One 54 Podcast

World-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson joins One54 for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, and building a global legacy through food.Born in Ethiopia and adopted into a Swedish family, Marcus shares his journey from surviving childhood illness and loss to growing up in Sweden and navigating racism at a young age. He opens up about reconnecting with his Ethiopian roots, meeting his biological father later in life, and the emotional weight of understanding both sides of his story.Marcus breaks down his rise in the culinary world — from training across Europe and Japan to becoming a top chef in New York City. He reflects on betting on himself, overcoming barriers, and the moment he was told a Black chef couldn’t own a restaurant.The episode also dives into African food culture, jollof debates, global travel, and how food connects communities across the diaspora.From Ethiopia to Sweden to New York, this is a story of purpose, perseverance, and redefining what’s possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Olympia champion Samson Dauda joins One54 for a powerful conversation about discipline, identity, and what it takes to become the best in the world.Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Samson shares his journey from strict boarding school life to discovering rugby, fitness, and ultimately bodybuilding. He opens up about the discipline ingrained in Nigerian culture, the culture shock of moving to the UK, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset and work ethic.Samson breaks down his rise in bodybuilding, the grind behind becoming the first Nigerian-born athlete to win Mr. Olympia, and what it felt like to finally reach the top after years of setbacks. He also dives into the science of bodybuilding — from training and nutrition to stage presence and competition strategy.From Lagos to the global stage, this episode explores resilience, sacrifice, and the mindset required to build greatness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Reid joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, history, and the global Black experience. The discussion begins with the 2024 election, Donald Trump, and shifting global power dynamics, including whether the world is entering a “China Century” as America faces growing political division. Reid reflects on her groundbreaking career as the first Black woman to host a primetime cable news show and shares how her background as the daughter of immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guyana shaped her worldview. She also discusses how her multicultural upbringing influences her perspective on race, politics, and identity. The conversation then turns to colonialism and how European empires reshaped societies across the Caribbean and South America. Reid explains how colonial systems created lasting divisions between African and Indian communities after slavery ended, particularly in countries like Trinidad and Guyana. Reid also breaks down the different historical experiences within the Black diaspora—from Africans on the continent to those enslaved in the Caribbean and the United States. She discusses how American chattel slavery attempted to erase African identity, yet Black Americans went on to build one of the most influential cultures in the world. The episode explores the global impact of Black American culture on music, food, language, and entertainment, while also addressing historical misconceptions about slavery and Africa. Reid emphasizes the importance of understanding history to overcome divisions within the diaspora. The conversation closes with a discussion about the growing reconnection between Black Americans and Africa, including the increasing number of people visiting, investing in, and relocating to countries like Ghana as part of a broader movement to reconnect with ancestral roots, shared history, and cultural understanding in overcoming long-standing tensions within the global Black community. The episode closes with a hopeful conversation about unity, identity, and the power of reconnecting the African diaspora—arguing that when Black communities across the world recognize their shared roots and history, they become an even more powerful force culturally, politically, and globally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Donald Grant, Akbar, and Godfrey come together for an expansive and thought-provoking conversation on mental health, accountability, culture, and personal evolution. Bringing together clinical expertise, lived experience, and sharp cultural commentary, the trio dives deep into the emotional realities shaping relationships, identity, and public life. Dr. Grant offers insight into trauma, emotional regulation, and the stigma surrounding therapy in the Black community, while Akbar opens up about navigating fame, criticism, motherhood, and growth in the public eye. Godfrey challenges perspectives with fearless humor and social critique, unpacking masculinity, politics, and the psychological impact of social media. The conversation explores generational patterns, healing in private versus performing growth online, and the tension between accountability and grace. Together, they examine how unaddressed trauma can shape behavior, how culture influences emotional expression, and why intentional healing is essential for breaking cycles. From raw vulnerability to sharp humor, this episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, cultural honesty, and the power of confronting hard truths in pursuit of growth and legacy.grounded while performing in front of thousands around the world. He also breaks down the business of global sports entertainment, the discipline behind the Globetrotters’ showmanship, and how preparation meets opportunity at the highest level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learnmore Jonasi joins the show for a powerful and hilarious conversation about resilience, identity, and finding purpose through pain. Born and raised in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Learnmore reflects on growing up in a small mountain village surrounded by farmland, animals, and community—a childhood rich in freedom and simplicity, even amid economic hardship. He opens up about Zimbabwe’s devastating 2008 hyperinflation crisis, when money lost value by the hour, food became scarce, and survival reshaped his understanding of gratitude. From standing in long lines for basic necessities to witnessing how political tensions and sanctions impacted everyday life, Learnmore shares how those experiences shaped his worldview — and his comedy.  The conversation explores the meaning behind Zimbabwean names, the legacy of colonialism, and how language carries history. Learnmore breaks down the cultural significance of his own name, the storytelling tradition embedded in Shona naming practices, and how humor became both an escape and a form of resistance.  He shares his journey from bombing at open mics in Harare to earning a Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent — a breakout moment that introduced his voice to millions. Along the way, he talks about learning English through stand-up specials, studying legends like Bill Cosby and Def Comedy Jam, and navigating censorship in politically tense environments. From village life to global stages, from hyperinflation to Hollywood, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, cultural pride, and using comedy to bridge continents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vic Mensa, Grammy-nominated Ghanaian-American rapper, songwriter and activist who builds cultural bridges between Africa and the diaspora. He discusses launching the Black Star Line Festival, reconnecting with Ghana and ancestral roots, navigating identity between Chicago and Africa, music’s role in liberation, and cultural exchange through travel and festivals.

Boris Kodjoe, Ghanaian–German actor, model and cultural connector who founded Full Circle initiatives. He talks about reconnecting to Ghana and African roots, navigating racism growing up in Germany, learning English and adapting to Black American culture. Conversations cover family, fatherhood, raising multilingual kids, colonial economic legacies, and boosting diaspora tourism and investment in Africa.

Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe joins the One54 Africa Podcast for an honest and reflective conversation about identity, heritage, and life beyond Precious. Gabourey opens up about how Precious shaped the way the world sees her, while sharing what it was like growing up Senegalese American in Brooklyn and carrying a name deeply rooted in West African culture. She reflects on reconnecting with her ancestry through travel to Senegal and Ghana, including powerful experiences at Goree Island and Cape Coast Castle, and what it meant to stand at the Door of No Return. The episode dives into family history, immigration, African traditions, polygamy, and the complicated legacy of slavery — alongside lighter moments around food, culture, and the jollof rice debate. Gabourey also discusses her father’s journey, generational silence, and the pride and distance that can exist within immigrant families. This episode of One54 is a thoughtful exploration of life after Precious, the weight of ancestry, and the journey toward understanding where you truly come from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tolú joins for an unfiltered conversation about identity, culture, and navigating fame as a Nigerian woman in America. Tolú opens up about her experience on Netflix, including her time on The Trust and Perfect Match, where she became one of the most talked-about personalities. She reflects on winning money on The Trust, the backlash that followed, and the unexpected criticism she received from both Black Americans and Africans online. The conversation dives deep into growing up Nigerian in the U.S., code-switching, name pronunciation, and the pressure of representing culture on a global stage. Tolú shares stories from her childhood in New York and Houston, being labeled an “African booty scratcher,” and learning when to hide, defend, or fully embrace her identity. She also discusses faith, family, and how her parents supported her during one of the darkest moments of her life after the show aired. From handling online hate to reclaiming pride in her Yoruba heritage, this episode is a raw look at resilience, self-acceptance, and standing firm in who you are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ugo Mozie sits down for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and his journey from growing up Igbo to becoming one of fashion’s most influential stylists. Ugo opens up about his childhood, being raised in an Igbo household, and how cultural values, discipline, and self-belief shaped the way he approaches fashion and life. He reflects on navigating two worlds — honoring his Nigerian roots while building a global career — and how embracing his background became a source of strength rather than something to hide. The conversation also dives into his work styling some of the biggest names in music and culture, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, as well as creative collaborations with Chris Brown and Teyana Taylor. Ugo shares insight into the creative process, trust, and pressure that come with working at the highest level. From fashion and culture to self-worth, heritage, and longevity, this episode is a powerful reflection on staying grounded, owning your story, and building success without losing yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.