The American Dream Podcast

In this episode of the American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Dami, who moved to the U.S. from Lagos, Nigeria, nearly 20 years ago after winning a green card in the lottery. From navigating the cultural contrasts to embracing new opportunities, Dami shares her journey of building a life in America. Join us as we delve into her perspectives on topics like BLM, the myths surrounding witchcraft and voodoo, and the vibrant Nigerian culture she carries with her. Don’t miss this powerful and eye-opening story!

This week, we sit down with Zee Alharbi, a Saudi-born paramedic and owner of the popular Arabiana food truck in Springfield, MO. Zee shares his remarkable journey from Saudi Arabia, navigating the realities of a culture marked by wealth from oil, strict laws, and the importance of daily prayer, to building a new life in the U.S. as both a business owner and first responder. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that sheds light on his pursuit of freedom, faith, and the American dream.

In this episode, we dive deep into the life of Minna, a remarkable 23-year-old Palestinian native who has spent the last 12 years in America. Having served in the U.S. military, Minna shares her unique perspective on the intersection of conflict and resilience. We discuss the ongoing war in Palestine and its impact on her journey. Now pursuing her degree in the medical field, she reflects on her experiences and the pursuit of her dreams in the United States. Join us for an inspiring conversation about courage, identity, and the power of education in overcoming adversity.

In this episode of the American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Khulan Naranhuu, owner of Cashmere Nail & Brow in Springfield. Originally from Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Khulan moved to the United States at the age of 15 and has called it home for the past 30 years. From navigating her early years in America to becoming a successful business owner, Khulan shares her inspiring journey of resilience and entrepreneurship. Recently, she served as the host of Springfield's Culture Fest, celebrating diversity and community. Tune in to hear how Khulan’s rich Mongolian heritage has shaped her path and fueled her American Dream!

In this episode of the American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Gonzalo Eguren, who moved from Peru to Branson, Missouri, 6 years ago. Now working as a sous chef at the prestigious Chateau on the Lake, Gonzalo shares his incredible journey of adapting to life in the U.S., his passion for cooking, and how his Peruvian roots continue to influence his culinary creations. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of perseverance, culture, and chasing the American Dream!

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Veranika Spolitak, who moved to the U.S. from Minsk, Belarus at the age of 15. Veranika shares her journey of leaving behind the familiar streets of Minsk and navigating life in a new country as a teenager. From the challenges of adapting to a new culture to the pursuit of her American Dream, Veranika's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. Tune in as she opens up about her unique experiences and the lessons she's learned along the way.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hannah Nguyen, a resilient entrepreneur who moved to the United States from Vietnam seven years ago. Now the proud owner of Merveilleux Nail Lounge in Springfield, Hannah shares her incredible journey from a new immigrant to a successful small business owner. Join us as we explore her challenges, triumphs, and the passion that drives her to create a beautiful and welcoming space for her community. This is a story of determination, hard work, and the true spirit of the American Dream.

In this compelling episode of the American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Hamid Safi, a remarkable refugee who fled Afghanistan in 2021. Hamid shares his harrowing journey to the United States, where he now dedicates his life to helping other refugees find their footing in a new land. Tune in to hear Hamid’s inspiring story of resilience, hope, and his unwavering commitment to supporting others as they chase their own American dreams. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation

In this episode of the American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Akhmed Lebiev, a remarkable guest from Kyrgyzstan. Born in the small village of Alexandrovka, Akhmed has embarked on an inspiring journey that has taken him from the heart of Central Asia to the land of opportunity. Currently in the United States on a student visa, he shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs as he navigates life in a new country. Tune in to hear about his unique perspective on the American Dream, the cultural differences he's encountered, and his aspirations for the future. This episode is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of education in transforming lives.

Join us on this captivating episode of "The American Dream Podcast" as we sit down with Simon Wajnblom. Hailing from Malmö, Sweden, Simon's journey to the United States began at the age of 18 when he moved to Springfield on a student visa to attend Drury University. A dedicated swimmer, Simon navigated the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture while excelling both academically and athletically. Tune in to hear about his experiences, triumphs, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

In this episode of The American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Claire Nelson, a remarkable Welsh immigrant whose unique love story has captured hearts on both sides of the Atlantic. Claire met her American husband 18 years ago through an unexpected avenue—Xbox. Their virtual connection blossomed into a real-world romance, celebrated in magazines across Wales. Join us as Claire shares her incredible journey, from navigating immigration to building a life in the United States, and discover how her transatlantic love story intertwines with her pursuit of the American Dream.

Embark on a heartfelt exploration of Habib Omar's remarkable journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the pursuit of the American Dream. Once a circus performer since childhood, Habib Omar has traversed continents and cultures, seeking a place where his dreams could take root and flourish. In this episode, Habib Omar shares his personal odyssey, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and experiences that shaped his path. From Buenos Aires to the bustling cities of America, he offers poignant insights into why he chose to immigrate and settle in the United States. Through his narrative, discover the challenges, triumphs, and the enduring optimism that fueled his decision to start anew in a land he envisioned as a beacon of opportunity.

In this captivating episode of "The American Dream" podcast, we sit down with Valera Tsoraev, a remarkable guest hailing from the North Ossetian region of Russia. Valera's extraordinary journey began as a circus performer in Russia, eventually leading him to Latin America before he made his way to the U.S. His unique path includes a role in Tim Burton's whimsical film Big Fish and culminates in him headlining his own show in Branson, Missouri. Join us as Valera shares his inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams across continents.

Join us on this inspiring episode of the American Dream Podcast as we sit down with Eddy Elivo, who moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2009. Eddy shares his incredible journey of perseverance, ambition, and success. From his early days adapting to a new culture to achieving his dreams in America, Eddy's story is a testament to the resilience and determination that define the American Dream. Tune in to hear his insights, challenges, and triumphs, and be inspired by his unwavering spirit and dedication.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the American Dream Podcast as we sit down with Luis Sales, a proud Mayan descendant from Guatemala. Luis shares his remarkable journey of resilience, hope, and determination in pursuit of the American Dream. From his early days in Guatemala to his challenges and triumphs in the United States, Luis's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of those who strive for a better future. Don't miss this captivating tale of cultural heritage, ambition, and the unwavering quest for success.

In this inspiring episode of the American Dream Podcast, we sit down with Pavel Bosovik, a remarkable entrepreneur from Chernivtsi, Ukraine, who has carved out his own piece of the American Dream. As the owner of the successful local business "27 North," Pavel shares his journey from Chernivtsi to becoming a thriving business owner in the United States. We delve into his experiences, challenges, and triumphs along the way. Pavel also hosts his own podcast, "Suits & Shoes," where he discusses the intersections of business and personal growth. Join us as we explore Pavel's unique perspective on achieving success and the lessons he's learned on his remarkable journey.

Welcome back to "The American Dream Podcast!" Join us as we hear from Lala Baker, a local realtor originally from the Philippines, about her journey to success in the U.S. real estate market. Discover Lala's inspiring story of resilience and achievement, and gain valuable insights into her approach to pursuing the American Dream. Tune in for a dose of motivation and practical wisdom from Lala's experiences.

Welcome to "The American Dream Podcast"! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Wian Fourie, a South African trailblazer whose journey embodies the spirit of pursuing dreams in the land of opportunity. Join us as Wian shares his story of resilience and ambition, navigating the complexities of transitioning from Johannesburg to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and unique insights that Wian brings to his pursuit of success across continents. Whether you're a dreamer yourself or simply curious about the transformative power of determination, this episode promises to inspire and enlighten. Tune in to hear Wian Fourie's captivating narrative of chasing the American Dream!

Join us for a fascinating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Lorenzo, the visionary behind "What's Alfredo?"—a beloved local company with Italian roots. Lorenzo shares his inspiring journey from Italy to America, reflecting on the pursuit of the American Dream through the lens of an entrepreneur. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected joys of building a business and a life in a new land. Tune in to gain insights into entrepreneurship, culture, and the universal quest for success.

In this intriguing episode of the "American Dream" podcast, we're joined by Neil Gomme, owner of the local food truck "London Calling Pasty," hailing all the way from England. Join us as Neil shares his unique perspective on the American Dream, infused with British charm and culinary flair. Discover how Neil's journey as an entrepreneur and food enthusiast intersects with the aspirations and opportunities that define the American Dream. From savory pasties to insightful reflections, this episode promises a delightful exploration of dreams across continents. Tune in for a taste of inspiration with Neil Gomme!

Welcome to The American Dream podcast! In this episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Sadaf, a Kurdish student who has ventured far from her homeland to pursue her dreams in the United States. Through her unique perspective, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and the essence of the American Dream as seen through the eyes of a courageous young woman. Join us as we uncover the stories of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Join us as we sit down with Naiya Patel, an inspiring Indian immigrant who has pursued their dreams in the United States. Hear firsthand accounts of Naiya Patel's triumphs, challenges, and unique experiences navigating cultural transitions and professional growth. Tune in now for insightful conversations that illuminate the pursuit of the American Dream through Naiya's inspiring journey. Join us as we uncover the resilience, ambition, and diverse perspectives that shape this extraordinary path.

In this episode of The American Dream Podcast, we're joined by a special guest, Paulina Najbar, a local realtor from Poland. She shares her journey of chasing the American Dream, offering insights into resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a better life.

In this special episode, we journey from the vibrant streets of Thailand to the heart of Springfield, Missouri, to uncover the story of one individual's pursuit of the American Dream. Join us as we sit down with the owner - Tommie Baker of Momo Sushi, a beloved restaurant in Springfield, to explore her journey from Thailand to America and the challenges and triumphs along the way. Gain insight into the fusion of cultures, flavors, and dreams that converge at Momo Sushi, as we delve into the unique perspective of a Thai entrepreneur making their mark in the heartland of America.

Discover the riveting story of Dmitriy Chernioglo, a Moldovan native who dared to pursue the American Dream. Join us as we explore his journey from the heart of Eastern Europe to the land of opportunity. Through challenges and triumphs, Dmitriy shares his inspiring tale of resilience and determination. Tune in to The American Dream podcast for an unforgettable narrative of hope and perseverance.

Join us on the latest episode of 'The American Dream' podcast as we delve into the inspiring story of Belen (Aby) Houghton, a resilient individual who embarked on a transformative journey from Mexico to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Through candid conversations, Belen shares her challenges, triumphs, and the unique perspectives that shape their pursuit of success in a new land. Tune in for an insightful exploration of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of opportunity.

In this episode of the American Dream podcast, we sit down with Afruzbek Numonov, a native of Uzbekistan, to explore his unique journey to achieving the American Dream. From their upbringing in Uzbekistan to their migration to the United States, Afruz shares personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and the challenges they faced along the way. Join us as we delve into the triumphs and tribulations of pursuing one's dreams in a new land and discover the universal themes of resilience, determination, and hope that resonate across borders. Whether you're an immigrant yourself or simply curious about the diverse paths to success in America, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and inspiring stories.

Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, where we explore the remarkable journey of Luis Carlos from Venezuela to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Join us as we uncover the unique experiences and challenges faced by Luis, offering a glimpse into the resilience and determination of those who dare to chase their dreams across borders.

Embark on an enriching journey with us on The American Dream Podcast as we sit down with Thatiana Zukas, a remarkable individual hailing from Brazil. In this compelling interview, Thatiana shares her captivating story of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. From her roots in Brazil to her experiences in the United States, Thatiana offers profound insights into the challenges and triumphs of striving for greatness in a new country. Tune in as we explore Thatiana's inspiring narrative, uncovering the universal themes of perseverance, adaptability, and the boundless pursuit of opportunity that define the American Dream.

In this electrifying episode of the "American Dream" podcast, we embark on a journey that transcends borders and hurdles, as our special guest from Honduras shares her captivating tale of resilience and ambition. Join us as we delve into the life-changing narrative of someone who dared to dream beyond the confines of their homeland, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in pursuit of a brighter future in the United States. From humble beginnings in Honduras to the vast landscapes of opportunity in America, our guest unveils the highs and lows of her remarkable journey. With raw honesty and unyielding determination, she reveals the sacrifices made, the obstacles overcome, and the triumphs celebrated along the way. Through poignant anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, listeners will be transported into the heart of the immigrant experience, gaining invaluable insights into the universal pursuit of the American Dream. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and moved by the unwavering spirit of our Honduran guest as she shares her extraordinary quest for a life filled with promise, purpose, and possibility.

Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the heart of the American Dream! 🎙️✨ In our upcoming season of "The American Dream Podcast," we explore inspiring stories of resilience, success, and the pursuit of happiness. Join us as we sit down with extraordinary individuals who have overcome challenges, achieved their dreams, and embody the spirit of the American Dream. From entrepreneurs and innovators to artists and trailblazers, each episode unveils a unique chapter in the diverse tapestry of the American experience. Get ready to be motivated, uplifted, and reminded of the limitless possibilities that define the pursuit of one's dreams. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that celebrates the essence of the American Dream!

Welcome back to the last episode of American Dream Podcast season 3! This episode is focused on the contrast between American people with different financial backgrounds and lifestyles. Real estate is one of the most popular ways of passive investing. Sam Coryell and Carol Carnes are the owners of TLC Properties that started their investing journey back in the 80s. They currently own properties in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas and manage 28 multifamily apartment communities, consisting of almost 5000 units. Kevin Michaels is a Chicago native that has become homeless due to a health condition. After Kevin was taken to a hospital in a different city, he had nowhere to go and Kevin ended up on a street. He is currently a client at the NAMI Hope Center and wants to get back into society. What is the best thing that happened to them this week and what's their biggest fear? How do people who are not homeless view people who are homeless? And finally, what do they think about the American Dream? Find out now by listening!

Owning your own business is the American Dream of many immigrants and a dream of many Americans. Coming up with a successful idea, creating a business plan, and making it profitable are challenging, and not everyone wants to take the risk. Kaitlin is a local entrepreneur that owns and co-owns a lot of different businesses - 417PedalTours, Pappos Pizza, and Kait's Cukes. The new business that she recently opened is called Shot Shack, located at 302 E Walnut St here in Springfield. ShotShack is a "hillbilly-inspired" bar that offers 100 unique shots like "Giant Fork," "Birds On The Bat" and "Sip & Spin." Nils Seubold has known Kaitlin for a while and has been working at ShotShack since its opening. With Nils, we talked about his career goals, his work style, and why he decided to work for ShotShack. How different is an American Dream of an employer different from its employee? What are some of the plans for ShotShack? And finally, what is success for them?

"The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that everyone in the United States has the right to practice his or her own religion, or no religion at all." Adam DeVizia and Linden Richards are both followers of their religious rights protected by the U.S Constitution. Adam is a Christian Executive Pastor at the Connect Church and Linden is a member of The Satanic Temple. Although they both have opposite religious views, Adam and Linden have a lot of love and respect for the constitution and country they were born and raised in. In this episode, we cover what Satanism is and how to become a member of the temple, where do they get their morality from and what they think of each other's religions.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 For this episode of The American Dream Podcast we are talking politics. Charles Taylor and Eric Burlison are on the opposite sides of the political views. While they might disagree on how the government should look like they're both want the same thing for their country - freedom. What is one thing they hope that America can achieve? What are some of the keywords or phrases that unite and divide people in the U.S? And finally, what do they think about the American Dream? Find out now by listening!

Welcome back to the American Dream Podcast! This week I sat down and talked to a former inmate, and now a church pastor- John Stroup, and a Dallas County prosecutor- Jonathan Barker. Coming from different background and experiencing the life on the opposite ends of the law, John and Jonathan still believe in the American Dream. What is their American Dream and how well do they know about their origin family? What good can come from being in jail and what is the daily routine of a prosecutor? Tune in as I sit down and talk to them about these topics as well as death penalty, law and freedom.

“Almost always the creative, dedicated minority has made the world better. ” ― Martin Luther King Jr. Paige Lorenzo is a third generation immigrant. Both of her grandparents are from different countries and she is one of the few people on my podcast that actually knows about where her origin family comes from. Terrell Dawson is on the opposite end of that. His family history was erased and he still doesn't know how exactly his family ended up in the U.S. Paige and Terrell are both minorities. Listening to their perspective on the American Dream and current issues that the minorities face in the U.S was eye-opening. Have they experienced any negative attitudes or discrimination because of your race/ethnic group? What is the main thing minority groups needs? And finally is there still racism in America? Tune in to hear what Terrell and Paige think now!

Freedom attracts every immigrant that is moving to the United States. Being able to be yourself and express your sexuality freely is an American Dream of many people from all over the world. Amber Dlugosh and Dakota Jones are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Coming from different families and backgrounds both Amber and Dakota did not come out until a very mature age. What were their early coming-out experiences like? What advice would they give to LGBTQ+ immigrants coming to the U.S? What is an American Dream to the LGBTQ+ community members? And finally, how was it to come out to their family and friends? Tune in as they share their challenging journeys!

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Dallas Jones and Parker McCollum are country music artists with years of experience in the industry. Dallas is a very well known musician in the 417 community, he is constantly on demand for a variety of events and his American Dream right now is to be a home owner. Parker's music career has taken a different route. After releasing his first single in 2013, debut album in 2015, followed by a success of the song "To Be Loved By You" in 2019, Parker has become a nationally-known country singer. He is now living the dream life of many people. A successful career, popularity with hundreds of thousands of fans all over the U.S, and a happy marriage. But did he reach his American Dream? How is a career goal of a local music artist different from that of a nationally-known music artist? And finally, what's next for them? Find out now by listening!

We are kicking off the third season of the American Dream Podcast! This week I spoke with a Baby Boomer - Virginia Kelley and a Gen Zer - Jayden Tiko. Virginia dreams about using her passport one day to see the world, while Jayden became social media famous at the age of 14 and constantly gets to travel. How do different generations in the United States view the concept of the American Dream? How much do they know about their family tree? And finally, what's the most important thing in life to them?

We are kicking off the THIRD SEASON of The American Dream Podcast! This time I am interviewing Americans with completely different political, financial and social backgrounds to hear their opinions of the concept of the American Dream. How is American dream of a Gen Zer different from an American dream of Baby Boomer? What do Republicans think of it compared to Democrats? Would an American Dream of a Christian be different from a member of a Satanic Temple? All of this and more coming up this season! Stay tuned every Friday!

For the very last episode of the season, I choose to interview a Taiwanese citizen Erin Heschong. Erin moved to the United States at 27 and never had a specific American Dream. However, she always had a long-term goal, "I want to take care of my little girl inside of myself". Tune in as we discuss the concept of the American Dream from a Taiwanese perspective, what shocked Erin the most, and if she is planning to come back to Taiwan!

This week I interviewed the owners of the Jerk Spot restaurant in Branson- Cavene Crosdale and Craig Morris. Both of them were born and raised in Jamaica but decided to go after the American dream and moved here about 10 years ago. Learning their immigration story was very inspirational and educational and I hope you will enjoy learning about them as much as I did!

Welcome back! My next guest is a Kazakhstan citizen - Baurjan Amangerov. Born in a small town where you can have electricity on for only a few hours, once at night, Baurjan made a wish while laying under the stars. "I wanted to move to America, be with an American woman, and have an American car", little did he know that his dream was meant to come true. He is now a father, a self-made man, and owns a car he could only have dreamed of. However, all of that didn't come easily. Tune in to find out his story now!

This week I interviewed Lisbeth Ramirez. Being born in Venezuela, all Lisbeth ever dreamed of was safety for her and her family. She came to America with a "dream of peace" and is now living it. What was it like growing up/ living in Venezuela? What was her immigration journey like? And finally, what does she miss about Venezuela the most? Find out now by listening!

Welcome back! This week, I'm in a studio with a very exciting guest from Zimbabwe - Alex Green! Alex was born and raised in Africa and moved to America with his traveler's visa. Alex had a pretty successful path here in the States and is living his American Dream. But what was the hardest part about leaving Zimbabwe? What surprised him the most when he moved here? And finally, what advice does he has to those who are planning to move to the U.S from Africa? Tune in to find out.

This week I got to interview my high school friend Laura Rubio. Laura was born in Mexico where she lived with her mom and siblings while her dad was living in the U.S. More than anything they wanted to unite as a family but that didn't come easily... In our interview, she shared her immigration journey challenges, the process of adaptation as a child, and her thoughts on the concept of the American Dream.

Welcome back! This time I am joined in the studio with John Tsahiridis. John was born here in the States but moved to Greece when he was 1 month old. He lived there long enough to get to know Greece and its culture which inspired him to open a restaurant when he moved back. John Tsahiridis owns "Greek Belly" here in Springfield and has a very interesting opinion on the concept of the American Dream. Tune in and let's learn about the Greek American Dream together!

The First Amendment and Freedom of Religion is the American Dream for a lot of immigrants. However, that seems not to be the case for Czechs. Even though the Czech Republic has a lot of religious imagery, most Czechs are atheists. This is a huge contrast to the U.S, where most Americans claim to be Christian. So what motivates Czechs to immigrate to the U.S? Find out now by listening as I sit down and talk to a citizen of the Czech Republic- Marketa Garrison!

My first guest for this season is going to be Shanil Patel, a businessman from India. Shanil moved to the United States around the same age I did and has achieved a lot in this country. He owns multiple hotels, houses, and apartments but did he reach his American Dream? Being the second-largest immigrant group in the United States, how do Indian immigrants look at this concept? Find out now by listening!