Season 1 Episode 10: Fmr. U.S. Diplomat, Chris Richardson, on Re-imagining Foreign Policy toward Global Liberation

Have you ever asked yourself: Who are the people that represent America on the international stage?

Our guest this week, former U.S. Diplomat and Immigration attorney, Chris Richardson, answers that and more. Chris Richardson spent 7 years as a diplomat and served in Nigeria, Nicaragua, Pakistan, and Spain. In this episode, he discusses his newly published article in the NY Times titled: The State Department Was Designed to Keep African-Americans Out and offers us a unique insight into the mindset of his white colleagues as it pertains to their understanding and acknowledgment of racial and cultural strife in other countries versus their own country - America. 

You should NOT miss this episode if: 

• You want to learn how the State Department has historically prevented African Americans from joining the diplomatic community. 

• You wish to understand the domestic and global implications of having a predominately white Foreign Service represent America.  

• You want to learn how the Black travel movement can contribute to American diplomacy, particularly with predominately Black countries. 

• You would like to understand what a radical reimagination of the State Department could look like and what this would mean for a new and liberated global society.

Whew! There's a lot to unpack there. And we do just that on this week's episode of The Buddy Pass!

If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also benefit from this information, don't be stingy -- please pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

Season 1 Episode 9: Renee Simone, A Trailblazing Black Entertainer in South Korea

On this week's show, we're graced by the presence of Renee Simone, a model, dancer, actress, entertainer, and trailblazer... in South Korea. Renee started performing at a young age, first with her disco karaoke machine. Fitting as she now finds herself performing on shows like TopGoal Rhapsody in South Korea. Full circle. Still early in her career, Renee already has a resume that would rival the most seasoned entertainer. She has worked on campaigns with companies like Samsung and LG, and with mega artists like Maroon 5, and Korea's very-own international mega boy band, BTS. #blackgirlmagic. During the first half of the show, Renee will enlighten us on: The similarities between Black history and Korean historyWhat it takes to be a successful Black model and entertainer in South KoreaLater on, we'll discuss: The support of Black Lives Matter in South KoreaAnd international mega boy band - BTS, they're great, but the appropriation though. Who's to credit or blame for this?Renee Simone, a mesmerizing trailblazing Black entertainer in South Korea. We hope you all enjoy this listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed creating it. If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

Season 1 Episode 8: Deji Jegede on Rejecting The American Dream and Finding Love in Spain

Would you turn down a $70,000 salary increase if it meant you had to live in the United States? Not sure? On this week's show, we talk with Deji Jegede, an international consultant, based in Madrid, Spain, who did just that, when an American firm offered him the opportunity to move back home. Want to know why he did? Well, hit that PLAY button and hear why Deji thinks the American Dream creates more woes than pleasures. Also, we'll discuss the joys and pains of being Black and dating in a foreign country and how Deji found the love of his life in Spain. Enjoy the show! If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also benefit from this information, don't be stingy -- please pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

Season 1 Episode 7: Founder of Black Travel Fest, Deirdre Dares, on Finding FREEDOM outside of America

Tired of America? Do you feel trapped by the myth of American exceptionalism? You ever ask yourself "What is a safe space when you're Black in America?" Well, you're not alone. On this week's show, we head to the gardens of Bali (virtually that is) to chat with the Founder of Black Travel Fest and #blackgirlmagic personified - Ms. Deidre Dares. Once a member of corporate America, holding positions with the Chevron Corporation and The Bostin Consulting Group -- Deirdre left it all behind to follow her dreams of combining her passions of travel and entrepreneurship. You should NOT miss this episode if: You're tired of America and want to know the Ps and Qs of moving abroadWondering where and how you can feel safe in a Black bodyWant to travel the world but nervous about traveling alone and about traveling while BlackNeed some #blackgirlmagic in your life after these past crazy months (or, you know, centuries). Enjoy the show! If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also benefit from this information, don't be stingy -- please pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

Season 1 Episode 6: Reverend Mpho Tutu On Racial Reconciliation in the U.S. and What *White* Allyship Should Look Like Today

These past few weeks have been... tough. The continued killings of innocent Black people and the pilings of Black bodies due to structural racism and hate have left Chech, LD, and myself angry and heartbroken. We knew we couldn't trust any person for this episode. But we know we could trust Mpho Tutu, a priest and the daughter of Archibishop Desmond Tutu. On this week's show, you'll hear, Reverend Mpho Tutu discuss: Growing up in apartheid South Africa;The facts and myths of the Forgiveness and Reconciliation process;And how to achieve Racial Reconciliation in America Also on this episode, Reverend Tutu will discuss her newest work in a book called, The Book of Queer Prophets, and the relationship between queerness and religion.

Season 1 Episode 5: Exploring Afro-Latinx Identity and How America Stifles Black Creativity

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Black people who voluntarily moved to the United States? Did you once hear the term "Afro Latina" and found yourself perplexed at the idea of Africans in South America? On this week's show, Cesar Francia, an Afro-Venezuelan lawyer takes us on his family's journey out of the favelas to the streets of Miami when he was a young boy of 14. The reality of being a dark-skinned queer Black man set him on a path to exceed his own expectations. Yet, while reflecting on his many accomplishments, he offers wisdom on suppressing ourselves in order to succeed in a white world. If you're someone who's felt like they have had to "turn down" or "turn off" their Blackness in order to survive and live in a white world or if you've ever felt like you've had to sacrifice your passion for more...pragmatic career pursuits, then you won't want to miss the wisdom, encouragement, and refreshing spirit of Cesar Francia. Enjoy! If you enjoyed this episode please drop us a review or let us know what’s on your mind at theteam@thebuddypass.net.

Season 1 Episode 4: Runako Celina, co-founder of Black Livity China, Talks Documenting the Diaspora Experience Abroad

Runako Celina, Co-Founder of Black Livity China

Living abroad as a Black person can be both a rewarding and overwhelming experience. Have you ever wondered what it is like? Are there Black people in China? What do foreigners do while living in China? How do you make money? As former ex-pats, the team at The Buddy Pass gets questions like these all the time. Don’t trip, we got you. On this week’s show, Runako Celina, co-founder of Black Livity China, will join us to share her thoughts on those questions and more. Black Livity China was founded in 2018 in Beijing, China. Since their launch, they have led the movement on documenting and telling the stories of Black and African people who live in China and other countries around the world.  If you’re someone who’s interested in what life is like for Black and African people in China and other countries or maybe you’re interested in packing your bags and making the move yourself, well you won’t want to miss this episode!  If you enjoyed this episode please drop us a review or let us know what’s on your mind at theteam@thebuddypass.net. 

Season 1 Episode 3: Cleo Wise Talks About China as the Hub for Global Blackness

On this week's show, global traveler and former international student, Cleo Wise shares her experience of studying in China, the influence of Obama's presidency on black life abroad, and what led her to work with The Asia Society after leaving China. Plus, she'll share her thoughts on why she believes China is the best place to learn more about the diversity of Africa and African people.

Season 1 Episode 2: Keith Bartlett Talks Black Entrepreneurship in China

On this week's show, global entrepreneur, brand visionary and Detroit native - Keith Bartlett; discusses 8+ years of life in China as an entrepreneur, the impact of the Coronavirus on entrepreneurs and businesses in Beijing, and how he made the move to China and built a successful brand consulting business. Plus, Keith will share: Steps you should take if you want to live and work abroad.How the Chinese gov't has been able to use mobile phones to track citizens and monitor COVID cases.How he is continuing to build successful companies to gain financial freedom.

Season 1 Episode 1: Chech, LD, and Devione: Three Friends Who Met in China Share Their Story

Devione

We’re Uchechi, Lionel, and Leroy --  three black creatives who’ve collectively spent more than 20 years living abroad. From China to Peru to Jordan and everywhere in between, we’ve seen Black Americans thriving and creating new lives in unconventional places. That’s why we created our podcast, The Buddy Pass, to tell their stories. On this week’s show, you’ll hear how we all met in China and what life was like for us as African Americans. Plus, we’ll make a quick stop (but it won’t be our last) in Africa as we discuss our experiences there and what to look forward to from The Buddy Pass.