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...
12m Nov 21, 2023
12m
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
235: Missing Kids and The Media: Breaking the Biases
In this second part of our two-episode series on kidnappings, media coverage, and the Latino community, I am finally dissecting the term "Missing White Girl Syndrome"---where did the phrase come from, why are white women overrepresented in missing person cases, and what can be done to address the disparity? Alongside Immigrantly's research, you'll hear from Liz Alarcón, our collaborator's found...
30m Aug 15, 2023
30m
234: Missing Kids and The Media: The Story of Sofia Juarez
Today's episode is about the disappearance of Sofia Juarez the day before her 5th birthday and the TikTok video 18 years later that reignited the search for her. This narrative-style story will slightly differ from Immigrantly’s usual content, but it’s for a good reason. Sofia Juarez’s case is related to "Missing White Girl Syndrome,"—a term used to describe the overrepresentation of missing wh...
26m Aug 08, 2023
26m
234: Missing Kids and The Media: The Story of Sofia Juarez
Today's episode is about the disappearance of Sofia Juarez the day before her 5th birthday and the TikTok video 18 years later that reignited the search for her. This narrative-style story will slightly differ from Immigrantly’s usual content, but it’s for a good reason. Sofia Juarez’s case is related to "Missing White Girl Syndrome,"—a term used to describe the overrepresentation of missing wh...
26m Aug 08, 2023
26m
233: Unraveling 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. ...
53m Aug 01, 2023
53m
233: Unraveling 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. ...
53m Aug 01, 2023
53m
Feed Drop: The Trail Ahead Podcast-Ahmad Hijazi on Thru-hiking, Feeling at Home in Nature, and Arab Representation in the Outdoors
Today, we are shaking things up! Rather than releasing our usual episode, we have a special treat for you. Get ready to dive into an enlightening episode of "The Trail Ahead" podcast, where athletes and environmental advocates Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson embark on thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of race, environment, history, and culture. Faith and Addie sit down with...
1hr 24m Jul 25, 2023
1hr 24m
Feed Drop: The Trail Ahead Podcast-Ahmad Hijazi on Thru-hiking, Feeling at Home in Nature, and Arab Representation in the Outdoors
Today, we are shaking things up! Rather than releasing our usual episode, we have a special treat for you. Get ready to dive into an enlightening episode of "The Trail Ahead" podcast, where athletes and environmental advocates Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson embark on thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of race, environment, history, and culture. Faith and Addie sit down with...
1hr 24m Jul 25, 2023
1hr 24m
232: The 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. ...
35m Jul 18, 2023
35m
232: The Kaleidoscope of Cultural Creativity
My today's guest is Smriti Mundhara, 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....
35m Jul 18, 2023
35m
231: Nature, Comedy, and Authenticity with Ivy Le
On today's episode, I have the incredible Ivy Le, the creator of the podcast FOGO that explores nature through the eyes of the “most reluctant host” you've ever encountered. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind Ivy's unique approach to hosting and discover the true meaning of FOGO. But that's not all – Ivy's talents extend far beyond podcasting. She is a stand-up comedian, reporter, actress...
37m Jul 11, 2023
37m
231: Nature, Comedy, and Authenticity with Ivy Le
On today's episode, I have the incredible Ivy Le, the creator of the podcast FOGO that explores nature through the eyes of the “most reluctant host” you've ever encountered. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind Ivy's unique approach to hosting and discover the true meaning of FOGO. But that's not all – Ivy's talents extend far beyond podcasting. She is a stand-up comedian, reporter, actress...
37m Jul 11, 2023
37m
230: Stars, Stripes, and Stories: A Fourth of July Special
As most of you know, I pose a thought-provoking question to my guests at the end of every episode: How would they define America in a single word or sentence? Today, in celebration of the 4th of July, I decided to turn the tables and pose the same question to our incredible team because we wanted to share our unique thoughts and hopes for America with you.  So this particular episode enhances y...
11m Jul 04, 2023
11m
230: Stars, Stripes, and Stories: A Fourth of July Special
As most of you know, I pose a thought-provoking question to my guests at the end of every episode: How would they define America in a single word or sentence? Today, in celebration of the 4th of July, I decided to turn the tables and pose the same question to our incredible team because we wanted to share our unique thoughts and hopes for America with you.  So this particular episode enhances y...
12m Jul 04, 2023
12m
229: Reality TV, Comedy, and Cultural Adventures
Today's guest is the extraordinary Anna Hossnieh, a comedy producer at iHeartRadio and co-host of the thought-provoking podcast Ethnically Ambiguous. Join me as we dive deep into Anna's world, exploring her obsession with reality TV, her comedic journey, and her unique experiences growing up as a child of Iranian immigrants. We also discover the inspirations that have shaped her creative path a...
44m Jun 27, 2023
44m
229: Reality TV, Comedy, and Cultural Adventures
Today's guest is the extraordinary Anna Hossnieh, a comedy producer at iHeartRadio and co-host of the thought-provoking podcast Ethnically Ambiguous. Join me as we dive deep into Anna's world, exploring her obsession with reality TV, her comedic journey, and her unique experiences growing up as a child of Iranian immigrants. We also discover the inspirations that have shaped her creative path a...
45m Jun 27, 2023
45m
228: Laughs, Characters, and Artistic Roots: Getting Real with Lucie Pohl
Join me as I chat with the wonderfully funny Lucie Pohl, the voice actor behind Overwatch 2 hero Mercy. We explore her comedic background, including her show "Hi, Hitler" and her connection to playwright Bertolt Brecht. After my interview on her podcast, Immigrant Jam, I am psyched to uncover the person behind the characters and delve into Lucie's fascinating story. Don't miss this engaging con...
38m Jun 20, 2023
38m
228: Laughs, Characters, and Artistic Roots: Getting Real with Lucie Pohl
Join me as I chat with the wonderfully funny Lucie Pohl, the voice actor behind Overwatch 2 hero Mercy. We explore her comedic background, including her show "Hi, Hitler" and her connection to playwright Bertolt Brecht. After my interview on her podcast, Immigrant Jam, I am psyched to uncover the person behind the characters and delve into Lucie's fascinating story. Don't miss this engaging con...
38m Jun 20, 2023
38m