Bridge 2 Self

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur discusses the nuanced challenges for second-generation folks preserving their cultural lineage amid societal influences in the U.S., and the decision they must come to terms with to live out their authentic lives. This episode is produced by Ben Arthur. The music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur is joined by Saron Tedla, an Ethiopian-American medical student at Oregon Health & Science University. Saron discusses her experience navigating life as a second-generation Ethiopian, how her cultural heritage has shaped her mission as an aspiring ophthalmologist and why both are tied to her journey of personal growth. Connect with Saron Tedla on LinkedIn or on Instagram at @saronron_ .This episode is produced by Ben Arthur. Music is courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.

In this solo episode of 'Bridge 2 Self,' host Ben Arthur delves into a profound question that resonates deeply with second-generation and 1.5-generation immigrant children: What does it mean to create your own success? Ben shares personal anecdotes, explores the challenges of balancing multiple cultural identities, and offers insights on recognizing and embracing your authentic self. Produced by Ben Arthur. Music from Daniel Oyefusi.

In this final episode of June and the second quarter of 2025, host Ben Arthur compiles the most impactful moments from recent guests on 'Bridge 2 Self.' The episode delves into the experiences of second-gen and 1.5-gen Black Americans and explores themes of overcoming fear, embracing one's cultural identity, and taking actionable steps toward achieving personal goals. Featured stories include the journey of an aspiring actor overcoming self-doubt, the evolution of cultural identity, and the influence of an immigrant background on personal drive and ambition. Tune in for a thought-provoking and inspiring compilation!Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music from Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur delves into the nuances between loving and romanticizing one's cultural heritage as a second-generation Black American. Reflecting on recent conversations, Ben explains his own upbringing in a Ghanaian-American household and the importance of forming a fully contextualized view of Ghana. This episode offers a thoughtful look at cultural identity and the importance of comprehensive self-discovery.Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music by Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur chats with Nigerian-American actor, writer, and director Larry Adigun. Larry shares his journey of overcoming fears, evolving from making viral comedic videos to pursuing his true passion of acting, and the influence of his Nigerian heritage on his life and career. Larry opens up about his aspirations, the challenges he's faced, and his love for acting, all while working on a significant new project. Tune in to learn about Larry's insights into taking actionable steps every day towards achieving one's goals and the importance of not letting fear dictate one's dreams.Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of Bridge to Self, host Ben Arthur is joined by Max Prempeh, a second-generation Ghanaian and sports product designer. Max shares his experiences growing up with Ghanaian roots in America, the impact of his cultural background on his design work, and the importance of consideration and hard work. He delves into the duality of being both Ghanaian and Black American, and how his heritage influences his perspective in the sports product design industry. Max also discusses the significance of storytelling through design and his aspirations to create culturally impactful uniforms for major sporting events like the World Cup and the Olympics.How to connect with Max- Instagram: @maxprempehWebsite: https://maxxprempeh.com/Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.

Join host Ben Arthur on 'Bridge to Self' as he chats with PG Taylor, a Jamaican-American entrepreneur and real estate investor. PG shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the United States at 11 years old to getting into the real estate space in Middle Tennessee. Learn about the challenges she faced, the role of her family in her motivation, and her relentless pursuit of financial freedom. Discover how PG is paving the way for immigrant women in the development space and striving to give back to her community. This episode is a testament to resilience, family, and the power of embracing your unique story.How to connect with PG- IG: @iampgtaylorFacebook: PG TaylorLinkedIn: Petergaye Taylorwebsite: pgtaylorrei.comEpisode produced by Ben Arthur. Music courtesy of Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of Bridge to Self, host Ben Arthur revisits the most impactful moments and insights from the stories of second and 1.5 generation Black Americans shared in the first quarter of 2025. Tune in to reflect on standout interviews and soundbites as we enter the second quarter of the year.Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music by Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur delves into the importance of empathy and understanding within the context of the second and 1.5 generation immigrant experience. Reflecting on his upbringing, Ben discusses how his varied friendships with other second gen kids shaped his perspective. He emphasizes the intrinsic ability of second gen immigrants to navigate different worlds, fostering a natural proclivity for empathy and understanding. Ben advocates for the essential role of these individuals in promoting acceptance in today's globally connected yet divided world. Tune in to explore how the stories spotlighted on this show can inspire us all to be better individuals.Hosted and produced by Ben Arthur. Music by Daniel Oyefusi.

In this episode of 'Bridge to Self', host Ben Arthur talks with Femi Abebefe, a Nigerian and Ugandan American media personality and sports betting analyst. Femi shares his experiences growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the importance of his cultural roots, the significance of his name, and how he navigated identity growing up in a predominantly white environment. Femi also discusses his career transition from local TV to sports betting content and offers insights into maintaining cultural heritage. Tune in to hear Femi's story about blending Nigerian, Ugandan, and American cultures while achieving professional success.Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music by Daniel Oyefusi.

In this solo episode of 'Bridge to Self,' host Ben Arthur delves into the intricacies of cultural assimilation from his perspective as a second-generation Black American. He shares his experiences growing up in a predominantly white environment in Seattle while maintaining his Ghanaian heritage at home. Ben discusses the unique challenges of navigating between two worlds and the scarcity of information on the second gen Black American experience. He also explains his motivation for starting the platform and his hopes for creating a show that resonates with and unifies second gen Black individuals. Tune in for an insightful exploration of identity, belonging, and the multifaceted nature of the second gen experience.

In this solo episode of 'Bridge to Self,' host Ben Arthur celebrates Black History Month by sharing his unique perspective as a second-generation Black American. He reflects on his experiences with BHM growing up, discusses his connection to West Africa, and highlights notable Black figures of American, African and blended heritage. Ben also discusses the increasing diversity within the Black community and how that ties into the importance of recognizing contributions from across the Black diaspora. Subscribe to 'Bridge to Self' for more inspiring stories.Episode produced by Ben Arthur. Music from Daniel Oyefusi.

Nigerian-American storyteller and entrepreneur Amechi joins host Ben Arthur to share his journey of embracing his Nigerian-American heritage and his impactful partnership with futurist and thought leader 19Keys. Amechi discusses his transition from a successful career in accounting at Ernst & Young to working behind the scenes in digital media and event organization. Gain insights into his methods for staying balanced, the importance of networking, the role of spirituality, and how he contributes to the High Lvl Media movement aimed at uplifting the culture. Tune in to learn about Amechi's perspective on recognizing your timing, living with purpose, and dreaming big.To learn more about B. Amechi and 19keys and their work, check out 19keys.com. To get the tickets for 19keys’ Save Yourself tour, which will be held Friday, Feb. 7 at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City, visit 19keys.com/tour. Tap into the High lvl community at highlvl.19keys.com. Amechi can be found on social media at @b_amechi.

In this episode of Bridge 2 Self, host Ben Arthur speaks with Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo, a Nigerian-American computer scientist and fellow at the Brookings Institution. Dr. Okolo discusses her upbringing in Kansas City, Missouri, her journey of understanding her Nigerian heritage, and her impactful work in AI governance and policy focused on the African continent. She shares insights on balancing cultural identities, the significance of her parents' influence, and her contributions to AI strategies that address socio-economic issues in Africa and beyond. Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of TIME's 100 most influential people in AI.

Join host Ben Arthur as he kicks off 2025 with exciting news: the rebrand of 'Pinnacle Code' to 'Bridge to Self'. Learn about the show's evolution, continued content, and new branding. Don't miss out on the impactful conversations and inspiring stories every other Wednesday at 5 PM Central Time.

In the final episode of Pinnacle Code for 2024, host Ben Arthur offers a heartfelt thanks to listeners for their support throughout the year. This special episode compiles the best highlights, soundbites, and insights focused on the second and 1.5 generation Black American experience. Featuring personal stories and reflections on identity, culture, and resilience, this episode provides a rich and nuanced look at what it means to navigate life as a Black American coming from an immigrant family. Don't miss this inspiring and thought-provoking compilation as we wrap up the year and look forward to exciting new content in 2025.

Join host Ben Arthur as he engages with Dr. Khalid Osman, an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University. Dr. Osman shares his captivating journey being born into a Somali family in a Kenya refugee camp to obtaining asylum in the U.S., exploring themes of identity, resilience, and success. He discusses his experience maintaining his Somali-Muslim heritage while growing up Black in America amid poverty and how it's shaped his outlook life. This episode delves into the importance of embracing diverse identities, the pursuit of meaningful work, and the role of consistency in achieving success.To learn more about Dr. Osman, visit osman.science.

In a solo episode, host Ben Arthur gives his perspective on what it means to make it in America when you're the child of African immigrants.

Senegalese-American journalist and archivist Nabou Ramu joins host Ben Arthur on Pinnacle Code to discuss her journey of self-discovery, rooted in her Senegalese heritage and Afrocentric identity. Nabou shares her experiences growing up in South Central LA with a Senegalese mother and Black American father, attending the historically-Black Piney Woods School, and her evolution in embracing her cultural identity. She also talks about her aspirations, the importance of understanding one's roots, and how spiritual principles guide her work and life.You can connect with Nabou on Instagram and X at @nabou.ramu, or at linktr.ee/nabouramu.

Ghanaian-American entrepreneur Tsikata Apenyo, the CEO and founder of Volta Health, joins host Ben Arthur to discuss his mission to make the healthcare system more equitable and efficient for everyone. Learn about how his upbringing in both Ghana and the U.S. shaped his cultural identity and created a nuanced perception of what success and achievement means in his own life. Connect with Tsikata on LinkedIn or on Instagram at @tsikata . You can learn more about Volta Health at www.volta.health.

In this episode, host Ben Arthur and guest Aron Yohannes discuss the truth of growing up Black in America with African parents. Dive into the complexities of Black identity and the unique perspective of second-generation African Americans.

Host Ben Arthur is joined by Jacob Armant, a standout basketball player at Boston's Emerson College, who traveled to Ghana this summer --- his first time on the African content --- for an internship program. He breaks down why the trip was a transformative experience for him --- and why he's eager to go back with his family. Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn or on Instagram at @iam.jacob._.

In this solo episode, host Ben Arthur discusses his personal experiences as a Third Culture Black American through the lens of location-based identity.

Meet Ghanaian-American entrepreneur Philomina Kane, who turned a $150K loan into $3 million in sales in 2023 for her business, KIN Apparel. Learn how she achieved success while staying true to her Ghanaian identity.A former Shark Tank contestant and Forbes under 30 honoree in 2024, Philomina can be found at @naturallyphilo on YouTube and Instagram. Kin Apparel's website is Kinapparel.org, and can be found on IG and TikTok at @Kinapparel_ .

In a short solo episode, host Ben Arthur explains what he'll be wearing on every Pinnacle Code episode moving forward -- and why.

Join us as we dive into a discussion about the perception of Africans, the intersection of Eritrean and Black culture, and the journey of self-discovery with special guest Aron Yohannes, an Eritrean American multimedia writer and communications professional based in Washington D.C. This insightful conversation will provide a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and cultural heritage. Connect with Aron on X at @AronYohannes.

In the latest episode, educator Brittney Carey --- the founder of Conscious Pathways --- shares her passion for early childhood education and her mission to make every child feel empowered and valued in the classroom. Watch to learn more about the inequities and nuances that exist in the American education system, as well as innovative teaching methods and Brittney's dedication to creating a transformative learning environment for all students.To learn more about Brittney's Conscious Pathways, check out consciouspathways.org. Send her note at [email protected] or connect with her on LinkedIn​.

Host Ben Arthur explains how and why the show will be evolving moving forward.

Former UPenn basketball star Matt Howard, a senior associate at Chicago-based sports tech venture capital investment firm KB Partners, joins host Ben Arthur on the latest episode on Pinnacle Code. Matt discussed finding his identity post-hoops, early-career struggles being his authentic self at work, the Black experience in the investment space and more in a wide-ranging conversation.You can connect with Matt on LinkedIn or on Instagram at @mathow_24.

Star journalist Logan Murdock, a staff writer at The Ringer, joins host Ben Arthur on the latest episode of Pinnacle Code. Logan discusses being immersed in sports culture growing up in Oakland, the special message he received from Kobe Bryant, journalism challenges, pressure and more in a wide-ranging conversation. You can check out Logan's work on theringer.com. He co-hosts the "Real Ones" podcast with former NBA player Raja Bell and longtime basketball writer Howard Beck, which can be found on audio podcast platforms. Follow him on X at @loganmmurdock.

Chemical engineer, entrepreneur, podcaster, speaker and coach Paul Faronbi — the founder and CEO of IncrediPaul — joins host Ben Arthur on this week’s episode of Pinnacle Code. He discusses finding his identity as a first-generation immigrant, his mission, the importance of diversity in STEM and more in a wide-ranging conversation. To learn more about Paul, check out the IncrediPaul website, incredipaul.org. You can find Paul on X, Threads, Instagram and TikTok at @imincredipaul. He’s also on YouTube at @IncrediPaul .

Alex Ofori, a social entrepreneur and business development representative at CyberArk, a cyber security company, joins host Ben Arthur on the latest episode of Pinnacle Code. He discusses leaving his job at ESPN, his entrepreneurship journey, massive goals, self-development and more in a wide-ranging conversation. Tap in with Alex on Instragram at his personal page, @thegreato4e, or his 04E Global business page, @04eglobal.

Award-winning STEM personality and futurist Justin Shaifer, aka Mr. Fascinate, joins host Ben Arthur on the latest episode. Justin discusses his upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, making STEM cool to diverse youth, building Fascinate Media and more in a wide-ranging interview. You can find Justin on Instagram or LinkedIn by searching Mr. Fascinate.

Meet the inspiring Nigerian woman who turned her pain into power after witnessing oil companies ruin the environment of her homeland. Dr. Bobuchi Ken-Opurum is a nationally-recognized climate leader and Forbes under 30 honoree, making waves in the energy sector.Dr. Ken-Opurum joins host Ben Arthur to discuss how her upbringing laid the foundation for her research, energy inequities in the U.S., being a Black African woman in the energy space, shooting for the stars and more in a wide-ranging conversation. Connect with Dr. Ken-Opurum on LinkedIn. Her research can be found on ResearchGate and Google Scholar. To learn more about Re-Housed, her Climate Decision Support Toolkit, visit its website, re-housed.tools.

Award-winning reporter Colton Pouncy, the Detroit Lions beat writer for The Athletic, joins the show. He discusses the early career experiences that shaped his journey, being a Black journalist covering the NFL, connecting with a fanbase, mapping out goals and more. Check out Colton's Lions' coverage in The Athletic App, and on X and Instagram at @colton_pouncy.

WSMV news anchor and reporter Danielle Ledbetter joins host Ben Arthur in the latest episode of Pinnacle Code. Danielle discusses her Atlanta upbringing, breaking into the news industry, post-college transition into her career and more. Follow Danielle on IG at @danielleledbetter

In this short solo episode, host Ben Arthur profiles Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, a Black American woman who has developed a revolutionary cancer treatment.

KVUE-TV sports anchor and reporter Cory Mose joins host Ben Arthur on the latest episode of Pinnacle Code. Cory discusses his colorful persona on-air, being true to himself, early-career experiences, starting his own podcast and more in a wide-ranging conversation. You can follow Cory on X and IG at @Cory_Mose and @Cory_mosetv, respectively. Check out his podcast, Cory Knows, on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Tech entrepreneur Sefunmi Osinaike, the co-founder of online school Co.Lab, joins host Ben Arthur in the latest episode of the show. Sefunmi discusses building a global school, entrepreneurial obstacles, being a Black immigrant in tech, Nigeria upbringing and more in a wide-ranging conversation. To learn more about Co.Lab, visit https://www.joincolab.io/. Connect with Sefumni on LinkedIn or on Instagram at @sefunmioshy.