In this part of the conversation, Chika discusses her shift from mainstream journalism to founding Zikora Media and Arts, an organization aimed at presenting complex, authentic African narratives. Motivated by a desire to move beyond the stereotypical portrayals often found in traditional media, Chika established Zikora as both a media production company and cultural institution. Its projects, such as Diaspora Magazine, offer Africans living abroad a platform to share personal stories on diverse themes, from facing racism to preserving cultural identity. Chika supports contributors throughout the writing process, helping them shape these narratives with an emphasis on the full human experience, both struggles and joys.

Mike, inspired by Chika’s work, expresses his own vision for a project focused on the Pacific Islands. His aim is to build a platform that fosters deeper understanding of the region's unique post-colonial realities and cultural resilience. Both Chika and Mike acknowledge that colonial history cannot be separated from present-day narratives; rather, they seek to explore this complex legacy with nuance. Their projects reflect a form of cultural entrepreneurship that amplifies local voices and honors the intricate connections between historical influences and current identities in Africa and the Pacific.

Intriqued by Chika's work? Find out more here: https://www.zikoramedia.com/

Interested in what else Mike is up to? Find it here: https://sullyworks.com/

Chika Oduah was awarded the CNN Multichoice African Journalist Award in 2016 and named Trust Women Journalist of the Year by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

She is the founder of Zikora Media & Arts, a media production company and cultural institution dedicated to illuminating the Pan-African experience.

Her accolades started rolling in when she became the investigative journalist of Boko Haram.

5:00 - Mike and Chika dive into the “ridiculous question” she and most of his guests often face as a Nigerian American and how her family came to the U.S.

6:30 - Chika shares what it was like growing up in an African American community as a Nigerian family.

11:30 - Being an introvert and finding her way into becoming a world reknown journalist.

13:30 - Her journey into journalism.

16:00 - Chika’s accolades and recognition began after she left the U.S. for Africa, where she became a leading reporter on the emergence of Boko Haram, particularly after her on-the-ground reporting in Chibok following the kidnapping of the schoolgirls.

19:15 - Reflecting on her commitment to illuminate the realities of Africa for the Western world.

22:00 - Mike and Chika delve into the complex experience of being an immigrant from Africa, including her interactions with the African American/Black community.

23:00 - Chika’s commitment to bridging cultural divides with empathy.

26:29 - Expounding on the challenges and dynamics of being a minority and the impact this has on lives.

29:00 - Mike reflects on his own heritage and the lasting effects of colonialism on his roots, leading to the discovery of one of Chika’s childhood fascinations.

Mike's book, Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World, is out!! Get your copy! It comes with a ton of perks .. the digital and audio experience, and much more to follow. Don't hesitate! Get it today!

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Welcome to the final episode of the Building Bridges Unscripted series! Mike pulls back the curtain, giving listeners an inside look at the journey of being an indie author and publisher. From his typesetter who donned a Superman cape to meet the deadline, to the predictably "helpful" feedback from his editor, Mike shares it all—including a few words about Taylor Swift, who just might come knocking for royalties after being quoted in the book!

If you’d like a copy of Mike's book, head over to his Shopify site. Enjoy FREE global shipping, plus his MasterClass (launching in November) included at no extra cost!

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https://sullyworks.myshopify.com/

You can reach out to Mike here: https://sullyworks.com/

Mike gives some life updates for everyone. One ridiculous question has been, "When will your book come out, Mike?"

He then breaks down the principles that help us love and relate in a polarized world--principles that are teased out at the end of the book where Mike challenges his audience through questions that push those who are still reading to try them out in their own lives.

Get the Building Bridges MasterClass for FREE if you preorder the book before it launches!! Check out my Shopify site here:

https://sullyworks.myshopify.com/

Mike is in the middle of his mini-series called Building Bridges Unscripted, where he takes you behind the scenes of writing his book.

In this episode, he discusses providing song lyrics at the beginning of each part and chapter to deepen the book's intrigue and plotlines.

He also talks about how his writing has changed and the challenge to rewrite things that were written timidly, exposing his shame over his past.

Finally, he admits that he is running out of things to talk about and he probably needs next week to finish.

Preorders are STILL available!

My Building Bridges MasterClass and global shipping are FREE with preorders, so go to my Shopify site here and preorder today!

https://sullyworks.myshopify.com/

Mike is discovering how long it takes to weave through his book to make sure it meets the proper criteria he has set to give the 75,000 words continuity and clarity.

He discusses fact-checking and how much it matters to have history, culture, language, and people's personal stories correct. He talks about the difficulty in deciding what parts of other people's journeys he's allowed to include without directly asking them.

The book is still available for preorder, and if you preorder today, you can get his MasterClass for FREE. Don't wait—the book will be out very, very soon.

https://sullyworks.myshopify.com/

2:00 Mike is in the throws of finishing his first indie published book and is doing a mini-series titled, Building Bridges Unscripted to bring his audience along on the journey.

3:50 Mike discovers his voice for the book and it isn’t represented in what a lot of the content he wrote. He had to cut out and add a lot, pushing the publishing date back.

6:00 He injects abit of soapboxing in the falling action and wrapping up of the book, and discusses how fear can manifest in some very destructive ways.

9:45 Mike talks about some of the confessions in the book. They expose Mike a bit, and he discusses some of them, and the risks associated with coughing them up for the world to read.

17:35 Mike talks about future books but acknowledges that he needs to finish this one first.

Mike’s Building Bridges MasterClass is FREE for those peoplwho preorder the book on his Shopify site. Get it now, as the publishing date is imminent!

https://sullyworks.myshopify.com/

3:00 Showing vs. Telling in Writing Your voice and story are worth sharing! Learn how to show, not just tell, to create a deeper impact with your writing.

7:50 Fact-Checking & Reliving Stories Fact-checking with others and revisiting the details has been an emotional journey. It can be therapeutic, but it also requires a bit of boldness to believe our stories are worth telling.

10:00 Personal Experiences and Character Depth Mike shares his jail experience, his wife’s family background, and her personal journey. These reflections deepen the character portrayals and elevate the story’s climax. Together, Mike and his wife, Jen, explore her past trauma, discovering a pathway to healing through the book’s creation.

13:50 Family Bonds in Tough Circumstances “Blood is thicker than water” holds true in impoverished parts of the world. Discover why by reading my book!

16:40 A New Reason to Be Home As Mike finishes the book, he uncovers another powerful reason to be back home in the Philippines with his family.

Get access to Mike's FREE MasterClass by pre-purchasing his book on Shopify here!

https://sullyworks.myshopify.com/