(Austin, Texas) Episode 186 and 187 are a two-part conversation with actor Iba Thiam (@IbaAwaThiam), who lives here in Austin. We recorded in the car while Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) handled the roads, this was Iba’s first time experiencing it.
He is known for roles in Alita: Battle Angel, Queen of the South (Bilal), The Chosen, The Leftovers, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. What I loved about this episode is that it is not only a first-FSD reaction. It is also the story of how he came to America from Senegal, how he got started as an actor, and how he learned to belong in a new place.
We split it into two parts because the conversation kept opening up.
Watch Part 1 here (first FSD ride, acting career, coming to America):
Watch Part 2 here (the conversation continues and gets even more interesting):
The Full Experience
Iba sat in the passenger seat for his first supervised FSD ride and was genuinely amazed watching the car take over. That first-time reaction never gets old. You can see it on his face: the car is the captain now, and we get to talk.
While FSD moved us through Austin, Iba talked about:
- How he got into acting and the grind of finding representation (including those “speed dating” sessions with agents)
- Coming to America and what it takes to feel like you belong
- How easy it is to take ordinary things for granted
- Why he likes being a little uncomfortable — that is often where the next chapter starts
- Phones as one of the biggest causes of accidents, which landed differently while the car was driving itself
Part 2 stays in Austin and goes deeper. Same warmth, same curiosity, more of the story.
Why This One Matters
This is the kind of episode I want more of. A working actor who lives in this city, experiencing Tesla FSD for the first time, talking honestly about craft, risk, and starting over. The technology is the setting. The person is the point.
If you have ever wondered what it feels like to hand the wheel to FSD with someone seeing it for the first time, start with Part 1. If you want the rest of Iba’s story, go straight into Part 2.
Join the Conversation
Have you watched Episodes 186 and 187 yet? What stood out — Iba’s first FSD reaction, his path into acting, or the conversation about belonging?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every one.
Follow Iba on X: @IbaAwaThiam
Stay curious. Stay adventurous. And keep enjoying the ride ahead! 🚕✨
Previous on the blog: Episode 172 – Zuby
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