Shows
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEP. #115. Kica Matos Wins The Puffin PrizeWelcome to this episode of the Freedom to Thrive podcast, hosted by Héctor Flores of the band Las Cafeteras. Join us as Héctor engages in a powerful conversation with Kica Matos, a dedicated activist and President of the National Immigration Law Center. Together, they explore themes of resilience and solidarity in the fight for immigrant and human rights.
In this heartfelt episode, discover the pivotal moments that shaped Kica’s path to activism, including her early experiences in New York City and her work with Amnesty International. Their discussion covers the transformative power of music and...
2025-05-0939 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #114 Encountering ICE: In Life and in ArtThe latest episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast delves into the pressing issue of immigration, shining a light on the widespread protests against ICE raids happening across the U.S. From Los Angeles to unexpected places like Alabama and Nebraska, communities are standing strong in support of immigrants.
In a poignant segment, Victoria Ballesteros is joined by Sam Cutler-Kreutz, the director of the Academy Award-nominated short film "A Lien," along with Joanna Cuevas Ingram, a senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center. They discuss the film's powerful portrayal of a family's encounter with...
2025-02-1319 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #113 Our Community is Strong and ResilientIn this episode, our podcast returns amidst a national crisis that threatens not just immigrant rights but the fundamental rights of all Americans. We explore the devastating impact of fires in Los Angeles and the power of community resilience in the face of adversity. From the ashes, a sense of solidarity emerged, showcasing the strength and spirit of diverse communities, led by immigrants and women of color.
As the nation faces an onslaught of legislative and executive actions eroding civil liberties, we delve into the implications of these changes on our liberty and democracy. Today we will...
2025-02-0608 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #112 The Power of Books | Roxanne CoadyIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros speaks with Roxanne Coady, founder of R.J. Julia Booksellers and Read to Grow. Roxanne shares her journey and the role that literature has played in her life. Her love for books, fostered by her father, a Hungarian immigrant baker, not only shaped her life but also inspired her to open a bookstore that serves as a community refuge and a hub for civil conversation.
The conversation touches on the transformative power of books in awakening societal consciousness and driving social justice movements. Roxanne...
2024-12-1634 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #111 Borderland I The Line WithinIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, Victoria Ballesteros delves into the eye-opening documentary 'Borderland, The Line Within.' The film explores the pervasive and hidden border industrial complex that stretches far beyond the southwestern U.S., highlighting its impact in communities nationwide.
Join Victoria as she speaks with the documentary's filmmakers Pamela Yates and Paco de Onis, and digital humanist Alex Gil. They discuss the powerful stories of immigrants navigating a dysfunctional system and the staggering data illustrating the reach and profits of the border industry.
This conversation sheds light on...
2024-12-1634 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #110: Know Your Rights | Kica MatosIn this special post-election episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros engages in a crucial conversation with Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC). As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a defining presidential election, they discuss the heightened anxiety and despair felt by immigrant communities and their allies.
Kica shares insights into NILC's preparedness in facing the anticipated challenges posed by the new administration. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity, resistance, and the collective fight for justice and democracy. The episode explores the complexities of immigration issues, the...
2024-11-1027 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #109: Chicano Legend | Cheech MarinJoin host Victoria Ballesteros as she welcomes the legendary Cheech Marin to the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast. In this engaging episode, Cheech shares fond memories of his childhood, his family's influence on his comedic career, and the origin of his iconic nickname. Dive deep into Cheech's trailblazing journey as a comedian, musician, actor, and art collector, and explore how he has continuously pushed boundaries and defied expectations.
Discover the enduring legacy of Cheech and Chong, and hear about Cheech's personal connection to the Chicano movement, the inspiration behind his 1987 film "Born in East LA," and the...
2024-10-2535 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #108: Space for Everyone | NASA Astronaut Danny OlivasIn this captivating episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with NASA astronaut John Daniel "Danny" Olivas, the first person of Mexican-American heritage to walk in space. Together, they explore the age-old human fascination with space, touching on how ancient cultures worshipped lunar and solar deities, and how the stars have guided explorers through history.
Danny shares his inspiring journey from a starry-eyed kid in West Texas to becoming a U.S. astronaut, offering a glimpse into the rigorous path that led him to fly missions on the Space Shuttle Atlantis...
2024-10-2545 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #107: Centering UndocuBlack Voices | Dr. Felecia RussellJoin host Victoria Ballesteros on the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast as she delves into the untold stories of immigrants beyond the common narratives. In this episode, Victoria welcomes Dr. Felecia Russell, a Jamaican-born, American-raised researcher, author, and advocate for Black immigrants. Together, they explore the vibrant and diverse experiences of immigrants, challenging the often one-dimensional portrayal in the media.
Dr. Russell shares her own journey from Jamaica to the U.S., highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced as an undocumented student. Her work focuses on elevating the voices of Black immigrants, emphasizing the importance of...
2024-10-2532 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #106: Taking Our Power Back | Kristina WongIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with the multitalented performing artist, writer, comedian and activist, Kristina Wong. From her early days at UCLA to becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Kristina's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
Listen in as Kristina shares anecdotes about her eclectic career, from her satirical website "Big Bad Chinese Mama" to her impactful work with undocumented Americans and formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover the origins of the Auntie Sewing Squad, a grassroots initiative born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led...
2024-08-1533 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #105: All Around Super Cool Human | W. Kamau BellIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with four-time Emmy Award-winning comedian, author, and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell.
Kamau shares insights from his extensive career, including his experiences from his acclaimed CNN show "United Shades of America." Victoria and Kamau discuss the importance of empathy, curiosity, and listening in bridging divides, as well as Kamau's latest projects, including the East Bay Film Collective and his Emmy Award-winning documentary "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed."
Tune in to hear Victoria and Kamau's discussion about the intersection of immigration and systemic...
2024-08-1537 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #104: The Undocumented Americans | Karla Cornejo-VillavicencioIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros engages in conversation with acclaimed writer and storyteller, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. Karla, an immigrant from Ecuador and Harvard graduate, is reshaping the narrative around immigrants in America through her powerful works "The Undocumented Americans," and "Catalina."
In this episode, Karla shares her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her books, and the importance of telling immigrant stories with authenticity and humanity. Discover how Karla's personal experiences and defiance against stereotypes fuel her mission to ensure that the histories and contributions of immigrants are...
2024-08-1530 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #103: A Bold Vision For Immigration | Kica MatosIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with Kika Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center.
Kica Matos is a social justice advocate, lawyer, and national immigrant rights leader. Kica gets to the heart of America's immigration issues, sharing personal stories and professional insights.
From the historical context of immigration laws to the human resilience Kica witnessed firsthand at the border, this episode sheds light on the urgent need for reform and the incredible work being done to support immigrant communities.
Tune in as...
2024-06-2635 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #102: Food For Thought | Chef Angel DimayugaIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros delves into a heartfelt conversation with internationally acclaimed Filipinx chef and author, Chef Angel Dimayuga.
Chef Angel is a culinary trailblazer with accolades such as the James Beard Foundation Award and Zagat 30 Under 30. Chef Angel discusses discusses their journey from a young, ambitious cook to a renowned chef. Chef Angel explores the role of food in storytelling, preserving culture, and creating community, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their immigrant upbringing and Filipinx heritage.
Discover how Chef Angel's book, "Filipinx, Heritage...
2024-06-2625 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastEp. #101: Dance Floor Democracy | Hector FloresIn this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros explores the powerful intersection of music and social justice with special guest, Hector Flores, co-founder of the band Las Cafeteras.
Join us as Hector shares his journey from social justice organizer to musician, highlighting the inspiration behind songs like "Caravana," "Vivas Nos Queremos," and "La Bamba Rebelde." Discover how his music serves as a voice for immigrant communities and a call to action for listeners everywhere.
Hector discusses the importance of telling stories of love, loss, and resilience within immigrant families, and...
2024-06-2626 min
National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive PodcastThe Freedom to Thrive Podcast PromoJoin Victoria Ballesteros, Executive Vice President of Narrative at the National Immigration Law Center, as she introduces NILC's Freedom to Thrive podcast. This series is dedicated to building power for pro-immigrant narratives, one story at a time.
Each episode features insightful conversations with immigrant rights leaders, cultural tastemakers, performing artists, and immigrants sharing their impactful stories and truths. Discover bold visions for immigration, the intersection of art and culture, and the unifying power of shared experiences.
Stay connected and up to date by subscribing or signing up for updates at freedomtothrive.com or nilc.org
2024-06-2601 min
Transforming the World through ReflectionsTransforming the World through Reflections: The Shift Created by Social WorkThis episode of "Transforming the World through Reflections" invites us to explore healing communities with the help of social workers. Long-time volunteer and social worker in training Liuska Rincón brought profound insight about opportunities to grow, which emerged in the pandemic. This layered conversation emphasized on trust building, resilience, and thriving. Thanks, Liuska, for your openness, insight, and sensitivity to these topics! #transformingtheworldthroughreflections #growthinrelationships #freedomtothrive #healingcommunities #thepowerofsocialwork
2022-12-2842 minTransforming the World through ReflectionsTransforming the World through Reflections: The Shift in RelationshipsThis episode of "Transforming the World through Reflections" invites us to explore the experience of nourishing relationships---with ourselves and the world around us--- while enduring stress, loss and grief in the pandemic. Psychotherapist and Coach Randé Dorn brought profound pieces of wisdom about opportunities to grow in relationships. This rich conversation dug deeply into noticing our freedoms to choose in alignment with our values and overall well-being. Thanks, Randé, for your openness, insight, and sensitivity to these topics! #transformingtheworldthroughreflections #growthinrelationships #freedomtothrive
2022-11-291h 00
Act Out! podcastStarve the Beast, Feed the Community + Kings of a GraveyardUncle Sam's manifest destiny is to become king of a global graveyard – how our economic warfare kills and tortures millions worldwide and how folks here and elsewhere are organizing to fight back against so-called sanctions. Next, updates on whistleblowers and publishers and finally a look at building thriving communities in the face of over-policing, prisons and detention. https://sanctionskill.org/ https://www.releasechelsea.com/ https://action4assange.com/ https://freedomtothrive.org/ https://www.patreon.com/ActOut
2020-02-0728 min