Shows
ImmigrantlyHot Takes & Dumpling Folds With Irene LiDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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What does it mean to cook with care, lead with equity, and challenge the rules of authenticity? In this episode, chef and entrepreneur Irene Li joins Saadia Khan for a powerful conversation about identity, food systems, and the evolving meaning of tradition. As the youngest-ever James Beard Leadership Award winner and co-founder of Mei...2025-08-0556 minImmigrantlyMangoes, Chaat & Belonging: A Summer StoryDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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In this solo episode, Saadia Khan reflects on a summer of sensory memories, identity reckonings, and quiet realizations. From savoring mangoes and parathas in a sweltering Pakistan to noticing who gets pulled aside at airport security, she unpacks what it means to belong, especially when systems say otherwise. The episode revisits powerful moments from...2025-07-2909 minImmigrantlyWhy Rajeev Balasubramanyam Says Identity Will Be Our DownfallDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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What happens when you stop chasing success, stop clinging to culture, and start questioning your own sense of self? In this introspective and provocative episode, host Saadia Khan sits down with philosopher, author, and content creator Rajeev Balasubramanyam to unpack everything from immigrant ambition to ego, burnout, respect, and the illusion of identity.2025-07-2252 minImmigrantlySacred & Seen: Sangeetha Kowsik on Art, Inclusion and Spiritual Pluralism
Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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What happens when you blend Arabic calligraphy with Hindu iconography? This week on Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with artist, chaplain, and designer Sangeetha Kowsik, the visionary behind Ihsan Ishan Design. From working with Jennifer Lopez and leading design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to becoming a Hindu cha...2025-07-1545 minImmigrantlyWho Gets to Be American? A History of Birthright Citizenship on TrialDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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What does it really mean to be an American? In this riveting episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan takes us on a powerful journey from the landmark 1898 Supreme Court case of Wong Kim Ark to Donald Trump’s 2025 executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Through historical context, legal nuance, and ra...2025-07-0842 minImmigrantlyOutward And Inward Conversations with Zohran Mamdani (July 2020)Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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In this special re-release, host Saadia Khan sits down with Zohran Kwame Mamdani, recorded back in 2020, just after his groundbreaking win in the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly. At the time, Zohran was a first-time candidate who unseated a 10-year incumbent in Queens, fueled by grassroots energy and a bold progressive vision.
Fas...2025-07-0140 minImmigrantlyPlot Twists, Politics & Love StoriesDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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Host Saadia Khan sits down with writer and historian Nishant Batsha to unpack how a pre-med dropout became a fiction powerhouse. From tracing Indian indenture across Fiji and Trinidad to crafting love stories set against political upheaval, Nishant’s novels explore what it means to belong when history keeps forgetting you. They talk a...2025-06-2455 minImmigrantlyReverse Immigration, Siestas & Sound DesignDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Immigrantly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
What happens when a digital nomad, a podcaster, and an outsider all converge in one person? Meet Jeremiah Tittle, CEO of Next Chapter Po...2025-06-1749 minImmigrantlyInheriting Narratives (July 2024)Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Immigrantly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
A quick note before we start. For Immigrant Heritage Month, we are revisiting one of those conversations that stays with you. Today's guest is ...2025-06-1048 minImmigrantlyFood Is Never Just FoodDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Immigrantly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
We love to romanticize food as a universal connector. But behind every plate is a story of pow...2025-06-0353 minImmigrantlySo Many Stars, So Many Ways to Be FreeDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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What does it mean to belong when your identity defies borders, binaries, and expectations? In this powerful episode, Uruguayan American author and cultural force Caro De Robertis joins host Saadia Khan to explore the deeply personal and political stories behind ‘So Many Stars’’, an oral history honoring queer and trans elders o...2025-05-2048 minImmigrantlyTwo Passports and A PunchlineDon't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below
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This week on Immigrantly, Saadia KhanI sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Derek Mitchell. He is a comedian, actor, and creator of @letsdoubledutch. Derek’s lived all over Chicago, Amsterdam, and London, and he’s bringing his globally inspired comedy back to the U.S. for the first time.
2025-05-1353 minImmigrantlyAutopsies, Fame, and Scandal: Inside the Life of Thomas NoguchiWhat happens when a Japanese immigrant becomes Hollywood’s most powerful and controversial coroner? In this gripping conversation, Saadia sits down with historian and author Anne Soon Choi to unpack the life of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, LA’s former Chief Medical Examiner and the man behind some of the most infamous autopsies in American history—Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, and Natalie Wood, to name a few.
But this story isn’t just about celebrity deaths. It’s about race, politics, media spectacle, and how one immigrant used science and savvy to claim space in a system never buil...2025-05-0650 minImmigrantlyRedefining Home: The Journey Back to Mexico (August 2024)Subscribe to Hyphenly, our latest newsletter, for a chance to win a gift card : https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
While host Saadia Khan recovers from laryngitis, Immigrantly brings back a standout episode from August 2024 featuring journalists Antonia Cerejido and Lorena Ríos.
Originally recorded in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, this conversation explores politics, identity, and the storytelling power that shapes public discourse. Though some references to candidates and timelines reflect the moment, the themes remain strikingly relevant today.
With a fresh perspective, this rerun reveals how clearl...2025-04-2942 minImmigrantlyThe Stories We Whisper, The Sounds We MissWhat does it mean to lean into your culture while living in a place that flattens it? In this richly textured episode, Saadia Khan sits down with Sudanese-American journalist and host of The Stoop, Hana Baba, for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, diaspora, and the soundscapes of belonging. From the cacophony of Sudanese weddings to the quiet codes of immigrant survival in the U.S., Hana explores the power of folk tales, scent, and sound as tools of cultural preservation and personal healing. The conversation unpacks the dangers of single narratives, the burden of "positive" stereotypes, and why leaning...2025-04-2251 minImmigrantlySpeaking Imperfectly, Belonging FullyDo you speak more than one language—but feel truly fluent in none? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Saadia Khan is joined by Angela Lin, founder of Real You Mandarin, to explore how language shapes our identities, relationships, and sense of belonging. Angela, a Taiwanese American polyglot, believes language learning should center on cultural connection—not grammatical perfection.We unpack what it means to “feel” fluent, how multilinguals navigate identity through code-switching, and why speaking imperfectly can still be powerful. Angela shares how her platform is changing the game for Mandarin learners w...2025-04-1546 minImmigrantlyFrom Spinning Beats to Saving Earth (May 2024)April is Earth Month — a time to reflect on the state of our planet, address urgent environmental issues, strategize action, and hold ourselves and others accountable. In that spirit, we’re bringing back an essential conversation from the Immigrantly vault.This episode with futurist and climate optimist Amer Jandali originally aired on May 28, 2024. Some references may sound a bit dated, but the message is as fresh and relevant as ever.Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com.Plea...2025-04-0842 minImmigrantlyDesigned to Exclude: How Policy Shaped the Fate of Mexican Immigrants in TexasWhat if the barriers to success weren’t personal but structural, intentional, and decades in the making?In this episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with demographers Jennifer Hook and James Bachmeier, authors of a groundbreaking new book, Texas-Style Exclusion: Mexican Americans and the Legacy of Limited Opportunity, that traces how Mexican immigrant families in Texas were systematically excluded from public education and opportunity throughout the 20th century—and how those policies still resonate today.We unpack why Texas created systems to exploit labor while blocking social mobility, how educational inequality was baked into...2025-04-0153 minImmigrantlyToo Foreign for Home, Too Foreign for HereIdentity isn’t always a box you check; it’s a journey. In this episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with Beatriz Nour, the creator of Inbetweenish, a podcast that unpacks the complexities of belonging across cultures, languages, and traditions. Beatriz shares her personal story of navigating three cultures, four languages, and two religions, reflecting on the struggles and privileges of being in between.From growing up as a minority in Egypt to questioning her Arab identity and redefining what home truly means, Beatriz challenges the idea of fixed identities and explores what...2025-03-2543 minImmigrantlyWriting Like Nobody’s WatchingWhat happens when we step outside our own understanding of identity and embrace the messy, beautiful, and sometimes contradictory stories that shape us? In this episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with writer and television executive Nayantara Roy to explore the intersections of storytelling, belonging, and cultural memory.From navigating multiple worlds as an immigrant to uncovering the power of secrets in fiction, Nayantara shares insights from her acclaimed novel, The Magnificent Ruins, and her upcoming book, Sisters of a Halved Heart (coming Spring 2026). She also discusses the complexities of code-switching, the...2025-03-1846 minImmigrantlyHearing 'No' Like An ImmigrantHow do you go from fleeing your home country to building a Luxury Fashion Empire? Dr. Neri Karra did just that—without the fluff, the nonsense, or selling out. In this episode of Immigrantly, I sit down with Neri to talk about how she built a global brand, teaches at Oxford, and still finds time to write about immigrant entrepreneurship experiences in her book "Pioneers: Eight Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs."We’re unpacking
The wild journey from refugee camp to fashion powerhouse
Why hearing “No” a thousand times makes you sharper
The truth about “su...2025-03-1152 minImmigrantlyRiding Along with Kareem Rahma: Creating 'Keep The Meter Running' and More (April 2023)I am excited to re-drop one of my favorite episodes featuring the incredible Kareem Rahma! When we first recorded this chat, Kareem was all about "Keep the Meter Running." Now, he's taken his journey to new heights with "Subway Takes." It's a series of short videos created by Kareem Rahma that offer his opinions on brands and pop culture, and he is gearing up to launch his very own podcast. This conversation is packed with unexpected twists and insights that you'll love. So, dive in now, and be sure to come back for a brand new Immigrantly episode with...2025-03-0440 minImmigrantlyHelicopters, Justice & Magic Tricks??What does serving in the U.S. military while challenging its norms mean? In this episode of Immigrantly, Saadia Khan sits down with Lieutenant Julie Roland, an active-duty naval aviator and law school graduate who advocates for systemic change. Julie takes us behind the scenes of military life, its hierarchies, recruitment strategies, and the challenges of gender equity in a male-dominated space. She also shares her insights on reimagining military recruitment to address sexual assault, the complex role of the U.S. military in global politics, and the nuanced patriotism that comes with service.Beyond t...2025-02-2548 minImmigrantlyLost & Found: Search for A Soviet Guardian AngelWhat happens when a family story takes you on an unexpected journey? In this episode of Immigrantly, I sit down with Jake Warren, founder of Message Heard and the creator of Finding Natasha, a profoundly personal podcast about tracking down the woman who saved his mother’s life decades ago in the Soviet Union.Jake’s mother, a young British ballerina, had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train in Russia. But her dream quickly turned into a nightmare when she fell gravely ill, abandoned in an isolation ward until Natasha, a fellow dancer, risked everything to help her esca...2025-02-1859 minImmigrantlyBirthright, Borders & Bullsh*t!This episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards- go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get startedWhat happens when a country built by immigrants starts redefining who belongs? In this episode, I sit down with Claudia Yoli Ferla, a Venezuelan-born Latina and the Executive Director of Move Texas to discuss the latest political chaos surrounding immigration, voting rights, and civic engagement.From the new administration's executive orders threatening birthright citizenship to mass deportations, we tackle the fear-mongering narratives shaping policy and why they don’t hold up. Claudia, a DACA recipient, and TPS holder shares how yo...2025-02-1150 minImmigrantlyForgotten StoriesThis episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards- go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get startedSome stories demand to be told. This one, in particular, struck me deeply.I sat down with Nancy Wang, a storyteller, artist, and author of Red Altar, to talk about her ancestors—Chinese immigrants who helped build California’s fishing industry against all odds. Their ingenuity, their fight against racist laws, and their sheer will to survive felt eerily familiar.As we spoke, I found myself reflecting on the weight of legacy. How many immigrant stories like Nancy’s have...2025-02-0449 minImmigrantlyWhat's Your Legacy?This year, we’ve tackled deep emotions and intricate journeys of faith, and today, we’re diving into the profound yet personal concept of legacy.Legacy—it sounds monumental, right? But does it have to be? For me, crafting a legacy sometimes feels like another overwhelming to-do list. Yet, what if the legacy isn’t about grandeur but embracing our stories and connections in the here and now?That’s where today’s guest, Shawna Wells, comes in! Shawna is the brilliant mind behind Legacy, Lyrics & Life, a podcast that explores how music intertwines with personal narr...2025-01-2851 minImmigrantlyWhen a Christian Minister and a Muslim Podcaster Walk Into a Studio…Talking about religion makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it’s because I practice a faith that’s often misunderstood in this country. But in this episode, I decided to face that discomfort head-on. I sat down with Minister Lydia Sohn, a progressive Christian leader and writer, to have an honest, vulnerable, and surprisingly fun conversation about faith, identity, and shared humanity.We talked about big questions: How do we reconcile religion with doubt? Can faith coexist with progressiveness? And how do we connect with others when our beliefs are so different? Lydia also shared her experiences as a woma...2025-01-2150 minImmigrantlyImmigrantly 2025: Working through the Arc of the Emotions with Anita RaoThis episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards-go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get startedStart the year with powerful insights! In this episode, I reflect on Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire (catchy or cop-out?) and chat with Anita Rao, host of Embodied.We explore working through emotions instead of discharging them and building emotional intelligence; we talk about Anita embracing her mixed-race identity and rethinking how we judge immigrant parents. It’s an unfiltered, inspiring conversation that sets the tone for 2025Immigrantly is a week...2025-01-1451 minImmigrantlyPonchos, Panther, and Purpose: Bambadjan Bamba Redefines BelongingCan you believe it? This is the final Immigrantly episode of 2024! As I reflect on this incredible year, I’m grateful for the meaningful stories and conversations we’ve shared. Together, we’ve leaned into curiosity, allyship, and learning, and I can’t wait to bring you even more inspiring voices in 2025. Mark your calendars—our first episode of the new year drops on January 14th!But before we step into the future, I’m thrilled to end the year with an unforgettable guest, Bambadjan Bamba. You may know him from Black Panther or The Good Place, but his stor...2024-12-2452 minImmigrantlyI Just Want A ShowToday’s guest is Julio Salgado. Through his bold and unapologetic work, Julio challenges the status quo and uplifts voices that are too often silenced. As a queer, undocumented creator, he uses his art to reimagine visibility, joy, and resistance.In this conversation, we connected on our immigrant experiences, love for art, and his beautiful, poetic way of describing the U.S.If you’re feeling the weight of the year or just looking for a spark of inspiration, this episode is for you. Join me as I sit down with Julio and explore his incr...2024-12-1750 minImmigrantlyTearing Down Tribes: Aymann Ismail on Love, Religion, and LegacyToday, I'm thrilled to reconnect with Aymann Ismail, award-winning journalist and the visionary behind the PBS documentary American Muslims: A History Revealed. Beyond the groundbreaking stories from the series, our conversation takes a deeply personal turn.Aymann opens up about his new book, 'Becoming Baba,' which explores his journey of self-discovery, his experiences with dating, and how they've shaped his perspectives on love and identity. We also discuss the values he hopes to instill in his children, weaving together reflections on faith, culture, and what it means to leave a meaningful legacy.We revisit...2024-12-1055 minImmigrantlySobriety, Identity & Cat ChatsI’m so excited to share my conversation with Adam Macias on this episode of Immigrantly. Adam is a comedian, writer, and podcaster whose sobriety journey is just one fascinating chapter in his story. We talked about everything—from how he uses humor to connect with people to his thoughts on Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate and how young men today navigate their identities in such interesting and complex ways.Oh, and did I mention we bonded over our mutual love for cats? Adam’s got one, too, and we couldn’t resist swapping stories about our furry fr...2024-12-0344 minImmigrantlyAI at the BorderIn this compelling episode of Immigrantly, we’re joined by Petra Molnar, a renowned lawyer and anthropologist whose work sits at the intersection of migration, technology, and human rights. As Associate Director of the Refugee Law Lab at York University and a Faculty Associate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Petra critically examines the role of AI and other technologies in reshaping migration experiences. She’s the co-creator of the Migration and Technology Monitor, which exposes the real-world impacts of digital surveillance on those crossing borders.Petra’s recent book, The Walls Have Eyes: Su...2024-11-1950 minImmigrantlyFinding Stillness in a Fast Moving WorldIn this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Delsy, a Guatemalan-American therapist, visual artist, and co-host of the Tamarindo Podcast. She’s also the creative force behind the Ocu-Pasión Podcast, where she amplifies the voices of Latin American artists and visionaries. But Delsy doesn’t just live in the audio space—she co-founded Encuentro: Creative Retreat, a nurturing haven for artists and cultural creators, blending workshops with healing practices to inspire and rejuvenate.We dive deep into Delsy’s journey of weaving art with mental health, the impact of storytelling on personal growth, and finding poc...2024-11-1258 minImmigrantlyElection Day Musings: Frustration, Hope, and Showing UpToday, on Election Day, Saadia Khan shares an honest conversation about the weight of this election cycle. She reflects on the disconnection many feel with the current political landscape, the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the moral complexities that define our time. Saadia emphasizes why showing up is crucial—not just for us but for those who can’t vote. Join her for a candid discussion about the power of dissent, engagement, and the need for sustained change.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with...2024-11-0510 minImmigrantlyCultivating Pacing ReplenishingIn this episode, I explore women's pressures while juggling multiple roles, all while hearing the constant message that we should be able to “have it all.” But is that even realistic? For women, especially entrepreneurs, and women of color, the challenges are undeniable—limited resources, systemic barriers, and the constant need to prove ourselves.Joining me is Amina Altai, a holistic leadership coach and the author of the insightful book 'The Ambition Trap'. Amina’s unique blend of business strategy, wellness, and mindfulness helps women align their careers with their values and well-being. We’ll discuss finding balance, r...2024-10-2250 minImmigrantlyThe Many Faces of AmericaIn today’s episode, I’m joined by the phenomenal Sarah Jones, a Tony Award-winning actress and master of transformation. From outspoken grandmas to Gen Z influencers, Sarah’s ability to embody different characters is unmatched. We’ll explore her creative process, how she channels these voices, and what it all means for understanding identity and belonging in America. This conversation is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking!Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garn...2024-10-1549 minImmigrantlyUnboxedToday, I’m talking with Myra Flynn—an incredible singer-songwriter, storyteller, and host of Homegoings. Myra’s work resonates deeply with me because she tackles something that’s so relatable: the struggle to define yourself when the world insists on squeezing you into a box. Whether it’s the “model minority” myth or other stereotypes, she’s pushing back against those limiting roles and creating space for stories that go beyond surface-level labels.We explore her journey as a woman of color in the music industry, the inspiration behind Homegoings, and how she navigates the tension between owning her truth...2024-10-0854 minImmigrantly'The Future Has So Much For Us'Today’s episode is a heartfelt dive into the meaning of ‘home.’ As immigrants, many of us grapple with the idea that home isn’t just one place—it’s a collection of spaces, memories, and feelings that shape who we are. Our guest today, Robert Hartwell, a celebrated Broadway performer, has taken this concept to new heights—quite literally—as he embarks on restoring a historic home.For Robert, this is more than just a renovation project. It’s a deeply personal journey of reclaiming space, honoring history, and carving out a future filled with hope and resilience. In...2024-10-0145 minImmigrantlyUnscripted: Samuel Jamier on Race, Adoption, and Asian Representation in CinemaIn this episode of Immigrantly, we explore the world of cinema, representation, and identity with Samuel Jamier, the Executive Director of the New York Asian Film Festival. Samuel's story is a remarkable transformation from his early life as a shy Korean adoptee in Brittany, France, to becoming a trailblazer in the film industry. He opens up about the complicated dynamics with his foster parents, navigating racial tensions in French society, and his evolving understanding of identity as an Asian growing up in a predominantly white environment. Join Samuel and me as we uncover how these experiences shaped his journey...2024-09-2435 minImmigrantlyThe Art of Pretend: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio On Her First Work Of Fiction, Girlhood, and Pop SongsThis week, in celebration of Latino Heritage Month, we’re bringing you a special conversation with the brilliant Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of The Undocumented Americans, and her fiction debut, Catalina. Our Nationly producer, Sofia Sanchez, leads this thoughtful interview as a guest host, where they delve into Karla's first novel, ‘Catalina.’ Recently nominated for the National Book Award, the debut novel captures “a year in the life of the unforgettable Catalina Ituralde, a wickedly wry and heartbreakingly vulnerable student at an elite college.” Inspired by autobiographical music, second-wave girlhood, and dark humor, the conversation explores how “Catalina” is written with t...2024-09-1747 minImmigrantlyModel Minority MakeoverIn this thought-provoking episode, I speak with Dr. Anne Anlin Cheng, a renowned scholar and author whose work pushes the boundaries of understanding race, aesthetics, and cultural history. Known for her groundbreaking books, The Melancholy of Race, Second Skin, and her recent publication, Ordinary Disasters, Dr. Cheng challenges conventional narratives around the model minority myth and how it intertwines with race, gender, and identity. She and I explore the nuanced relationship between beauty, art, and the human experience, unpacking how cultural constructs shape our perceptions of ourselves and others. It's a transformative conversation that invites you to see the...2024-09-1049 minImmigrantlyFrom Headlines to Chaat Dog: Pervaiz Shallwani’s Flavorful Journey (2023)I’m so excited to bring you a re-release of one of my favorite episodes featuring the incredible Pervaiz Shallwani, the founder of Chaat Dog. Pervaiz’s journey from being a journalist to creating Chaat Dog—a delicious fusion of South Asian chaat and the classic American hot dog—truly captivated me. Since we last chatted, Pervaiz has been making waves in New York City’s food scene, with Chaat Dog popping up all over and drawing in food enthusiasts from everywhere.If you missed our conversation the first time around now’s the perfect chance to catch up and...2024-09-0346 minImmigrantlyLeveling Up: Shahjehan Khan & Rafay Rashid on Fame and SobrietyI’m beyond excited about today’s episode because we’re catching up with someone who’s been on quite a journey since you last heard from him. Shahjehan Khan, my cohost from our season of Immigrantly on Love and Relationships, is back—and he’s got some incredible stories to share. From appearing on Succession to taking on iconic roles in Mortal Kombat, Shahjehan has been leveling up in the entertainment world, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it.But that’s not all—joining us is the amazingly talented Rafay Rashid, an experim...2024-08-2736 minImmigrantlyRebels In the MakingAs the host of Immigrantly, I’m always looking for voices that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of our understanding of identity and resistance. In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce two extraordinary women whose work does precisely that.Join me as I dive into the inspiring stories of Laura Vergara, a Queer Colombian feminist organizer, and Ayat Mneina, a Libyan researcher and writer. Laura is at the forefront of redefining girlhood through the Stories of Girls' Resistance initiative, amplifying the everyday acts of defiance against patriarchy and violence across the globe. Ayat brin...2024-08-2032 minImmigrantlyFeed Drop: Nuances Podcast Conversation with Soo Jin LeeThis summer, I’m sharing original Immigrantly content and highlighting creators who have inspired me. Recently, I shared an episode of The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, and today, I’m excited to bring you another gem—an episode of the Nuances podcast.If you’re a regular Immigrantly listener, you might recall my interview with Sherry Lyn Lee, also known as Lazou, the host of Nuances. The episode was titled "From Tech to Tunes." Her podcast, Nuances, is an award-nominated audio space where guests from various Asian ethnic groups, careers, countries, and communities delve into the comp...2024-08-1355 minImmigrantlyRedefining Home: The Journey Back to MexicoAs the 2024 Presidential Elections approach, reductive narratives around immigrant identities are on the rise. Despite over 70 million first and second-generation immigrants in America, they continue to face vilification. Politicians echo alarming calls for mass deportations, but few capture the humanity of the immigrant experience.In this episode, my guests and I explore these issues and the often-overlooked stories of those who return to their homeland. Joining me are Antonia Cerejido and Lorena Rios, the brilliant minds behind the podcast Imperfect Paradise, Return to Mexico. They share the powerful journey of Daniel Zamora, an undocumented immigrant sent back...2024-08-0642 minImmigrantly'Our Norms Are Changing Rapidly'In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mila Atmos, the fabulous host of Future Hindsight. Mila is renowned for her deep understanding of civic engagement and democratic participation. She has spent years amplifying the voices of changemakers and thought leaders who shape our society.But who is Mila Atmos beyond the microphone? This conversation delves into the lesser-known aspects of her life and career. Did you know Mila was born in Indonesia and raised in Germany before moving to the U.S.? Like me, she embarked on her podcasting journey during the 2016 elections. Mila...2024-07-2342 minImmigrantlyNaming Hope: The Story Behind 'Nada’Today on Immigrantly, I'm excited to welcome the incredible Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess. Amra is an Associate Professor at Columbia University, focusing on essential topics like social cohesion, the radicalization process, and how communities can hurt each other. But beyond her academic work, Amra has an incredible personal story—she survived the Bosnian war and Genocide in the 1990s. She wrote a powerful book about her experience called "The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival." Her recent book is Three Summers, which launched in April 2024. The book is based on her real life and is...2024-07-1647 minImmigrantlyInheriting NarrativesToday's guest is Emily Kwong, a dedicated journalist and storyteller renowned for her outstanding work at NPR. Emily's reporting spans a broad spectrum, from climate change and science to compelling human interest stories that shed light on the rich tapestry of immigrant communities. Her keen insights and propensity to capture the essence of human experiences have garnered widespread acclaim in journalism.I've been deeply engaged with Emily's latest podcast, 'Inheriting,' which delves into Asian American and Pacific-Islander families. Through her exploration of how historical events reverberate across generations, Emily creates a narrative that feels intimate and...2024-07-0949 minImmigrantlyFourth of July Special: The Freedom ConundrumAs we approach the 4th of July, we’re diving into the multifaceted concept of freedom. For many immigrants and diverse groups, true liberation remains elusive, overshadowed by systemic inequalities and societal barriers. What does freedom mean in a country that touts itself as the land of the free yet often makes many of us feel otherwise? Join my team members, Adiba Hussain, Sara Baig, Sereen Qader, and I, as we represent diverse backgrounds and experiences and share our reflections on freedom (or lack thereof), identity, and the ongoing journey toward true equality.Immigrantly is a weekly po...2024-07-0216 minImmigrantlyCommunity, Culture, and 'Cost of Living'Frequent listeners of Immigrantly know that I often delve into the differences between individualistic and collectivist societies. This contrast becomes particularly striking when considering how people in individualistic cultures often face grief and struggles in isolation. Immigrants can deeply resonate with the emotional toll this solitude brings and the vital role of community and support. Today's guest has brilliantly explored these struggles through her Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Cost of Living, which poignantly captures the complexities of human connection and the profound effects of isolation.Joining me today is Martyna Majok, the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner for C...2024-06-2442 minImmigrantlyFrom Tech To TunesToday’s guest is Lazou (Sherry-Lynn Lee), a multi-faceted talent who embodies the rich tapestry of a “Sino-Mauritian-Canadian-American producer, writer, and artist.” Raised in the vibrant culture of Mauritius, Lazou initially carved out a successful, nearly decade-long career in Silicon Valley as a software engineer and data scientist. However, her true passion led her to make a bold leap into the world of music and media. Her songwriting is a testament to her linguistic versatility, with enchanting melodies in English, French, and Mauritian Creole. Lazou is also the brilliant mind behind the 'Nuances' podcast, a platform that explores the divers...2024-06-1849 minImmigrantlyFrom Spinning Beats to Saving EarthAmer Jandali is the founder of 'Future Meets Present,' a social design agency dedicated to building a sustainable future. Before diving into climate activism, Amer had an exciting career as a DJ in New Mexico, where he even opened for famous acts like LMFAO (yes, the Party Rock Anthem duo). He later moved from Las Cruces to New York City to pursue a master's degree in design for social innovation. Today, he teaches sustainable business models at Parsons and social entrepreneurship at John Jay College.Join us as we discuss his journey from DJing to designing...2024-05-2845 minImmigrantlyExploring Realism with a Smattering of HumorToday’s guest is someone I recently started to follow on Twitter, X whatever you call it, and I started reading her debut essay collection, “The Way You Make Me Feel: LOVE IN BLACK AND BROWN.” I am in awe of her calm honesty and unique writing style; she blends humor and realism with aplomb. Nina Sharma is a writer who focuses on humor writing. She is a Barnard alum and now teaches first-year students there. Her work has been showcased in publications such as The New Yorker and Women’s Studies Quarterly. Through her workshops and writing columns, she expl...2024-05-2138 minImmigrantlyUnveiling the Salvadoran Narrative: The US Foreign Policy & Its ImpactToday's guest, Daniel Alvarenga, journalist and podcast host, delves into his life as a Salvadoran American and the extensive influence of U.S. foreign policy on Central America. Raised in a Salvadoran household, he recounts his parents' migration during El Salvador's civil war and its profound impact on his worldview. Daniel addresses prevalent misconceptions about Central Americans, particularly stereotypes linked to violence, and underscores the importance of grasping the historical and political nuances behind Central American migration. In his podcast "Humo, Murder and Silence en El Salvador," Alvarenga exposes systemic failures and the harsh realities faced by families of...2024-05-1447 minImmigrantlyDecoding Depictions in Call of DutyJoin me on Immigrantly as I delve into the intricate world of gaming and representation, a topic that is not only fascinating but also highly relevant in today’s diverse gaming landscape. In this episode, I am joined by University of Chicago professors Alireza Doostdar and Ghenwa Hayek, who share insights from their groundbreaking project, ‘Gaming Islam.’ We explore the portrayal of South West Asian, North African, and Muslim individuals in the iconic video game Call of Duty. Discover why representation matters in gaming and how initiatives like ‘Gaming Islam’ reshape the industry’s landscape. It’s a thought-provoking discussion on...2024-05-0745 minImmigrantly"Happiness Is Like A Leaky Tire"In this week's episode of Immigrantly, I dive head-first into the expansive realm of happiness. Is happiness a fleeting moment or a sustained state of being? Can it be actively cultivated, or is it an innate aspect of human existence? How do our backgrounds, personalities, and choices influence our perceptions of happiness?Our guest, Laurie Santos, a distinguished cognitive science and psychology professor at Yale, is here to shed light on these questions. With her groundbreaking course, Psychology and the Good Life, Laurie has pioneered an approach to happiness education that has captivated audiences worldwide. We discuss...2024-04-3046 minImmigrantlySurviving the Messed-Up SystemHey folks, join me for a chat with Yusuf Dahl, who's been through it all, from facing a potential 60-year sentence at 18 to hustling to founding his own company, Milwaukee Metro Management. And get this: he's not just any entrepreneur - he's a Princeton grad and former Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Lafayette College. We'll dive into his rollercoaster ride from prison to Princeton, talk about the messed-up prison system, and how he's changing the game for communities like the one he grew up in. Trust me, you won't want to miss this incredible story of survival and...2024-04-2341 minImmigrantlyWhen AI Meets Feminist EthicsToday's episode is a special treat for all you tech enthusiasts, Black Mirror binge-watchers, and fans of the Terminator franchise! I am delving deep into the realm of artificial intelligence, but with a twist – through the lens of feminist ethics. I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Kerry McInerney, a scholar and AI ethicist whose work sheds light on the intersection of feminism, race, and technology. She is currently a Research Associate at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence and a research fellow at AI Now Institute. Her scholarly writing has appeared in multiple journals, and in 2021, sh...2024-04-1645 minImmigrantlyWhen Is It Ok to Call Someone ResilientDo you ever feel that the term 'resilience 'needs to capture the essence of our experiences? I sure do! Join me for a critical discussion on this topic.And guess what? I've got a special guest in the house—Vinita Srivastava, a seasoned multimedia producer, researcher, podcaster, and writer. She and I dive into her latest project, the 'Don't Call Me Resilient' podcast. Through our conversations, we challenge predominant perspectives on race, resilience, and inclusivity. You don't want to miss it.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do th...2024-04-0944 minImmigrantlyWhat We Mean When We Talk About GenocideThe use of 'Genocide' in discussions about Gaza has captured global attention, stirring a complex debate around its implications. In this episode, Ernesto Verdeja, a Professor of peace studies and global politics, joins me in dissecting the meaning and application of this term within the Israel-Palestine situation. We aim to understand the term, the criteria for its use, and the divergent viewpoints on its relevance to current events in Gaza. This conversation offers a thoughtful exploration of a highly charged topic, clarifying a term that carries significant weight in international discourse. This is a nuanced analysis with hopes that...2024-04-0247 minImmigrantlyPreserving Inclusion Amidst Political BacklashAs we witness institutions like the University of Florida and major corporations like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan scaling back their DEI efforts due to political pressures, are we allowing divisive rhetoric to overshadow the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued?My guest today, Netta Jenkins, is a leader in the DEI space. She embodies the spirit of challenging norms and advocating for change. Raised by immigrant parents from Liberia and having grown up in Rhode Island, Netta talks about her childhood experiences that led her to choose a career in DEI. We discussed...2024-03-1947 minImmigrantlyBeyond Skin Deep: Exploring the Complexities of BeautyToday, I am diving deep into the multifaceted world of beauty – an intensely personal and profoundly public topic. The beauty landscape has undergone a seismic shift from societal perceptions to self-reflection in the age of social media and video calls. In a world where self-scrutiny is constant, have we become more conscious of our own uniqueness? Are we conditioned to view ourselves through an augmented lens, even in reality? Today, we will unpack these questions and try to gain insights into the complex interplay of beauty, technology, and societal norms. My guest, Dr. John Mesa, MD, answers some...2024-03-1233 minImmigrantly“I Am Not From Here, Not From There”Meet Ana Sheila Victorino – she's an amazing human being! Ana's all about well-being and empowerment. She co-founded "Bask & Being" for workplace wellness and hosted the Tamarindo Podcast. This podcast discusses politics, culture, and self-development and has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Latino USA, Latina Magazine, Variety Magazine's Entertainment and Tech Summit, and Hip Latina. Today, Ana shares her journey back to Mexico, how speaking Spanish more fluently shaped her identity, and how invested she feels in American society given her dual nation status.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do th...2024-03-0538 minImmigrantly“Obviously, A Republican Feels For Me”Today’s episode features the remarkable Negin Farsad!, a brilliant writer and comedian known for her hilarious wit and astute commentary.You might recognize Negin as the host of the popular podcast "Fake the Nation," where she engages in lively discussions about culture, politics, and everything. With an impressive lineup of guests, including luminaries like Samantha Bee and Margaret Cho, Negin fearlessly tackles complex topics with humor and intelligence.In this episode, we dive deep into the art of conversation and the power of humor to address societal issues. We explore Negin's unique perspective on di...2024-02-2752 minImmigrantlyThe Food MashupI'm excited to chat with the impressive Chef Jesus Diaz. From starting in a Florida sushi joint to becoming a household name on Despierta America, his journey is remarkable. With a cookbook, cooking attire line, two Emmy wins, and even a dance show victory under his belt, Chef Jesus is a force to be reckoned with. In this episode, we unpack his incredible story and learn what makes his cuisine and journey unique.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, unvarnished insights into...2024-02-2036 minImmigrantlyCooking Up Love, One Recipe At a TimeJoin me as I uncover the heartwarming tale of Send Chinatown Love, a nonprofit born out of the unity of New York City's Chinatown during the pandemic. Elaine Mao and Christoph Grosse share insights into their mission beyond restaurants, tackling hate crimes, and supporting the elderly. We do a deep dive into their latest project, the "Made Here" cookbook, featuring a plethora of unique recipes from Chinatown and beyond. Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, unvarnished insights into the immigrant identity in A...2024-02-1337 minImmigrantlyI Must Belong HereIn today's episode, I am joined by Supinder Wraich, a trailblazing Canadian writer and actress. You might recognize her from her standout performance as "Aqsa" in the Peabody award-winning series "Sort of," which is currently in its gripping third and final season on HBO. Supinder not only captivates audiences on screen but has also left an indelible mark as the creator and star of her mini-series, 'the 410,' released in 2019. As she gears up for the premiere of "Allegiance" on CBC this February, Supinder is breaking down stereotypes and reshaping the narrative for actors of color in the West.2024-02-0644 minImmigrantlyHoliday Special: Breaking BreadFor the final Immigrantly episode of 2023, I decided to learn more about America’s most popular winter holiday—Christmas. Although I don’t celebrate it, this podcast is all about cross-cultural connections, regardless of our differences. And what better way to learn about a different culture than through its food? So, join me and the Immigrantly team as we explore a few iconic American Christmas dishes, breaking bread across cultures, families, and traditions. Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, unvarnished insights...2023-12-2623 minImmigrantlyTaboos, Sex, and Feminism with Sangeeta PillaiToday's guest is the multi-award-winning podcaster and sex educator Sangeeta Pillai. Sangeeta hosts the Masala podcast that features interviews with South Asian women about taboo topics and their narratives. Sangeeta is also the founder of the South Asian feminist platform Soul Sutras. Her work extends from the world of podcasting into the Masala Monologues series, hosting writing workshops and theater shows in the U.S. and the U.K. In this episode, Sangeeta talks about her long and rich journey from what she calls a “Mumbai slum” to becoming a powerful voice in the South Asian feminist movement. Immig...2023-11-2842 minImmigrantlyThanksgiving Special: Adapting TraditionWe bring to you our annual Thanksgiving episode with interviews with our very own Immigrantly team members on what the day looks like in their household. Some of us celebrate it, others don’t, and we grapple with what this holiday can look like as we move through a fraught political environment and acknowledge dark histories.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, unvarnished insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media ou...2023-11-2113 minImmigrantlyDenied Entry: Navigating Identity with Atheer YacoubAtheer Yacoub is a New York-based Palestinian-Muslim comedian, writer, and podcaster. Through her unique lens, she explores the complexities of her upbringing, Palestinian identity, and the current political climate. Her debut comedy album, "Denied Entry," offers a compelling glimpse into her experiences. Co-creator of "Muslim Girls DTF: Discuss Their Faith" and co-host of "The No Fly List" podcast, Atheer navigates meaningful conversations by delicately blending humor and insight. In these challenging political times, her perspective shines brightly, providing a critical perspective.Immigrantly is an introspective weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinary of immigrant life. We do this...2023-11-1450 minImmigrantlyComedy, Crime, and Creative WondersPrepare for a rollercoaster of talent and intrigue as I welcome the incredibly versatile Alex Estrada to our show! As a prolific writer in TV and stand-up comedy, Alex wears many hats, including being the brilliant mind behind the Disney animated comedy Hamster and Gretel. But that's not all – he also takes on the role of a meticulous investigator in his podcast, The Estate, where he delves into the mysterious tale of his own father and a chilling murder case.Get ready to be inspired and entertained as we unravel the layers of Alex's creative journey, unveiling th...2023-11-0739 minImmigrantlyNavigating the Military-Immigration LandscapeOur guest is Dr. Sofya Aptekar- As an Associate Professor of Urban Studies at the City University of New York, she uncovers society’s secrets, from gentrification in Astoria Queens to the complexities of immigration and the military. Her latest book, ‘Green Card Soldier.' unravels the fascinating complexities within the US military system, shedding light on a world often shrouded in mystery. With wit, wisdom, and a touch of humor, Dr. Aptekar and I ask the listeners to challenge perspectives and embark on an adventure of knowledge unlike any other.Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigran...2023-10-3142 minImmigrantlyNeighborly BondsJoin me for a wild ride through the fascinating world of human connection and empathy with an award-winning journalist, Andrea Smardon. We'll dive deep into the real deal of human bonds versus shallow gestures while having a good laugh.Andrea's podcast series, 'Stranger Becomes Neighbor,' takes us on a rollercoaster with Afghan refugees in Salt Lake City. With her sharp wit and journalistic talent, she uncovers their struggles, celebrates their victories, and shows us what it means to start over.Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Youtube @immigrantlypod | Tiktok @ImmigrantlypodcastImmigran...2023-10-2445 minImmigrantlyA Cinematic ExplorerToday's episode covers the extraordinary journey of Kuwaiti filmmaker Omar Al Dakheel, from his transformative scholarship days in Miami to crafting inspiring films like 'Al Imam.' Now, as an associate producer on Netflix's 'American Manhunt,' he continues to break barriers. Join me for a seamless and engaging exploration of creativity, culture, and compelling storytelling that transcends boundaries. as we dive into the heart of filmmaking brilliance!Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Youtube @immigrantlypod | Tiktok @ImmigrantlypodcastImmigrantly is an introspective weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. Our mission is to cha...2023-10-1740 minImmigrantlyEmpowerHER: Elevating Latine Voices and StoriesIn this special episode, I am diving deep into the impact of storytelling and the incredible strength of collective action, and what better time to do it than during Latine Heritage Month, as we celebrate the unyielding spirit of Latine empowerment?Brenda Gonzalez is the co-host of the podcast Tamarindo, which is, as she calls it, a “socially conscious podcast with a Latino vibe” that covers everything from pop culture to community building. Brenda has been podcasting since 2016 and has expanded beyond just podcast work into the nonprofit world and coaching. Join the conversation: Instagram @immigr...2023-10-0339 minImmigrantlyThe Cost of Living in White Space (January 2023)Today, in honor of Latino Heritage Month, we're revisiting one of my all-time favorite episodes. The episode was first released in January 2023.I chat with Carmen Rita Wong, a true superstar, in this episode. Carmen's done it all – she's been a journalist, a businesswoman, and a financial expert. She's worked with big names like CNN, CBS, and NBC and written for magazines like Glamour and Good Housekeeping. She's even written five books, including her latest memoir, 'Why Didn’t You Tell Me?'Trust me, this episode is packed with incredible stories and wisdom. So, sit...2023-09-2648 minImmigrantlyFrom Algorithms to Emotions: Aizzah Fatima’s Journey to Romcom StardomAizzah Fatima is a Muslim-American actress and filmmaker. Her one-woman play, Dirty Paki Lingerie, about the stereotypes faced by Muslim American women, has toured around the world, including in Canada, Pakistan, and the UK, to rave reviews. Imagine a rom-com that breaks new ground by delving into the lives of a Muslim American family striving to assimilate into American culture. That's precisely what the film adaptation of the play "Americanish" represents, and it's making waves in the entertainment industry. But here's the twist: our guest, Aizzah, wasn't always in the spotlight. She used to be an ads engineer at...2023-09-1945 minImmigrantlyReal Talk: A Candid Conversation on Sexuality and IdentityIn this episode, I sit down with Sadia Azmat, a British Indian writer and comedian who unapologetically shares her experiences with sexuality and identity. She cohosted a podcast for BBC called "No Country for Young Women." Recently, she published a book called "Sex Bomb," which explores sexuality and her identity as a Muslim woman As a young Muslim girl growing up in Pakistan, my understanding of sex was shrouded in silence. Sadia and I both navigate a world where discussions about sex are off-limits. We delve into how cultural norms can hinder the exploration of one's sexuality.2023-09-1245 minImmigrantlyAgainst the Current: Decoding Love with Mansi ChoksiWhy does the concept of a love marriage remain taboo, especially within the South Asian community?The struggle for the right to choose one's partner, the right to love freely, and the right to carve our destinies persists. Today, we will peel back the layers of this intricate issue, exploring the cultural nuances, societal pressures, and personal anecdotes that shape our perceptions of love, marriage, and autonomy. My guest is Mansi Choksi, a writer and journalist based in Dubai. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and National Geographic—to name a fe...2023-09-0552 minImmigrantlyChampioning Rights: Anisha Singh and the Sikh CoalitionToday's episode features Anisha Singh, the Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition – the most prominent Sikh civil rights organization in the U.S. Wondering what Anisha does? She's been at the forefront of combatting hate crimes and ensuring the Sikh community's rights are upheld nationwide.With a background working with big names like the Planned Parenthood Federation and the Center for American Progress, Anisha is licensed to practice law and even secured a significant win in a discrimination case against the U.S. Army.Join me as Anisha, and I dive into an inspiring conversation abo...2023-08-2951 minImmigrantlyUnraveling Class Identity: A Candid Conversation with Jonathan MenjivarWhat does class identity mean to you? Is it confined to the digits on a financial statement, or does it weave a complex tapestry that intertwines with race, ethnicity, and immigration status?Today I am joined by Jonathan Menjivar, the host of the Classy podcast, the groundbreaking podcast here to dissect and decode the enigma of class identity. In 'Classy,' Jonathan navigates those unspoken narratives, delves into hidden aspirations, and confronts the discomfort of unraveling societal expectations. So join us as Jonathan and I embark on this journey of introspection, peeling back the class layers to di...2023-08-2246 minImmigrantlyUnraveling Partition 1947: Untold Stories of Shared Humanity
The 1947 Indian partition was one of the most colossal migrations in recorded history, leaving behind a devastating toll. Over 2 million lives were lost, 75,000 women were subjected to unimaginable acts of violence, and a staggering 14 million individuals were forcibly uprooted from their homes. These numbers paint a haunting picture of the immense human tragedy that unfolded during that time.Today, I am joined by Neha Aziz, a writer, creative, and podcaster who has taken a more nuanced approach to understanding the partition. Neha's podcast 'Partition' sheds light on forgotten stories, bringing to life the moments many don't know...2023-08-0156 minImmigrantlyUnraveling Partition 1947: Untold Stories of Shared HumanityThe 1947 Indian partition was one of the most colossal migrations in recorded history, leaving behind a devastating toll. Over 2 million lives were lost, 75,000 women were subjected to unimaginable acts of violence, and a staggering 14 million individuals were forcibly uprooted from their homes. These numbers paint a haunting picture of the immense human tragedy that unfolded during that time.Today, I am joined by Neha Aziz, a writer, creative, and podcaster who has taken a more nuanced approach to understanding the partition. Neha's podcast 'Partition' sheds light on forgotten stories, bringing to life the moments many don't know...2023-08-0155 minImmigrantlyThe Kaleidoscope of Cultural Creativity
My today's guest is Smriti Mundhra, the founder of Meralta Films, a production company based in both Los Angeles and Mumbai. Her talent and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for her 2019 film, "St. Louis Superman." This powerful documentary follows the inspiring journey of Bruce Franks Jr, a Missouri politician, in the aftermath of the Ferguson riots.However, Smriti'screative prowess continues beyond that-Smriti is currently making waves as the Executive producer and creator of the Emmy-nominated Netflix original reality TV series "Indian Matchmaking."This groundbreaking show provides viewers with a fresh and innovative...2023-07-1838 min
ImmigrantlyIce-Breaking: Immigrantly Goes Live with Sway Bhatia at NHL Event
I am thrilled to present an exciting bonus episode to you. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting a live podcast event on February 19th, celebrating South Asian culture at the NHL New Jersey Devils game in New Jersey. It was a fantastic experience, and I had the opportunity to interview the incredibly talented Sway Bhatia. For those who may not be familiar with Sway, she is a young actress who has captured our hearts with her roles in popular shows like The Mighty Ducks Game Changers and Succession. In addition, she is a multi-talented artist who sings, dances, plays...2023-03-1522 min
ImmigrantlyBehind NHL Bench (with Aisha Visram)
In honor of May being the Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (API), the National Hockey League (NHL) and Immigrantly joined forces to bring you two special episodes celebrating the role of the API community in hockey. Today's guest is Aisha Visram. She is Head Trainer for the L.A. Kings' American Hockey League affiliate in Ontario, California. On January 13, 2022, the Los Angeles Kings scored a 6-2 victory against the Pittsburg Penguins. The crowd roared in celebration– and so did the internet. Because at that particular game, Aisha Visram, our today's guest, was the second woman to work behind the bench...2022-05-2441 min
ImmigrantlyBuzzer Beaters & Desi Hoop Dreams
Sports are undoubtedly one of the most prominent cultural phenomena in the US. They enjoy tremendous popularity and are considered a means to promote fair play, teamwork & camaraderie. But how have our perceptions of the games and players evolved? What does it mean to be a South Asian Basketball player on the court? How do race and identity intersect within the sports realm? And what does it mean to explore sports beyond the jock culture and from an academic lens? We have invited Dr. Stanley Thanaraj, a socio-anthropologist, and professor at the City College of New York, to answer these qu...2022-05-1057 min
ImmigrantlyThou Shalt Not Redistrict
Our guest is Josefa Velasquez, a senior reporter for The City, a digital publication focused on the New York area. Josefa has been featured in The Guardian, The New York Times, Business Insider, New York Magazine, and Politico, to name a few. We're bringing her onto this season of Immigrantly because she co-wrote a recent article with fellow city reporter Clifford Michel. Titled "NYC to Pick Up Two State Senate Seats Under Albany Redistricting Plan," the report dives into redistricting efforts in Brooklyn and Queens that will change the district's constituent makeup. Josefa is here to explain the basics of redis...2022-05-0346 min
ImmigrantlyLet’s Talk About Sex Cleanup (with Frances Tang)
Our guest today is Frances Tang, the founder, CEO, of Awkward Essentials, an innovative personal hygiene company. Their most well-known product is called the dripstick, a post-sex cleanup tool that absorbs excess fluid leftover from a partner. During her work in developing this product, Frances immediately became passionate about deconstructing taboo conversations about sex. One of the most exciting ways to support us is by becoming a member of our Patreon by going to patreon.com/immigrantly. For the price of an overpriced oat milk latte, you can get special shoutouts, automatic submission to our raffles, and an opportunity to i...2022-03-2929 min
ImmigrantlyArranged Vs. Love Marriage
Today's guest is family in all senses of the word. Tina Khan (A.K.A Shahjehan khan's mom) describes her journey into marriage and how love is nurtured in her life. Tina shares stories of heartbreak, love letters, & socio-cultural distinction in the context of arranged marriage, with great sage and sass. This episode will make you feel all the feels. So let's jump right in!! One of the most exciting ways to support us is by becoming a member of our Patreon by going to patreon.com/immigrantly. For the price of an overpriced oat milk latte, you can get sp...2022-03-1545 min
ImmigrantlyBreaking Down Polyamory with Jessica Fern
Our guest today is trailblazing a unique approach towards navigating relationships. Jessica Fern is the author of The book takes its readers into an exploration of the relationship between attachment theory and consensual non-monogamy. One of the most exciting ways to support us is by becoming a member of our Patreon by going to patreon.com/immigrantly. For the price of an overpriced oat milk latte, you get special shoutouts, automatic submission to our raffles, and an opportunity to interact with our team. You can find us on Twitter @immigrantly_pod & IG @immigrantlypod Hosts: Saadia Khan & Shahjehan Khan l Executive Produce...2022-03-0838 min
ImmigrantlyI’m (Sex) Positive: Disrupting Health Education with Justine Ang Fonte
Did you attend a sex-ed class in middle or high school? If the answer is no, you're not alone. In the United States, only twenty-four states mandate sex education, which leaves nearly half of the country inadequately educated on their sexual health. Justine Ang Fonte, M.Ed, MPH, makes it their mission to provide comprehensive sex-ed, intersecting it with the impacts of colonization, the porn industry, and underfunded schooling. Not only are these essential conversations to have— ones that decrease the rate of emotional, mental, and physical risks that may come from sexual activity—but it's vital for our immigrant comm...2022-03-0145 min
ImmigrantlySibling Love & Immigrant Identity in Hollywood with Sujata Day
Sujata Day, the producer of Definition Please and actress on Insecure and Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, joins us in the studio to discuss her work, a product of what is personal and public. Influenced by heritage, family bonds, and inborn passions, Sujata attributes this specific voice to the Black and Brown collaboration in the entertainment space. So how did she take control of her career, move away from secondary characters to starring in her film? An inspiring patchwork of perseverance, networking, mentorship, talent, and humor, Sujata is stirring up the Hollywood pot. We're tuned into hearing how it's going. While...2022-02-2241 min
ImmigrantlyTo All The Ones I Loved Before
Dear Listener, have you ever had your heart broken? Whether by an ex or a friend, every one of us has felt our stomach drop and our heart collapse into a million shards. The moment feels devastating, and the days that follow are almost unbearable. You feel alone when the world you once knew turns darker and colder. But don't worry—we get it, and so does Joanna Carrillo, host of the podcast, Letter to My Ex. On this special Valentine's episode, we sit down with Joanna and explore how writing out our tears may be the anecdote to getting ove...2022-02-1539 min
ImmigrantlyPleasure Through The Personal Lens
We explore self-love through sexual empowerment. Our today's guest is Anna Lee. Anna is the owner of the wellness company Lioness. Lioness is the first and only intelligent vibrator on the market. But beyond its niche, Lioness is a telling legacy of Anna's journey from a complicated childhood where sex was associated with pain & shame into a position of innovation focused on female pleasure and health. We talked about decoding orgasms, sex toys & self-love. You can support Immigrantly by subscribing to our . You can also enter for a chance to win a Lioness gift card by doing the following: Follow on...2022-02-0149 min
ImmigrantlyImmigrantly Podcast Trailer
Looking to engage in deeply personal conversations on race, multiculturalism, politics, and the general messiness of being human? Hosted by Saadia Khan, Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that dares to ask guests what they think of America and hope for America by calling upon the past and current socio-political discourse. We seek to understand race & identity against other significant backdrops like mental health, love & relationships, food, and religion. Our episodes deconstruct the immigrant status, one that has many narratives—goofy, brave, and above all, relatable. Immigrantly will challenge us to reconsider what we've stopped noticing and the stories we've forgotten, fr...2018-10-2602 min