Two Bees In A Pod

The Bees review our August book of the month and one of our personal all time favorite novels, "The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives" by Lola Shoneyin. The story follows the goings-on in the household of Baba Segi, a polygamist Nigerian man, following the arrival of his fourth wife. Told through the perspective of multiple characters, the story touches on several themes including child labor, arranged marriages, marital deceit, and so much more. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This week's discussion is a hodge-podge of topics trending across the internet, along with the usual sidebars and tangential rants. The Bees discuss a young woman making the difficult choice to self-deport from America back to Cameroon, while analyzing the current political landscape in both countries. Other topics include a popular motivational speaker allegedly abandoning his daughter, and a couple of AITA posts from Reddit. We hope you enjoy and as always look forward to hearing your comments. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

There's only one Bee in the pod today! B.E. Lyonga shares her thoughts on today's "attention economy", and the ethics of being entertained by other people's real life experiences such as psychological crises, marital problems, and more. As examples she discusses recent viral videos including: a woman claiming that her psychiatrist manipulated her romantic feelings for him, a wife having second thoughts about her marriage, and a homeless mother contemplating suicide. What is the benefit versus the cost of the current oversharing culture?

It's another throwback! While we're "out of office" again this week, we're replaying an episode from 2024. We discuss the history of feminism, the current wave of feminist movement, and trending discourse on gender roles in heterosexual relationships.Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

In this previously released episode of Two Bees in a Pod, the cohosts, Bee Lola and B.E. Lyonga dive into the realities of love and relationships in African diaspora communities, gender stereotypes, roles, and expectations that immigrants have when seeking romantic relationships in the U.S: unpacking how patriarchy back home collides with Western dating ideals. Along the way, they share hilarious and jaw-dropping personal stories, blending cultural insight, humor, and unfiltered honesty in a way only the Bees can.

We're diving into our book of the month for July, "My Parents' Marriage" by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond. This is a story about a complicated but all too familiar (for us West Africans) family dynamic, and a daughter who is determined not to repeat the past. In this review we discuss various themes from the book including polygamy, secret families, and the games women play to survive in patriarchal systems.Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This week we're clutching our pearls at a scandalous affair, and answering the question "am I the asshole?".Let us know if you agree or disagree with our takes. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This week The Bees are joined by Frank Oben to continue our conversation on queer experiences in the Cameroonian community and beyond. Frank shares his story of struggling with feeling different from an early age, and how the weight of tradition and cultural expectations impacted his mental and physical health. He recounts his experience coming out to friends and family, and the journey of finding self compassion while navigating the world as a Black gay man and an immigrant. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees discuss our June book of the month, "These Letters End In Tears" by Cameroonian author Musih Tedji Xaviere. We examine how the characters in this queer love story navigate a homophobic society where love can cost you your life. We share our thoughts on how class, gender expression, and other factors may shape how queer people are perceived and treated in the world. That and much more in this episode!Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Dr. Sirry Alang, a health services researcher and medical sociologist, to talk about attitudes towards LGBTQ people in the Cameroonian community and beyond. Sirry shares her personal journey from growing up in Bamenda to becoming a prominent academic in the U.S. She shares her experience coming out as gay to her family and friends, and gives examples of what it means to be truly accepting and affirming. We discuss the way forward in having difficult conversations about homophobia, and how to create safe spaces for queer people in our communities.Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees chat with Dr. Tema Fodge about growing up as a Cameroonian-American 'third culture kid'. She shares her experience navigating two different cultures, and some of the pressures placed on TCK by their immigrant parents. We discuss the nuances of cultural identity, code switching, and fitting in.Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees talk with Ijeoma Azubuko, founder and CEO of the Ruby Ball Foundation, an organization that advocates for sickle cell awareness, research, and support for people living with the disease. Ijeoma shares her personal experience living with sickle cell, and cultural taboos around the disease. She also discusses recent developments and progress in treatments, and encourages people living with the disease and their caregivers to have an empowered mindset. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

In honor of Juneteenth, the Bees welcome two guests from the birthplace of Juneteenth. Creshonda Collins and Angela Taylor share with us some of their childhood memories of celebrations on the island, and historical context that is often left out of discussions about Juneteenth in popular media. We discuss the lack of awareness about the holiday and why it took so long for this day to be formally recognized by the U.S. government. We encourage our audience to honor and celebrate this holiday by taking some time to learn more about June 19, 1863 and Galveston, TX. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

We're replaying an oldie but goodie! In anticipation of Juneteenth and our upcoming episode honoring this special holiday, we thought we'd rerun this conversation about bridging gaps and dispelling negative stereotypes amongst the Black Diaspora.Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

It's part two of our most popular episode to date! This time we're talking about the history of the Catholic church, women finding community in the church including Bee Lola's return to church, and Christian influence in politics and social media. Be sure to check out the part one which aired on January 22, 2024.Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees return for Season 3. We're catching up on what we've been up to this year, and some of the events that have occurred since the new administration took office in America. We discuss changes in immigration policy that would affect Cameroonian immigrants, layoffs of federal workers, and the impacts of funding cuts to various programs. We finish off with recent pop culture newsOpening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

We’re back! This season on Two Bees in a Pod, we’re diving into My Parents’ Marriage by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and getting real about relationship dynamics in African marriages and of course, cheating in relationships! From African family dynamics to hard truths about love and betrayal—this one’s for our 35+ diaspora fam in North America. Hit play and let’s talk. Our first episode of the new season drops Monday, May 26!

The Bees reflect on the lessons we've taken away from our guests and the inspiring stories they've shared with us this season. As we enter the holiday season and the new year, we give thanks for everyone who has chosen to be part of our community. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees review our final BOTM for this season and the year, "Arrow of God" by Chinua Achebe. In this novel, a prequel to the classic work "Things Fall Apart", we are taken back to 1920's Nigeria under British colonial rule. We discuss the culture and traditions of the Igbo society where the story takes place, and the impacts of colonization and Christianity on traditional authority structures. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This week The Bees discuss the concept of 'Black Tax,' a term that refers to the financial support that Black professionals provide to their families and communities. We extend this definition to include financial support that immigrants send back to their families in their countries of origin; we discuss the perception versus reality of life as an immigrant in America in this context. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees react to the results of the American presidential elections, discuss voter demographics, and what we can expect from the incoming administration. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees discuss the upcoming U.S. election on November 5th. We talk about what's at stake in this election, and why we believe down ballot races and propositions are just as important as the presidential race. We reflect on our first times voting as newly naturalized American citizens, and some things we would change about the U.S. democratic process. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees review our book of the month for October, "The Crown Of Thorns" by Linus Asong. This Cameroonian classic is set in a fictional village shortly after independence. Our discussion touches on themes such as the ethics of the acquisition and display of African artifacts in Western museums, the dynamics between official government authorities and traditional rulers post-colonization, and the evolution of native cultural practices and social norms. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Anna Foncha and Dr. Nina Lum, in a moving and important conversation about cervical cancer. Anna shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the emotions and grief that she navigated, and how the experience ultimately brought her closer to herself and God. She reflects on the importance of support from family and friends during treatment. Dr. Lum helps us understand how cervical cancer develops in the body, some risk factors and disparities across populations, and guidelines for screening. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, and offers some tools and resources for people who may be uninsured or otherwise in need of financial assistance. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Flo Ngala, highly acclaimed African-American photographer and photojournalist. Flo shares her journey from picking up a camera for the first time in middle school to photographing celebrities like Cardi B, and joining V.P. Kamala Harris on a campaign tour. She discusses the experience of being raised by immigrant parents, her connection to her Cameroonian and Nigerian roots, and aspirations for the future. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees review our book of the month for September, "My Sister, The Serial Killer" by Oyinkan Braithwaite. We explore various themes that we encountered in our reading of this thrilling story, including pretty privilege and colorism. We discuss family dynamics and how abuse may have shaped the relationship between the central characters in this novel. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

In this fourth episode of our series on grief, The Bees are joined by Josiane who shares her experience of pregnancy loss and subsequent traumatic, life threatening childbirth experiences. We discuss the disparate treatment of Black women in the American health care system and the importance of advocating for yourself. Josiane also talks about the emotional toll of her experiences, where she found support, and how it shaped her outlook on motherhood and life in general. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

In the third epsiode of our grief series, The Bees are joined by Sidney Ngochi, who shares his experience of losing his wife suddenly. Sidney talks about his grieving process, the importance of family and community in navigating single parenthood, and offers valuable insights and advice for others who may be facing similar experiences. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

In the second episode in our series on grief, The Bees are joined by Ning Tendo, grief guide and dream researcher, and author of ⁠Death Song In Green⁠ . We share personal stories about our experiences with grief, and Ning discusses the impact of cultural rituals, and the importance of community in the grieving process. She shares how experiences in her life have shaped her and led to the work she currently does, from her childhood in Cameroon to her journey as an immigrant in America, and dealing with the most significant loss in her life. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This month we're doing a series of episodes on the topic of grief. Whitney Asaha joins us for our first discussion, to share her experience with grieving the loss of her parents when she was a teenager. She shares how the grieving process was different with each loss, and how cultural norms can provide support and also alienate grieving people. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

*This episode includes discussions of child abuse.* The Bees review our book of the month for August, which was "Butter Honey Pig Bread" by Francesca Ekwuyasi. We discuss themes of magical realism in the book, and relate them to beliefs and practices from Cameroon and other African countries. We talk about generational trauma and how it manifests in each of the women centered in this story. Opening music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Ozoz Sokoh, culinary anthropologist and food historian, curator of the Kitchen Butterfly blog and Feast Afrique digital library. Ozoz shares the inspiration behind her work, and some eye opening discoveries she has made on her journey exploring the history and evolution of West African cuisine on the continent and across the diaspora. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Anim Aweh, a licensed mental health therapist, certified clinical health educator and co-founder of Aweh Support. Anim sheds light on the lack of mental health support in immigrant communities and the need for culturally competent therapists. We discuss some reasons why immigrants may be resistant to seeking out mental health care and how we can overcome barriers to access. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Ashangndowah Akwo, co-founder of myNkwa, a digital savings app helping Cameroonians meet their financial goals. He discusses the challenges he faced as a startup founder and the importance of failure in the entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the need for resources and support for young entrepreneurs in the African startup ecosystem. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees reviewed our book of the month for July, which was "Travelers" by Helon Habila. We discuss the experiences of the immigrants in this book, and consider how their experiences in Europe compare to our own experiences as immigrants in America. We talk about the realistic portrayal of migrant experiences and prevailing attitudes towards African migrants. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees catch up on recent events, sharing our takes on trending topics including the U.S. presidential race. Please note this episode includes discussions of violence and may not be suitable for young or sensitive listeners. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

A replay of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1. The Bees are joined by Gbemi Adekoya, a licensed psychotherapist, counselor, and board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA) to discuss parenting approaches across generations and borders. Coach G helps us understand different parenting styles, and helpful approaches to consider when trying to correct unwanted behavior. Learn more about Gbemi, her practice, and educational resources at untangletogether.com. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Daniel Tse, founder of Cameroon Advocacy Network. Daniel shares with us his personal journey navigating the U.S. immigration system and how these experiences inspired the work that his organization does. We discuss recent wins, challenges in the immigration system, and how the Cameroonian community in the diaspora can support a better future back at home and here in the U.S. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This week on Two Bees in a Pod, the Bees reviewed our book of the month for June, which was "Under The Udala Trees" by Chinelo Okparanta. We discuss recurring themes in the book including war, grief, and homophobia. We considered familiar experiences described such as the practice of children being "adopted" to be used as domestic workers, and societal pressure on women to marry. This concludes our celebration of Pride Month. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Stephen Fusi, CEO and founder of Dream Big Snacks and Root Flavors. Stephen shares with us his journey of opening and operating a potato chip factory in Bamenda, Cameroon. (For our British audience, that would be potato 'crisps'!) He discusses his inspiration for the company, overcoming unique challenges and abiding by principles against the odds. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Teresa Morcho, founder and CEO of Stud Model Project. Teresa discusses her work to create a diverse and inclusive network for stud models from around the world, in an industry where such representation is lacking. She also shares her journey as a Cameroonian immigrant in the US, prejudice against LQBTQ individuals in the community, and the choice to living authentically as oneself. *This episode includes discussions about sex and may not be suitable for children* Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cameroonian Snacks 05:38 Teresa's Journey as an Immigrant 12:46 Stud Model Project and its Inspiration 29:10 The Origins and Meaning of the Term 'Stud' 35:09 Representation and Identity 40:32 Exploring Gender Roles and Relationships 46:16 Homophobia in the Cameroonian Community 50:13 Representation and Safe Spaces for Queer Africans 56:04 Empowering Androgynous and Masculine-Presenting Models Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/... License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Helen Nde, curator of Mythological Africans. Helen shares insights on myths, folktales, and spiritual practices across the continent, and the impact of colonization on the preservation and dissemination of this knowledge. We discuss the perspectives of Africans on our collective culture, and what we choose to reject or accept as culturally authentic.

We're back with a second season of our podcast and we have visuals! (Check out our YouTube for full length videos and IG for reels). In this episode we're catching up on what we got up to on our break, world events, and internet nonsense. Warning: this episode includes mentions of domestic and sexual violence. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

It's our season finale! This week we're celebrating Bee Lola's birthday, a majestic solar eclipse, and 26 episodes of this incredible journey. We're so grateful for all your support, feedback, and for coming along with us as we strive to create content that is authentic, entertaining, thoughtful, and most of all the kind of podcast that we would love to tune in to every week. We look forward to the next season (after a short break), and continuing to build this community with you. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees give our takes on cultural representation in various art forms, and discuss our early influences and experiences with literature and film. We talk about the role of social media in exposing artists and content creators to a global audience. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees review our March Book Of The Month, "Honey and Spice" by Bolu Babalola. We compare our reactions to this genre of romance, discuss familiar themes of second generation immigrant experiences, and some lessons we took away from the characters' stories. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

This week the Bees are catching up on recent events in U.S. and international news, as well as other unserious matters that have been trending on social media. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

In honor of Women's History Month, The Bees share the stories of four women we think everyone should know, and talk about more. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

To kick off Women's History Month, the Bees discuss our views on the history and current state of feminism. We share our perspectives on trending online discussions and how that may be impacting women's views on feminism. (This conversation was centered around cishet women and heteronormative relationships, as that is the limited pool of experience from which we draw, and we acknowledge that there is much more to be said on queer women's experiences). Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees review our February Book Of The Month, "Chain-Gang All-Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. We share our thoughts on how the book ties a fictional dystopia to the present reality of the U.S. prison industrial complex, and our society's ideas of entertainment. Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2