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 technologies in reshaping migration experiences. She’s the co-creator of the Migration and Technology...

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 artists and cultural creators, blending workshops with healing practices to inspire and...

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 the power of dissent, engagement, and the need for sustained change. Immigrantly is a weekly podcast...

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 tackle the myth of the deadbeat dad. Both of these men have bucked societal bias and are anything...

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 leadership coach and the author of the insightful book 'The Ambition Trap'. Amina’s unique blend of business...

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 parts entertaining and thought-provoking! Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the...

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 creating space for stories that go beyond surface-level labels. We explore her journey as a woman of color...

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, this is more than just a renovation project. It’s a deeply personal journey of reclaiming space,...

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 parents, navigating racial tensions in French society, and his evolving understanding of identity as an...

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 Award, the debut novel captures “a year in the life of the unforgettable Catalina Ituralde, a...

In this thought-provoking episode, I speak with Dr. Anne 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 intertwines with race, gender, and identity. She and I explore the nuanced relationship between...

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 Dog popping up all over and drawing in food enthusiasts from everywhere. If you missed our...

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 entertainment world, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it. But that’s not all—joining us is the...

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 and writer. Laura is at the forefront of redefining girlhood through the Stories of Girls'...

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. The episode was titled "From Tech to Tunes." Her podcast, Nuances, is an award-nominated audio space...

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 often-overlooked stories of those who return to their homeland. Joining me are Antonia Cerejido and...

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. Elissa Epel explains why some caregivers suffer badly from stress, while others seem to find ways to...

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 aspects of her life and career. Did you know Mila was born in Indonesia and raised in Germany before...

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 powerful book about her experience called "The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and...

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 journalism. I've been deeply engaged with Emily's latest podcast, 'Inheriting,' which delves into...

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 Qader, and I, as we represent diverse backgrounds and experiences and share our reflections on...

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.  Today's guest has brilliantly explored these struggles through her Pulitzer Prize-winning play,...

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 the world of music and media. Her songwriting is a testament to her linguistic versatility, with...

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 becomes central to our idea of who we are as a people. It’s a storytelling process and the most...