game producer, and researcher. For so many of us raised in first-generation households, growing up in the diaspora means living in two worlds at once. Carrying the immense weight of sacrifice, tradition, and explicit expectations—often pointed firmly toward STEM, medicine, law or engineering. My guest today knows that dynamic inside and out. Raised by first-generation Nigerian parents, he walked the demanding halls of the United States Naval Academy and immersed himself in scientific disciplines, all while quietly protecting, fighting for, and sharpening his true calling: creative writing. Born in the United States to first-generation Nigerian parents, Kaosi explores the nuanced layers of navigating the diaspora through the lenses of both literary fiction and interactive media. Currently refining his craft under the mentorship of acclaimed author Miroslav Penkov at UNT, Kaosi bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and the modern frontier of video game design. Kaosi is going to talk about the real impact of being raised in the diaspora, what happens when an industry loses its collective memory, and how to stay true to your voice even when the room expects a completely different script.Tune in for a powerful conversation on narrative reclamation, the preservation of wisdom, and what it truly means to build a legacy across cultures and industries. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Kaosi Unini Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
October 21 · 51 min
Heritage, Leather, and Legacy
Join host Nze Obinelo on The Diaspora Door for an inspiringconversation with guest Lawrence Kemdirim, the artisan mind behind Ottawa's acclaimed handcrafted leather line, Guy Shop. From raw materials to heritage-quality goods, Lawrence breaks down what it takes to build an authentic craft business in the diaspora—and how being raised in the diaspora by parents who grounded him in cultural roots, strong values, and deep discipline shaped his creative identity. Tune in for an engaging discussion on legacy, traditional craftsmanship, and building a business anchored in community! Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Lawrence Kemdirim Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
October 14 · 51 min
Transforming Behavior Health
What does it take to revolutionize behavioral health while building a legacy of equity and empowerment? In this inspiring episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with Portia James, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Founder of Behavior Genius. Portia shares her powerful journey as a visionary entrepreneur, the critical importance of culturally responsive care in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and how she is transforming lives by empowering families and neurodivergent individuals. Tune in for a deeply moving conversation on leadership, representation in healthcare, and the relentless pursuit of impact. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Portia James Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
October 7 · 51 min
Healing Justice Program Associate
In this episode, host Nze Obinelo connects with Ophelia Burnett, "Healing Justice Program Associate” with American Friends Service Committee. What does it truly take to build systems of healing and power after impact with the justice system? In this episode, we sit down with Ophelia Burnett—criminal justice reform advocate, movement leader, and founder of the O So Beautiful Reentry Program. Ophelia shares how she transformed her life’s hardest chapters into a powerful movement for community healing and systemic reform. Join us as we explore the vital work of supporting justice-impacted women, the power of advocacy in New Hampshire, and what it means to create spaces where communities can lead, heal, and drive the change they deserve. Tune in to learn more about this powerhouse of a leader.Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Ophelia Burnett Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
September 30 · 55 min
Beyond the Grade Book
Welcome back to The Diaspora Door! In this episode, Nze sits down with Jason Diggs—a dedicated social worker and advocate with a deep passion for helping individuals build strong social skills, navigate life transitions, and foster meaningful community connections, and empower the next generation. Together, they dive into the essentials of supporting youth socially and emotionally—both inside the classroom and through summer programs—while sharing key lessons from front-line non-profit work, family advocacy, and the power of community-driven support. Hit play to join Nze and Jason for an inspiring conversation on mentorship, authentic connection, and creating lasting impact for young people! Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Jason Diggs Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
September 23 · 46 min
Outdoor Equity to High-Impact Giving
How do you turn a single grassroots project into a multi-million-dollar movement that transforms thousands of lives? In this episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with Canadian social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Canadian Disability Hall of Fame inductee Tim Cormode—founder of Power to Be and CEO of Power to Give. Together, they explore how Tim leveraged the healing power of the outdoors, land stewardship, and partnerships with Indigenous communities to build accessible nature-based programs—and how venture philanthropy can empower diaspora leaders to mobilize resource networks for lasting, border-transcending community impact. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Tim Cormode Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
September 16 · 51 min
Serving Nation and Neighborhood
On this episode of *The Diaspora Door*, host Nze Obinelo sits down with veteran New Hampshire State Representative Linda Harriott-Gathright for an inspiring discussion on public service, civic leadership, and grassroots advocacy. Drawing from her extensive background—including her service as a Nashua Alderman and former President of the Greater Nashua Area Branch NAACP—Representative Harriott-Gathright shares her personal journey, core values, and vision for building stronger, more inclusive communities across the Granite State.Together, they explore the core drivers of municipal and state-level leadership, focusing on key policy priorities such as public school support, community health, and legislative accountability. The conversation also highlights lessons learned from grassroots organizing and NAACP leadership, offering practical advice to empower everyday citizens to engage in civil dialogue and drive meaningful local policy change. Host: Nze Obinelo Guests: Linda Harriot-Gathright Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FMSocial Media: Favor Iyore Intern: Tenzin Gamtso
September 13 · 1 hr 14 min
Sisterfriends: The Power, Joy, and Sacred Bond of Women’s Friendships
What does it truly mean to have a "sisterfriend"? On this episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo is joined by special guest Chapreese Pennington for a heartwarming, insightful, and deeply resonant conversation on the sacred art of female friendship among Black women. Together, they explore: Defining the Sisterfriend: What elevates a friend to a sisterfriend—the trust, shared history, and unshakeable bonds that define these key relationships. Support Across Life’s Seasons: How sisterfriends show up for one another through life transitions, career milestones, family growth, and unexpected challenges. Nurturing the Connection: Practical wisdom on maintaining deep, meaningful friendships across busy schedules, life changes, and physical distance. Healing, Joy, and Safe Spaces: The vital role these intentional bonds play in personal well-being, identity, and mental health. Tune in for an enriching conversation about community, loyalty, and the uplifting power of showing up for the women who walk through life beside us. Grab your favorite mug, call up a sisterfriend, and join the conversation! Follow & Subscribe: Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to The Diaspora Door on Spotify to stay connected with every inspiring story from across our global community!
September 13 · 52 min
From the USA to Nigeria: The Boarding School & Cultural Immersion Experience
What happens when American-born teens are sent back to their parents’ homeland to attend high school? On this episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with a Nigerian-Igbo family to explore the transformative journey of raising US-born children who spent key high school years completing their education in Nigeria. Together, they dive deep into: The Culture Shock & Reality Check: Shifting from American high schools to the discipline, structure, and expectations of Nigerian boarding and day schools. Identity & Heritage: How immersion reshaped the students' connection to their Igbo roots, language, and sense of self as African Americans/Diaspora youth. The Parent’s Perspective: The tough decisions, cultural intentions, and trade-offs behind sending children abroad for schooling. Lessons Carried Forward: How this cross-continental education shaped their resilience, academic drive, and global worldview after returning to North America. Whether you're a parent considering cultural immersion for your kids or part of the first-generation youth navigating two worlds, this honest conversation offers rich insights into heritage, family values, and the bridge between the US and Nigeria.
September 9 · 51 min
Building Doors, Opening Doors
Join The Diaspora Door host Nze Obinelo for an inspiring and grounded conversation with LaTonya Muccioli, Executive Director of Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire. In this episode, LaTonya shares her powerful journey as a female leader of color raising her family while navigating her career journey across human services—from advocating for seniors at Gateways Community Services and shaping local housing policy with the City of Nashua, to leading community-driven solutions for families experiencing housing insecurity. Together, Nze and LaTonya explore the core values that shape compassionate leadership, the realities of navigating complex systems as a female executive, and what it truly takes to build sustainable paths to home, hope, and independence. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: LaTonya Muccioli Producer: WSMN 1590 AM/ WSMN 95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Interns: Tenzin Gamtso
September 2 · 1 hr 6 min
Running Jumping and Breaking Limits
On this episode of The Diaspora Door, Nze Obinelo sits down with educator, coach, mother, and world-class masters athlete Kairy Loucks. From setting records as a McMaster Athletics Hall of Famer in her collegiate years to ranking in the top 5 Pentathlon/ triple jump/long jump. She started again in track competing at age 51 and she just turned age 60 this August 2026. Kairy is a true masterclass in longevity, grit, and passion. Tune in as we talk about balancing family and career, coaching the next generation, and what it truly takes to shatter expectations at every stage of life. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Kairy Loucks Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3FM
August 26 · 1 hr
Amplifying Voices, Reclaiming Narratives
In this episode, host Nze Obinelo connects with Joyce Jonathan Crone, a Mohawk matriarch, retired teacher, activist and humanitarian. She is the passionate Founder and President of Hope Arises and the heart behind the compelling documentary Red Girl Rising. Together, Nze and Joyce explore the vital intersections of storytelling, Indigenous advocacy, and community empowerment. Listen in for an inspiring dialogue on hope, resilience, and reclaiming narrative power. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Joyce Jonathan Crone Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Interns: Calvin Sanire, Tenzin Gamtso
August 19 · 52 min
Belonging In The Both
Belonging In The Both Diaspora Door host Nze Obinelo is opening the door to aconversation on identity, heritage, and the powerful experience of navigating the world with two young biracial women. Growing up in households where two distinct cultures and races meet brings a unique vantage point—filled with deepjoys, rich perspectives, and, of course, its own set of distinct challenges. Tohelp us explore what it truly means to live in that 'in-between,' I am joined by two phenomenal guests today. First, we have Sarah Fondaw—a filmmaker and self-described military brat whose journey spans diverse landscapes and deep family legacies. And alongside her is Emily Ojeifo—a university student in Germany and an event planner who brings a rich cultural perspective, seamlessly weaving her German and Nigerian Ishan heritage. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Emily Ojeifo, Sarah Fondaw Producer: WSMN 1590AM/95.3FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Interns: Calvin Sanire, Tenzin Gamtso
August 12 · 53 min
From Birmingham to the New Hampshire State House
“If you don't know where you've been, you don't know where you are going.” Maya Angelou In this powerful episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with a living legend of New Hampshire’s civil rights history: Harvey Keye. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1932, Harvey’s journey spans the violent oppression of the Jim Crow South, service in the Korean War, and a move to Nashua, NH, where he became a trailblazing public servant and state representative. Join us as Harvey shares the deeply personal story behind his pivotal, moving 1999 State House speech that finally pushed New Hampshire to become the 50th and final state to officially recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. At 95 years old, Harvey’s wisdom, resilience, and enduring commitment to justice offer a master-class in grassroots organizing, the power of storytelling, and what it truly means to build bridges across generations and cultures. Listen in for an unforgettable conversation about heritage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of equality. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Harvey Keye Producer: WSMN 1590 AM/ WSMN 95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore Interns: Calvin Sanire, Tenzin Gamtso
August 5 · 52 min
Who Inherits the Boardroom?
This is an incredibly rich and vital topic for The Diaspora Door, where host Nze Obinelo will hear from guest, Chuba Udokwu, “who anchors the next generation when the pioneers step away?” He will talk about the transition of power and the specific question of who fills the shoes of retiring corporate pioneers in the diaspora. Discussing the trajectory of corporate professionals from the diaspora—especially through the lens of a trailblazer guest like Chuba (with his deep executive history at Bell Labs, Cisco, and as a tech founder/COO)—hits right at the heart of narrative reclamation, legacy, and systemic sustainability. Early diaspora pioneers often had to navigate corporate spaces without a map, relying on sheer brilliance and individual resilience to break into executive positions. When Chuba’s generation retires, he explains how mentorship cannot rely on chance encounters or a few individuals carrying the weight. The discussion will explore how to transform personal legacy into institutional systems (e.g., formal diaspora executive coalitions, specialized venture funds, or structured cross-company networks). In this episode Nze will explore with Chuba how mentorship no longer has to be bounded by the walls of a single Western corporation. A mentor in Boston or Nashua can seamlessly guide a rising professional in London, Toronto, or Lagos. The future of mentorship may lie in leveraging global, digital ecosystems to ensure no professional is left isolated. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Chuba Udokwu Producer: WSMN 1590 AM/ WSMN 95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore
July 29 · 52 min
Sweet Roots, Deep Legacy
From working alongside his father behind a classic luncheonette and sweet shop counter to spending four decades at the helm of the iconic Martha’s Exchange, William "Billy" Fokas is true Nashua, New Hampshire Main Street royalty.Born and raised in Nashua and a University of New Hampshire business graduate, Billy has spent essentially his entire life shaping the local dining scene. In this episode of Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with Billy to explore his proud Greek heritage, the story of how his parents built their family business from the ground up, and what it truly means to nurture a community centerpiece for forty years. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest: Bill Fokas Producer: WSMN 1590 AM/ WSMN 95.3 FM Social Media: Favor Iyore
July 22 · 53 min
Youth vs ICE
What does the future of leadership look like when youth, culture, and community intersect? In this episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo sits down with two remarkable seniors from Nashua High School North who are redefining local activism: Salomé Safri and Jordin Lopez. Salomé, the daughter of Pakistani and Dominican immigrants, beautifully weaves together photography, writing, and social media to amplify the voices of BIPOC, queer, and immigrant communities. She was also an intern and social media lead with 350NH Youth Team. Jordin, a dynamic leader on the NAACP Youth Council, brings her passion for civic engagement, protests, and grassroots organizing to the forefront. In this powerful conversation, they pull back the curtain on how they rumbled the status quo—rallying the youth they lead to the front lines of the massive winter protests against the proposed ICE detention warehouse in nearby Merrimack, New Hampshire. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the raw power of the youth voice, what it takes to organize a community in the face of federal policy, and what it truly means to build bridges in our own backyards.
July 15 · 52 min
Ice Cream, Ice Cream….Who Screams For Ice Cream?: Chris Ordway, George Soffron, Jennifer Belmore
Nothing says the peak of a New England summer quite like the local ice cream stand. But beyond the scoops, sprinkles, and nostalgia, these beloved spots are the ultimate community anchors where generations of families cross paths, celebrate milestones, and create lasting memories. In this incredibly fun, delicious, and community-centric episode of The Diaspora Door, host Nze Obinelo pulls up a chair with the ultimate dream team of local ice cream royalty. Joining the roundtable are the visionaries behind the region's most iconic summer staples: Chris Ordway of Hayward’s, George Soffron of King Kone, and Jennifer Belmore of Sweet Bel’s Ice Cream. Together, they take us behind the counter to share what it takes to keep these sweet traditions thriving year after year. From secret family recipes and the art of the perfect soft-serve swirl to the profound ways these businesses fuel the local economy and give back to the neighborhoods they serve, this conversation proves that ice cream is a universal language of joy, comfort, and community connection. Host: Nze Obinelo Guests: Chris Ordway, George Soffron, Jennifer Belmore Producer: Soundprove Audios Social Media: Favor Iyore
July 8 · 53 min
From Lagos To The End Zone: Tolu Tunde
Tolu Tunde’s journey to the heights of Division I college football is a masterclass in versatility, adaptability, and pure athletic drive. Born in Nigeria, Tolu grew up immersed in soccer and basketball before moving to Canada. He didn't even strap on a football helmet until his senior year of high school. Despite his late introduction to the sport, his natural athleticism and explosive power quickly turned heads. Tolu took a leap of faith by heading to prep school to test his mettle against elite American competition. The gamble paid off exponentially: he dominated the trenches, locked down multiple Division I offers from programs across the United States, and chose to take his talents to the University of Connecticut. As a standout athlete representing both his Nigerian roots and his Canadian upbringing, Tolu is an inspiring example of what happens when preparation meets a massive opportunity on the global stage. Host: Nze Obinelo Guest Speaker: Tolu Tunde Producer: Soundprove Audios Social Media: Favour Iyore

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