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  • The Balance of Nature

    The Balance of Nature

    This is the way a new universe is supposed to work, or at least, how the universe has to work, if it is supposed to.

    If all the things in the universe (like every single cell, tree, galaxy, star, planet, etc.) can only be understood if you accept that they were created in some very particular manner, then there is no logical possibility to think that they created at all. If you think about it, we’ve found out a whole lot about the universe (and every single part of it), and we can’t accept anything as fact unless there is a logical reason for it.

    You can’t say ‘it’ created out of nothing until you’ve measured something, or figured out the speed of light and the mass of the sun and the mass of matter that they’re all made of, etc – at that point all we say is ‘something’ creates stuff (and it only works for one case; it can’t be true for every case, since it’s impossible to know what might or might not have happened). So then we either have to accept that everything in nature is random, or if that’s the case, we just don’t expect the universe to continue to be random.

    There’s a real question here, and the best answer is that you should be willing to consider, but don’t think that

    When we talk about animals then they can be considered species, but this is a false and illogical concept. Species do not exist. Humans are one, all animals are one, they are one.

    No wonder people say ‘the woods are the home of the wild’.  So I’ve never been there before, it’s been hard to get here from Seattle. My first few days were amazing, I had a lot of freedom.  I was free to make wild food, to use fire, go where I wanted (like hiking, kayaking, or snowshoeing), to climb any mountain, to just go wherever I thought might be interesting. This was around August.

    So my expectations were way off, my first day of freedom was August 25th.  I didn’t really expect to see any bears there.  I think I was going to kill a little one on my snowshoes, but it just sort of disappeared.

    I guess I’m just the weirdo that likes the outdoors.  I had my dogs with me, they were amazing with their food.  I was taking them for walks, they would run and chase every bit of wildlife they came across, it wasn’t long at all before someone would come running towards them telling them there was a bear.  

  • Abubakar Bala — Make sure you’re not crossing boundaries

    Abubakar Bala is a research assistant at a university in Malaysia, where he has been working on artificial intelligence and machine prediction/predictive maintenance. He’s also trying to take the same model into healthcare in predict/classify diseases, specifically cancer.  He lived and studied in Saudi Arabia before moving to Malaysia to continue his studies.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!27aa5

    Stuff we talked about:

    1.56 – Abubakar clarifies that he is not an old man. He’s on the “bright side of 30”

    3.17 – Malaysia is a little more accomodating compared with the places he’s been/lived in

    6.25 – The diversity in the country has been eye-opening. “When someone stretches it’s hard to go back to how you were before”

    13.30 – One challenge in the last year has been finding something new to contribute to the artificial intelligence community as part of his research

    17.20 – Discovered a new hobby during the pandemic: writing novellas/short stories (you can find them on his LinkedIn profile here)

    23.10 – Abubakar talks about his current project, machine prediction, and using a similar model in predicting and classifying diseases, especially cancer.

    25.20 – Funny story about how, in the past, people sent messages between countries by recording their messages on cassette tapes (I didn’t even know that)


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyOvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • Mbeke Waseme — How to live abroad successfully

    Our guest on this episode is Mbeke Waseme, a management coach, international education consultant, photographer, yoga instructor, and writer. Her books include “Make the changes, feel the joy” and “How to work and live abroad successfully.” We discuss her experiences being a Black expat in Malaysia and being Jamaican in Ghana, where she currently resides.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!e05da

    Stuff we talked about

    • The difference between a successful and unsuccessful expat —

    • Integrate with the society that you’re in. Try different foods, take public transport, go hiking, explore, and embrace new experiences

    • Racial profiling is real. There are opportunities that are open to light-skinned Black women that are not open to dark-skinned Black women

    • Book by Angela Fisher (Africa Adorned)

    • If you’re ready to come out of your comfort zone, you get new experiences

    • Some of the pros and cons of being a Black expat in the UK, Malaysia, and Ghana

    • Mbeke Waseme talks about the “work voice” or code-switching

    • The feeling of not being welcome in the country where you were born in

    • There’s no level of diversity training that chips away at that old English racism, which is very subtle but excludes

    • Wearing wigs, having straight, and hair being politicized

    • In the UK, the challenge of having Black/brown people in senior management positions and leadership roles in predominantly white organizations where they have little work to challenge their own prejudices

    • Discussions around race; why am I having to explain something that is your problem?

    • Growing up with so many things that tell you that you’re not welcome

    • One of the advantages of Malaysia is the autonomy that transport infrastructure provides. In Ghana, you only have two options to go around the country: air and road, and some of the roads are very bad

    • The Uber and Grab drivers in Malaysia are great storytellers; you learn a lot about the country from them

    Books, poetry, chapter titles, and videos

    Mbeke Waseme’ s books and chapter titles include

    1. Exploring all of me 2019 (poetry)
    2. And then it was 2020 (poetry)
    3. How to work and live abroad successfully (self-help book 2019)
    4. Make the changes, feel the joy (self-help book 2014)
    5. Chapter in This is Us: Black, British, and Female (2019)
    6. Chapter in Trusted Black Girl, Challenging perceptions and Maximizing the Potential of Black Women in the UK Workplace, edited Roianne Nedd (2018)
    7. Short stories and poems are in Fifth Estate, Dovetails, Pure Slush, Home, The Writers Café. Flexiblepub, and essays and academic articles have been published in Pambazuka, 72M, and Anastamos
    8. Poems We Women who travel and Hold me with music by Xolo Spkg.
    9. In Ghana with Mbeke (YouTube channel about life in Ghana)

     

  • Stanley Obi — The beginning of growth

    Stanley Obi is our guest on this episode. Stanley is a serial entrepreneur based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a business development director at Kent Citizenship Services and runs the advisory firm, NW Consulting Solutions.

    Listen to the full episode here

    (or wherever you get your podcasts from: Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Public Radio, Castbox,  and more)

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!9daa0

    If you need more information about Stanley’s services, you can reach him via

    Instagram – @Mrstanleyy
    Twitter – @Mrstanley3004
    Facebook – @Stanley Chi
    Clubhouse – @mrstanley


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyOvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • Faith Gotora – Have a long-term plan

    Our guest on this episode of the Other Expats podcast is Faith Gotora, a ticketing agent at an airline in Kuala Lumpur and owner of Wigs by Fay, a wigs, hair extensions, and hair accessories shop.

    You can find Wigs by Fay on the website here and the IG here.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!5df33

    Stuff we talked about

    2.10 – Passion for making people look nice

    5.14 – Malaysian food gets another upvote

    5.45 – It takes a while for locals to open up to foreigners

    6.45 – Companies make a show of being inclusive without being so

    7.30 – Black employees have to work many times harder to even get promoted

    12.00 – People are not so open to talking to/approaching Black employees

    13.40 – Everything is easier when you’re working from home

    18.30 – Malaysia is a great place for someone who wants to just work


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyOvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • Ngonidzashe Jokomo — It’s your time to make a life for yourself

    Ngonidzashe Jokomo is our guest on this episode of the Other Expats podcast. Ngonidzashe is a knowledge specialist at a leading online trading platform in Kuala Lumpur and also runs the fashion and printing label mhazilife.

    mhazilife works on custom T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, baseball/trucker/flat caps, football/futsal/badminton jersey printing, as well as personal and corporate orders. Ohhh, they also do cosmetic products like make-up, perfumes, colognes, eyelashes, and more. What more? Message Ngonidzashe to find out.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!20eab

    Stuff we talked about on the podcast:

    3.20 — Challenges being a Black expat
    3.35 — “There are some instances where you feel like you’re not so welcome in some areas”
    7.50 — With COVID-19, it’s difficult to plan when you can see/visit family
    10.42 — “…come out of the lockdown different even if it’s something small, like improve the way I speak, improve my posture, or improve the way I interact with my peers”
    13.59 — how did you change from being a Black expat abroad?
    14.40 — The importance of family and relationships
    21.05 — Do you prefer eating Western-style light meals for breakfast? Ohhh and akamu (also called ogi/pap) is fermented cereal, mostly made from corn. Akara is made from ground beans, made into balls and fried, and are also called beanballs.
    29.00 — Most jobs are skills-based and getting rejected for a position may be just because you lack the required skills. But how do we know if it’s not just because you’re Black? We talked about this before
    31.20 — Learning the local language opens doors for you
    33.35 — We need to transform our mindset to achieve what we want
    40.00 — It is about the energy that we radiate from our minds
    43.40 — You are representing your nation so be the best person you can be
    44.10 — Here is a link to mhazilife on Instagram to support the clothing label


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyOvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • In conversation with Chisomo Sakala

    Our guest on this episode is Chisomo Sakala, a customer service specialist at a leading call center in Kuala Lumpur and founder/content creator at A Younger Voice. She talks about being a Black woman and an expat; the good, the bad, and the not-so-nice of living in Malaysia; and more.

    Stuff we talked about

    1.05 – Who is Chisomo

    2.23 – A Younger Voice – a platform that focuses on discussing difficult questions and subjects that are often considered the norm. Join the discussion every Sunday on Instagram Live here

    6.17 – The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Malaysia culture—the food culture, the cost of living, catering to Malaysians

    10.10 – Is the increased attention around racial diversity a trend? How will it affect Black specialists/employees, and expats?

    15.14 – Challenges being a Black expat in Malaysia

    19.54 – The added challenge of being Black and a woman

    23.36 – How being away from home has taught more patience and endurance, dealing with people from different backgrounds and cultures

    26.30 – Being a Black expat and single mom during a pandemic. The last year was a “pandemic of blessings.”

    34.40 – What students and Other expats should know about and before they choose to come to Malaysia or continue their careers here

     

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!dd7c1

    Follow A Younger Voice on Instagram and catch/join live episodes of the discussions every Sunday at 9.00 PM Malaysian Time. The discussions are open and lively and always welcome new and distinctive thoughts and ideas.


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts, Spotify, OvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • In conversation with Danny Madzura

    Danny Madzura, our guest on this episode of the Other Expats podcast, talks about getting lost in Cuba and speaking Spanish, the career advantage of being multilingual, being a black expat in a pandemic, and more.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!55c04

    1.20 – Ending up in Malaysia

    3.25 – Getting lost in Cuba and speaking Spanish

    6.53 – The language advantage in careers

    8.10 – Challenges being a Black expat in Malaysia

    14.42 – The Malaysian social circle

    23.13 – For most companies, diversity and inclusion is just about the optics. The percentage of Black employees should not be the selling point of your organization

    28.20 – The confusion over accents

    30.45 – The challenge of renting an apartment as a Black expat

    32.40 – Being a Black expat in pandemic

    36.00 – Some good out of the hell of the pandemic

    38.06 – Advice to African, Black, POCs, as well as students who want to be expats in Malaysia

    44.50 – Favorite Malaysian food

    46.18 – How have you changed as a result of working abroad?


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle Play MusicOvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • In conversation with Christina Belloge – Melanin Travels Magic

    Our first episode in 2021 features Christina Belloge, a multilingual paid media/digital marketing consultant, travel enthusiast, and director of Melanin Travels Magic. Christina has been an expat for 14 years, living in London, Amsterdam, and Dusseldorf.

    Melanin Travels Magic is a black-owned travel agency aimed at helping the Black diaspora facilitate their discovery of other Black nations (African and/or Caribbean) via travel experiences. Melanin Travels Magic was recently accepted into the London Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!42aba

    Other Expats podcast readers and listeners can use the promo code: “OTHEREXPATS” to get £100 off any group full trip booking OR half-price deposit on your next trip arrangement, valid from 3 January 2021 to 31 January 2021.

    Find Melanin Travels Magic here: www.melanintravelsmagic.co.uk

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanintravelsmagic/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanintravelsmagic/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/melanin-travels-magic/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBhfQOHR78xo5gF8IjqfQRw

    Review the company’s Ghana trip itinerary here: https://www.melanintravelsmagic.co.uk/tours/ghana-%3A-10-days-cultural-%26-heritage-tour-

    Here’s the Melanin Travels Magic Ghana cultural heritage tour video:


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by Chukwudi Barrah. The intro soundtrack is by Big Mean Sound Machine edited by Small Room Productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle Play MusicOvercastPocket Casts, and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know how you feel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • In conversation with Fadzisai Matewa

    Fadzisai Matewa is our guest on this episode of the Other Expats podcast. Fadzisai is Zimbabwean, has lived in Malaysia for several years, and is a market development specialist with a multinational software company in Kuala Lumpur.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!43958

    Some stuff we talked about:

    1.00 Who is Fadzisai?

    2:51 being (over)sold the Malaysian education experience

    4:49 the transition from student to working in Malaysia

    7:30 the Zimbabwean community/food in Malaysia

    10:46 favorite Malaysian foods/dishes

    11:53 the Malaysian life is comparatively laid back

    16:20 being Black and a woman in Malaysia

    32.13 the MM2H program isn’t really an option for many African expats in Malaysia


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by rewordink. The intro soundtrack is by big mean sound machine edited by the small room productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle Play MusicOvercastPocket Casts and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.

  • In conversation with Ralph Mpofu

    Ralph Mpofu is our guest on this episode of the Other Expats podcast. Ralph is a community builder, strategist, and changemaker, passionate about connecting the dots for impact and sustainable development.

    https://radiopublic.com/other-expats-6rVKqk/s1!70ee3

    Some of the stuff we talked about:

    1:30 – Who’s Ralph Mpofu? Short story, he’s about positive vibes.

    6:15 – The state of (black) entrepreneurship in Malaysia

    13:40 – Experiencing the Malaysian culture

    20:04 – Street food or restaurant for you?

    23:10 – Least favorite and favorite things about living in Malaysia

    33:40 – What does Ralph do when he’s not working?

    37:55 – Social circles

    40:38 – Integrating with local communities

    49:11 – Crash course in the Malaysian culture

    52:20 – It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it


    This episode of the Other Expats podcast was produced by rewordink. The intro soundtrack is by big mean sound machine edited by the small room productions. Subscribe to the Other Expats podcast on Apple PodcastsGoogle Play MusicOvercastPocket Casts and Anchor, and sign up for our monthly newsletters otherexpats.com/subscribe. You can also connect with us and let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn or send us an email via hello @ otherexpats.com.