Ep 137: I Am The Incarnate of My Grandfather ft Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo aka Dr Damages

Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo is an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts in NYC teaching Post-Colonial African History, and a columnist at the Peoples Gazette. Rudolf has authored multiple books that include "This American Life Sef", "Children of a Retired God" & "Chimamanda" amongst many others. Rudolf is also the host of Dr. Damages, a political satirical show covering the African political space and holding officials accountable (most in Nigeria). Yes, Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo = Dr. Damages.   Rudolf shares powerful stories about the Igbo culture that he is from, beginning with his name. Why his father may have decided to name Rudolf gets tackled, to sacred animals and why they have become scarce or possibly extinct in his hometown. The main thing for me was reincarnation, I had heard of it being talked about in an unserious manner across different ethnic groups but never before had I been face to face with someone who is incarnate of their grandfather. That experience of having to go through a funeral for the burial of the person for whom you are supposed to be his/her reincarnation. It's like attending your own funeral.   Rudolf breaks down the birth of his pen name Dr. Damages, how many tables he shook, escaping from IBB (former military dictator of Nigeria), arriving in the United States, and meeting and marrying his wife. Did you know that Rudolf was in a band? This is one episode that you don't want to miss out on and will definitely have a Part II sometime next year.  

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