Best Janelle Self Discovery Podcasts (2025)

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Fo & Lou | ...on Uber, how to change the world, and sad books 54:58

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3y ago54:58

54:58

On this final episode of the season, Cruella Lou-ville and Double 0 Fo catch up on the end of the season and what to expect from season 5! We have thoroughly enjoyed making another season of the podcast and hope you have enjoyed listening and are looking forward to more after the break. In this episode we catch up on the books were reading and some…

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Alicia | ...on backing yourself, and being backed by others. 45:44

3y ago45:44

45:44

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Alicia Beale, the 38 year old owner of The Aftermath and another example of someone coming to the city for a few months and staying for many years. Alicia shares her 16 year experience in Hong Kong after coming to the city at 23 from the US to visit her best friend. We get into how easy i…

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Celina | ...on long distance relationships, perspectives of blackness, and Hong Kong vibrancy 39:55

3y ago39:55

39:55

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Celina Fairbairn, founder of CGDLondon who (eventually) moved to Hong Kong from London by way of Rotterdam. Celina shares with us her experience moving to HK in the midst of the pandemic and Hong Kongs frequently changing travel restrictions.....the things we do for love ! We discuss the …

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Janelle Returns!!!! 54:51

3y ago54:51

54:51

In this week's episode we speak to the wonderful Janelle Mimms who joins us again and shares her Hong Kong experience over the last 2 years. Last week we re-released her first episode where we talked about all the excitement and newness of moving to Hong Kong, and this week we catch up on how the struggles of the last 2 years have affected that exp…

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From the Vault | ...on dating, self-discovery and flying babies 41:47

3y ago41:47

41:47

The Fantastic Fo is the Infirm Fo this week, so in a plot twist, we're bringing you one from the vault... In this episode, your hosts Louisa and The Fantastic Fo talk to Janelle Mims, a New Yorker living in Hong Kong since early 2019. Dive straight in to find out why people are throwing babies at her and what is so problematic about the word "choco…

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Akin | ...on history, poetry and culture 46:47

3y ago46:47

46:47

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Akinsola Jeje a 50 year old Teacher , amateur historian and poet who moved to Hong Kong 16 years ago from Canada. Akin brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast, taking us on a journey back in time and giving us his observations of culture in Hong Kong and Japan where …

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Alexander | …on rugby, creativity and discipline 49:01

3y ago49:01

49:01

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Alexander Woodburn, the 28 year old director of The Motiv Company and ex-professional rugby player. Alexander shares with us the harrowing story of how he went from signing his first professional contract to arriving in Hong Kong at 23 after an elite rugby upbringing and a life changing i…

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Fo and Lou | ...on the stresses of Covid, Brené Brown, and the power of now 1:00:27

3+ y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

In this week's episode, and our first video podcast, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo have a really good catch up, if we do say so ourselves. We talk about the current COVID situation in Hong Kong and what if any strategies we have for dealing with prolonged uncertainty. This leads us to a great chat about the books, tv shows and podcast that help deal …

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Gabriel | …on K-pop, NGOs, and the US Army 43:44

3+ y ago43:44

43:44

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Gabriel Fagbenro, a 26 year old Nigerian NGO coordinator who moved to Hong Kong from London 6 years ago after a year studying in Hong Kong. Gabriel tells us about his sandwich year studying in HKU, going back to London, and then immediately feeling the urge to return to Hong Kong. We talk…

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Deji | …on mathematics, performance arts and sausages. 52:26

3+ y ago52:26

52:26

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Deji Odunlami, a Nigerian mathematics teacher who moved to Hong Kong via Shanghai from London 11 years ago. Deji talks to us about how he moved to China for adventure, what it was like moving there , and how he found it to be a place of ample opportunities if you were interested. We talk …

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Melanie | …on 25 years in Hong Kong, an Irish stalker, and the itch to stitch! 47:49

3+ y ago47:49

47:49

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Melanie Bell, a real expat OG who moved to Hong Kong 25 years ago for the most unique reason we've had on the podcast so far (no spoilers)....and I don't think we can top this one. Melanie tells us about how she came to the city just before handover, what HK and the black community was li…

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Ebele | …on PhDs, pressure and protests. 53:25

3+ y ago53:25

53:25

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Ebele Onyeabo a Lawyer and Legal research who moved to Hong Kong to pursue a PhD at Chinese University Hong Kong (CUHK). We talk about the highs and lows of doing a PhD in Hong Kong, and what that was like during the protests. We also touch on what it's like living far from central and ho…

1
Eni | …on Eni & Fo and other street gangs. 48:09

3+ y ago48:09

48:09

In the first interview of the new season, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Fo's favourite guest ever! There were some bold claims about this guest in the last episode and so far we're keeping that same energy. We kick off the new season with a fresh perspective on Hong Kong and a guest that has come to the city for love of all things. Can't thi…

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Fo & Lou | …on our breaks, our resolutions and our guts! 35:09

3+ y ago35:09

35:09

In this first episode of of the new season, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo catch up on the Christmas break, and how weird it has become in the COVID era. We also go through some New Years resolutions for the two co-hosts as well as some resolutions for the podcast. We have our first guests starting next week and in the meantime if you haven't already,…

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The Untold Story of Being a Business Owner 18:02

3+ y ago18:02

18:02

Business owners, your feelings are valid! Share your untold truth, the emotions behind the scenes.

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Fo & Lou | …on TEDx, bringing joy back to the UK, and mindless productivity 33:44

3+ y ago33:44

33:44

In this final episode of Season 3, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo have a heart to heart on what has been going on over the last few months. We talk about Lou's return to the city to be a TEDx Speaker, how it feels being back in Hong Kong, and Fo shares his experience with burnout and mindless productivity. We also share when to expect us back! In the …

1
Keisha A Brown | ...on one of the first black expats, China in 1955 and synchronised swimming 49:24

3+ y ago49:24

49:24

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Dr Keisha A Brown, Assistant Professor of History at Tennessee State. Keisha gives us a unique insight into the life of one of the first Black expats to China and a general idea of what being black in China meant on 1955. A strong penultimate episode to the season, in this episode Keisha …

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Ollie | ...on being Austrian, Ugandan and mad about planes! 43:38

3+ y ago43:38

43:38

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Oliver Christopher Kaigwa Haas, a 32 year old designer, engineer and entrepreneur. Ollie moved to Hong Kong 7 years ago from Vienna to take on a dream job with Cathay Pacific after sending a personal letter to their then CTO. A huge aviation and sustainability advocate, Ollie shares his p…

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Mareika | ...on being white, and also black, and this one time, Brazilian 58:14

3+ y ago58:14

58:14

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Mareika Chirikure, the African Literatures and editorial manager at the Africa Center in Hong Kong. Mareika is here in Hong Kong for a year before going back to Germany for a Masters, and she talks to us about her experiences here in Hong Kong as well as her mixed heritage upbringing. Unf…

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Keril | ...on music, madness and meditation 43:18

3+ y ago43:18

43:18

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Keril Victor a 28 year old singer , songwriter, producer and finalist of one of Taiwan’s most popular TV singing competitions, Jungle Voice. Keril takes us on a journey from sunny St Lucia, to a stage in Taiwan performing for an audience of over 20 million people across Asia. We of course…

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Chrissy | ...on hair, cameras and action! 53:05

3+ y ago53:05

53:05

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to the wonderful Chrissy Zemura, a 31 year old Hair stylist who is working in Hong Kong on an international TV show. Chrissy moved to Hong Kong from Sydney where she juggles being a mother with running her salon, and working on tv and film sets. An epic story about chasing your dreams and pu…

1
Carl | ...on arts, crafts and podcasts 48:01

3+ y ago48:01

48:01

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Carl Junior AKA the black expat. Carl is a full time podcaster (amongst many other things) who moved to Taiwan 11 years ago from Chicago. Carl talks us through moving to Beijing and then Taiwan at a time before google maps and Facebook, and how adjusting (and growing up to some extent) in…

1
Chef Mutaro | ...on opportunities, challenges and triumphs 51:14

3+ y ago51:14

51:14

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Chef Mutaro, a Senegal born Parisian who moved to Hong Kong 8 years ago to take on what would later become the restaurant capital of the world. Mutaro is Executive Chef & General Manager at Le Comptoir Group, which has 5 venues across the city, and he shares with us his journey from Seneg…

1
Bernise | ...on Elvis, Mandarin and Beatboxing 55:21

3+ y ago55:21

55:21

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Bernise Springer, a 31 year old Foreign Service Officer who first moved to Taipei from St Lucia 8 years ago. Bernise talks to us about life in Taiwan as a professional and as a Mandarin Chinese student. We also get an in-depth discussion about Reverse Culture Shock (going home and it not …

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Joy | ...on skin care, identity and.... illumination? 31:46

3+ y ago31:46

31:46

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Joy Kawuma, a 22 year old Make-up Artist who was born and raised in Hong Kong but now lives in Bali! Joy speaks to us about what it was like growing up in Hong Kong, choosing or not choosing an identity as a person of mixed heritage, and swapping concrete jungle for ...jungle jungle. A fr…

1
Whitney | ...on mental health, small town living, and Taekwondo in the park 52:09

3+ y ago52:09

52:09

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Whitney Cele. A 30 year old writer, travel consultant & curator (formerly foreign English teacher) who moved to Huwei, Taiwan from Durban, South Africa. In our first Taiwan focussed episode of the season, Whitney breaks down her experience in the small town of Huwei, from fear and first i…

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Mubarak | ...on tech, culture and tech culture 53:20

3+ y ago53:20

53:20

In the first interview of the new season, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Mubarak Murafa. A 30 year old Nigerian senior product designer who has lived in Hong Kong for 28 years. As Mubarak's family moved to Hong Kong when he was 2 years old, we discuss the school, to university, to workforce experience in Hong Kong and highlight Mubarak's more…

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Guess who? | ...on the longest break ever 22:13

3+ y ago22:13

22:13

Your faves are back again and this season is all about 'Mas'...HomeGrown is coming to you bigger and better than ever! It's been quite possibly the longest break in the history of breaks, but join Louisa and The Fantastic Fo as they catch up on all the happenings of the last few months. From relocations to new locations, tune in to find out Lou's m…

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Fo & Lou | …on outrage, the myth of race, and good PR 26:34

4y ago26:34

26:34

In this final episode of Season 2, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo ask the question of what is next, for our hosts, the black community, and the quest to destroy the single narrative. After a quick recap of the most memorable moments of the season, Lou gets Fo in the guest's seat to share what he has learned over the season and the past year. Having st…

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Juanita | ...on being a lawyer, actor and trailing wolf 57:45

4y ago57:45

57:45

In a very special episode this week Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Juanita Ingram, an attorney, author and star of the TV show, The Expats International Ingrams. In a change from our usual list of Hong Kong-based guests, Juanita has been living in Taipei, Taiwan for two years, and gives us an insight into life in the city. We talk first impre…

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Anisha | ...on being Black and Asian, and going viral 45:18

4y ago45:18

45:18

This week Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Anisha Thai, a civil engineer and content creator who moved to HK 3.5 yrs ago from Paris. Join us as we talk to her about the motivation behind her engineering career and how that compares to her passion for dance. Plus she speaks very frankly about life in Hong Kong, internalised racism and navigating…

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Innocent | ...on so many things whew! 1:09:49

4y ago1:09:49

1:09:49

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Innocent Mutanga, a social entrepreneur and finance professional. Innocent has been in HK for over 7 years after moving from Zimbabwe as a refugee. He shares his remarkable story of fleeing to Hong Kong, living homeless for months as a refugee, winning the right to study, and joining a gl…

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Guleed | ...on mental health, quarantine and swiping right in the jungle 49:37

4y ago49:37

49:37

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Guleed Dualeh, a Psychologist who moved to Hong Kong from Denmark three and a half years ago. Mental health has really come to the forefront in the last few years, and particularly with the events of the past year, it is one that is discussed more and more in the Black community. Guleed s…

1
Sharon | ...on uninformed optimism, missed connections and TEA! 52:22

4y ago52:22

52:22

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Sharon Foretia, a VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion who spent two years in Hong Kong before moving back home to the United States in July 2020. Sharon takes us through the drama, comedy and even change management theory of her experience living and working Hong Kong, and what triggere…

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Fo |..."These babies is tired" 1:24

4y ago1:24

1:24

HG is taking the week off, so there will be no guest interview this week. We won't leave you hanging though, so check out our two favourite podcasts while you wait and we'll be back with you next week with another fantastic episode! Please subscribe and rate us wherever you listen to your podcasts. Plus we'd love to hear from you! - Send us your qu…

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Aliki | ...on double beds, midnight watermelon and Serena Williams 45:48

4y ago45:48

45:48

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Aliki Jonas a performing arts teacher who recently moved to Hong Kong from Shanghai by way of Melbourne Australia. Brand new to the city and moving during the pandemic, Aliki talks about the contrast between Hong Kong and Shanghai in terms of work and play, and gives us another look into …

1
Hervé | ...on entrepreneurship and multilingual 3-year-olds 44:11

4+ y ago44:11

44:11

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Hervé Kozikila, the (very French!) Head of IT Procurement for BNPP and co-founder & CEO of Feedelon, a marketplace promoting sustainable brands. He moved to Hong Kong six years ago after leaving Paris for stints in London, Singapore and eventually Hong Kong. We talk about his experience s…

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Dionne | ...on pregnancy, elite teaching and raising a blended family. 48:43

4+ y ago48:43

48:43

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Dionne Lashley, Head of Middle school at an International school in Hong Kong and a mother of 4. She moved to Hong Kong almost 8 years ago from Barbados feeling the need for more challenge, she has managed to find that as well love and a new family along the way. We discuss the charming y…

1
Nic | ...on being Black+Gay+Fast 48:28

4+ y ago48:28

48:28

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Nic Jarret , a regional legal counsel for markets and financial services. Born to Jamaican parents, Nic moved to Hong Kong 7 years ago from London. We discuss what it's like being black and gay in Hong Kong, the differences and similarities between Asian and Black culture (especially conc…

1
Janaia | ...on baggage, hair tugs and the music industry in HK ( pre and post COVID-19 ) 38:46

4+ y ago38:46

38:46

In this first episode of season 2, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Janaia Joy Farrell, an International Recording and Performing Artist from Toronto and the lead singer of Hong Kong’s #1 Soul/Funk/R&B band Onpoint. Janaia talks to us about the biases we sometimes carry when we move to new places and gives an insight into the music performance …

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The Re-Introduction | ...new jobs and new nieces 26:46

4+ y ago26:46

26:46

We're baaaaack! We've a whole month (and a bit) off - but who's counting? Join Louisa and The Fantastic Fo as they catch up on the holidays, Fo getting stuck in London, Lou's new job, Fo's new niece and the Bali controversy. Tune in for an update and to find out what to expect from the rest of the season! You can follow and message us on Twitter | …

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Season 1 Finale 22:30

4+ y ago22:30

22:30

In this final episode of Season 1, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo look back on memorable moments and learnings from the interviews so far, and plans for the future... We'll be back in January with more great interviews. Wishing you all safe and happy holidays! Special thanks to: Yeleche Woluchor Eniola Williams Aaina Bhargava Eric Olander Cobus van St…

1
Nicola | ...on uncomfortable conversations and a questionable gaydar 44:10

4+ y ago44:10

44:10

In the final guest interview of the first season, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak to Nicola Ezinne Onyema, a UX writer (and can we say singer/songwriter?!) who moved from London to Hong Kong in January 2020. Nicola speaks frankly and hilariously about everything from schooling taxi drivers, to her questionable gaydar and experience navigating the…

1
Sammy | ...on being a repository for black culture 46:43

4+ y ago46:43

46:43

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak to Sammy Dodoo, a barber who has lived in Hong Kong for 16 years after moving from Ghana. Hair is a central part of black culture and for so many black men (and some women!) arriving in Hong Kong, "where can I get a haircut" is an important question...and the the answer is often "Sammy!" Over the y…

1
Christianne | ...on Trinidad, culture shock and raising a self-confident daughter 57:48

4+ y ago57:48

57:48

In today's episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak to Christianne Joseph, an education centre manager who moved to Hong Kong from Trinidad and Tobago. In the three years Christianne has lived in Hong Kong she has made a home for herself and her 10 year old daughter, guiding her as she grows up in a culture significantly different to Trinidad. Ch…

1
Loye | ...on saying yes and making a game plan 33:35

4+ y ago33:35

33:35

Our first remote episode! This week Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak with Loye Oyedotun, a corporate solicitor who spent six months in Hong Kong as the final seat of his training contract. Most of our guests so far have been living in Hong Kong for a year or more, but with Loye we bring a different perspective. A lot of expats' initial experience …

1
Jarius | ...on Black Arts, Sonic Mixology and what NOT to say to your partner's mother 44:28

4+ y ago44:28

44:28

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo speak with Jarius King, a 35 year old Chicago native who's lived in Hong Kong for five years. Since moving to Hong Kong to start his family, Jarius has continued to make a name for himself as an educator and entertainer. We talk through what it means to be an expatriate vs an immigrant, his experience as…

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#EndSARS 4:02

4+ y ago4:02

4:02

#EndSARS Resources Feminist Coalition - A group of young Nigerian feminists championing gender equality in Nigeria Website | Twitter | Instagram Falzthebahdguy Twitter | Instagram HomeGrown Twitter | Instagram Chibundu Onuzo for The Guardian Article Please feel free to share or write to us with any other good resources you have come across.…

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Mid-Season Recap and Q&A 52:46

4+ y ago52:46

52:46

A mid-season special - The Fantastic Fo and Lou talk through highlights from the episodes so far and deep dive into a couple of the hot topics that have come up on the show. Plus we answer some of your burning questions from- everything from how to find jobs in Hong Kong to our favourite Sunday roast (spoiler alert: yam and egg for the win!) Be sur…

1
Kat | ...on seizing opportunities, burnout culture and scumbags 46:47

4+ y ago46:47

46:47

In this episode, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo talk to Kat Ofori-Atta, a Ghanaian-born investment banker who moved from New York three years ago. We discuss the intentionality behind his move, dealing with burnout culture and the career benefits of working in Hong Kong. Kat talks us through his experience as a black man in Hong Kong and the role that…