Redefining Home: The Journey Back to Mexico (August 2024)
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...
41m Apr 29, 2025
41m
The Stories We Whisper, The Sounds We Miss
What 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 ...
51m Apr 22, 2025
51m
308: Speaking Imperfectly, Belonging Fully
Do 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—n...
45m Apr 15, 2025
45m
From 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 t...
42m Apr 08, 2025
42m
307: Designed to Exclude: How Policy Shaped the Fate of Mexican Immigrants in Texas
What 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 syste...
51m Apr 01, 2025
51m
306: Too Foreign for Home, Too Foreign for Here
Identity 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 privile...
43m Mar 25, 2025
43m
305: Writing Like Nobody’s Watching
What 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 unco...
45m Mar 18, 2025
45m
304: Hearing 'No' Like An Immigrant
How 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 Bus...
53m Mar 11, 2025
53m
Riding 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. Thi...
39m Mar 04, 2025
39m
303: Helicopters, 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 spa...
46m Feb 25, 2025
46m
302: Lost & Found: Search for A Soviet Guardian Angel
What 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 tra...
57m Feb 18, 2025
57m
301: Birthright, Borders & Bullsh*t!
What 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 deportati...
49m Feb 11, 2025
49m
300: Forgotten Stories
This episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards- go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get started Some 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 l...
47m Feb 04, 2025
47m
299: What'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? Tha...
49m Jan 28, 2025
49m
298: When 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...
49m Jan 21, 2025
49m
297: Immigrantly 2025: Working through the Arc of the Emotions with Anita Rao
Start 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, insp...
51m Jan 14, 2025
51m
296: Ponchos, Panther, and Purpose: Bambadjan Bamba Redefines Belonging
Can 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 ...
49m Dec 24, 2024
49m
295: I Just Want A Show
Today’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...
47m Dec 17, 2024
47m
294: Tearing Down Tribes: Aymann Ismail on Love, Religion, and Legacy
Today, 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 th...
54m Dec 10, 2024
54m
293: Sobriety, Identity & Cat Chats
I’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 compl...
43m Dec 03, 2024
43m
Feed Drop: Turkeys, Touchdowns, and Tradition: John Madden’s Thanksgiving Legacy-Sportly Thanksgiving Special
Today, I am bringing you something a little different. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I am excited to share a special episode from Sportly, one of our sibling podcasts here at Immigrantly Media. Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s about family, connection, and tradition. And for many, Thanksgiving Day football has become a quintessential part of...
18m Nov 26, 2024
18m
292: AI at the Border
In 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 technolo...
49m Nov 19, 2024
49m
291: Finding Stillness in a Fast Moving World
In 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 a...
55m Nov 12, 2024
55m
290: Election Day Musings: Frustration, Hope, and Showing Up
Today, 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 ...
10m Nov 05, 2024
10m
Feed Drop: The Myth of the Deadbeat Dad by Homegoings
A heads up: This episode contains strong language and unbleeped swearing*** "Stereo-anti-types” is a special series from Homegoings examining some of the most troubling, most profound, and most dangerous stereotypes that apply to Black men. In this first episode, host Myra Flynn and colleague Bryant Denton get up close and personal with podcaster Pendarvis Harshaw and comedian Marlon Fisher to ...
35m Oct 29, 2024
35m
289: Cultivating Pacing Replenishing
In 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 leadersh...
48m Oct 22, 2024
48m
288: The Many Faces of America
In 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 ...
49m Oct 15, 2024
49m
287: Unboxed
Today, 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 creatin...
51m Oct 08, 2024
51m
286: '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, th...
43m Oct 01, 2024
43m
285: Unscripted: Samuel Jamier on Race, Adoption, and Asian Representation in Cinema
In 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 parent...
33m Sep 24, 2024
33m
284: The Art of Pretend: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio On Her Frst Work Of Fiction, Girlhood, and Pop Songs
This 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 A...
47m Sep 17, 2024
47m
283: Model Minority Makeover
In this thought-provoking episode, I speak with Dr. Ann 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 ...
46m Sep 10, 2024
46m
From 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 Do...
45m Sep 03, 2024
45m
282: Leveling Up: Shahjehan Khan & Rafay Rashid on Fame and Sobriety
I’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 entert...
33m Aug 27, 2024
33m
281: Rebels In the Making
As 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...
30m Aug 20, 2024
30m
Feed Drop: Nuances Podcast Conversation with Soo Jin Lee
This 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. Th...
56m Aug 13, 2024
56m
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