S12 Ep142: Made in China
Our guest today is Anna Qu. Anna writes to make sense of cultural diasporas and the immigrant experience, including her own. Anna grew up in New York, earned her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Sarah Lawrence College, & currently resides in Brooklyn. Her work, which has appeared in publications like Poets & Writers and Jezebel, recasts the narratives ascribed to immigrants with honesty and grit...
38m Sep 21, 2021
38m
S12 Ep141: Representation in Media: A Look Back
In this Season on Immigrantly, we explore the narratives that haven’t been widely covered across media. Why are we still coming up short in telling fully inclusive stories? What does representation look like in an increasingly digital age? But before we dive into this new theme, we thought we should look back at how we have explored media representation on Immigrantly in the past. This episod...
20m Sep 14, 2021
20m
S11 Ep140: Hip Hop & Religion
Today's guest is Professor Josef Sorett. He is an expert in religious and African American studies at Columbia University. We talked about the boundaries between secular and sacred, how religion has influenced Black culture from hip hop music to social movements, and why returning to the junctions of religion and culture can be a source of reconciliation and investment in what is common. This ...
52m Aug 31, 2021
52m
S11 Ep139: Living Unapologetically Intersectional
Marla Louissaint, whose performance credentials include “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You", sits down with host & producer, Saadia, along with Marla's longtime friend & Immigrantly associate producer, Kylee, to reflect on the road to becoming an ex-Jehovah’s Witness and the Founder/President of an abolitionist nonprofit called "Claim Our Space Now." This ...
42m Aug 24, 2021
42m
S11 Ep138: A Holy Place to Rave, Eat, and Workout
This week on Immigrantly, we explore the relationship between the environment and religion through a physical vessel that is the Church of Holy Communion on West 20th & 6th Ave New York. The episode reviews the Churches many past lives, including a fitness center and an elite nightclub. This episode is sponsored by Db. Click on the link below to get 10%off your purchase. https://bit.ly/37cP8YP...
21m Aug 17, 2021
21m
S11 Ep137: Reflecting On The Different Landscapes of Islam
Today's guest Nouri Sardar is a Muslim poet, filmmaker, & co-host of the 786 Boulevard podcast. Additionally, he stands as a change agent at the intersection of religion and social justice at a more fundamental level.  This episode is sponsored by Citizenpath. This episode is sponsored by Db. Click on the link below to get 10%off your purchase https://bit.ly/37cP8YP Producer & Host: Saadia K...
40m Aug 10, 2021
40m
S11 Ep136: History of Religion & Violence
Our today's guest is Faisal Devji. Faisal is a historian who specializes in studies of Islam, globalization, violence, and ethics. He is a professor at St. Antony’s College at the University of Oxford. His multidisciplinary work grounds empirical historical issues in philosophical questions. This episode is sponsored by Indiana University's (IU) "Muslim Voices Project" & IU Inner Asia and Urali...
48m Aug 03, 2021
48m
S11 Ep135: Tradition vs. Modernity
Mira Sethi is an actor and a writer. She has written op-ed pieces for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian. Her debut book, "Are You Enjoying," is a collection of short stories set in Pakistan. This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. To get an $80 discount on your First Box, click on the link below and use the code in the show notes. Link: https://hellofresh-ca.o5kg....
33m Jul 27, 2021
33m
S11 Ep134: "Whispers to God": Islam and Mental Health
In partnership with Indiana University's "Muslim Voices Project," the Immigrantly team explores the relationship between spirituality and mental health. The episode tackles the question of "What role does God play in your mental health?" Special shout-out to Omar Hisham Al Arabi for Surah Maryam's recitation. The episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Special offer for Immigrantly listeners, get...
37m Jul 20, 2021
37m
S11 Ep134: "Whispers to God": Islam & Mental Health
In partnership with Indiana University's "Muslim Voices Project," the Immigrantly team explores the relationship between spirituality and mental health. We sat down with two practicing Muslims from very different backgrounds to tackle the question of "What role does God play in your mental health?" Surah Maryam recitation by Omar Hisham Al Arabi The episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Special ...
32m Jul 20, 2021
32m
S11 Ep133: The Art of Storytelling
Arij Mikati is the Managing Director of Leadership & Culture at the Pillars Fund. Arij’s work and its impact are felt in antiracism, coalition building, and solidarity action. The episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Special offer for Immigrantly listeners, get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/immigrantly Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer: Kylee Roberts Content ...
41m Jul 13, 2021
41m
S11 Ep132: "See Humans As They Are”
Today, we are speaking with the founder of South Bronx Mutual Aid, Ariadna Phillips. South Bronx Mutual Aid serves the Bronx autonomous free fridge community. The episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Special offer for Immigrantly listeners, get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/immigrantly Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer: Kylee Roberts Content writer: Sarah Do...
53m Jul 06, 2021
53m
S11 Ep131: Progressive Take On Christianity
Season 11 premiers as we begin our exploration of spirituality & religion. Kathy Khang gives a progressive take on Christianity. She is a writer, speaker a yoga teacher, & a lover of Jesus. The episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Special offer for Immigrantly listeners, get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/immigrantly Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer: Kylee Ro...
45m Jun 29, 2021
45m
S10 Ep130: Finding Community in Digital Spaces
The last episode of season 10 is with Khadjiah Johnson. She is a writer, animation enthusiast, & successful home cook. She writes for Black Girl Nerd Problems & Funimation, with previous experience on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert & Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Stay tuned for season 11, which will start on June 29th. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer & co-host: Kylee ...
38m Jun 15, 2021
38m
S10 Ep129: Veganism & Black Identity
Lyana Blount is the founder of Black Rican Vegan. It is a meal prep and delivery service which started in a homely kitchen in the Bronx during the pandemic. When Covid hit, Lyana decided to make such meals available to the masses. With over 33k followers and sold-out boxes and prep kits, Black Rican Vegan may be an infant in the food world, but it sure is making a splash. Producer & Host: Saad...
25m Jun 08, 2021
25m
S10 Ep128: White Women, Listen Up!
Saira Rao is the co-founder of Race2Dinner and is vocal about activism, especially against anti-Black racism. We spoke to Saira & Regina Jackson, the co-founder of Race2Dinner, in early March 2020. Today, we build on the conversation further. Saira has a book coming out called “White Women: Everything You Already Know about Your Own Racism & How To Do Better.” Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Asso...
48m Jun 01, 2021
48m
S10 Ep127: Classics For a New Generation
Leila Milki is an award-winning Lebanese-American singer, songwriter, and classical-pop pianist. She is the talented mastermind behind “Enjoy Your Meal, " a song from Disney Junior’s Emmy-nominated series, “The Rocketeer.” Her music explores rich dualities in a contemporary pop-alternative setting. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer: Kylee Roberts Content writer: Sarah Doh Editor:...
36m May 25, 2021
36m
S10 Ep126: Mareya Shot Keetha Goal
Today we’re continuing the conversation on AAPI representation in National Hockey League (NHL). Our guests Harnarayan Singh & Amrit Gill, are the hosts of Hockey Night Canada Punjabi. After its launch in 2008, it became the most popular non-English iteration. Harnarayan & Amrit talk about their experiences navigating this space. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer: Kylee Roberts C...
55m May 18, 2021
55m
S10 Ep125: Purpose, Passion & APNA
In honor of May being the Asian and Pacific Islander Month (API), the NHL and Immigrantly joined forces to bring you two exceptional episodes celebrating the role of the API community in hockey. Today's guests are Lali Toor and Dampy Brar (NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award recipient). They are the founders of APNA hockey. Apna Hockey, which translates to ‘our’ in Punjabi, is the first Sou...
50m May 11, 2021
50m
S10 Ep124: “We Are all Guests to Another Culture"
Today's guest, Irisa Xiong, founder of Innermade and a yoga practitioner, sees mindfulness and self-created potential as powerful paths to healing and growth. Much of her philosophy comes from her family and Eastern traditions and remedies.   This episode is sponsored by Baxtor Glasses. Click on the link below to get a special discount. https://baxterblueglasses.pxf.io/c/254496 Producer & Host...
38m May 04, 2021
38m
S10 Ep123: Equal Hope for the Future
Sweta Chakraborty is a renowned scientist, consultant, communicator, and activist. She has appeared on MSNBC, CBS, spoken at TedTalks, runs her own podcast and works full-time as a consultant to public and private organizations on risk management. This episode is sponsored by Baxtor Glasses. Click on the link to get a special discount. https://baxterblueglasses.pxf.io/c/254496 Producer & Host:...
34m Apr 27, 2021
34m
S10 Ep122: Making Hollywood More Diverse
Serena Rasoul is a writer, actress, and founder of Muslim American Casting, who, in their own words, are “creating spaces and adding new faces.” Serena has made appearances on House of Cards, Veep, and America’s Hidden Stories. I got to pick her brain on what makes representation truly authentic. This episode is sponsored by Baxtor Glasses. Click on the link below to get a special discount. h...
36m Apr 20, 2021
36m
S10 Ep121: British, Newlywed & Detained
Craig Doble is from England. He moved to the U.S. in 2015, fell in love with his wife, a U.S. citizen, & decided to settle down. However, he mistakenly didn’t fill out a page in his visa renewal application leading him to be arrested and detained by ICE. What ensued was a series of crazy events. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Associate Producer: Kylee Roberts/Sarah Doh Content writer: Sarah Do...
33m Apr 13, 2021
33m
S10 Ep120: Don't Have a Seat at the Table? Build Your Own Table
Diya Khanna is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager at Amazon in Seattle. Diya has a Bachelors in Journalism & a Masters of Education in Anti-Racist curriculum. She is truly a global citizen and has lived and worked in Canada, the US, Singapore, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, & Japan. We spoke about diversity, food, and the importance of humility and empathy. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan Assoc...
37m Apr 06, 2021
37m
S10 Ep118: From Cells & Microbes to Cookies & Masala
Nik Sharma is a renowned food writer, recipe developer, and photographer with Bombay roots & currently resides in LA. His entry into the food scene was his hit blog, "A Brown Table". Since then, he has published two bestselling cookbooks, including The Flavor Equation. Nik writes for San Francisco Chronicle, Serious Eats, and Food and Wine Magazine as their food columnist. Producer & Host: Sa...
39m Mar 30, 2021
39m
S9 Ep118: Accent Bias and the Myth of Comprehensibility
Our guest today is sure to bring an expansive perspective on the topic of accent bias. Professor Rahul Chakraborty is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who teaches at California State University, Fullerton, in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. As a linguist, his research has been featured in many scholarly journals, much of which has focused on accent bias's social impli...
44m Mar 16, 2021
44m
S9 Ep117: The Invisible Issue: Understanding Statelessness
Sharing today, we have Karina Ambartsoumian-Clough and Ekaterina, an alias used by our guest to protect her identity. What about their situation is so unique, you may ask. Well, Karina and Ekaterina have one crucial thing in common - that is their stateless status. This interview was undoubtedly a teaching moment, and I’m in awe of Karina and Ekaterina’s bravery. It’s stories like these that ke...
47m Mar 09, 2021
47m
S9 Ep116: "My Art is Not Performing My Identity"
Shazia Sikander is a self-proclaimed citizen of the world. She is a world-renowned multidisciplinary artist whose work offers a more inclusive way that addresses geopolitical borders' arbitrariness & radically disrupts assumptions around national, political, & historical boundaries. The episode is sponsored by Indiana University's Muslim Voices Project & Away Travel Producer & Host: Saadia Kh...
1hr Mar 02, 2021
1hr
S9 Ep115: "Poking Holes in the Prevailing Ideas"
Tanvi Misra is a multimedia journalist primarily focused on immigration. Her work has been featured at The Fuller Project, Bloomberg CityLab, CQ Roll Call, The Atlantic, NPR, & BBC. We had the chance to dig deep into the narratives on migration within American political discourse and touch upon how immigrant communities make sense of their layered identity. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan. Content...
49m Feb 23, 2021
49m
S9 Ep114: Vday Special: Dating Identity
Dating is complicated. But what role does identity play in it? We sat down with Andrew and Ayesha to hear their experiences navigating the dating scene while balancing racial perceptions and cultural/religious expectations. The conversation is humorous, engaging, & informative. Sit back, relax, and prepare to laugh. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan.  Content writer/Associate Producer/Co-host: Sar...
39m Feb 14, 2021
39m
S9 Ep113: "I Am Always Enough Just Being"
Sahaj Kohli is the brains and energy behind Brown Girl Therapy, a mental health platform that is the first and largest of its kind. What started as a passion project turned into a worldwide community for first and second-generation immigrants who seek a space to understand and affirm their emotional and mental experiences.  Producer & Host: Saadia Khan. Content writer: Yudi Liu/Saadia Khan Edit...
42m Feb 09, 2021
42m
S9 Ep112: "What Would Hafez Say?"
Nilo Tabrizy is a video journalist for the New York Times. Before that, she produced for Vice News and wrote for Al Jazeera. From an interview with Iran’s Foreign Minister on the Nuclear Deal to reporting on family separation at the border, Nilo lends ordinary faces to crucial voices. Producer & Host: Saadia Khan. Content writer: Yudi Liu/Saadia Khan. Editor: Tom Whelan Music: Evan Ray Suzuki ...
41m Feb 02, 2021
41m
S9 Ep111: Hyphenated Identity
Sabreet Kang Rajeev is the author of the bestselling memoir, “Generation Zero: Reclaiming My Parents American Dream.” She is a second-generation Indian American. Sabreet is also a full-time social science researcher and is currently completing her doctorate at the University of Baltimore. We spoke about the American dream myth, classism within the South Asian community & the erasure of the blue...
49m Jan 26, 2021
49m
S9 Ep110: The Psychology of Power: Trump, the Public, & Media Reluctance
Brandy X Lee is the President of the World Mental Health Coalition and a Psychiatrist with Yale University. She has written Op-eds for outlets like the New York Times, the Independent, and Politico. Bandy's NYT Best Selling book "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump" describes the dangers that Donald Trump's mental health poses to the nation & individual well-being. We spoke about President Trump...
49m Jan 19, 2021
49m
S9 Ep109: "Brown Folks with Silly Names"
Wajahat Ali is a Pakistani American journalist, author, public speaker, parent & someone who chooses change over disillusionment; his socio-political commentary is every bit biting and hopeful. We spoke about his Muslim identity, the controversy surrounding his OpEd for The Atlantic, "A Muslim Among Israeli Settlers", & his idea of perception vs. reality.
1hr Jan 12, 2021
1hr
S9 Ep108: Queer and Trans Migration: Narrative Activism and the Politics of Likability.
Season 9 launches with our interview with two fantastic guests. Eithne Luibheid & Karma Chavez are the editors of "Queer and Trans Migration: Dynamics of illegalization, Detention, and Deportation," a thought-provoking collection of the personal narratives of queer and trans migrants as well as activists. The interview covers a vast array of issues, including the intersectionality of migration ...
46m Jan 05, 2021
46m
Season 9 Trailer
With a new Season, Immigrantly is making a promise: we’re going to continue to shine a light on the nuances of this human experience. This time, we're not holding back. We spoke with a wide range of guests including, journalist Wajahat Ali (NYT, The Atlantic,) professors Eithne Luibheid, Karma Chavez, and psychiatrist Bandy X Lee.  Our conversations will continue to push boundaries that address...
3m Jan 01, 2021
3m
S8 Ep107: Christmas Culture(s)
Immigrantly does an anecdotal dive on Christmas from the perspective of the American immigrant. Sit down with us as we hear three different perspectives on this holiday that holds one of the prime seats as a staple of American culture.  Producer & Host Saadia Khan Associate Producer & Content writer Sarah Doh Editor Tom Whelan
26m Dec 22, 2020
26m
S8 Ep106: "You Always Have to Stand Up for Yourself"
Our today's guest is Moumita Ahmed. She is a movement organizer, community activist, civic leader, & a candidate for the New York City Council, District 24. We spoke about a host of issues, including climate change, the NY housing crisis, optimism in the midst of all the chaos, and why recycling may not be as effective as we think.
46m Dec 15, 2020
46m
S8 Ep105: Let's Talk Immigration Policy: The President & the Shadow System
Our today's guests are Cristina Rodriguez & Adam Cox. Cristina is a Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Adam is the Robert A. Kindler Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, where he teaches & writes about immigration law, constitutional law, and democracy. They’re the authors of “The President & Immigration Law,” which analyzes the historical and structural sources that explain the President’s...
59m Dec 08, 2020
59m
S8 Ep104: Immigrant Laborers: What They Don't Teach You in School
Today on Immigrantly, in collaboration with Julia Wang & Kathy Lu from Immigrant History Initiative & Catherine Ceniza Choy, a Professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley, we unveil immigrant laborers' narratives in the U.S, from the Chinese laborers who built the Transcontinental Railroad to the Mexican migrant workers employed by the Bracero program to the thousands of Filipino nurses serving...
30m Dec 01, 2020
30m
S8 Ep103: Let's Talk about Thanksgiving
n collaboration with activist Naelyn Pike (San Carlos Apache Tribe), a spokesperson for Apache Stronghold, an organization that fights to protect Indigenous land, Immigrantly breaks down the truth behind the glorified “Thanksgiving Day” story. We talk about the real history behind this story, along with the themes that play out in the present-day struggle for Indigenous sovereignty. Producer &...
24m Nov 24, 2020
24m
S8 Ep102: Journalistic Integrity in the Age of Sensationalism
Laila Al-Arian is a journalist and the Executive Producer of AJ Fault Lines, a Peabody and Emmy award-winning documentary series covering the US and its role around the world. The conversation mainly focuses on the controversy surrounding the NYTimes Podcast "Caliphate" and how journalists in the US present one-dimensional narratives about marginalized communities esp Muslims.
39m Nov 17, 2020
39m
S8 Ep101: The Refugee Crisis: We Have To Do More
Krish O Mara has spent decades in public service, including being a clerk for Chief Judge Michael Boudin, advisor for Secretaries of State Clinton and Kerry, & Michelle Obama as the First Lady’s policy director. Her work has largely focused on public and foreign affairs concerning immigration and refugees. That has carried over to her current role as the President and CEO of the Lutheran Immigr...
47m Nov 10, 2020
47m
S8 Ep100: Decolonizing Yoga
Susanna Barkataki is a renowned yoga speaker, teacher, and therapist. Her mission is to explore and integrate yogic values into our every day and build awareness, equity, and diversity within the yoga community. Susanna Barkataki is the Director of Education for Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute and the creator of the Honor (Don't Appropriate) Yoga Summit. 
1hr 1m Oct 27, 2020
1hr 1m
S8 Ep99: A Life of Honesty: Being South Asian and Gay
Vaibhav is a dental surgeon and public health researcher who grew up in  Delhi, India. He currently works as an independent consultant on global health issues & language access for Asian American minorities, primarily working with U.S. Census Bureau and nonpartisan organizations that mobilize Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) electoral and civic participation. Vaibhav is an openly ...
47m Oct 27, 2020
47m
S8 Ep98: Breaking From Negative Core Beliefs
Imam Khalid Latif is University Chaplain at NYU.  He was the first Muslim chaplain at both NYU and Princeton. He was nominated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to be the youngest chaplain for the NYPD in history. Khalid has consulted with the U.S. State Department, various institutions, corporations, mosques, and other communities worldwide. He is also the co-founder of Honest Chops, the first organi...
58m Oct 20, 2020
58m
S8 Ep97: "Politics of Authenticity"
Hari Kunzru is a British-Indian novelist and journalist. He is the author of the novels The Impressionist, Transmission, My Revolutions, Gods Without Men, and White Tears. His most recent work is Red Pill, a novel that explores the idea of searching for order in a world that frames madness as truth. His podcast "Into the Zone" talks about opposites.  Produced & Hosted by Saadia Khan; Written: S...
54m Oct 13, 2020
54m
S8 Ep96: Comedy in the Age of Wokeness
Shafi Hossain is a Bangladesh-born comedian who moved to the United States for college. Now, he calls New York City his home. He’s been navigating the comedy scene for years, with features on festivals like World Series of Comedy and 208 Comedy Fest. His humor and comedic style address cultural dichotomies through personal anecdotes. Produced & Hosted: Saadia Khan; Written: Sarah Doh, Saadia K...
34m Oct 06, 2020
34m
S8 Ep95: 2020 Election: What's at Stake?
Shariq Ahmad is the Chairman of the Edison Democratic Organization, the fifth-largest municipal Democratic party in NJ & representative of the group, South Asians, for Biden. Saadia & Shariq talk about why we must vote in the 2020 Election, Joe Biden’s political approach, & how to engage young people and progressives. Produced & Hosted by Saadia Khan Written by Sarah Doh, Saadia Khan Edited b...
55m Sep 29, 2020
55m