"Bridge 2 Self" helps Second Gen Black professionals find community through personal stories that explore cultural identity, success and purpose. Hosted by Ghanaian-American journalist Ben Arthur. Inquires: bridge2self@gmail.com
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1 hr 48 min
If Your African Heritage Gives You Identity Crisis, Listen to This (BEST of 2025!)
In the final episode of 2025, a compilation of the best soundbites, insights and personal stories from host Ben Arthur's discussions this year with second Gen Africans on navigating identity, belonging, success and purpose.
4 min
Lupita Nyong'o CNN Remarks Reveals this Truth of Our Reality
In this solo B2S episode, host Ben Arthur gives his takeaway from Lupita Nyong'o's recent viral comments regarding the film industry and how it ties into what he's pursuing with the podcast.This episode is produced by Ben Arthur.
39 min
Step Out of the Box That the World Has Created For You | Abdie Mohamed
In this episode of B2S, host Ben Arthur chats with Abdie Mohamed, a Somali-American public speaker, cybersecurity expert and lead cloud governance engineer at Lockheed Martin. Abdie discusses stepping out of one’s culture for self growth, the importance of developing communication skills in the age of AI and much more in a wide-ranging conversation. Connect with Abdie on LinkedIn at Abdie Mohamed or on Instagram at @abdiethespeaker. Episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
6 min
Why Second Gen Kids Help Each Other Succeed
In this solo episode, host Ben Arthur explains how second-gen kids can empower each other through their shared experience. Episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
37 min
If You Have African Parents, Listen To This
Join host Ben Arthur on 'Bridge 2 Self' for a compilation episode with the best soundbites and personal stories from guests over the past three months. Dive deep into discussions on identity, success, and purpose with the children of African immigrants.The featured guests are Saron Tedla, a medical school student and aspiring ophthalmologist; Paul Faronbi, a chemical engineer and entrepreneur; and Kenneth Nti, an architecture designer and researcher. Hear their insightful journeys and experiences navigating cultures, finding self-acceptance, and maintaining a connection to their heritage. Episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
6 min
The Awkwardness of Being Unable to Speak Your Family's Native Language
In the latest episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur discusses the complex relationship that second-generation immigrants can have with their parents' native language. He shares personal experiences to explain how it can shape an individual's connection to their cultural heritage.Episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
8 min
The TRUTH About Being a Second Generation Black Immigrant
In this solo episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur gives a high level summary of what it means to be a second-generation immigrant in the United States, particularly in the Black context. The show aims to clarify misconceptions and offer a comprehensive overview for both Black immigrants and the show's wider audience.Episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
48 min
What it Means to Harness the Experiences of Your African Parents ft. Kenneth Nti
In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur chats with Kenneth Nti, a Ghanaian American architecture designer and researcher based in Seattle, to discuss the complexities of navigating cultural identity and success as a second-generation immigrant. Kenneth shares his unique experiences growing up between two cultures, the importance of community, and the challenges of preserving heritage for future generations. The conversation delves into valuable lessons learned, the significance of mentorship, and personal strategies for maintaining cultural connections. Kenneth also introduces a profound analogy about being the 'baton' in a family relay, highlighting the delicate balance of honoring one's roots while paving the way for future generations.Connect with Kenneth Nti on LinkedIn or on IG at @kennethknti , his personal page, and @iteration95, his photography page. This episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
5 min
Why Tyla's Quote About Identity Hits Close To Home
In this solo episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur examines a quote on cultural identity from Tyla, a prominent singer from South Africa. Providing context about her influence, he considers how her words might affect our understanding of identity formation. The episode touches on the nuances of personal growth and how we see ourselves.Episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
51 min
Rediscovering You After Big Change | Paul Faronbi
Join host Ben Arthur as he welcomes back Paul Faronbi for a deep and insightful conversation on self-discovery, personal growth, and cultural identity in this episode of Bridge 2 Self. Paul, a Nigerian-American chemical engineer, and founder of IncrediPaul and NALA(STEM), shares his experiences from ending a long-term relationship to understanding his true desires and balancing multiple roles. They delve into the challenges and strengths of being a 2nd/1.5 generation Black immigrant, the impacts of people-pleasing tendencies, and practical strategies for finding your strengths and thriving. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom and actionable advice.Connect with Paul on incredipaul.org or nalastem.com. He is on Instagram and TikTok at @imincredipaul, as well as YouTube at @IncrediPaul .This is episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.
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