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In this powerful episode of The International Book Show, host Makonnen Sankofa welcomes historian and author Simon Hudson for an illuminating discussion about his two-volume work, History Through the Black Experience.
Hudson shares the vision behind his books, which re-center global history through the lives, struggles, and triumphs of African and African-descended peoples across continents and generations.
Hudson’s books explore ancient African civilisations, cultural brilliance, the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, colonial disruption, liberation movements, and the ongoing challenges faced by African societies and the diaspora.
Through this interview, Hudson highlights the resilience, innovation, and resistance that define the Black experience, while highlighting their relevance today.
In this enlightening episode of The International Book Show, host Makonnen Sankofa engages author James Baihinga.
Baihinga opens up about the political pressures, economic struggles, and social realities that influence life across many African societies, bringing attention to the challenges communities face in the wake of corruption, exploitation, resource battles, and post-conflict rebuilding.
Throughout the discussion, Baihinga and Sankofa explore themes such as justice, leadership, and inequality. Their conversation sheds light on the urgent need to address the issues affecting the African continent today.
🎙️ Women of the Waiting Room with Carolyn Coleman
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carolyn Coleman—author, nurse, and one of the Fab 7 co-authors of Women of the Waiting Room: Surgery for Your Soul, the transformative new anthology and devotional created by visionary author Jacquiline “Listen Linda” Cox.
Carolyn shares her deeply personal perspective on what it means to be “in the waiting room”—those seasons of life when faith is tested, healing is delayed, and purpose feels just out of reach. Drawing from over three decades of experience as a critical-care nurse and a lifetime of faith, she discusses how moments of stillness and uncertainty can become powerful spaces for spiritual surgery, inner growth, and divine alignment.
Together, we explore how Women of the Waiting Room—a collaboration between Jacquiline Cox, LaQuita Parks, Dr. Velma Bagby, Dr. AudreyAnn Moses, Melanie “The Voice” Johnson, Theresa Dorsey, and Carolyn Coleman—intertwines devotional reflections, poetry, and testimonies from 33 contributing women.
An insightful conversation with author Vincent Krivda as we uncover the stories behind the stories — exploring how oral traditions shaped the origins of Genesis and influenced the messages we know today.
We’ll also journey into Pharaoh’s Power, where Krivda blends historical analysis and creative insight to reimagine the Bible’s most powerful figures through the lens of historical fiction.
This episode shines a light on the intersection of faith, history, and storytelling — revealing how ancient words continue to inspire modern understanding.
🎙️ Host: Makonnen Sankofa
🎨 Guest: Thea Wray
A vibrant conversation about Anancy Tek a Trip — the story of Anancy the Magic Spiderman, who travels from Jamaica on a banana boat in search of his relatives in England.
Originally from Ghana, Anansi’s tales were first told in the Akan language of the Ashanti and carried across the Atlantic during the slave trade. In Jamaica, these colourful stories came alive through the legendary Miss Lou (The Hon. Dr. Louise Bennett Coverley), who celebrated Jamaican patois and culture through her storytelling.
Anancy’s fictional relatives now find themselves in Peckham, echoing the real-life journeys of the Windrush generation who landed at Tilbury Docks. Author Thea Wray, also based in Peckham, continues this storytelling legacy — bringing Anancy’s mischievous adventures to a new generation.
Host Makonnen Sankofa sits down with Phil Coffin, author of When Baseball Was Still Topps: Portraits of the Game in 1959, Card by Card and A Baseball Book of Days: Thirty-One Moments That Transformed the Game.
In this nostalgic and insightful conversation, Phil Coffin takes listeners back to the heart of America’s pastime — when baseball wasn’t just a sport, but a shared cultural experience. Through his deep dives into the 1959 Topps card set, Coffin paints a vivid picture of the players, teams, and spirit that defined mid-century baseball.
He also shares highlights from A Baseball Book of Days, a creative “calendar of moments” that celebrates the turning points, triumphs, and oddities that shaped the game — one day, one story at a time.
This episode captures the magic, memory, and meaning of baseball that continue to echo through generations.
Host Makonnen Sankofa interviews Marcine M. Moore about Marcine's compelling book, Gemini Echoes.
Gemini Echoes explores the deep emotional connections and hidden tensions between twin sisters whose lives take dramatically different paths. As secrets from their past begin to surface, the story dives into themes of identity, family bonds, trauma, and healing — asking how far we’ll go to protect those we love, and what happens when echoes from the past refuse to stay silent.
🎙️ Podcast Summary: The International Book Show
Host: Makonnen Sankofa
Guest: Chiatulah “Chi” Ameke, Author
Featured Works: Black Lives Rising & Black Lives Shining
In this powerful episode, author Chiatulah "Chi" Ameke joins host Makonnen Sankofa to discuss two deeply moving works: Black Lives Rising and Black Lives Shining.
Black Lives Rising is a gripping collection of 33 flash fiction stories—some standalone, others interwoven—that explore the lived and imagined realities of Black life in a world shaped by racial injustice. Through satire, speculative fiction, and emotional depth, Ameke examines themes like systemic racism, identity, protest, silence, and generational memory. Standout stories include the rise of the first Black pope, children confronting police violence, and a haunting monologue from a boy who never speaks. It’s raw, urgent, and unflinching—a literary call to action.
In contrast, Black Lives Shining offers 40 inspirational narratives focused on spiritual awakening, resilience, and the triumphs of Black individuals rising into purpose. More motivational and metaphysical in tone, this book invites readers not just to witness change but to become part of it—answering a higher calling to rise and shine in their own lives.
On this episode of The International Book Show, Makonnen Sankofa interviews author Kyle Powell about his bold and provocative new novel, More Black People: Diving into the Dark Side of Diversity and Inclusion.
Set within the slick walls of top advertising agency Inertia, the story follows Jonathan Archer, a reserved Black graphic designer unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as the company’s new D&I Champion — not out of merit, but as part of a calculated corporate strategy. As Jonathan navigates office politics, a growing romance with the capable Jenna, and a high-stakes political campaign for rising Black MP Calvin James, deeper questions begin to surface: Is this push for diversity genuine, or just another branding exercise?
Meanwhile, members of the far-right group National Britain First plot to sabotage Calvin’s campaign through violent means — culminating in an assassination attempt that could change everything.
In this eye-opening discussion, Kyle Powell explores how performative allyship, corporate ambition, and political extremism collide — and what happens when someone like Jonathan decides to push back.
Elonzo Phillips to discuss his explosive new book, The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III.
The story follows Jimmy James III, a brilliant high schooler who wakes up at a horrifying crime scene — covered in blood, accused of murdering two classmates, and with the entire school watching. Now branded a killer and hunted by law enforcement at every level, Jimmy must prove his innocence while hiding in the very city that condemns him.
In this powerful episode of The International Book Show, host Makonnen Sankofa speaks with writer Fanen Chiaheman about her deeply moving debut, Never Make A Sound—a raw, poetic narrative that explores childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and the quiet power of resilience.
Told through a blend of short stories and poetry, the book follows a young girl growing up in a turbulent, emotionally barren household. Unable to make sense of her pain, she retreats into an inner fantasy world—one that both protects and isolates her. As her behaviour grows increasingly erratic, the adults around her fail to respond with care or understanding, deepening her sense of alienation.
Makonnen Sankofa interviews Tom Coffey, author of the books called Special Victim and Public Morals.
Tom Coffey’s book Public Morals tells the story of Terence Devine, a disgraced NYPD officer caught in a corruption scandal, sentenced to life for a murder he claims he didn’t commit. Years later, his daughter, Sheila, a documentary filmmaker, investigates his case, uncovering dangerous secrets that threaten her life.
In Tom Coffey’s second book Special Victim, Sheila Devine digs into the wrongful conviction of four young men in a controversial assault case, facing challenges that could cost her everything as she uncovers the truth behind the corruption.
Makonnen Sankofa interviews MeShorn T. Floyd Daniels, author of "I Am Not Your Black, America!"
MeShorn Daniels challenges how racial identity—especially the label “Black”—has been constructed by dominant culture rather than by the people to whom it’s applied. He argues that these labels are often imposed, restrictive, and do not reflect the full humanity of those they purport to describe. His goal is to invite both self‑reflection and social change: to unlearn harmful labels and paradigms, and to relearn identity rooted in truth, purpose, and personal dignity.