Wannabe Americana

Ever catch yourself missing that abroad life—despite knowing you struggled just to survive it? In Season 2, Episode 1 of Wannabe Americana, we dig into why returnees often romanticize the places they once called home—everlasting nostalgia blurring the reality.

Join me as we unpack:

• The bittersweet fog of “reverse culture shock” – why home isn’t what we remember (or imagined)

• Why the “abroad fantasy” persists, even when you moved b...

What happens when someone you love dies—but you're 5,000 miles away? In this vulnerable episode of Wannabe Americana, Biani sits down with her family friend, Omaina, to talk about the gut-wrenching experience of grieving from abroad.

Together, they unpack the emotional complexity of losing Omaina’s father just before moving to Canada, and her grandmother while already living overseas. From missing funerals to feeling detached from f...

First off congrats to all the graduates out there!!!

This is probably the biggest step you may have taken you starting and finishing something this huge and it's like okay now what!! What's the next chapter and the truth is at least 60% of people don't know 30% of people think they are just find a job to distract themselves from their real potential and the other 10% are lucky enough to know their path and go straight into it but th...

resilience, medicine, minority, expectations, mental health, first-generation, success, personal presence, hard work, faith, vulnerability, femininity, representation, healthcare, victim mindset, self-worth, confidence, inner peace, fear of failure, personal growth

Summary

In this episode, Bianim Isibor and Ada discuss the journey of pursuing a medical career as a minority woman. They explore themes of resilience, the pressures of ex...

Keywords

friendship, green flags, red flags, communication, support, trust, connection, twenties, personal growth, relationships

Summary

In this conversation, Bianim Isibor explores the essential elements of true friendship, emphasizing the importance of honesty, accountability, and genuine support. The discussion delves into the green flags that indicate a healthy friendship, such as open communication and the ability to embrace diff...

moving out, family dynamics, financial independence, cultural expectations, personal growth, relationships, boundaries, guilt, friendships, mental health

Summary

In this episode, Bianim Isibor and Awa discuss the journey of moving out from home, the emotional and financial challenges that come with it, and the impact on family dynamics. Awa shares her personal experiences, including feelings of guilt, the importance of financial inde...

At the start of any career journey, it’s easy to believe that hard work alone is enough. But navigating the professional world—especially as a Nigerian in certain spaces—requires more than just skill. It requires mentorship. This episode dives into how finding the right mentors can transform careers, open doors to unexpected opportunities, and boost confidence in ways no one talks about.

But not everyone has access to the same suppo...

creativity, content creation, balancing education, financial struggles, international creators, originality, Nigerian creators, global audience, engineering to content, creative journey, content creation, self-discovery, imposter syndrome, creative pressure, balancing work and passion, personal growth, only child experiences, overcoming challenges, creative industry, journey to success

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Bianim Is...

au pair, cultural exchange, South Africa, America, identity, TikTok, returning home, consumerism, cultural connection, personal growth

Summary

In this episode, Bianim Isibor and Nothile discuss the journey of moving from South Africa to America as an au pair. They explore the cultural exchange experience, the challenges of returning home, and the excitement of experiencing American culture. Nothile shares her reflections on identity,...

moving abroad, cultural differences, personal growth, living abroad, returning home, life challenges, new experiences, self-discovery, family connections, embracing change

Summary

In this episode of 'Wannabe Americana', Bianim Isibor reflects on the complexities of moving abroad and returning home. She discusses the challenges of adapting to life in a new country, the cultural shifts that occur, and the personal growth that comes f...

Summary

In this episode, the host shares personal experiences and insights on dating as an international student. The conversation explores the complexities of navigating relationships in a new cultural environment, the challenges of peer pressure, and the importance of self-discovery in dating. The host emphasizes the need for boundaries, understanding cultural differences, and the purpose of dating as a means to find compatibilit...

Summary

In this episode, the host shares her personal experiences with college party life, contrasting the dynamics of black and white parties. She discusses the cultural differences, safety concerns, and the evolution of her party habits over time. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one's limits, being aware of surroundings, and the social dynamics that play out in these environments. Ultimately, the host ...

Summary

In this episode of the Wannabe Americana podcast, host Bianim Isibor and guest Serena Allison explore the complexities of friendship, dating, and cultural identity as they navigate life in a new city. They discuss their experiences with dating apps, the challenges of making friends in a new environment, and the cultural differences that shape their interactions. The conversation highlights the importance of self-acceptance,...

Keywords

Lagos, Uber, friendship, long-distance, moving abroad, emotional impact, safety, celebration, home visits, advice

Summary

In this conversation, Seun and Bianim Isibor discuss their experiences living in Lagos, the challenges of maintaining friendships across distances, and the emotional impact of friends moving abroad. They share personal anecdotes about safety concerns while using Uber, the overwhelming nature of home vis...

Keywords

American Dream, job search, networking, certifications, resilience, job market, visa processes, emotional toll, career insights, market saturation

Summary

In this episode of the Wannabe Americana podcast, host Bianim Isibor shares her personal journey of navigating the complexities of finding a job in the United States as an international student. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding the American Dream, the chall...

Books:

Rich AF by Vivian Tu: https://amzn.to/3ZeO8z8

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: https://amzn.to/3YVGGaN

Keywords

international students, finance, financial independence, budgeting, credit, savings, investing, money management, personal finance, financial literacy

Summary

In this episode, Biani Isibor shares her personal journey navigating finances as an international student in the U.S. She discusses the challenges o...

Keywords

American culture, small talk, oversharing, social interactions, dorm life, classroom etiquette, cultural differences, personal space, communication skills, understanding others

Summary

In this episode of the Wannabe Americana podcast, host Biani Isibor explores various aspects of American culture, particularly focusing on social interactions, small talk, and the nuances of communication. She shares her experiences with ove...

Summary

In this episode of 'Wannabe Americana', host Bianim Isibor discusses the multifaceted purpose of studying abroad, emphasizing that it's not just about academics but also about personal development, networking, and social experiences. She compares the educational systems of Nigeria and America, highlighting the supportive nature of American colleges. Bianim shares practical advice on course selection, balancing academics wit...