280: Redefining Home: The Journey Back to Mexico
As 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 ...
41m Aug 06, 2024
41m
Feed Drop: How to Tame Stress from The Happiness Lab
Constant worry and stress are bad for our bodies and our minds, but how can we break the cycle and relax? It turns out scientists have learned a lot from one of America's most stressed-out communities - caregivers.  In this episode of The Happiness Lab, hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, Hollywood star Steve Guttenberg talks about the toughest chapter of his life—caring for his dying dad—and Dr. Elis...
40m Jul 30, 2024
40m
279: '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 aspec...
41m Jul 23, 2024
41m
278: Naming 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 ...
46m Jul 16, 2024
46m
277: Inheriting Narratives
Today'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...
48m Jul 09, 2024
48m
276: Fourth of July Special: The Freedom Conundrum
As 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 ...
14m Jul 02, 2024
14m
275: "The Plays Are Smarter Than I Ever Was"
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. ...
41m Jun 24, 2024
41m
274: From Tech To Tunes
Today’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 ...
46m Jun 18, 2024
46m
Feed Drop: Future Hindsight podcast-Hajar Yazdiha
As we prepare for the Nationly and Sportly podcasts launch and Immigrantly's newest episodes, we are sharing an episode by our friends at the Future Hindsight episode. In this Future Hindsight episode, host Mila Atmos is joined by Hajar Yazdiha for a conversation on the role of collective memory in the myth-making of American exceptionalism.  Collective memory is how we remember history and b...
40m Jun 11, 2024
40m
273: Unearthing the Untold Stories of the South Asian Diaspora in Harlem
In this episode, I sit down with Vivek Bald, a filmmaker, writer, and scholar dedicated to uncovering the hidden histories of the South Asian diaspora. For the past twenty-five years, Vivek has explored the migration patterns and cultural impact of South Asians in the US and Britain through his documentaries, books, and academic work at MIT’s Comparative Media Studies Department. His latest doc...
40m Jun 04, 2024
40m
272: From Spinning Beats to Saving Earth
Amer 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 innovati...
41m May 28, 2024
41m
271: Exploring Realism with a Smattering of Humor
Today’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 s...
35m May 21, 2024
35m
270: Unveiling the Salvadoran Narrative: The US Foreign Policy & Its Impact
Today'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, particula...
45m May 14, 2024
45m
269: Decoding Depictions in Call of Duty
Join 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 Ghent Hayek, who share insights from their groundbreaking project, ‘Gaming Islam.’ We explore the portrayal of South West A...
44m May 07, 2024
44m
268: "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 psychol...
44m Apr 30, 2024
44m
267: Surviving the Messed-Up System
Hey 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 Princet...
39m Apr 23, 2024
39m
266: When AI Meets Feminist Ethics
Today'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 techn...
43m Apr 16, 2024
43m
265: When Is It Ok to Call Someone Resilient
Do 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...
41m Apr 09, 2024
41m
264: What We Mean When We Talk About Genocide
The 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 viewp...
46m Apr 02, 2024
46m
Feed Drop: Pen's Pals: Putting on for Tehran in the Bay by Rightnowish
As you know, I am always looking for great stories that we can create in-house and share in this space. And when I heard this story, I knew I had to share it with all of you! This episode from the Rightnowish podcast delves into many familiar themes of belonging, assimilation, loss, and finding our whole selves in this society. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Next week, I will be back wit...
24m Mar 26, 2024
24m
263: Preserving Inclusion Amidst Political Backlash
As 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 challengi...
44m Mar 19, 2024
44m
262: Beyond Skin Deep: Exploring the Complexities of Beauty
Today, 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 ...
32m Mar 12, 2024
32m
261: “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, An...
37m Mar 05, 2024
37m
260: “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, Negi...
49m Feb 27, 2024
49m
259: The Food Mashup
I'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 ...
33m Feb 20, 2024
33m
258: Cooking Up Love, One Recipe At a Time
Join 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 ...
35m Feb 13, 2024
35m
257: I Must Belong Here
In 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-ser...
42m Feb 06, 2024
42m
Feed Drop: The Mash-Up Americans Podcast - Lisa Ling
In January 2023, I sat down with Amy Choi and Rebecca Lehrer, the cohosts of The Mash-Up Americans podcast. Our conversation centered on their series on grief. We discussed grief, how we can understand it without over-pathologizing the sentiment, and why it’s both universal and personal. The most remarkable about the conversation is that we kept it light and honest.” Today, I am so psyched to s...
58m Jan 30, 2024
58m
256: "Diversity Hire": Claudine Gay and Future of DEI
Harvard's first black president, Claudine Gay, resigned recently following several controversies over the past few months. But the real controversy, at least for this episode of Immigrantly, is the fact that regarding her resignation, conservatives (from billionaires to politicians) have been denouncing Gay as a "diversity hire."  If you're unfamiliar with the term, this is the perfect episode ...
37m Jan 23, 2024
37m
255: Love Comes In Many Shapes and Sizes
Finding meaningful connections becomes crucial in a world where loneliness affects physical and mental well-being. Whether solidifying familial ties or seeking companions who offer stability, love, and tranquility, the pursuit is universal. However, reality often reminds us that finding the perfect companion is difficult. How does this quest transform when elements like AI and money come into p...
41m Jan 16, 2024
41m
254: What's Your Heart Telling You
Welcome back! Today's guest, Jane Wong, is a poet, a professor, and a restaurant kid - her new book, “Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City,” covers growing up in a Chinese-American restaurant and reckoning with her ancestral past and present. In her book, you can expect passages as specific as ‘How to fall asleep so your mom picks you up” or earlier in that same chapter, “How to lock your brother i...
44m Jan 09, 2024
44m
253: Holiday Special: Breaking Bread
For 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 Christm...
22m Dec 26, 2023
22m
252: Crafting Change Through Art
Meet the incredible Siddharth Katragadda, a San Diego-based artist extraordinaire who's not just a painter, photographer, and award-winning filmmaker but a force for change. Born and raised in India, Siddharth weaves captivating narratives through his art, tackling social justice issues head-on. Join us for a lively conversation as we uncover the magic behind his diverse talents and how he's sh...
27m Dec 19, 2023
27m
251: From Headlines to Chaat Dog: Pervaiz Shallwani's Flavorful Journey
My today’s guest, Pervaiz Shallwani- From covering intense stories like the George Floyd protests to reporting on the Brooklyn subway shooting, Pervaiz is spicing things up in the food scene. Now, he's cooking up 'Chaat Dog'—a mashup of his Chicago background and Pakistani roots. It's not just hot dogs; it's a tasty journey blending cultures and stories. Join the conversation as Pervaiz dishes ...
44m Dec 12, 2023
44m
250: The Quiet Violence of Language
Inspired by the ongoing suffering in Palestine, this episode explores language's power and potential harm. Words aren’t harmless and are often dangerous. Slight differences in word choice alter people’s perceptions. Minor differences can turn humans into “animals.” There’s no guest today; instead, I investigate the subtle nuances in our words through the deeply rooted history of “dog-whistling....
30m Dec 05, 2023
30m
249: Taboos, Sex, and Feminism with Sangeeta Pillai
Today'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...
39m Nov 28, 2023
39m
248: Thanksgiving Special: Adapting Tradition
We 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...
13m Nov 21, 2023
13m
247: Denied Entry: Navigating Identity with Atheer Yacoub
Atheer 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" pod...
47m Nov 14, 2023
47m
246: Comedy, Crime, and Creative Wonders
Prepare 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 int...
36m Nov 07, 2023
36m
245: Navigating the Military-Immigration Landscape
Our 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. Wi...
38m Oct 31, 2023
38m
244: Neighborly Bonds
Join 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 ta...
42m Oct 24, 2023
42m
243: A Cinematic Explorer
Today'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 bound...
36m Oct 17, 2023
36m
Special Feed Drop: Tiny Huge Decisions Episode 1
I have a special episode for you today. I am sharing an episode of the new podcast from APM Studios and Chalk & Blade called Tiny Huge Decisions. This is a story about two best friends, Mohsin and Dalia, who make a life-changing decision: will she be the gestational surrogate for Mohsin and his husband? It’s emotional, intimate, and more than a little complicated. Here is episode 1!   Come back...
36m Oct 10, 2023
36m
242: EmpowerHER: Elevating Latine Voices and Stories
In 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 e...
36m Oct 03, 2023
36m
241: The 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...
44m Sep 26, 2023
44m
240: From Algorithms to Emotions: Aizzah Fatima’s Journey to Romcom Stardom
Aizzah 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 precise...
41m Sep 19, 2023
41m
239: Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Sexuality and Identity
In 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 understandin...
41m Sep 12, 2023
41m
238: Against the Current: Decoding Love with Mansi Choksi
Why 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, m...
48m Sep 05, 2023
48m
237: Championing Rights: Anisha Singh and the Sikh Coalition
Today'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 Amer...
49m Aug 29, 2023
49m
236: Unraveling Class Identity: A Candid Conversation with Jonathan Menjivar
What 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 na...
43m Aug 22, 2023
43m