Wow!!  The Culture Encounters Podcast is very proud to bring you it's 100th Episode! it's an honor to be able to say that and 100 episodes doesn't happen without your support thank you so much for listening and sharing over the last 100 episodes!! We look forward to 100 more! 

This week, we Join our Founder Amma Gatty as she honors her mother, Hon. Dr. Bernice Adiku Heloo. This heartfelt journey you are about to hear very much is emblematic of the values and ideas that provide the framework for the conversations Culture Encounters hopes to foster.

Warning: this episode deals with loss and grief. 

link to interview: listen to this after Intro: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/19265179

Welcome to a special episode of The Culture Encounters podcast!! Here we do something a little different:  the interview  featuring our own Founder Amma Gatty with "Diversity Conversations" podcast!

"In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Amma Gatty, Founder and Executive Director of Culture Encounters, for an inspiring conversation about culture, belonging, immigration, community building, and the power of human connection.

Originally from Ghana and now based in Richmond, Virginia, Amma shares her personal journey as a newcomer to the United States and how that experience inspired her mission to build bridges across cultures through food, conversation, the arts, and community engagement"

Website: CultureEncounters.org

Join us for a very special episode of The Culture Encounters Podcast! This week we sit down with Kimberly Haley- Coleman, the executive director of the nonprofit organization Globe Aware! Here we learn about her story, as well as the initiatives of the organization intending to do it's part to bring people together and shine a light on various people and cultures across the globe! Part Two of Two.

Globe Aware site: https://www.globeaware.org/

Culture Encounters Site:https://www.cultureencounters.org/

Join us for a very special episode of The Culture Encounters Podcast! This week we sit down with Kimberly Haley- Coleman, the executive director of the nonprofit organization Globe Aware! Here we learn about her story, as well as the initiatives of the organization intending to do it's part to bring people together and shine a light on various people and cultures across the globe! Part One of Two.

Globe Aware site: https://www.globeaware.org/

Culture Encounters Site:https://www.cultureencounters.org/

Welcome back to the Culture Encounters Podcast!!! This week, we bring you part two of our conversation with Shaka Mitchell, the founder of the Come Together Music Project. Shaka has worked for years in music advocacy and has even given Ted talks on the subject. Here we discuss how music can bring people of all walks of life together!!



Website:  Culture Encounters. Org

Happy new year and welcome back to the Culture Encounters Podcast!!! This week, we bring you part one of our conversation with Shaka Mitchell, the founder of the Come Together Music Project. Shaka has worked for years in music advocacy and has even given Ted talks on the subject. Here we discuss how music can bring people of all walks of life together!!

Website:  Culture Encounters. Org

Join us for part two of a two part special with filmmaker Jon Hill. In part one, we discuss his influences, life journey, and being an Asian American in the entertainment industry. Part two will be an in depth analysis of his award winning film: "Above the Clouds"

Disclaimer: this episode deals with subjects such as trauma, death, loss, and grief.

Link to film: https://www.amazon.com/Above-Clouds-Jon-Hill/dp/B0DYL88VTZ?dplnkId=788c80ff-e3f5-455e-9b48-50a1f5bf254d

Film itself rated ages 13+

Culture Encounters website: culture Encounters.org

Join us for part one of a two part special with filmmaker Jon Hill. In part one, we discuss his influences, life journey, and being an Asian American in the entertainment industry. Part two will be an in depth analysis of his award winning film: "Above the Clouds"

Disclaimer: this episode deals with subjects such as trauma, death, loss, and grief.

Link to film: https://www.amazon.com/Above-Clouds-Jon-Hill/dp/B0DYL88VTZ?dplnkId=788c80ff-e3f5-455e-9b48-50a1f5bf254d

Culture Encounters website: culture Encounters.org

Join me and my guest Gil Gillenwater as we discuss his life experiences and the inherent value that comes from service to humanity that inspire his organization: The Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation and his book: " Hope on the Border". Part Two of Two

Content Warning: this episode discusses both drugs and depicts images of death that could be upsetting for some listeners. 

Our website: Cultureencounters.org

More information about the book and organization: https://ranchofeliz.com/hope-on-the-border/

Join me and my guest Gil Gillenwater as we discuss his life experiences and the inherent value that comes from service to humanity that inspire his organization: The Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation and his book: " Hope on the Border". Part one of Two

Our website: Cultureencounters.org

More information about the book and organization: https://ranchofeliz.com/hope-on-the-border/

Join us for an honest, emotionally charged episode of the culture encounters podcast, where we sit down with author, advocate, and educator Syeda Shah. Syeda shares her journey from Pakistan to the United States  in the wake of 9/11 and how she found her place through her entrepreneurial spirit as she broke barrier, started her own business, and lived her dream! Part two of two.



Website: CultureEncounters.org

Join us for an honest, emotionally charged episode of the culture encounters podcast, where we sit down with author, advocate, and educator Syeda Shah. Syeda shares her journey from Pakistan to the United States  in the wake of 9/11 and how she found her place through her entrepreneurial spirit as she broke barrier, started her own business, and lived her dream! Part one of two.

Website: CultureEncounters.org

Join us for part two of our enriching, courageous, and extremely important conversation with Culture Encounters Board Vice President and immigration Attorney: Jennifer Quezada. She shares her story along with the realities of navigating Immigration law in 2025. Part two of two.



Website: https://www.cultureencounters.org/our-board/

Join us for part one of our enriching, courageous, and extremely important conversation with Culture Encounters Board Vice President and immigration Attorney: Jennifer Quezada. She shares her story along with the realities of navigating Immigration law in 2025. Part one of two.

Website: https://www.cultureencounters.org/our-board/

On today's episode, we sit down with Jessie Dzura as she discusses the life and legacy of her mother, Darcy Oman. Darcy was a pioneer in the nonprofit world of Richmond, Virginia. Hear how she opened doors for many and has had a lasting impact in her community. 

Website: https://www.cultureencounters.org/

This week, We sit down with Aseye Gatty for an insightful conversation about the duality that comes from being a product of multiple cultures, as well as her appreciation for her Ghanian heritage and the experiences that shape her and her cultural identity. Part Two of Two. 

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

This week, We sit down with Aseye Gatty for an insightful conversation about the duality that comes from being a product of multiple cultures, as well as her appreciation for her Ghanian heritage and the experiences that shape her and her cultural identity. Part One of Two. 

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Today, we sit down with the executive director of Diversity Richmond: the Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross. We discuss the history of Pride Month, Pride in Richmond, Virginia, and Pride across the world.  conceptual ideas of those who may experience what we call cultural intersections. It is a powerful, honest conversation about how cultural curiosity, can lead to kindness and empathy for all. 

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join Chad and special guest Liz Chassey as they dissect the film 2023 hit Barbie from multiple perspectives, such as film and gender studies as they look at analyze how the filmmaking and storytelling devices come together to both make fun or and commentate on consumerism and being a woman in the patriarchal society ever-present in western culture. Part three of three. 

Website: Cultureencounters.org. 

Join Chad and special guest Liz Chassey as they dissect the film 2023 hit Barbie from multiple perspectives, such as film and gender studies as they look at analyze how the filmmaking and storytelling devices come together to both make fun or and commentate on consumerism and being a woman in the patriarchal society ever-present in western culture. Part two of three. 

Website: Cultureencounters.org. 

Join Chad and special guest Liz Chassey as they dissect the film 2023 hit Barbie from multiple perspectives, such as film and gender studies as they look at analyze how the filmmaking and storytelling devices come together to both make fun or and commentate on consumerism and being a woman in the patriarchal society ever-present in western culture. Part one of three. 

Website: Cultureencounters.org. 

Join me and my guest Eric Mitchell-Hattorff as we discuss the profound impact Japanese Anime had on us both and American culture as a whole in part two of this riveting two-part discussion on all things Anime!

Website: Podcast – Culture Encounters

Join me and my guest Eric Mitchell-Hattorff as we discuss the profound impact Japanese Anime had on us both and American culture as a whole in part one of this riveting two-part discussion on all things Anime!

Website: Podcast – Culture Encounters

Join Us today for the return on our "Road trip" series. This time, join my friend Julia Springer as we discuss all things Toronto, Canada! 

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect 

Today, We bring you something different and special! We have audio from our own Founder Amma Gatty's interview on "Bridging Cultural Divides on Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve"

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Today we sit down with Counselor Liz Chassey and discuss this history of Women's History Month, as well as trends and conversations of feminism throughout history and today.

Disclaimer: In order to truly discuss and honor the fight for women's equality in America, This episode discusses sensitive topics such as sexual violence.

Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Join me and my guest Bennie Herron as we discuss the history of Rap music and Hip Hop culture, dating back to the 1970's. Through this lens, conversations about inequality and the importance of personal and cultural artistic expression. Part Two of Two. 

Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Join me and my guest Bennie Herron as we discuss the history of Rap music and Hip Hop culture, dating back to the 1970's. Through this lens, conversations about inequality and the importance of personal and cultural artistic expression. Part One of Two. 

Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Join me and my guest, Educator Jamar Billips as we explore the history and importance of Black History Month in the United States! Part two of two:

Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Join me and my guest, Educator Jamar Billips as we explore the history and importance of Black History Month in the United States! Part one of two:

Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

In this special case study, we examine the metaphors and symbolism present in the X-Men franchise: especially with respect to the civil rights movement, and inclusivity. 

Content Warning: This episode deals with sensitive topics such as racism, and the holocaust. 

Website: Cultureencounters.org

Welcome to part two of a conversation about the content in Batman films. In the two-part case study, four Batman films are examined and the lessons learned concerning multiculturalism are discussed.


Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Welcome to part one of a conversation about the content in Batman films. In the two-part case study, four Batman films are examined and the lessons learned concerning multiculturalism are discussed. 


Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Join us for part two of our conversation with Wendy Agelvis, as we discuss food, sites, family, education, language, and all things Venezuela!



Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join us for part one of our conversation with Wendy Agelvis, as we discuss food, sites, family, education, language, and all things Venezuela!



Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join me and the founder of Culture Encounters: Amma Gatty for part Two of our two part episode on the importance of language as a tool for cultural expression as we discuss the languages spoken in Ghana, West Africa!


Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join me and the founder of Culture Encounters: Amma Gatty for part one of our two part episode on the importance of language as a tool for cultural expression as we discuss the languages spoken in Ghana, West Africa!


Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join us as we bring you this very special episode of the Culture Encounters Podcast, where we bring you the audio of our recent "Conversations that Connect" panel discussion. Here, our panelists discuss their experiences as children of immigrants and navigating dual cultural identities. It is an insightful, informative, and incredibly important conversation, that sheds light on their unique experiences Thank you for listening as we ensure that that their stories are heard! 

Website:
Conversations That Connect – Culture Encounters

Join me and my guest Miriam Airington from Airington Law as we do a two-part deep dive into her experiences as an Immigration lawyer in the United States!


 Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join me and my guest Miriam Airington from Airington Law as we do a two-part deep dive into her experiences as an Immigration lawyer in the United States!


 Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join me and my guest Sarah Bice as we discuss her journey to America from China in the late 1980's, escaping a bad situation through hard work, the kindness of others, and education. 

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join me and my special guest Michelle Hernandez as we discuss navigating the duality of identity associated with being a first generation American!



Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Today we bring you part two of our awesome, enlightening conversation with Nigel Richardson, as we explore his journey in the Peace Corps. in Rwanda!


Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Today we bring you part one of our awesome, enlightening conversation with Nigel Richardson, as we explore his journey in the Peace Corps. in Rwanda! 


Website: Overview – Culture Encounters

Join us for a special episode of the Culture Encounters Podcast. Today, we welcome back language educator Hannah Batdorf as we discuss her educational journey and language acquisition in the United States education system.


Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Today, we bring you the audio of our most recent panel discussion as part one of our "Conversations that Connect Series" Join us as we sit down with panelists as they discuss their immigration journeys in this courageous, emotional, and insightful conversation.

Website:
Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Join me and my guest: Miles Braxton-Parris as we discuss food, music, beaches, night life and more as we journey to Barbados!!




Website:  Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast:  Road Trip!: "Colorado, Part Two"

Join me and my guest Leslie Koepke, as we discuss indigenous populations, food, ( burritos specifically) baseball, the outdoors,  and all things Colorado! Part Two

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast:  Road Trip!: "Colorado, Part One"

Join me and my guest Leslie Koepke, as we discuss indigenous populations, food, baseball, the outdoors, and all things Colorado! Part One

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: Special Episode: Autism, 1 year Anniversary of my diagnosis 

Join me and my guest Andrea Bryant, as we discuss her mental health journey with respect to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: Road trip Iowa": Join me and my guest Emily Archer as we discuss corn, cream cheese, small towns, and all things Iowa!

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: Special Episode, " Punk and Metal": Part Two 

Part two of my honest and insightful conversation with My brother Stephen Ownby about the Punk and Metal music subgenres and how finding a shared community around the music helped us through the days of being bullied outcasts in suburbia. We also discuss the topic of inclusion in these communities.

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: Special Episode, " Punk and Metal": 

Part one of my honest and insightful conversation with My brother Stephen Ownby about the Punk and Metal music subgenres and how finding a shared community around the music helped us through the days of being bullied outcasts in suburbia. 

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast:"Road Trip!" Oklahoma Part Two

Part two of my conversation with Maggie Wilson about Agriculture, food, landmarks, life experiences during the pandemic, and all things Oklahoma!!!!

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast:"Road Trip!" Oklahoma Part One

Part one of my conversation with Maggie Wilson about Agriculture, food, landmarks, life experiences during the pandemic, and all things Oklahoma!!!!

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: "Conversations that connect"-Bridging Gaps Between Africans in The Diaspora Part Two: Join us for part two of our courageous and informative panel discussion about multiple perspectives on African experiences in the diaspora.



Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: "Conversations that connect"-Bridging Gaps Between Africans in The Diaspora Part One: Join us for part one of our courageous and informative panel discussion about multiple perspectives on African experiences in the diaspora.



Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: Road Trip!!!: Pennsylvania Part  Two

Join myself and Pennsylvania native Hannah Batdorf for part two of our conversation on steel, spirit, and all things Pennsylvania!

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Culture Encounters Podcast: Road Trip!!!: Pennsylvania

Join myself and Pennsylvania native Hannah Batdorf for part one of our conversation on steel, spirit, and all things Pennsylvania!

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences That Connect

Today, we sit down with board member Sam Adjei , as we discuss his multicultural journey that led him to Culture Encounters!!

website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Welcome to the first Culture Encounters Podcast of 2024! Today, we sit down with Vivian Addotey. Vivian is the moderator for our upcoming panel: "Conversations that Connect: Bridging gaps between Africans in the Diaspora." The panel will be held on Friday, January 26th, at 6:00 in Dorey Park in the east end Of Henrico County. 

For more information, visit our website: https://cultureencounters.org/event/conversations-that-connect-bridging-gaps-between-africans-in-the-diaspora/

Culture Encounters Podcast: Mariama Jallow/Rhode Island

Today, we sit down with board member Mariama Jallow, as we discuss her multicultural journey that led her to Culture Encounters. we also discuss all things Rhode Island!
website:https://cultureencounters.org/

Culture Encounters Podcast: Jackie Granchamps

Today, we sit down with board member Jackie Granchamps, as we discuss her multicultural journey that led her to Culture Encounters. we also discuss all things Garden State!
website:https://cultureencounters.org/

Culture Encounters podcast: Gerardo Macias

Today, we down with board member Gerardo Macias as we discuss his multicultural journey that led him to Culture Encounters.

website:https://cultureencounters.org/

Culture Encounters podcast Special Episode: Bennie Herron

Today we sit down with Culture Encounters board member:Bennie Herron. We discuss his journeys n social activism, advocacy, and the arts, which ultimately brought him to Culture Encounters!

Website:https://cultureencounters.org/

Culture Encounters Podcast: "Road Trip!": "Kentucky!"

Join me and my Aunt Debbie/ Uncle Jim as we discuss Horses, Chili, Sports, and all things Louisville!

Website:cultureencounters.org

Join Myself and Amma Gatty for part two of our open and honest conversation about what it means to raise a child as an immigrant.

Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Join Myself and Amma Gatty for part one of our open and honest conversation about what it means to raise a child as an immigrant.

Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Today we discuss Halloween across cultures and read Edgar Allen Poe's "the Raven"

Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Join me and my lifelong friend Jimmy Nickerson for part two of our conversation about growing up in the Old Dominion! Here we talk about food, geography, Museums, and have some honest conversations about oppression.

Website: Culture Encounters. Org

Join me and my lifelong friend Jimmy Nickerson for part one of our conversation about growing up in the Old Dominion! Here we talk about food, geography, and have some honest conversations about oppression.

Website: Culture Encounters. Org

Join my guest and Stepdad Bob Cotton as we discuss all things Long Island! In this episode we discuss food, culture, accents, regionalisms, and Woodstock!

On this very special episode of the Culture Encounters Podcast, we sit down with creative writer Alex Trivis and discuss the wonderful relationship between food, culture, and creative writing. 

If you are interested in participating in our registering for our upcoming food tour, please visit us at Eat. Talk. Write. – Culture Encounters

Food Tour Dates: 
July 11th- July 13th
11:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Today, Me and my guest Cat Tignor discuss all things California! In part two of our conversation, we discuss Food and Landmarks, and the mythos behind Hollywood. 
Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Today, Me and my guest Cat Tignor discuss all things California! In part one of our conversation, we discuss the multiple cultures present in the Los Angeles area! 
Like and subscribe!
Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Today, Me and my guest Tristan Renninger discuss all things Ohio! Lot's of sports teams, giving back to the community, and Peanut Butter!

Like and subscribe!
Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

 Today, I sit down with Kaitlin Eddy to discuss her time in Missouri!!! Super fun conversation that I really enjoyed and now I really want to go to a cheese cave! Like and subscribe! Let's get to all fifty states!

Website: https://cultureencounters.org/ 

Episode One of our "Road Trip!" Series where we discuss the different cultures surrounding each state in the United States: In this first episode, my guest Kaitlin Eddy discuss cultural opportunities and experiences present in Hawaii! 

Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

part two of our conversation on Cultural Intelligence and Curiosity!  like and subscribe!

https://cultureencounters.org/

Join us for a special episode of the Culture Encounters podcast! Today, we sit down with Amma Gatty for part one of a two-part discussion on the ideas behind Cultural Intelligence and curiosity. We also discuss how these things relate to our lives and experiences!

Website:https://cultureencounters.org/

Part Two of a very personal story about my Diagnosis of Autism. Thank you all for your support! Remember, you are not alone. 

Website:https://cultureencounters.org/

On this very special episode of the Culture Encounters podcast, In the hopes of spreading awareness, I share my personal journey getting diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Part One of Two

Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Welcome to another episode of "Ownby at the Movies!!!" This week, we look at "Children of Heaven", a coming of age story from Iran about two children, their shoes, and the importance of family. 


Like and Subscribe!

Website:Culture Encounters – Experiences that Connect

Join us for this very special episode of the Culture Encounters podcast: Featuring Academic Mr. Divine Agodzo. We had an honest and informative conversation about communication, culture, and making multicultural connections! 
Culture Encounters Website: https://cultureencounters.org/

Today, we contrast the Disney classic animated tale of Mulan with the original story dating back to the days of Ancient China. Apologies for any mispronunciations on my part.

Culture Encounters Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences that Connect

Source this week: The Ballad of Mulan (木蘭辭) | Mulanbook: The History and Legend of Hua Mulan

Today on Ownby at the Movies! we discuss "42" the Jackie Robinson Story. Join us for this inspirational and sometimes heartbreaking story! It's PG-13 due to the unfortunately racial slurs used in the film towards Jackie, but this is an extremely important movie for all to see. 

Website: VoiceThread (cultureencounters.org)

Today we take an in depth look at the Indian Classic: "The Cloud-Capped Star"! This movie deals with the aftermath of the Partition of India. This is a very emotionally charged piece of social realism. 

Website: Culture Encounters – Experiences that Connect

Tonight, we look at Valentine's Day cultural traditions around the world!


Culture Encounters Website:https://cultureencounters.org/

Information: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/613406/valentines-day-traditions-around-world

Join Us as we delve into "Asantewaa": An animated movie about the fight in Ghana in the 1900's against British Imperialism. All Ownby at the Movies podcasts are completely spoiled, so If you have not seen the film and want too here is the link:

AfroTales+ on the App Store (apple.com) 

Go to the APP:
Make an account
You can watch the film for  $ 2.99

Join us tonight for some updates on the future content of the show!! Please download and tell your friends:)

For more updates go to Culture Encounters – Experiences that Connect

It's the begining of a new era!!! Join me and Culture Encounters founder Amma Gatty as we do a deep dive into the last few years as we transition from Next Star to Culture Encounters.

For information on upcoming events and to become a subscriber please visit:

www. cultureencounters.org

Today, we talk to Aahad Khan about his experience as an immigrant in a post 9/11 world. TRIGGER WARNING: This conversation delves into topics such as bullying and racism.  We invite you to join us for this important, eye-opening conversation. 

In this episode of "What's your story?" we talk to educator Tracy Cady about the international Baccalaureate program and how to be a global learner! 

Part Two of our Conversation with Marilyn! This time, it's all about food!

Episode Three of our  "What's your Story Podcast"! We talk to board president Marilyn Markham about her travel experiences throughout the world!

Second Episode in the "What's your story" series! Jessica Diaz sits down with us to discuss their experience as a bilingual educator in the public school system.

Join Freddy as he interviews the Founder and Artistic directer of Next Star in the first episode of 'What's Your Story?'

Part Two of our wonderful experience with the wonderful Chef Noori. 

Writing Tips: 
Discuss things you notice 
Ambiance, decor, 
Presentation
Each dish
Chef
Closing thoughts

Email your writing submissions to: contact@nextstarpac.com to get your writing submission read on a future podcast:

Website Link: https://www.nextstarpac.com/

Welcome to the first episode of a new podcast all about how embracing different cultures provides for a rich meaningful experience for all and bring us closer together as a human race. On this episode, we sit down with the renowned chef Noori, as he details how his cultural experiences have led him to provide service to others through the medium of food!