The Buddy Pass

In 1953, Black American-born French actress, singer, and dancer Marpessa Dawn moved to Europe in order to escape racial discrimination in the U.S. and find acceptance as an entertainer.In this episode, we follow Marpessa's journey from being a lab technician in New York during the Civil Rights Movement in the '50s to becoming an international entertainer and star in Europe throughout the '60s and '70s.

In this episode, we're going to Mexico City and we'll be chatting with  Adalia Aborisade (AKA Picky Girl Travels The World) - a former teacher from Houston - about what life is like as a Black ex-pat in Mexico City and why she believes the city is an untapped gem waiting to be discovered by more ex-pats.In this episode, we'll talk about:What life is like for Black people in Mexico City.Why Mexico City should be on the top of your travel list.What the quality of life and cost of living is in Mexico City (compares to the U.S.).How Adalia is using her background in education and finance to help more Black women travel and live the lives they want. Check it out and let me know what you think by dropping a review of the episode :-)!

In this episode, I sit down with the award-winning travel blogger and the mother of the first family ever to be crowned "Traveler of The Year" by the National Geographic travel magazine - Heather Greenwood Davis. We'll discuss topics like:The importance of Black family travelHow travel expands the world of Black childrenAnd how to start a career as a travel storytellerGuest Bio:Heather Greenwood Davis is a Contributing Writer and on-air storyteller for National Geographic and a  Feature Writer with The Globe and Mail. Her work appears regularly in a host of national and international publications. The popular media personality appears on television stations across North America. She is the resident travel expert on The Social - a national daily lifestyle show -  and co-host of Get, Set, Go!  on CHCH. Heather believes in travel as a change agent, and has shared insights as a speaker in university classrooms, at conferences and at trade gatherings hosted by TravMedia, US Travel Association, Destination Canada, SATW and others. Her words and opinions have been featured in spaces ranging from O Magazine to NPR. Heather is also the voice behind GlobetrottingMama.com – an international, family travel blog that features the adventures she takes with (and without) her husband Ish and their two sons, Ethan and Cameron.Relevant links:https://globetrottingmama.com/family%20travel/https://heathergreenwooddavis.com/portfolio

A conversation about intentional travel for mental wellness and self discovery with Master Life Coach, avid traveler, and founder of the travel wellness company - Project Passport, Sabriya Dobbins. Sabriya Dobbins is an award-winning Master Life Coach and avid traveler having traveled to 10+ countries and counting. She is certified in Life Purpose Coaching, Rational Emotive Behavioral Techniques Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Coaching, and Happiness Coaching.She created Project Passport with the dream of providing transformational retreat experiences that focused on supporting individuals and their mental well-being. She also wanted to create dynamic event space for women to challenge the status quo of mental health and achieve personal wellness. 

Have you ever been in a position where you wanted to make a life-changing purchase like buying a car or a home, or maybe you've wanted to make a life-enhancing purchase like taking that group trip to Ghana with the homies (which really ends up being a solo trip because you know folks are noncommittal, talking bout “man I was waiting on you to tell me…) Anyway, anyway… you've probably wanted to make some huge change in your life that required money only to remember that, like many of us millennials, you're saddled with student loan debt that makes it feel impossible to accomplish any of these dreams? Danielle Desir, a Haitian-American entrepreneur, is no different. When she looks back at her journey from $63000 in student debt and living with her mom, the determination to fulfill her dream trip to Paris puts her on a path to exceed her own expectations. Today, through her award-winning affordable travel and personal finance blog and podcast, Danielle is changing the lives of thousands of people by sharing her stories and tips on affordable travel, paying off debt, and building wealth while taking that dream trip they've always wanted.When we spoke, she was in the Green Mountain State also known as Vermont, where she was vacationing with her husband and their dog Murphy, reflecting on her childhood travels to Haiti and sharing how $25 a day led her to her first trip in Paris despite having a massive amount of student debt...

Devione and Chech are back!These two Black travelers have lived on every continent (except for Australia and Antarctica, but they're working on it). During their travels, they have been Peace Corps volunteers, researchers, teachers, and entrepreneurs.  Now, they're on a journey to interview Black people who have also left the American Dream behind to thrive abroad.  If you've ever wanted to travel abroad more, study abroad, work abroad, or just need some encouragement for your next adventure, then this podcast is for you. Check out what a listener had to say about Season 1: Very inspiring podcast. The host lets us know that life for African Americans does not begin and end in the United States. We shouldn't be afraid to step out of our comfort zones, explore, and enjoy and PROSPER from the opportunities provided by the different countries on our planet. I'll keep listening!”Subscribe where you get your podcast.

Do you remember your high school yearbook -- all of those most likely to do something awards?Well, in this week's episode, the final episode of season one, Chech and Devione invite you to the first annual Buddy Pass Awards show to relive some of their favorite moments and episodes of season one. During this episode, you'll learn which shows won the awards for:Most likely to Make You Secure The International BagMost Likely to Make You Catch The Holy Ghost Most Likely to Make You Say, Black Lives MatterMost Likely to Make You Throw In That ONE Week Notice because two  is too muchMost Likely to Bring The freak out of you Also, they'll dive a bit deeper to share what they loved about this season's winners and why you should pay a visit to those episodes. Hope you enjoy it!If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode

What is culture shock like when returning to your own country?Welcome to part three of our "Get To Chech and Devione" series. We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing our personal stories of struggle, triumph, adventure, and growth with you. In part one of this series, we shared why we left America. In part two,  we talked about why we stayed abroad for collectively 10+ years despite challenges with our families, jobs, and our futures. And this week, we wrap up this series with part 3 and share why we moved back to America and why we are beyond ready to leave again.  In this episode, you'll learn: The exact reasons why we left China and our difficulties transitioning home to America.The unexpected struggles we're facing in America that show we need to leave...again.Where we are considering moving to and why.Hope you enjoy it!If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

Why would anyone pick up and leave their home to move abroad...for 5 years?!In this week's episode, we bring your Part 2 of a 3-part series that explores the lives and travel stories of co-host Chech and Devione. In Part 1, they shared the personal struggles that led them to leave the U.S. (if you haven't listened to that episode yet, I suggest you have a listen before diving into Part 2. It's pretty dope.) In Part 2, this week's episode, you'll learn why they stayed abroad for collectively 10+ years despite challenges with their families, jobs, and their futures. You'll learn why they stayed and built lives despite:Not Feeling Supported by Family and FriendsRealizing their first jobs were scamsKnowing that they wouldn't be abroad foreverHope you enjoy it!If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

Hey this is Chech and this is Devione — we're two friends who met in China who interview other black people who see beyond the American dream.This week's episode will kick off a three-part series that explores the stories of Chech and Devione, the host of The Buddy Pass. You've heard hours of interviews with other people but you haven't heard our stories. So, by popular demand, that's what you'll hear over the next three episodes. You'll learn:The personal struggles that led us to leave the United States.Why one of us believes Africa is where Black people can find themselves and why one of us don't (you'll be surprised who thinks what)Also, why Beyonce's Black is King is crucial to why we left (yes, it just came out, but the themes PREACH!)Hope you enjoy it!If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.

In this week's episode of The Buddy Pass, we talk with the amazing and inspiring entrepreneur, Tré Bacon to discuss why Black ex-pats are packing up and leaving America...again. Also, during this week's episode you'll learn: Why Tré walked away from the American dream after achieving itWhat fears keep Black people from moving abroadWhy Black women feel more empowered abroad than in AmericaTré Bacon is a former ex-pat in Dubai, Beijing, and Shanghai, and world traveler. In 2013, she left her life as a celebrity hairstylist. And by celebrities, we mean Pink, Rachel Ray, and basketball wives. She was in her late twenties, had gained the notoriety stylists would dream of and she walked away. She walked away from the American dream because she knew deep in her bones she couldn't find peace of mind in America. Now she runs her own luxury handbag line, Zia Zingara. Tre is an inspiration in every single way. She has lived her life in a way that's full of spontaneity and adventure, and to us, she really epitomizes the power and joy Black women have when we have the confidence to deeply believe ourselves, our desires, and our dreams.If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.   

Have you ever wondered what type of negative experiences people have when traveling abroad? You ever wondered what travel experiences are NOT making onto our Instagram highlight reel? Well, we got some answers for you on this week's episode of The Buddy Pass. In this week's episode on The Buddy Pass we're going to talk to two guests about the dark side of travel and what it means to be Black in Europe. We'll cover some sensitive topics. FULL DISCLOSURE pornography and drugs will be mentioned, so you may want to put the kiddies to bed before listening.  First, we're going to hear from Newton Davis, a queer black man in Berlin, Germany who realized his new home offered a lot more sexually than he was even ready for.  Secondly, we have Achille Tenkiang a black man who lived in Paris for 18 months and realized his dream country- France - wasn't as welcoming to black people as he remembered. But, at the top of this episode, Chech and I will be sharing with you all some of our most frightening and "What the hell just happened?" travel moments. It gets crazy. If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.  

On this week's show, we're graced by the presence of Dr. Anima Adjepong, a sociologist whose research examines culture, identities, and social change in West Africa and the diaspora. During this episode you'll learn:What it's like to grow up queer in Africa.How to develop spiritual practices to connect with ancestors.And, how studying Black Studies can help you feel grounded and healed in this crazy crazy world. Anima is a beacon of inspiration and was a joy to speak with. We hope you all enjoy this listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed creating it. If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.  

Have you ever asked yourself: Who are the people that represent America on the international stage?Our guest this week, former U.S. Diplomat and Immigration attorney, Chris Richardson, answers that and more. Chris Richardson spent 7 years as a diplomat and served in Nigeria, Nicaragua, Pakistan, and Spain. In this episode, he discusses his newly published article in the NY Times titled: The State Department Was Designed to Keep African-Americans Out and offers us a unique insight into the mindset of his white colleagues as it pertains to their understanding and acknowledgment of racial and cultural strife in other countries versus their own country - America. You should NOT miss this episode if: You want to learn how the State Department has historically prevented African Americans from joining the diplomatic community. You wish to understand the domestic and global implications of having a predominately white Foreign Service represent America.  You want to learn how the Black travel movement can contribute to American diplomacy, particularly with predominately Black countries. You would like to understand what a radical reimagination of the State Department could look like and what this would mean for a new and liberated global society.Whew! There's a lot to unpack there. And we do just that on this week's episode of The Buddy Pass!If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also benefit from this information, don't be stingy -- please pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.  

On this week's show, we're graced by the presence of Renee Simone, a model, dancer, actress, entertainer, and trailblazer... in South Korea. Renee started performing at a young age, first with her disco karaoke machine. Fitting as she now finds herself performing on shows like TopGoal Rhapsody in South Korea. Full circle. Still early in her career, Renee already has a resume that would rival the most seasoned entertainer. She has worked on campaigns with companies like Samsung and LG, and with mega artists like Maroon 5, and Korea's very-own international mega boy band, BTS. #blackgirlmagic. During the first half of the show, Renee will enlighten us on:The similarities between Black history and Korean historyWhat it takes to be a successful Black model and entertainer in South KoreaLater on, we'll discuss:The support of Black Lives Matter in South KoreaAnd international mega boy band - BTS, they're great, but the appropriation though. Who's to credit or blame for this?Renee Simone, a mesmerizing trailblazing Black entertainer in South Korea. We hope you all enjoy this listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed creating it. If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also enjoy it, don't be stingy -- please, pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.  

Would you turn down a $70,000 salary increase if it meant you had to live in the United States? Not sure?On this week's show, we talk with Deji Jegede, an international consultant, based in Madrid, Spain, who did just that, when an American firm offered him the opportunity to move back home. Want to know why he did? Well, hit that PLAY button and hear why Deji thinks the American Dream creates more woes than pleasures.Also, we'll discuss the joys and pains of being Black and dating in a foreign country and how Deji found the love of his life in Spain.Enjoy the show! If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also benefit from this information, don't be stingy -- please pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.  

Tired of America? Do you feel trapped by the myth of American exceptionalism? You ever ask yourself "What is a safe space when you're Black in America?"Well, you're not alone.On this week's show, we head to the gardens of Bali (virtually that is) to chat with the Founder of Black Travel Fest and #blackgirlmagic personified - Ms. Deidre Dares. Once a member of corporate America, holding positions with the Chevron Corporation and The Bostin Consulting Group -- Deirdre left it all behind to follow her dreams of combining her passions of travel and entrepreneurship. You should NOT miss this episode if:You're tired of America and want to know the Ps and Qs of moving abroadWondering where and how you can feel safe in a Black bodyWant to travel the world but nervous about traveling alone and about traveling while BlackNeed some #blackgirlmagic in your life after these past crazy months (or, you know, centuries). Enjoy the show! If you enjoy this episode or know someone who would also benefit from this information, don't be stingy -- please pay it forward then subscribe to The Buddy Pass to never miss a new episode.  

These past few weeks have been... tough. The continued killings of innocent Black people and the pilings of Black bodies due to structural racism and hate have left Chech, LD, and myself angry and heartbroken.We knew we couldn't trust any person for this episode. But we know we could trust Mpho Tutu, a priest and the daughter of Archibishop Desmond Tutu. On this week's show, you'll hear, Reverend Mpho Tutu discuss:Growing up in apartheid South Africa;The facts and myths of the Forgiveness and Reconciliation process;And how to achieve Racial Reconciliation in America Also on this episode, Reverend Tutu will discuss her newest work in a book called, The Book of Queer Prophets, and the relationship between queerness and religion. 

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Black people who voluntarily moved to the United States? Did you once hear the term "Afro Latina" and found yourself perplexed at the idea of Africans in South America? On this week's show, Cesar Francia, an Afro-Venezuelan lawyer takes us on his family's journey out of the favelas to the streets of Miami when he was a young boy of 14. The reality of being a dark-skinned queer Black man set him on a path to exceed his own expectations. Yet, while reflecting on his many accomplishments, he offers wisdom on suppressing ourselves in order to succeed in a white world.   If you're someone who's felt like they have had to "turn down" or "turn off" their Blackness in order to survive and live in a white world or if you've ever felt like you've had to sacrifice your passion for more...pragmatic career pursuits, then you won't want to miss the wisdom, encouragement, and refreshing spirit of Cesar Francia. Enjoy!If you enjoyed this episode please drop us a review or let us know what's on your mind at theteam@thebuddypass.net. 

Living abroad as a Black person can be both a rewarding and overwhelming experience. Have you ever wondered what it is like? Are there Black people in China? What do foreigners do while living in China? How do you make money? As former ex-pats, the team at The Buddy Pass gets questions like these all the time. Don't trip, we got you.On this week's show, Runako Celina, co-founder of Black Livity China, will join us to share her thoughts on those questions and more. Black Livity China was founded in 2018 in Beijing, China. Since their launch, they have led the movement on documenting and telling the stories of Black and African people who live in China and other countries around the world. If you're someone who's interested in what life is like for Black and African people in China and other countries or maybe you're interested in packing your bags and making the move yourself, well you won't want to miss this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please drop us a review or let us know what's on your mind at theteam@thebuddypass.net. 

On this week's show, global traveler and former international student, Cleo Wise shares her experience of studying in China, the influence of  Obama's presidency on black life abroad, and what led her to work with The Asia Society after leaving China. Plus, she'll share her thoughts on why she believes China is the best place to learn more about the diversity of Africa and African people. 

On this week's show, global entrepreneur, brand visionary and Detroit native - Keith Bartlett; discusses 8+ years of life in China as an entrepreneur, the impact of the Coronavirus on entrepreneurs and businesses in Beijing, and how he made the move to China and built a successful brand consulting business.Plus, Keith will share:Steps you should take if you want to live and work abroad.How the Chinese gov't has been able to use mobile phones to track citizens and monitor COVID cases.How he is continuing to build successful companies to gain financial freedom. 

We're Uchechi, Lionel, and Leroy --  three black creatives who've collectively spent more than 20 years living abroad. From China to Peru to Jordan and everywhere in between, we've seen Black Americans thriving and creating new lives in unconventional places. That's why we created our podcast, The Buddy Pass, to tell their stories.On this week's show, you'll hear how we all met in China and what life was like for us as African Americans. Plus, we'll make a quick stop (but it won't be our last) in Africa as we discuss our experiences there and what to look forward to from The Buddy Pass.