255: Neo-Colonialism in Africa, the Power of Stories, and Developing Cultural Fluency with Tayo Rockson

Learn how to develop cultural fluency, make thoughtful travel decisions, and seek out spaces where you are a minority. ============================ Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds. ============================ ON THIS EPISODE Tayo Rockson takes us on his journey growing up as the son of a diplomat and shares the lessons he learned living in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Sweden, Vietnam and the U.S. all by the age of 18. He describes the role of basketball in building cross-cultural relationships, and shares lessons from attending a very conservative Christian university. Tayo then reflects on the different manifestations of anti-Blackness around the world, and why he recommends people intentionally put themselves in spaces where they are the minority. Matt and Tayo discuss the difference between being a numerical minority vs. a power minority and describe the global pervasiveness of white privilege. Tayo then shares techniques for developing cultural fluency and also shares some tips on making thoughtful travel decisions. He shares his analysis of digital nomad gentrification and neo-colonial dynamics in the travel and tourism industry. Tayo then discusses the importance of writing and the power of stories, especially stories from pre-colonial history. And, finally, he explains the neo-colonial relationships in present-day Africa and provides some important context and analysis for travelers. → Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here. ============================ FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU: See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ============================ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally You can buy me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)