From Congo War To U.S. Marine - And Life After The Uniform

Msafiri Podcast

In this episode, host Isika invites Matendo, known as MT, to share his inspiring life journey from being born during a war in Congo, growing up in Tanzanian refugee camps, and eventually moving to the United States in 2008. MT discusses his early experiences in America, his cultural shocks, and the aspirations that led him to join the U.S. Marine Corps despite his family's initial resistance. The conversation delves into MT's experiences in military training, the hardships he faced, and the lessons learned. MT also discusses the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and his views on the respect and treatment of military personnel. The episode is a compelling narrative aimed at those considering military service and highlights the resilience required to navigate such a transformative journey. msafiripodcast.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Africans — Have You Met a Fellow Black Person Who Says We Are The True Israelites?

    Apr 4

    Africans — Have You Met a Fellow Black Person Who Says We Are The True Israelites?

    Here are the tags we created, separated by commas: Israelites, real Israelites, Bible truth, scripture breakdown, Deacon Isaac, Jews and Gentiles, identity in the Bible, Romans explained, 1 Corinthians teaching, Christian podcast, faith discussion, biblical identity, truth about Israel, Bible study, end times discussion, spiritual Israel, Msafiri Podcast, Christian teaching, religious debate, gospel truth Get full access to Msafiri's Substack at msafiripodcast.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 42m

  2. Mar 12

    From Ethiopia to Cybersecurity: How Ziyad Reinvented His Career in America

    In this episode of Msafiri Podcast, we sit down with Ziyad, an Ethiopian immigrant whose journey from Africa to the United States is both inspiring and deeply insightful. Ziyad shares his powerful story of growing up in Ethiopia, pursuing higher education, and eventually moving abroad in search of greater opportunities. What makes his story remarkable is his bold career transformation — transitioning from a business and leadership background into the highly competitive field of cybersecurity in America. Like many immigrants, Ziyad faced challenges adjusting to a new culture, navigating the job market, and overcoming discouragement. Instead of giving up, he invested in education, built new skills, and believed in himself even when others doubted him. Today, he works as a Cybersecurity Analyst, protecting organizations from digital threats while also remaining deeply involved in leadership within the African diaspora community. In this conversation, we discuss: • Growing up in Ethiopia and life before immigration• Moving from Turkey to the United States• The struggles immigrants face when starting over• How Ziyad transitioned from Business to Cybersecurity• The importance of self-belief, networking, and education• Leadership and community involvement in the African diaspora• Lessons for young Africans pursuing opportunities abroad This episode is a powerful reminder that your starting point does not determine your final destination. If you are an immigrant, student, or someone considering a career change, Ziyad’s journey will inspire you to take the leap and invest in your future. Chapters 0:00 Introduction – Meet Ziyad1:30 Growing up in Ethiopia4:45 Education and humanitarian work8:20 Moving to Turkey for a PhD scholarship11:10 Arriving in the United States15:05 Immigrant struggles and first jobs19:40 Discovering cybersecurity25:15 The turning point: cybersecurity training31:30 Landing the first cybersecurity internship36:40 Building a career in cybersecurity42:30 Moving to a global tech company47:20 The importance of internships52:00 Leadership and community involvement58:30 African diaspora identity and unity1:07:40 Advice for immigrants and young Africans1:16:30 Final thoughts and closing Connect with Msafiri Podcast 🌍 Website https://www.msafiripodcast.com 🎙 Want to start your own podcast?David offers consultation to help you set up equipment, software, and workflow for professional podcast production. 📩 Business inquiries or sponsorshipVisit the website and fill out the contact form. 💛 Support the podcastIf you enjoy these conversations and want to support the work, you can donate through the website. Join the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like💬 Comment📤 Share🔔 Subscribe Your engagement helps more people discover stories from the African diaspora. Get full access to Msafiri's Substack at msafiripodcast.substack.com/subscribe

    2h 10m
  3. African Mothers & African Daughters: Emotional Regulation

    Mar 2

    African Mothers & African Daughters: Emotional Regulation

    What does it take to overcome life’s challenges and rebuild strength through faith, resilience, and determination?In this episode of the Msafiri Podcast, Jen and Milca share their powerful personal journeys — navigating challenges, cultural transitions, personal growth, and the realities of building a life abroad.This conversation highlights resilience, identity, faith, womanhood, and the strength required to overcome adversity while pursuing purpose and opportunity.🎙 Welcome to the Msafiri Podcast — real conversations, powerful life journeys, diaspora stories, leadership, faith, and personal transformation.🔔 Subscribe for more powerful conversations: / @msafiripodcast 🎧 Listen to Msafiri Podcast (Audio Version):Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show...📱 Follow Msafiri Podcast:Instagram: / msafiripodcast Facebook: / msafiripodcast Get full access to Msafiri's Substack at msafiripodcast.substack.com/subscribe

    2h 16m
  4. Race, Faith & Culture in the U.S.A | Real Talk with Valencia

    Mar 2

    Race, Faith & Culture in the U.S.A | Real Talk with Valencia

    On the final day of Black History Month, Msafiri Podcast hosts a powerful and honest conversation with Valencia — a Detroit native, creative writer, and woman of faith — sharing her experience growing up as a Black woman in the U.S.A.In this episode, we explore identity, culture, race, faith, and the evolving meaning of Black History Month in today’s generation. Valencia opens up about personal experiences, cultural misunderstandings, spirituality, and the connection between African Americans and the broader African diaspora.This conversation highlights stories often left untold — stories of resilience, growth, purpose, and hope for the future.🌍 Topics discussed:• Growing up in Detroit• First experiences with racial awareness• Black culture and misconceptions• African & African-American connections• Faith and personal transformation• The meaning of Black History Month today• Legacy, purpose, and hope for the next generationIf you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to support diaspora conversations that bridge cultures worldwide. Get full access to Msafiri's Substack at msafiripodcast.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 11m
  5. Caring for Jeannette: A Journey Through Pancreatic Cancer

    11/01/2025

    Caring for Jeannette: A Journey Through Pancreatic Cancer

    Get full access to Msafiri's Substack at msafiripodcast.substack.com/subscribe

    38 min
  6. From Congo War To U.S. Marine - And Life After The Uniform

    10/26/2025

    From Congo War To U.S. Marine - And Life After The Uniform

    Get full access to Msafiri's Substack at msafiripodcast.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 30m
  • 6 Episodes

About

In this episode, host Isika invites Matendo, known as MT, to share his inspiring life journey from being born during a war in Congo, growing up in Tanzanian refugee camps, and eventually moving to the United States in 2008. MT discusses his early experiences in America, his cultural shocks, and the aspirations that led him to join the U.S. Marine Corps despite his family's initial resistance. The conversation delves into MT's experiences in military training, the hardships he faced, and the lessons learned. MT also discusses the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and his views on the respect and treatment of military personnel. The episode is a compelling narrative aimed at those considering military service and highlights the resilience required to navigate such a transformative journey. msafiripodcast.substack.com

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