Hi fam,

This week, I’m excited to welcome Josh Rivers to AudioDiaspora. He has been building safe spaces throughout his career. And he’s done this using storytelling as a tool. He’s also the host of the podcast "Busy Being Black,” which explores and celebrates the richness of queer Black lives.

At the start of each show, he asks a simple yet poignant question: "How is your heart?" And I haven’t heard a disappointing answer - so when he joined me, I asked him the same question. Tune in to see what he said. I will say that the conversation that followed was rich, complex - and intimate.

Listen to our conversation with Josh about the importance of authenticity over quick monetization and the strength found in the community. If you’re uncertain about your purpose, this conversation may inspire you to embrace your journey and foster connections.

Follow Busy Being Black on IG.

As always, follow me to see what's making me laugh and think. (A shoutout to BlackPeoplePets for consistently making me laugh.) Also, follow the show to discover what questions I'm asking and who I'm talking to next.

Ep. 82: Louise Lyons-Appiah is Using Personal Narratives in Podasts to Break Barriers

In a world where societal expectations can be stifling, Louise Lyons-Appiah’s story is a testament to breaking free from self-doubt to build communities and empower others through collaboration.

In this episode, I speak with Louise, the co-founder of BreatheUnion and a passionate advocate for mental health, personal development, and equality. She shares her journey from feeling undermined as she battled sexism and racism in Britain, her home, to becoming an influential voice in the Black British diaspora. Her journey is nothing short of transformative. Discover how she channeled her personal experiences into creating the JNR Podcast with her brother during the lockdown, where she amplified vital perspectives often overshadowed by dominant narratives.

This episode is packed with insights into building a brand without limits, finding strength in the community, and using passion to propel oneself toward impactful change.

FOLLOW LOUISE LYONS-APPIAH on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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EP 81: Fight for the Life of Your Work! AudioDiaspora 2024 Highlights

It’s nearly the end of 2024, and as the year winds down, Christabel takes a moment to reflect on some of the most impactful AudioDiaspora conversations of the year so far. From the power of telling your truth to the art of owning your narrative, this episode is packed with wisdom from Black creatives you SHOULD know - and stories that will help the creators amongst you to push boundaries and stay true to your roots as you create your work.

You'll hear Nana Ama Danquah's wisdom on fighting for your work, Fritznel D. Octave’s commitment to truth and journalistic integrity, Andy Mundy-Castle’s take on humility in storytelling, and Kerry Ann Stimpson’s actionable advice on using data to grow authentic communities. This isn’t just a recap—it’s a guide to navigating creativity and connection in a genuine and empowering way.

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Connect with Christabel:

IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi

Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com