Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
What happens when a Nigerian violinist refuses to follow the rules? Meet Demola the Violinist, a genre-defying musician who’s rewriting the rules of classical music with pure sonic instinct.
In this episode, Demola sits down with Imamu Tomlinson, MD to talk about his early musical influences, why he walked away from a PhD program, and the moment he realized no one was going to believe in his dream—except him. They unpack how culture shapes ambition, the pressure to conform, and how Demola turned doubt into drive.
This is how Demola the Violinist broke cultural norms and redefined what a modern violinist can be.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

4 days ago
4 days ago
What happens when a Nigerian violinist refuses to follow the rules? Meet Demola the Violinist, a genre-defying musician who’s rewriting the rules of classical music with pure sonic instinct.
In this episode, Demola sits down with Imamu Tomlinson, MD to talk about his early musical influences, why he walked away from a PhD program, and the moment he realized no one was going to believe in his dream—except him. They unpack how culture shapes ambition, the pressure to conform, and how Demola turned doubt into drive.
This is how Demola the Violinist broke cultural norms and redefined what a modern violinist can be.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, freedom activist, Leopoldo López, explores the superpower that sustained him through the darkest moments of his fight for freedom—his family. From proposing with a vow to love both his wife and their country, to finding unexpected companionship in a wild bird during solitary confinement, López opens up about the emotional resilience required to keep going when the world tries to silence you.
Tomlinson and López also discuss what it means to emerge from struggle with purpose instead of bitterness. From building movements behind prison walls to orchestrating a daring escape during the COVID-19 lockdown, López reflects on how true leadership means lifting others—even when you’re the one being held down.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, freedom activist, Leopoldo López, explores the superpower that sustained him through the darkest moments of his fight for freedom—his family. From proposing with a vow to love both his wife and their country, to finding unexpected companionship in a wild bird during solitary confinement, López opens up about the emotional resilience required to keep going when the world tries to silence you.
Tomlinson and López also discuss what it means to emerge from struggle with purpose instead of bitterness. From building movements behind prison walls to orchestrating a daring escape during the COVID-19 lockdown, López reflects on how true leadership means lifting others—even when you’re the one being held down.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Leopoldo’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and conviction. From a promising career as an economist in Venezuela to running for office against a rising dictatorship, Leopoldo refused to let others define his potential.
Disqualified from elections, forced into hiding, and enduring four years of solitary confinement, Leopoldo never surrendered. He turned himself in, not as a victim, but as a leader, proving the strength of his movement. In his darkest moments, he chose conviction over fear, refusing to let the regime define him.
In part 1 of this powerful conversation, Leopoldo López shares with Imamu Tomlinson what it takes to build true leadership. It’s not by chasing ballots, but by empowering others to lead.
Together, they explore what it takes to build movements, empower others, and stay true to your values in the face of adversity.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Leopoldo’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and conviction. From a promising career as an economist in Venezuela to running for office against a rising dictatorship, Leopoldo refused to let others define his potential.
Disqualified from elections, forced into hiding, and enduring four years of solitary confinement, Leopoldo never surrendered. He turned himself in, not as a victim, but as a leader, proving the strength of his movement. In his darkest moments, he chose conviction over fear, refusing to let the regime define him.
In part 1 of this powerful conversation, Leopoldo López shares with Imamu Tomlinson what it takes to build true leadership. It’s not by chasing ballots, but by empowering others to lead.
Together, they explore what it takes to build movements, empower others, and stay true to your values in the face of adversity.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
In Part 1, Hasan Minhaj and Imamu Tomlinson unpacked what it means to challenge the status quo—whether in comedy, healthcare, or life. They explored how breaking cultural and professional barriers leads to real change. Now, in Part 2, they go even deeper.
Minhaj reflects on his journey at 39: the power of persistence, the art of the pivot, and the lifelong pursuit of integrity. He shares the defining moment of his career (Homecoming King), cold-calls family members to discover his own superpower (toxic positivity?), and questions what truly makes someone successful.
Meanwhile, Tomlinson opens up about his unconventional path—how he ended up leading in healthcare, why his base emotion is anger (in a productive way), and how he sees leadership as storytelling.
And through it all, one truth stands: You don’t have to be the best. You just have to do your best.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
In Part 1, Hasan Minhaj and Imamu Tomlinson unpacked what it means to challenge the status quo—whether in comedy, healthcare, or life. They explored how breaking cultural and professional barriers leads to real change. Now, in Part 2, they go even deeper.
Minhaj reflects on his journey at 39: the power of persistence, the art of the pivot, and the lifelong pursuit of integrity. He shares the defining moment of his career (Homecoming King), cold-calls family members to discover his own superpower (toxic positivity?), and questions what truly makes someone successful.
Meanwhile, Tomlinson opens up about his unconventional path—how he ended up leading in healthcare, why his base emotion is anger (in a productive way), and how he sees leadership as storytelling.
And through it all, one truth stands: You don’t have to be the best. You just have to do your best.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
In Part 1 of this compelling conversation, Imamu Tomlinson and Hasan Minhaj dive into their shared philosophy of challenging the status quo and pushing beyond societal norms. Minhaj, known for his fearless storytelling and incisive social commentary, reflects on his journey in comedy—how breaking conventional molds and embracing his unique voice led to success. Tomlinson parallels his path in healthcare leadership, where innovation and disruption have been key to transforming patient care and improving lives.
Together, they explore how breaking racial, cultural, or professional barriers creates meaningful change. Their conversation sets the stage for a deeper dive in Part 2, where they will further discuss resilience, leadership, and how their experiences continue to shape their approaches to success.
Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In Part 1 of this compelling conversation, Imamu Tomlinson and Hasan Minhaj dive into their shared philosophy of challenging the status quo and pushing beyond societal norms. Minhaj, known for his fearless storytelling and incisive social commentary, reflects on his journey in comedy—how breaking conventional molds and embracing his unique voice led to success. Tomlinson parallels his path in healthcare leadership, where innovation and disruption have been key to transforming patient care and improving lives.
Together, they explore how breaking racial, cultural, or professional barriers creates meaningful change. Their conversation sets the stage for a deeper dive in Part 2, where they will further discuss resilience, leadership, and how their experiences continue to shape their approaches to success.