Episode 42 || AI, Airbnb & Liberia: Turning Diaspora Skills into Opportunity With Maya Makia

In this episode, Jack, founder of the Liberian clothing brand Too Easy, joins the hosts to discuss the brand’s rise from a playful catchphrase to a major cultural force. They cover design inspiration, pricing strategy, local market realities, and how Too Easy is connecting Liberia with the U.S. through pop-ups, collaborations, and community-driven growth. The conversation also explores broader themes: Liberia’s economic challenges, opportunities for investors and diaspora collaboration, music and tech ecosystems, and the vision to reshape Liberia’s future through fashion and entrepreneurship.

In this episode host J-Bizz interviews Dr. Alvin Glay about his memoir Liberian Boy: Triumph Over War's Shadows and his journey from refugee camps to earning advanced degrees and leading in corporate marketing and research. They discuss resilience, coping with loss, the importance of discipline and boundaries, and Dr. Gray’s work giving back to Liberia through education and entrepreneurship — practical lessons and inspiration for young Liberians and the diaspora.

Hosts unpack festival controversies and social chatter before welcoming Maya Dwanah, a Liberian-American technologist who explains how she uses AI at work and transitioned into real estate. Maya outlines practical strategies—renovation loans, house-hacking, and down payment assistance—for first-time buyers, and discusses building remote tech and hospitality businesses in Liberia while noting challenges like internet and electricity.

On this episode of In The Fries, hosts dive into a heated, passionate conversation tracing Afrobeats back to Liberia’s palmwine music and the Kruman seaman. They argue that Liberia and Sierra Leone laid foundational sounds later commercialized by Nigeria and Ghana, discuss diasporic promotion of African music in the U.S., and call for proper credit and unity across West African musicians and promoters.

This episode dives into respect in Liberian and African households, exploring generational clashes, parenting styles, and how social media amplifies conflicts and cultural shifts. Hosts discuss family dynamics, the role of elders, gaps in communication about sex and history, and suggest honest conversation and greater openness as paths forward.

Hosts Smitty Stokes, August and J. Biz break down Liberia’s latest controversies: the Say No to Drugs nonprofit debate, a leaked call involving a DEA officer’s daughter, the shisha (hookah) ban, and police crackdowns — plus the demolition of CDC headquarters and heated political fallout. The episode mixes personal stories, on-the-ground observations and sharp debate about enforcement, public health, and whether protests and policy will really change youth drug use and corruption.

In this Koloqua Dialogues special, Liberian artists, bloggers and promoters unpack a cultural renaissance — exploring music, fashion, diaspora-local disconnects, and the need for systems that uplift Liberian talent worldwide. Guests discuss collaborations, marketing and blogger relationships, preview projects like the single "Flamingo," and candidly address label tensions and the challenges of building a sustainable music ecosystem.

This episode mixes lighthearted recap and serious debate as hosts discuss Liberia’s Independence Day events, a high-profile wedding, and the praise for Monrovia Express. They shift to the country’s growing drug problem, critique the recent Say No to Drugs rally, share a frightening personal K2 experience, and call for stronger government action, rehabilitation and community accountability. The show closes with a sponsor mention of Hams Vodka and a reminder to support local initiatives while demanding follow-through from leaders.

In this episode of In the Fries, the hosts dive deep into the sensitive topic of domestic violence, particularly within the context of the Liberian community. They explore various forms of abuse including emotional, financial, and sexual, while emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for victims to share their experiences. As they unpack personal stories and cultural dynamics, the hosts challenge societal norms and discuss the repercussions of staying silent. They highlight the power imbalance often present in abusive relationships and advocate for victims—both men and women—to seek help and support. The episode also features a powerful discussion on the role of culture in shaping perceptions of abuse and the importance of seeking advice from supportive and experienced individuals. By shedding light on these critical issues, the hosts aim to raise awareness and foster an environment of understanding and compassion.

Dive into the heart of Delaware's culinary scene with the Delaware African Restaurant Week, a celebration of African, Caribbean, and African-American cuisines. This event shines a spotlight on the diverse cultural heritage present in Delaware, offering residents and visitors a chance to savor traditional dishes from various African nations, as well as Caribbean and local favorites. The podcast explores the journey of Ms. Ajahavi Ajavan, a trailblazer in Delaware politics and an advocate for the African community. From her heartfelt activism inspired by her children's education to her impactful contributions to the Delaware African diaspora, Ms. Ajavan shares her inspiring story of resilience and dedication. Enjoy engaging conversations about the power of food and culture in bringing communities together, and learn how the Delaware African Restaurant Week is not just about delicious meals, but also about celebrating identity, uniting people, and empowering African businesses in the state.