On this episode of State of Independence, Joe Watkins interviews Dr. Nche Zama. He was born to illiterate parents in a grass hut, on the western coast of Africa. As a teenager, he came to America with $20 in his pocket—and shortly after arriving, he became homeless. Today he’s a celebrated cardiothoracic surgeon who studied at Cleveland Clinic and Harvard—with a Ph.D. in chemistry, a master’s degree in management, and of course, a medical degree. (Original airdate 9-23-22)