Podcast
Restitch America
Hosted by Alma Ohene-Opare · EN
Restitch America, a podcast about restoring the threads of civility, strengthening the ties of patriotism and rebuilding the bonds of unity in America.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Case for Boundaries in a Borderless Culture | Latrice Littleton
Feb 1100:41:14Tap to summarizeAre boundaries a form of protection—or a form of oppression?In this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with media creator and cultural commentator Latrice Littleton for a powerful conversation centered on the article “A Fence Is Not a Prison.” Together, they unpack the difference between boundaries and barriers, and why modern culture often confuses structure with control and protection with punishment.This conversation explores how healthy limits create freedom, not fear—and why societies, families, and communities need moral and cultural frameworks to thrive. Alma and Latrice challenge the narrative that all fences are cages, showing instead how structure preserves dignity, safety, identity, and human flourishing.About the GuestLatrice Littleton is a media creator and digital voice shaping conversations around culture, truth, identity, and personal responsibility. Known for her thoughtful insights and bold clarity, Latrice uses her platform to challenge narratives and encourage deeper thinking about freedom, values, and community.Follow Latrice: @latricelittleton In This Episode, You’ll Hear:The meaning behind “a fence is not a prison”Why boundaries are essential for freedom and flourishingHow culture confuses protection with oppressionThe role of structure in healthy communitiesWhy limits don’t erase freedom—they make it sustainableThis episode is a timely and thought-provoking conversation about freedom, boundaries, identity, and truth in a culture that increasingly resists all forms of structure.Be sure to vSubscribe to Restitch America for conversations that restore meaning, clarity, and cultural coherence—one conversation at a time.Substack: www.willfulpositivity.com
Transcribe →Justice Needs Context: Fleeing Iran, Freedom, and Truth | Dr. Sheila Nazarian
Jan 2800:57:33Tap to summarizeWhat does justice mean when it’s stripped of context—and what happens when societies forget the cost of freedom?In this powerful episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with Dr. Sheila Nazarian, an Iranian-American physician, entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for truth, to discuss her extraordinary journey fleeing Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and building a life in the United States.Grounded in the article “Justice Needs Context,” this conversation explores why justice cannot exist in abstraction—only within history, culture, and lived experience. Dr. Nazarian shares firsthand insight into life under an authoritarian regime, the dangers of ideological amnesia, and why Americans must understand freedom before redefining justice.Together, Alma and Dr. Nazarian examine how narratives around oppression, privilege, and power shift when viewed through the lens of immigrants who escaped tyranny—and why gratitude, perspective, and courage are essential to preserving a free society.About the Guest:Dr. Sheila Nazarian is a board-certified plastic surgeon, successful entrepreneur, television personality, and outspoken activist. After establishing a leading private medical practice, she founded multiple ventures including NazarianSkin, The Skin Spot, Spa26, and Physique26. She rose to national prominence through appearances on major media outlets and her starring role in Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series Skin Decision: Before and After.Beyond medicine and business, Dr. Nazarian is known for her fearless advocacy, using her platform to speak out on freedom, justice, and cultural truth. As an Iranian immigrant who fled religious extremism, she brings rare moral clarity to conversations about liberty, responsibility, and the cost of silence.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:- Dr. Nazarian’s story of escaping Iran after the fall of the Shah- Why justice without historical and moral context becomes dangerous- How lived experience reshapes conversations about oppression and freedom- The responsibility of free societies to protect truth, courage, and gratitude- Why immigrants who fled tyranny see America differently—and why that mattersThis episode is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with questions of justice, freedom, immigration, and cultural memory in America today.👉 Subscribe to Restitch America for weekly conversations that restore meaning, context, and unity—stitch by stitch.Join our community: www.willfulpositivity.com
Transcribe →Why Family, Not Government, Is the Foundation of Society | Jackson Lahmeyer
Jan 2100:50:25Tap to summarizeWhat happens to a society when the family weakens—and institutions try to take its place?In this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with Jackson Lahmeyer to explore the ideas behind the article “Family: The Original Social Safety Net.” Together, they discuss why family was humanity’s first source of protection, identity, and responsibility—and why no government program can truly replace it.This conversation unpacks how strong families shape strong citizens, how cultural shifts have redefined responsibility and belonging, and why restoring family as a foundational institution is essential for America’s future. From faith and civic life to youth engagement and leadership, this episode challenges listeners to rethink where real support, stability, and community begin.About the GuestJackson Lahmeyer is a national faith leader, conservative voice, and a member of the White House Faith Council, where he helps guide spiritual and policy direction. He was present when Donald J. Trump signed the Executive Order establishing the council.He is the founder of Pastors For Trump, a nationwide coalition uniting Christian leaders across all 50 states to engage boldly in the public square. Jackson also serves as lead pastor of Sheridan Church and founder of Sheridan Bible College, where he mentors the next generation of leaders committed to faith, freedom, and service.Connect with Jackson:Website: www.jacksonlahmeyer.comInstagram: @jacksonlahmeyerTwitter/X: @JacksonLahmeyerFacebook: facebook.com/jacksonlahmeyer🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Hear:Why family existed before governments, policies, or institutionsHow over-reliance on the state weakens relational responsibilityThe role of faith, community, and leadership in rebuilding familiesWhy strong families are essential to strong citizenship and national unityIf you care about faith, family, culture, and the future of America, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Subscribe for weekly conversations on culture, unity, and restoring what holds America together—stitch by stitch.Subscribe: www.willfulpositivity.com
Transcribe →The Tolerance Paradox Explained | Lisa Ekman
Jan 1400:56:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with Lisa Ekman, a thoughtful voice on cultural cohesion and civil dialogue, to unpack the ideas in the article “The Tolerance Paradox.”What happens when tolerance becomes an excuse to ignore truth? When openness to difference turns into division? And when the very thing meant to unify us — acceptance — ends up eroding the moral and civic bonds that hold communities together?Alma and Lisa explore how modern culture’s approach to tolerance can backfire, leaving people unmoored, disengaged, or at odds with one another. They dive into how tolerance can be re-understood not as passive acceptance of all things, but as a practice rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and the courage to disagree well.This conversation is ideal for anyone who cares about:• What tolerance really means in a complex society• Why acceptance shouldn’t dismiss truth or principles• How communities can balance difference with shared identity• How cultural dialogue can move from signal-blocking to bridge-building• Practical ways to live alongside disagreement with civilityGuest Bio:Lisa Ekman is an author, patriot, and former Washington, D.C. advocate who spent over two decades working on disability policy across government, nonprofit, and legislative spaces. After leaving Washington in 2020, she moved to a farm in Virginia and began publicly reflecting on culture, ideology, and civic responsibility. Lisa is the author of Deprogramming Democrats & unEducating the Elites and now speaks and writes about restoring truth, unity, and moral clarity in American life.Connect with Lisa: X: @deprogrammeddemWebsite: demprogrammingdemocrats.com👉 Subscribe to Restitch America for weekly conversations that strengthen purpose, connection, and shared citizenship.Subscribe: www.willfulpositivity.com
Transcribe →Being An Example of Light In A Negative World | A Christmas Special with Dr. Ginny Murtaugh
Dec 2400:56:47Tap to summarizeCan positivity be a discipline — not just a feeling — especially in a season meant for hope?In this special Christmas-season episode, Alma Ohene-Opare is joined by Dr. Ginny Murtaugh, retired dentist, artist, and graduate student in positive psychology, for a timely conversation inspired by the article “Willful Positivity in a Negative Age.”Together, Alma and Ginny explore what it means to practice intentional optimism in a culture overwhelmed by cynicism, outrage, and constant negativity — and why the Christmas season calls us back to meaning, gratitude, and renewal.Ginny brings a unique perspective shaped by 30 years in dentistry, her current studies in positive psychology at the University of Missouri, and her lifelong commitment to learning, creativity, and human flourishing. From neuroscience to daily habits, she explains how positivity can be cultivated — personally, relationally, and culturally.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why positivity must be chosen — not passively hoped forHow Christmas reminds us of light in dark seasonsThe role of gratitude, meaning, and responsibility in mental well-beingHow positive psychology can strengthen individuals, families, and communitiesWhy cultivating hope is an act of courage in today’s cultureThis conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose joy with intention — not as escapism, but as a disciplined response to a fractured world. Perfect for the Christmas season and anyone seeking clarity, hope, and purpose.
Transcribe →The Immigration Debate We Aren’t Having: Why Assimilation Matters | Cler Patriot
Dec 1000:51:11Tap to summarizeWhat holds America together — heritage or values? Culture or policy? In this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with political commentator Cler Patriot to explore one of the most defining questions of our time: does immigration work without assimilation?Inspired by the article “Immigration Without Assimilation” on Willful Positivity, this conversation goes beyond politics and dives into what makes the American experiment possible in the first place — a shared culture, a common language, and a commitment to the ideals written into the Constitution.Alma and Cler discuss: Why the U.S. historically required assimilation to thrive How identity politics and cultural fragmentation weaken unity The difference between honoring heritage and rejecting American values Why assimilation isn’t erasure — it’s participation What happens when immigrant communities are encouraged to separate rather than integrate How we can rebuild a culture of shared responsibility and civic identityFrom lived experience to cultural observation, Alma and Cler explore the tension between diversity and unity — and why real patriotism means adding your story to the American story, not tearing pages out of it.If you believe that America can be a unified nation of many backgrounds, this episode is for you.Join the conversation — and help Restitch America, one shared value at a time.Be a part of our community and subscribe @ www.willfulpositivity.comConnect with our guest:IG, X, TikTok and Facebook : @clerpatriot
Transcribe →From Ghana to American: Why I Love This Country More Than Most People Born Here | Alma Ohene-Opare
Dec 302:20:37Tap to summarizeAlma Ohene-Opare grew up in Ghana during military coups, famine, and dictatorship. He watched his mother build schools and a university from nothing. He lost five dogs to DDT poisoning at age 6. He made a pinhole camera because a physics book told him to — and then realized he could never develop the film because the resources simply didn’t exist.That moment broke something in him… and lit a fire that burned until he finally touched American soil.In this nearly 3-hour conversation, Alma explains:- Why America is the only place on earth where you can wake up with an idea and have a working prototype by sundown - Why socialism always contains “a teaspoon of dog poop” no matter how good it smells - Why true justice can only come from God, not government - How his mother educated over 10,000 kids with the motto: “We train leaders, others train the rest” - The day he took the oath of citizenship and finally put his hand over his heart during the national anthem after 18 years of waiting - Standing at the exact spot where Charlie Kirk was assassinated and what it means for all of usThis is not political talking points. This is raw gratitude from a man who knows exactly what the alternative looks like.If you’ve ever taken your American privilege for granted — watch this. If you have kids who think the American Dream is dead — make them watch this. If you’re tired of the noise and just want to hear truth spoken with love — this episode is for you.Alma’s book: “A Vision of Greatness: An Immigrant’s Unyielding Pursuit of the American Dream” – Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDF5BLJ4/?bestFormat=true&k=my%20american%20privilege%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_22_de&crid=MQRO7V0MRYS4&sprefix=my%20american%20privilage%20Connect With Alma! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@UC-JXKDg4ow2-ND0nFYj_pYw TikTok, IG, Facebook: @willfulpositivityConnect With Micah!Youtube: www.youtube.com/@UCbDRG3_xrVcBHEGnr_0psyw IG: @micahgoodman @americas.podcastsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro & How We Met 04:30 – Born in Ghana Right After Famine & Military Coups 15:45 – The Legend of Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings 28:10 – Growing Up With 7 Dogs, Ducks, Sheep & Massive Responsibility 37:00 – The Day 5 of His Dogs Died (age 6) 44:20 – His Mother’s Insane Legacy (Built a University From Nothing) 53:30 – Teaching Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah in 6th Grade → Drafted #5 Overall by Detroit Lions 1:03:00 – The Photo That Changed His Life Forever (Dad Touching a Dolphin) 1:12:00 – The Pinhole Camera That Broke His Heart 1:23:00 – Why America Freed Him From “Mental Slavery” 1:35:00 – Socialism = A Teaspoon of Dog Poop in Your Favorite Meal 1:52:00 – Why It’s Impossible to Be Christian and Socialist 2:10:00 – Becoming a U.S. Citizen After 18 Years 2:25:00 – Standing at the Spot Where Charlie Kirk Was Assassinated 2:40:00 – Final Message to Young AmericansIf this moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Transcribe →Why Merit Matters More Than Representation | Nyisha
Nov 2600:50:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with content creator Nyisha (@nyishaloraine) to dive deep into the provocative essay “Why Merit Matters More Than Representation.” Together, they explore what it looks like to value excellence and character above identity, and why merit should not be abandoned in the name of equality.Nyisha shares her own journey as a media-maker, discussing how she navigates identity politics, excellence, and opportunity in a digital age. Alma and Nyisha challenge the often polarized narrative that pits representation against merit — arguing instead for a society rooted in shared principles, hard work, and personal responsibility.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:Why representation can’t be the ultimate goal — and how merit preserves freedom, dignity, and long-term excellenceThe risks of identity-first culture for civic trust and institutional integrityNyisha’s personal experiences balancing identity, creativity, and excellenceHow merit-based thinking can help us build a more just, cohesive, and forward-looking AmericaConcrete ideas for how individuals and institutions can recommit to merit, while still being inclusiveTune in if you believe:Real opportunity means appreciating character, not just categoriesIdentity politics shouldn’t overshadow the pursuit of excellenceRebuilding America’s moral and civic fabric requires valuing substance over mere representationConnect with Us!Substack: www.willfulpositivity.comTikTok, IG, Facebook: @willfulpositivityConnect with our Guest!Instagram: @nyishaloraine
Transcribe →United in What Matters: Why America Needs Shared Values Again | Anna Matson
Nov 1900:53:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare talks with Anna Matson about the themes of Alma’s essay “United in What Matters.” Together they explore how Americans can reclaim shared ground by focusing on core values — dignity, faith, family, and civic responsibility — instead of letting minor doctrinal or political differences drive us apart.Anna and Alma discuss how tribalism and purity tests fracture communities, why we too often define each other by disagreement rather than common convictions, and practical ways to rebuild trust across divides. They emphasize that unity does not require uniformity: instead, it asks us to locate the deep moral terrain we already share and act from it.The conversation also pauses to reflect on the recent Grand Blanc, Michigan attack on an LDS church — a tragic reminder of how quickly social bonds can be shattered and why compassionate solidarity matters now more than ever. Alma and Anna call listeners to mourn together, resist moral distancing, and recommit to protecting the sacred spaces and values that bind communities.If you’re craving honest dialogue, value-driven conversation, and a hopeful roadmap for rebuilding trust in America, this episode is for you.Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s start restitching the nation — one conversation at a time.Connect with us!Website: www.willfulpositivity.comConnect with our guest Anna!Website: www.annamatson.comX, IG, TikTok: @annarmatson
Transcribe →When the Foundation Fails: Rebuilding America’s Moral Core | Athena (@therealathenak)
Nov 1200:48:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Restitch America, host Alma Ohene-Opare sits down with Athena (@therealathenak) — a conservative political commentator known for her bold, common-sense approach to politics on TikTok and Instagram.Together, they unpack the themes of Alma’s essay, “When the Foundation Fails,” exploring what happens when a nation drifts from its founding principles and moral compass. Athena shares her personal journey — why she walked away from the Left, the cost of speaking truth in today’s culture, and how Americans can rebuild unity without sacrificing conviction.This conversation dives deep into questions of faith, freedom, family, and the civic duty of every generation to guard the foundation of liberty before it collapses.Connect with Athena:Tiktok- therealathenakInstagram- athenaschats
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