Are You AFRICAN, Going up in America? How is your mental health?

What if the happiest time of your life was when you had the least? For filmmaker Melhik Hailu, a childhood in Ethiopia without consistent electricity or water was the definition of normalcy and joy. But moving to America as a teenager triggered a profound culture shock and a "quarter-life crisis" that forced him to dismantle and rebuild his own identity.

In this gripping conversation, host Lira Ndifon and Melhik go far beyond a typical immigrant story. They explore the invisible backpack of experiences we all carry and what it truly means to find your place in a world that sees you as something you're not. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, empathy, and the courage required to define yourself on your own terms.

You will learn:

• The Immigrant's Dilemma: What happens when you're caught between two cultures—one in your heart and one on your passport? Malik provides a powerful lens on navigating America's complex racial landscape as an African man.
• The Crisis of Modern Manhood: Why are men taught to "man up" and suppress their emotions, and what is the devastating cost? Malik and Lira break down the barriers to male mental health and offer a blueprint for building supportive communities.
• The Power of Perspective: How does growing up in "survival mode" change the way you see first-world problems, success, and the pursuit of happiness?
• Building a Legacy: How do you honor the world you came from while building a future in a new one? Discover Malik's inspiring mission to empower the next generation of filmmakers back in Ethiopia.

This is a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends, challenging you to reflect on your own journey, privileges, and the very definition of what it means to be home.