Zero Generation

Damilola Onwah

For the dreamers who left home. Explore the joys and hidden tragedies of coming of age again as a Black immigrant in a foreign land.

Episodes

  1. 10/02/2024

    Season Closeout: Home Is Here, And Other Lessons From Inspiring Immigrants

    How is it that we’re already at the end of a full season of the Zero Generation podcast? The time’s gone by so fast! When I looked back on everything I’ve learned and talked about, I came to one major realization: the Zero Generation podcast isn’t over yet. I thought it would only take a season to tell the story of the brave people who make abroad their home, but there’s so much more to say. So join me as I look back on my season highlights and look forward to the future!  I list everything I’ve learned from all of the bright and beautiful guests who came to talk to me. They all inspired me in different ways and if you missed any of my episodes, this is a great way to catch up and find out what we talked about together. Wherever you’re at in your immigration journey, you’re definitely going to hear something that will speak to the questions you ask yourself about where you’ve come from – and where you want to get to.  The last message I want to give you this season is: thank you. Truly, thank you to everyone who’s tuned in, sent me a message, encouraged me, and recommended me. I don’t take your support for granted so it means a lot. I hope that you’ll subscribe to Zero Generation so that you’ll catch the first episode of the new season as soon as I’m back, and if there’s an episode you missed, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel.  How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    17 min

  2. 09/18/2024

    From Nigerian Immigrant to State Representative: Segun Adeyina's Story

    Segun Adeyina was always the kind of person to be heavily involved with his community, so it was natural to him that when he moved from Nigeria to the United States, he would find a way to connect and engage with the Nigerian diaspora. However, even he didn’t think that he would go from being a migrant student to being voted in as one of Georgia’s first-ever Nigerian-American elected officials. Join me on the Zero Generation podcast to talk with State Representative Segun Adeyina about community, culture and what it means to be a Nigerian away from home. State Representative Segun Adeyina begins by telling me about his childhood in Nigeria and how he adjusted to life in the States when he moved over as a seventeen-year-old student. We talk about some of the cultural differences between Nigeria and the States and how Segun’s platform within the community refocused his mind and inspired him to run for office. Listen out for our discussion about what success means for the Nigerian community and for his advice to other Nigerians abroad. I’m so proud and happy to be able to speak to other brave people who are moving abroad and making their dreams come true. If you’re enjoying this Zero Generation journey, please let me know by subscribing to the podcast and leaving a review! Follow Segun on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segunforgeorgia How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    37 min

  3. 09/04/2024

    Should I Go Home? Questions About Japada

    So many Nigerians of working age leave their home country for a better and brighter future abroad, and I’m one of them. But what happens when you want to go home? Is it just homesickness or a sign that you’re ready to return to your friends and family? And does the home you’re dreaming of still really exist?  In this episode of Zero Generation, I’m sharing my thoughts about japada, or young people ‘escaping’ Nigeria for better work opportunities in the U.S., Europe, or even further away, and the complex conversations they have about moving back to Nigeria. Some people see returning to Nigeria as a sign of failure, but for others, it’s coming full circle to return to Nigeria to take care of their ageing parents. I lay out the arguments for staying abroad and for going home, bringing to light the difficult choice that all Nigerians abroad have to make.  So you’re going to hear all my thoughts on japada, but now I want to know yours! Tell me about your japada and whether you’re committed to staying away or working towards going home. Did your japada turn out like you thought it would? Subscribe to Zero Generation for more episodes like this about the Nigerian diaspora community.  How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    21 min

  4. 08/21/2024

    Surviving Corporate America as a Black Immigrant

    You probably know about the American Dream, that anyone who works hard can make it big in the States. But what does it actually take to do that? And just who qualifies for this dream anyway? These are questions that Francesca Uriri started asking herself when she moved from Nigeria to America for a job that was supposed to be a step up in her career. Join us on the Zero Generation podcast for a conversation about culture shock, code-switching and surviving Corporate America.  Francesca tells me about how she made her move to the States and her process of adjustment to a different role and a very different company culture. We pull apart the myth of ‘bringing your whole self to work’ and Francesca gives advice that you’ll want to hear if you’re struggling in your corporate job right now. Then we discuss how we feel about moving ‘back home’, what actually causes burnout and how to bounce back. This conversation meant so much to me because it mirrored my own journey navigating moving countries for a job that didn’t turn out how it was promised to be. If you’re part of the Zero Generation or are curious about the experience of those who are, subscribe to the Zero Generation podcast to have my latest episode delivered to you every other week.  Follow Francesca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leadingladiesafrica https://www.instagram.com/zanyfran How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    30 min

  5. 08/07/2024

    Business, Entrepreneurship and the Immigrant Hustle with Ona Oghogho

    This episode of Zero Generation is a special one, featuring a conversation with my show producer Ona Oghogho, the founder of Adode Media. Ona shares her inspiring journey as a first-generation Nigerian American carving her own path as an entrepreneur. Together, Ona and I delve into the influences in her life that have shaped her perseverance and overall outlook. From her 3rd grade karate teacher to her unwavering faith in God and Ona pulls back the curtain on how she’s been able to build Atlanta’s Number 1 destination for podcast production. You'll gain insight into her business philosophy, as well as the highs and lows she’s experienced as an entrepreneur. In her own words, "My goal is my goal," and trust me, she is determined to achieve it! Prepare to be inspired by Ona’s vision for the future and her relentless tenacity. If you're interested in more interviews with immigrants at various stages of their migration journey, be sure to subscribe to Zero Generation. Check out Adode Studios and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adodestudios Connect with Ona Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onaoghogho Website: https://www.adodemedia.com How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    47 min

  6. 07/24/2024

    Nigerian, but not too Nigerian: The Balancing Act of Raising Kids As An Immigrant with Teniola Bamidele

    When we think about culture and traditions, we often think about food, ceremonies and religious faiths. But culture is also the way that we live our lives and nowhere do we see that more than how we raise our children. As a Nigerian living in the U.S. who hopes to have children one day, I’ve thought deeply about which parts of my Nigerian upbringing I would want my future children to experience too. So on this episode of Zero Generation, I invite my friend and fellow immigrant Teniola Bamidele to ask her about how she’s raising her four children. Teniola begins by telling me about why she adopted two children and how she’s supporting them as they begin life as young adults far away from home. Then we get into the differences between Nigerian and American parents, discussing whether Teniola asks her kids to prostrate for her and how she felt about her daughter asking to move far away to go to college. You won’t want to miss Teniola explaining the parenting situations where she’s “Nigerian, but not too Nigerian”! Parenting is challenging enough even when you’re not faced with questions about your country or culture of origin. And when you are, it’s a daily balancing act that makes you think deeply about the society you’ve chosen to live in. For more raw, honest conversations from people who are living the Zero Generation immigration experience, subscribe to the podcast.  Follow Teniola on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tennesse_22/ How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    27 min

  7. 07/10/2024

    Faith and Discipline: Lessons from a Successful Entrepreneur with Maya Elious

    If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the mould of who you’re ‘supposed to be’, this episode of Zero Generation is for you. Maya Elious is the embodiment of blazing your own trail – she’s an African-American personal branding expert who defied her strict upbringing with immigrant parents to build a successful business coaching women of faith. In this candid conversation, I got to dive behind the scenes with someone whose online presence I’ve admired for years. Growing up with strict African parents who had a vision for her to get a good education and corporate job, Maya shares how a twist of fate led her to drop out of college and pursue entrepreneurship instead. She vulnerably discusses the challenges of pivoting from her parents’ expectations to striking out as an entrepreneur, and explains how her upbringing instilled the discipline and faith that ultimately allowed her to succeed. One of the biggest takeaways for me was Maya’s perspective on branding. She shares how being herself online and listening to how others described her naturally attracted her ideal clients and allowed her to shape an on-brand messaging strategy and business. We also discuss what Maya wants for the next generation of her family and Maya reveals details of an exciting new project that she’s working on. Whether you're building a business or just want to share more of your authentic self with the world, Maya’s insights are sure to inspire you. Subscribe to the Zero Generation podcast to catch more stories that shed light on the immigration experience. Connect with Maya Follow Maya on Instagram Listen to Maya’s Work Hard, Live Soft podcast How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    23 min

  8. 06/26/2024

    Try, Try, Try, Succeed: How to Launch the Best West African Restaurant in Atlanta with Bawo Oyowe

    Food brings people together and makes them feel at home, no matter where they are in the world. As a Nigerian immigrant who has lived in Chicago, Seattle, and Austin to name a few, I understand this deeply, I feel it in my bones. In this episode of the Zero Generation podcast, I sit down with Bawo Oyowe, the owner of Little Lagos, a Nigerian restaurant that has become a cultural ambassador in Atlanta for the vibrant and delicious cuisine of my homeland. Bawo shares his fascinating journey, from learning to cook alongside his mother who nourished their community with her meals, to taking a chance on entrepreneurship after a serendipitous encounter with a Korean developer. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of following your passion. Despite numerous business ventures that didn't work out, Bawo persevered, drawing strength from his immigrant experience of collective struggle and support. Little Lagos stands as a testament to Bawo’s determination and his desire to share an authentic taste of Nigeria with the world. As he reflects on the challenges of maintaining high service standards and consistent product sourcing, I’m inspired by his openness to new ideas and willingness to embrace evolving food trends.  You can hear more accounts of the Zero Generation migrant experience by subscribing to the podcast. Check out Little Lagos restaurant and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlelagosatlanta/ How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    42 min

  9. 06/12/2024

    Reshaping Home: From Nigerian Music Icon to American Entrepreneur with eLDee

    Have you ever felt torn between two cultures, wondering where you truly belong? Then join me for this amazing conversation with my latest guest, eLDee - the iconic Nigerian musician-turned-American real estate mogul. Growing up straddling American and Nigerian influences, eLDee shares his fascinating journey of immigrating to the U.S. while his music career was taking off back in Lagos. From intentionally shifting his base to Nigeria to raise the bar with visuals like being the first to use the RED camera for a music video, to eventually settling more permanently in America, eLDee 's story offers a unique lens into the immigrant experience. He gets candid about grappling with his identity, feeling both Nigerian and American, and hoping to one day help remedy systemic issues in Nigeria through the wisdom gained abroad. eLDee's life is a powerful example of how our cross-cultural experiences can be assets rather than obstacles. If you're ready for honest, thought-provoking conversations about finding home between two worlds, hit subscribe on the Zero Generation podcast feed wherever you get your podcasts. There are more incredible stories like this coming soon! Follow Lanre ‘eLDee’ Dabiri on Instagram and on Twitter. How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    31 min

  10. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Welcome to Zero Generation: The Migration Conversation

    What is the ‘Zero Generation’? What’s it like to be a part of it? I’m Damilola Onwah, a writer and product manager, and these are questions I have on my mind all the time. Historically, we have this concept of first-generation immigrants and second-generation immigrants, but what about those of us who moved countries as adults in recent years, charting our own path? I'm part of this ‘Zero Generation’: I’m a millennial who chose to move to America and start a new life, leaving my old version of home in Nigeria behind me. There’s a tension in straddling two places that don’t quite feel like home any more. There’s so much courage and hope involved in uprooting yourself from your home for an unknown future in a land far away. These are conversations we’re having behind closed doors, in group chats, on social media, and I want to move them out into the open. On the Zero Generation podcast, I dig deeper into the Zero Generation experience with others who get it. Guests who moved as adults or children, or whose parents made the move before they were born, those parenting cross-culturally, even the ones who tried it and returned home. Whether the journey has been one filled with regret, wistfulness, or hard-won success, I explore all sides of this story. Is immigration worth it? There’s no simple answer, but I’ll pull that thread with every new conversation. Join me on this journey and tell me about your Zero Generation story. Connect with Damilola Onwah: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on Instagram,  and catch this podcast on YouTube. How to connect with me: Visit my website: https://damilolaonwah.com/ Sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://damilolaonwah.com/newsletter Follow me on all the socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damionwah Twitter: https://x.com/DamiOnwah Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damionwah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damionwah Music Production by Akinoluwa Oyedele Season 2 Video & Audio Production by JSB Video https://jsbvideo.com/​ Season 1 Video & Audio Production by Adode Media https://www.adodemedia.com/

    10 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

For the dreamers who left home. Explore the joys and hidden tragedies of coming of age again as a Black immigrant in a foreign land.

Information

  • Creator
    Damilola Onwah
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Zero Generation
  • Show Website
    Zero Generation