Episode

Why I Was Locked Out Of The USA For 5 Years (And Why I'm Finally Going Back)

Podcast: The Akira The Don Podcast
Published: May 7, 2026
Duration seconds: 214
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Summary

After being unexpectedly barred from the USA due to pandemic-era travel restrictions, Akira The Don recounts his five-year journey living in Mexico. He shares how he rebuilt his musical career from a makeshift jungle studio and prepares for his eventual return to Texas.

Topics

Music Production
Expat Life
US Visa Issues
Studio Building
Mexico
Texas
Creative Resilience
Travel Restrictions

Highlights

Main idea: Unexpected US travel mandates forced a sudden relocation from Texas to Mexico
Practical takeaway: Creative output can be maintained even when working with minimal, makeshift equipment
Failure mode: Relying on predictable visa timelines during periods of high geopolitical and health-related volatility
Resilience lesson: Building a sanctuary and a professional studio from scratch in a new environment
Current status: Preparing for a permanent move back to the USA as restrictions have lifted

Chapters

0:00 The Impending Move: Preparing to leave the current studio and the uncertainty of the next musical chapter.
0:30 The Texas Era: Reflecting on life in Texas and the home studio built in a garage before the disruption.
1:00 The Lockdown: How sudden US entry restrictions for foreign nationals forced the family into Mexico.
1:30 Life in the Mexican Jungle: Adapting to life in an Airbnb and the process of rebuilding a studio piece by piece.
2:00 The Sanctuary: The success of constructing a professional-grade studio in Mexico and the music created there.
2:30 Returning to the USA: The decision to move back to the US and the challenges of starting over without a studio.
3:00 Supporting the Journey: An update on the Waverider mixtape campaign and community support.