All About Us (Africa & Diaspora)

We focus on African & Indigenous people all over the world. We talk about our cultures, rituals, religions, beliefs, family structure, struggles, politics, and progress; but most all create an understanding of how we all are connected.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • YouTube
  • Podbean App

Episodes

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Carl Allen sits down with Henry Lukenge, an inspiring entrepreneur with a unique journey spanning Uganda, South Africa, the UK, and Canada. From navigating the challenges of Idi Amin’s Uganda to becoming a leader in healthcare staffing and social impact, Henry shares how his multicultural background shaped his vision for empowering African communities.
We discuss:
The effects of diaspora Africans collaborating with their home countries.
Overcoming systemic barriers through education, infrastructure, and economic accountability.
How Henry’s nonprofit, NEDO, is transforming lives across East and South Africa.
The role of diaspora communities in fostering sustainable development.
Get ready for an insightful conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating meaningful change.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Henry's Background
04:43 Navigating Through Countries: A Life of Change
09:10 The Role of the Diaspora: Responsibilities to Africa
13:20 Economic Accountability: The Key to Development
17:25 From Banking to Healthcare: A Career Transformation
21:19 Charity and Business: A Dual Mission
25:27 Mental Conditioning: Overcoming Perceptions of Africa
30:34 Mental Conditioning and Economic Power
33:13 Unemployment in South Africa: Causes and Solutions
39:02 Education Disparities in Africa
45:00 Transforming Education: The Role of Faith-Based Institutions
50:04 Beyond Remittances: Skills and Problem-Solving
55:15 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
59:02 Understanding Economic Freedom and Credit Management
01:00:46 NEDO: A Charitable Initiative in East and South Africa
01:02:17 Measuring Impact: Metrics for Change
01:03:45 The Importance of Regional Focus in Philanthropy
01:06:19 Empowering the Diaspora: Skills and Problem-Solving
01:08:55 The Role of Networks in Addressing Social Challenges
01:14:18 Multitasking Across Sectors: Balancing Healthcare, Social Development, and Business
01:14:18 Bridging Cultures: The Role of Diaspora in Africa's Future
01:21:03 Intro and outro.wav
Key Takeaways:
Henry’s Early Life: Growing up amidst political unrest in Uganda and transitioning across continents.
Economic Accountability: The importance of checks and balances in infrastructure and governance.
NEDO’s Mission: Providing education, preserving wildlife, and empowering local communities in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Diaspora Impact: Leveraging skills and knowledge over remittances to address systemic challenges.
Resources & Links:
Henry Lukenge’s Organizations:
http://Www.neximcare.ca
http://Www.Nidocommunity.com
 
Henry LinkedIn:
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/henry-lukenge-39150b14
Henry’s IG
https://www.instagram.com/kalule_lukenge/
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
Support African-led initiatives by contributing skills or capital.
Explore opportunities for collaboration with nonprofits like NEDO.
Educate yourself on Africa’s cultural and historical richness by traveling and connecting.
Follow Us:
All About Us Podcast: 
IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
Website:http://www.standupndosomething.org/
Facebook: All About Us Africa & Diaspora

Thursday Dec 05, 2024

💼 Episode Summary:In this compelling episode of The All About Us Podcast, host Carl Allen sits down with Steven Lowell, an experienced career coach and reverse recruiter, to uncover the secrets of thriving in today's challenging job market. With a career spanning over 30 years, six industries, and four countries, Steven offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to land your dream job.
From the evolution of remote work to overcoming career obstacles, Steven dives deep into the art of job searching, explaining why mindset, clarity, and strategy are critical for success. Whether you're a job seeker navigating today's hiring landscape or looking to future-proof your career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways you don’t want to miss!
✨ Key Takeaways from This Episode:
What is a reverse recruiter, and how can they help job seekers?
The biggest mistakes job seekers make in today's hiring process.
How to leverage your unique skills and background for success.
The changing dynamics of remote work and its impact on job searches.
Actionable tips for overcoming biases and showcasing your value.
The role of technology and adaptability in career growth.
🎙️ Guest Information:
Steven Lowell is a career coach and reverse recruiter with Find My Profession. His expertise spans industries like entertainment, automotive, insurance, and tech startups. Steven's passion for helping others succeed has made him a trusted voice in the career coaching space.
Connect with Steven Lowell:
Website: FindMyProfession.com
Phone: 831-888-0967
LinkedIn: Steven Lowell on LinkedIn
🔗 Links and Resources Mentioned:
Explore job search tips and resources on Find My Profession.
Discover more career advice and updates by following Steven on LinkedIn.
📢 Don’t Forget to Subscribe:If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The All About Us Podcast on Podbean and Apple Podcasts. Leave us a review and share this episode with anyone seeking career guidance.

Thursday Nov 28, 2024

 
Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the All About Us podcast, host Carl Allen sits down with Rita Avellar, a Brazilian-born storyteller, writer, filmmaker, and breast cancer survivor, to explore resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of authentic storytelling. Rita shares her journey from growing up in Rio de Janeiro to becoming a creative force in Indianapolis and how her experiences shaped her perspective on life and art.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Rita discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age.
The impact of cultural transitions on her resilience and creativity.
Behind-the-scenes insights into her short film The Fat Lady.
The intersection of storytelling and healing in her battle with breast cancer.
Why authenticity is vital in both personal and professional life.
Key Highlights:
[00:45] Introduction to Rita Avellar’s background in storytelling and film.
[06:38] Growing up in Rio de Janeiro and adapting to new cultures.
[25:10] The story and inspiration behind The Fat Lady.
[31:51] Discovering breast cancer and the journey to recovery.
[39:38] Embracing vulnerability and empowering others through storytelling.
Chapters
00:00 Resilience Through Storytelling
00:44Finding Strength in Our Stories
00:45 Introduction to Resilience and Storytelling
04:01 Cultural Experiences and Resilience
10:04 From Brazil to the U.S.: A Journey of Adaptation
16:17 Creative Writing and the Shift to Screenwriting
21:58 The Fat Lady: A Story of Identity and Judgment
29:28 The Journey of Independent Filmmaking
30:30 Storytelling as a Healing Process
31:34 Facing Breast Cancer: A Personal Journey
37:39 Authenticity in Storytelling
39:31 Overcoming Barriers to Authenticity
42:46 The Courage to Share Vulnerable Stories
45:01 Maintaining Artistic Vision During Challenges
45:42 Creative Outlets and Resilience
46:21 The Importance of Community in Filmmaking
49:27 Cultural Strength and Storytelling
49:43The Impact of Personal Stories
56:44 Your Story Matters
57:52 Intro and outro.wav
 
Quotes to Remember:
“Resilience is rooted in adaptability and staying true to yourself in new environments." - Rita Avellar
“Your story matters. Sharing it can heal you and inspire others." - Rita Avellar
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/ritaavellar/
www.ritaavellar.com (on my website, there is a FREE ebook called "10 Blah-Blah-Blah Tips to Get Back on Track, Girl!" to help female entrepreneurs rediscover their spark with practical tips for creative comebacks.
https://www.instagram.com/avellar_productions/
thefatladyfilm.com
https://www.instagram.com/siteforyourbiz/
https://www.siteforyourbiz.com/
 
Connect with Us:Don’t forget to subscribe to All About Us for more inspiring conversations. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of the strength in their own story!
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566935652109
 
Hashtags:#Storytelling #Resilience #Authenticity #TheFatLadyFilm #CreativeJourney
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday Nov 22, 2024

Behind the Scenes Episode (Part 2)
Milestone Achievement
Reached 7,000 downloads in just 8 days (November 13-21)
Team Recognition
Jennylyn (Philippines): Core team member handling multiple show aspects
Online Marketing Manager (Bangladesh): Promoting the podcast on Podbean and Apple Podcasts
John Lieberman (United States): Guest coordinator
Upcoming Guests
Rita Avalar (Brazilian): Discussing resilience through storytelling, breast cancer survivor
Steven Lau (Career Coach): Sharing perspectives on diverse career paths in entertainment and tech
Amanda Swasek: Executive director of tech hub, CEO of Women's Circle of Excellence, former Department of Defense professional
Podcast Philosophy
Goal: Create a platform for community problem-solving
Invitation for listeners to share personal challenges and community issues
Aim to provide guidance and potential solutions
Product Review Segment Products from sister's Cana Glow store:
Runtz mini pre-roll (cannabis product)
Watermelon gummies
Reflex Eucalyptus Lavender Pain Muscle Balm
Host's Commitment
Promise to personally test or have products tested before endorsement
Emphasizes authenticity in product discussion
Upcoming
Regular episode schedule starting next week
Episodes dropping every Thursday
Multiple recording sessions planned
Follow Us
Facebook: All Abou Us (Africa & Diaspora)
IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/
 
Keywords
Podcast milestone
Downloads
Team collaboration
Career perspectives
Resilience
Storytelling
Product review
Community support
Cannabis products
Guest lineup

Thursday Nov 14, 2024

Key Takeaways:
Gloria's journey with postpartum depression and how she overcame the stigma to seek help 2. The importance of vulnerability and sharing your struggles as an entrepreneur and leader 
Gloria's introduction to plant medicine and her mission to shift the stigma surrounding cannabis
The health benefits of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system 
Practical tips for those struggling with mental health issues, including seeking professional help and finding purpose through entrepreneurship 
 
Episode Guide:
00:29: Introduction to the podcast and host Carl Allen's mission to have open conversations about real-life issues 
2:15: Gloria Scaggs shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and the challenges she faced 
04:48: Discussions around the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of seeking professional help 
12:33-Gloria's journey into entrepreneurship and how it helped her on the path to healing 
14:05-.Exploration of plant medicine, particularly cannabis, and the misconceptions surrounding its use
23:10-Detailed overview of Gloria's company Cantaglo and the various products they offer, including pain relief, sleep aids, and edibles 
27:27- Rapid-fire questions and answers, covering myths about depression, the best business decision for mental health, and Gloria's next goals 
34:00- Closing thoughts and advice from Gloria on finding purpose, self-love, and breaking free from distractions 
Resources:
Cantaglo website: www.cantaglo.com/g-buzz
Contact Gloria Scaggs: gloria@cantaglo.com
Follow Cantaglo on social media:Instagram: @cantaglo
Facebook: /cantaglo
Keywords:
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Mental health
- Entrepreneurship
- Plant medicine
- Cannabis
- Endocannabinoid system
- Stigma
- Self-love
- Purpose
- Vulnerability

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024

Mastering Self-Defense with Timothy Robinson | All About Us Podcast
Your essential guide to practical self-defense strategies and personal safety with expert Timothy Robinson.
🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
The crucial difference between martial arts and real-world self-defense
Essential safety strategies for women and children
Home security fundamentals
Practical de-escalation techniques
Rideshare safety tips
⏱️ Episode Guide:
00:00 - Introduction to Self-Defense and Martial Arts
01:15 - Understanding Self-Defense vs. Martial Arts
04:55 - The Basics of Self-Defense
07:44 - Self-Defense Techniques for Different Demographics
13:47 - Overcoming Fear in Self-Defense
18:11 - Training Children vs. Adults in Self-Defense
27:28 - The Importance of Self-Defense in Today's Society
30:44 - Home Security Strategies
33:05 - Firearm Training Essentials
35:42 - The Importance of Physical Fitness in Self-Defense
38:31 - Workplace Safety Tips
43:09 - De-escalation Techniques
46:45 - Safety in Rideshare Situations
52:07 - The Flip Mode: Guest Questions
 
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Avoidance is your best self-defense strategy
"A bad guy looks for soft targets"
Home security starts from the outside
Physical fitness is crucial for effective self-defense
Awareness and sleep are critical for personal safety
🎯 Who This Episode Is For:
Anyone interested in personal safety
Parents concerned about their children's security
Women looking for practical self-defense strategies
Individuals wanting to enhance their situational awareness
Those interested in home and workplace security
Connect with Timothy Robinson: transformationdefense@gmail.com
Follow All About Us Podcast: Fb: All About US
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/  
#SelfDefense #PersonalSafety #MartialArts #SecurityTips #PersonalProtection #PodcastEpisode
self-defense, martial arts, situational awareness, personal safety, home security, self-defense for women, children safety, workplace safety, de-escalation techniques, rideshare safety

Monday Nov 04, 2024

Go behind the scenes of the All About Us podcast in this debut episode! Host Carl Allen gives viewers an exclusive look at his professional podcasting setup, featuring high-end equipment including a Canon EOS D77 camera, Mackie DLZ Creator podcast console, and the industry-standard Shure SM7B microphone. Get a sneak peek at Carl's plans as he prepares to open a new recording studio in Puerto Rico. This technical test run episode ensures pristine audio quality for upcoming content. Join us on this journey as we build a professional podcast from the ground up Support the showConnect with All About Us: Email: callen@standupndosomething.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/Facebook: All About UsWebsite: http://www.standupndosomething.org/ Host: Carl Allen © 2024 All About Us Podcast All Rights Reserved

Monday Nov 04, 2024

In this powerful All About Us podcast episode, host Carl Allen delivers a compelling analysis of the 2024 US presidential election landscape. Carl examines the unprecedented challenges facing American democracy, from the lasting impact of COVID-19 to the urgent threat of climate change and global conflicts.Key topics covered:The transformative effects of global challenges on American societyAnalysis of current political polarizationDiscussion of democratic values and civic responsibilityThe importance of unity across diverse American communitiesCall to action for voter engagement and informed decision-makingThis timely episode offers a thoughtful perspective on what many consider the most consequential presidential election in recent American history. Whether you're interested in politics, civic engagement, or American democracy, this episode provides valuable insights into US politics and its implications for the future.Support the showConnect with All About Us: Email: callen@standupndosomething.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/Facebook: All About UsWebsite: http://www.standupndosomething.org/ Host: Carl Allen © 2024 All About Us Podcast All Rights Reserved

Monday Nov 04, 2024

Welcome to "All About Us" - a podcast celebrating the rich tapestry of African and indigenous cultures worldwide. Join host Carl Allen as we explore our shared bonds across continents and cultures.Coming up:This Thursday: Timothy Robinson shares why "The Best Defense is Avoidance." Learn practical self-defense strategies for women, children, and families from this experienced martial arts specialist.Next Thursday, Gloria Allen Scaggs will present "Seeds of Healing," exploring her powerful journey from depression to prosperity through plant medicine.Join our community as we uplift each other and discover the connections that unite us all.Support the showConnect with All About Us: Email: callen@standupndosomething.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/Facebook: All About UsWebsite: http://www.standupndosomething.org/ Host: Carl Allen © 2024 All About Us Podcast All Rights Reserved

Tuesday Dec 05, 2023

In this episode of the All About Us Podcast I interview my longtime friend Movie Director Benjamin Jimerson Phillips.  We talk about his birth, and his father JO Patterson who was the presiding Bishop of COGIC.  Ben and I meeting, and our time in the music industry; discovering the Gospel artist Tonex, working with Prince, and other artists.  Ben merging into the film industry and his new Documentary, A Royal Loss.  Which investigates the death of the artist Prince.Support the showConnect with All About Us: Email: callen@standupndosomething.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/Facebook: All About UsWebsite: http://www.standupndosomething.org/ Host: Carl Allen © 2024 All About Us Podcast All Rights Reserved

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Welcome to ALL ABOUT US (Africa & Diaspora): Bridging Cultures, Sharing Stories

Our Mission

We're on a journey to explore the vibrant mosaic of African and Indigenous cultures across the globe, uncovering the powerful bonds that connect us all. More than just a podcast, we're building a community where diverse voices unite to share stories that matter.

Meet Your Host: Carl Allen

From the cotton fields of South Carolina to the forefront of cultural dialogue, Carl Allen's story embodies the transformative power of determination and education. Born during the height of the Civil Rights Movement to sharecropper parents, Carl's journey began when his young mother courageously left the segregated South with nothing but a bus ticket and a two-month-old baby in her arms.

Despite early challenges, including a speech impediment, Carl's brilliant mind and his mother's unwavering support drove him to excellence. His remarkable journey includes:

  • Distinguished military service with two successful tours of duty
  • Advanced degrees in Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry
  • Studies at Hahnemann School of Medicine
  • Experience in the music business
  • Founder of StandUpNDoSomething.org Inc

Today, Carl brings his unique perspective as a scientist, veteran, activist, and storyteller to every episode. His personal mission crystallized during recent years of social upheaval, driving him to create platforms for meaningful dialogue and positive change.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Authentic Storytelling: Each episode brings you unfiltered perspectives from communities rarely heard in mainstream media
  • Global Perspective: We traverse continents to uncover how different cultures face similar challenges and celebrate shared triumphs
  • Contemporary Relevance: Our discussions bridge ancient wisdom with modern challenges, from environmental conservation to social justice
  • Community Focus: We don't just tell stories – we create dialogue between cultures, generations, and worldviews

Why Listen?

In a world that often feels divided, we offer:

  • Real conversations about issues affecting indigenous and African communities worldwide
  • Fresh perspectives on global challenges through cultural wisdom
  • Stories of resilience, innovation, and cultural preservation
  • A platform where diverse voices lead the conversation

Join Our Journey

Whether you're connecting with your heritage or exploring new cultural perspectives, each episode invites you to:

  • Discover unexpected connections between different cultures
  • Learn how ancient wisdom addresses modern challenges
  • Be part of solutions to global issues through cultural understanding
  • Join a community of curious, engaged listeners who believe in the power of shared stories

Our Promise

Every episode brings you authentic voices, thoughtful discussions, and stories that matter. We tackle real issues – from climate change to cultural preservation – through the lens of traditional wisdom and contemporary experience.


All About Us: Where cultures connect, stories inspire, and diverse voices lead the way forward.

© 2024 All About Us (Africa & Diaspora)

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