The First Gems

REVOLT
  • 5.0 (11)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

A safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal and share our experiences — cross culturally. Join us as we discuss culture, community, and the come up.

  1. 11/18/2025

    Unlearning Perfection, Unleashing Purpose: Black Girl Brilliance with Dr. Jamelia Harris

    In this episode of The First Gems, Dr. Jamelia Harris joins us to talk legacy, identity, purpose, and what it means to carve out space as a first-gen Black woman in academia. From her Jamaican roots and early dreams to acquiring her PHD at 22, Dr. Harris breaks down perfectionism, impostor syndrome, sisterhood, and why Black women need spaces built for us, by us. She shares the origin story of her academic coaching program, Write Your Dissertation Sis, the healing behind her work, and what it truly means to build a legacy. 🔗 Links Learn more about Dr. Harris' coaching program Write Your Dissertation Sis on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

  2. 11/05/2025

    First-Gen Representation in Media: The Stories They Tell vs. The Ones We Live

    From streaming shows to TikTok skits, “first-gen” stories are everywhere — but are they finally getting it right? In this episode of The First Gems, we dive into how media portrays children of immigrants. We’re breaking down the rise of first-gen representation: what feels authentic, what feels off, and who’s actually behind the camera shaping the narrative. From viral tropes to creative breakthroughs, we ask...Are we being represented or repackaged? Anna and Tanina sit down to unpack how identity gets stylized, marketed, and sometimes misunderstood, while we reflect on the joy and tension of finally being seen onscreen. Because for every story that gets it right, there’s another that reminds us that visibility isn’t the same as understanding. 💎 Epsidoe Gem: Representation isn’t about being watched..it’s about being witnessed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m

  3. 10/23/2025

    Faith, Flow & Finding Nimo: The Music, Mission & Mindset of AraTheJay

    From Accra to the world, AraTheJay is charting his own path in music — blending faith, storytelling, and sonic innovation into a sound that’s distinctly Ghanaian yet globally resonant. In this episode of The First Gems, we dive into Ara’s creative evolution, from his breakout Finding Nimo project to his upcoming album The Odyssey. He opens up about his roots, the role of faith in his artistry, and how he’s bridging cultures through sound. This conversation explores what it means to make music with purpose; balancing ambition and belief, creativity and community, and finding identity through the journey. 🔗 Links Stream 'The Odyssey' on October 24th • AraTheJay on Apple Music • AraTheJay on Spotify • AraTheJay on IG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    Songs from the Soul: Erykah Officer on Finding Her Sound and Owning Her Art

    Singer-songwriter Erykah Officer joins The First Gems for a real and soulful conversation about the grind behind the glow. In this episode, she opens up about the duality of womanhood, the reality of being an independent artist, and how she transforms trauma into timeless art. With her new single “My Bad” dropping and a full project coming in 2026, Erykah reminds us what it means to trust in yourself, create art on your own terms, and bet 100% on yourself. 🔗 Links Stream 'My Bad' on October 15th Erykah on Apple Music Erykah on Spotify Erykah's IG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  5. 10/09/2025

    S3E17: Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Maliibu Miitch on Hustle, Duality and Artistry

    In this episode of The First Gems, we sit down with Bronx-born rapper Maliibu Miitch to explore her evolving journey. From her dual identity to carving her own path in the music industry, we explore culture, creative reinvention, the business behind the music, and what it looks like for her now as she leans into more creative avenues. Whether you’re curious about breaking into the industry, how to show up authentically, or evolving creatively, this convo is full of realness, insight, and the grit behind the bars. 🔗 Links ⁠Maliibu on Apple Music⁠ ⁠Maliibu on Spotify⁠ ⁠Maliibu's IG⁠ ⁠Check out 'Benjamin Crew' with Jeremih & VisionPlay Ent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    Bridging the Diaspora: AFRICON 2025 Recap feat. Odessa Chambers & Wize Grazette

    In this special episode of The First Gems, we bring you an AFRICON 2025 recap through the lenses of Reasonings with Odessa and Behind the Mic with Wize Grazette. We dig into how AFRICON is shaping global Black identity, bridging the diaspora, and amplifying voices across continents. Odessa reflects on culture, connection, and legacy, while Wize Grazette discusses storytelling, intent, and the power of the mic in diaspora media. Tune in for an honest, forward-looking conversation on unity, narrative, and the future of global Black imagination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  7. 05/20/2025

    Faith, Film & Hollywood: Building Impact On & Of Screen w/ Dayo Okeniyi

    In this episode, actor Dayo Okeniyi shares how faith, family, and culture have shaped his journey from Nigeria to Hollywood. From staying grounded to creating impactful work, it’s a must-listen for creatives navigating their own path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m

  8. 05/20/2025

    Dear First Gen: Your Mental Health Matters w/ Dr. Uche Ukuku

    What does healing look like when your culture tells you to keep pushing through? In this episode of The First Gems, we’re joined by Dr. Uche Ukuku—a psychologist specializing in trauma and mental wellness—to unpack mental health in first-gen communities. Together, we explore what it means to carry generational pressure, navigate stigma around therapy in Nigerian households, and prioritize your wellness without guilt. Dr. Uche shares practical insights on finding the right therapist, redefining strength to include vulnerability, and building systems of support—like her own Ada Group and the Talk Naija Therapy Fund—to make healing more accessible. Whether you’re at the beginning of your therapy journey or simply rethinking what mental health means to you, this episode offers community, clarity, and care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A safe space for first-generation millennials to unite, discover, heal and share our experiences — cross culturally. Join us as we discuss culture, community, and the come up.

Information

  • Creator
    REVOLT
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © First Gems Podcast
  • Show Website
    The First Gems