'Our Norms Are Changing Rapidly' Immigrantly podcast

54:02

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly ; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe This week on Immigrantly, Saadia KhanI sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Derek Mitchell. He is a comedian, actor, and creator of @letsdoubledutch. Derek’s lived all over Chicago, Amsterdam, and London, and he’s bringing his globally inspired comedy back to the U.S. for the first time. They talk about everything from learning to belong in a new country, navigating Dutch bluntness, the fine line between cultural cringe and comedy gold, and, most importantly, feeling “at home” in multiple places. Oh, and yes, they get into why Dutch people have flawless American accents. Derek’s hitting New York, LA, and Chicago on his first-ever U.S. comedy tour—get your tickets here: https://linktr.ee/letsdoubledutch . It’s sharp, funny, deeply human. Don’t miss this one! Want in on our upcoming podcast club? DM us @immigrantlypods on IG! Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠ . Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on ⁠⁠Twitter ⁠⁠ @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Don't forget to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠ channel ⁠⁠ for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Autopsies, Fame, and Scandal: Inside the Life of Thomas Noguchi 49:03

9 days ago49:03

49:03

What happens when a Japanese immigrant becomes Hollywood’s most powerful and controversial coroner? In this gripping conversation, Saadia sits down with historian and author Anne Soon Choi to unpack the life of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, LA’s former Chief Medical Examiner and the man behind some of the most infamous autopsies in American history—Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, and Natalie Wood, to name a few. But this story isn’t just about celebrity deaths. It’s about race, politics, media spectacle, and how one immigrant used science and savvy to claim space in a system never built for him. We also explore society’s obsession with true crime, the moral questions it raises, and what happens when immigrants are erased from even the stories they shaped. If you’re into true crime, history, or immigrant narratives or want to know why Frank Sinatra once wrote a scathing letter to defend a celebrity’s corpse—this one’s for you. Want in on our upcoming podcast club? DM us @immigrantlypods on IG! Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠ . Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ & ⁠Spotify⁠ to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on ⁠Twitter ⁠ @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Don't forget to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠ channel ⁠ for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Redefining Home: The Journey Back to Mexico (August 2024) 41:26

16 days ago41:26

41:26

Subscribe to Hyphenly, our latest newsletter, for a chance to win a gift card ⁠: https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⁠ 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, the themes remain strikingly relevant today. With a fresh perspective, this rerun reveals how clearly these two saw the road ahead. It is a must-listen for anyone reflecting on how far we’ve come and where we might be headed. Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid & Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Don't forget to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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The Stories We Whisper, The Sounds We Miss 52:32

23 days ago52:32

52:32

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 explores the power of folk tales, scent, and sound as tools of cultural preservation and personal healing. The conversation unpacks the dangers of single narratives, the burden of "positive" stereotypes, and why leaning into your roots, even privately, is an act of resistance. Whether you're a second-generation parent navigating inherited memory or a first-generation parent trying to keep your kids connected to something more profound, this episode offers a poignant, funny, and fiercely honest meditation on who gets to tell the story and how. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Special Shoutout to Hana Baba for sharing the original Sudanese tracks created by the following artists: 1. Jamal Intro Music Full - credit Mohamed Jamal 2. Ramy Intro Theme - credit Ramy Elbaghir 3. Sudan Oud - credit Khalid Elmahi Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Speaking Imperfectly, Belonging Fully 46:27

30 days ago46:27

46:27

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—not grammatical perfection. We unpack what it means to “feel” fluent, how multilinguals navigate identity through code-switching, and why speaking imperfectly can still be powerful. Angela shares how her platform is changing the game for Mandarin learners who want to express themselves authentically—not just pass a language test. If you've ever lived between languages or felt like your voice changes depending on the one you speak, this conversation will hit home. Bonus: Angela is offering Immigrantly listeners an exclusive 10% discount on all Real You Mandarin courses with code immigrantly10. Learn more: www.realyoumandarin.com We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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From Spinning Beats to Saving Earth (May 2024) 41:54

5 weeks ago41:54

41:54

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 the message is as fresh and relevant as ever. Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan & Bobak Afshari I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Designed to Exclude: How Policy Shaped the Fate of Mexican Immigrants in Texas 52:05

6 weeks ago52:05

52:05

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 systematically excluded from public education and opportunity throughout the 20th century—and how those policies still resonate today. We unpack why Texas created systems to exploit labor while blocking social mobility, how educational inequality was baked into policy, not culture, what comparing Mexican and European immigrant outcomes means, and the quiet generational cost of being born in the wrong place with the wrong identity. This conversation reframes the myth of meritocracy and compels us to confront the uncomfortable truth: success in America has always depended on who you are, where you’re from, and what you are allowed to access. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Too Foreign for Home, Too Foreign for Here 42:25

7 weeks ago42:25

42:25

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 privileges of being in between. From growing up as a minority in Egypt to questioning her Arab identity and redefining what home truly means, Beatriz challenges the idea of fixed identities and explores what we gain when we embrace fluidity. Plus, they discuss code-switching, immigrant nostalgia, and the biases we inherit and how to unlearn them. What does it mean to belong? Are we all living in cultural contradictions? And can we ever feel at home anywhere? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about identity, migration, and the universal search for belonging. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Writing Like Nobody’s Watching 48:21

8 weeks ago48:21

48:21

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 uncovering the power of secrets in fiction, Nayantara shares insights from her acclaimed novel, The Magnificent Ruins, and her upcoming book, Sisters of a Halved Heart (coming Spring 2026). She also discusses the complexities of code-switching, the joy of language, and how her work in television influences her creative process. Nayantara and Saadia dive into the emotional weight of representation, the evolving nature of happiness, and whether some stories are best left untold. It’s a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation that will leave you reflecting on your own narratives. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Hearing 'No' Like An Immigrant 54:25

9 weeks ago54:25

54:25

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 Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs." We’re unpacking The wild journey from refugee camp to fashion powerhouse Why hearing “No” a thousand times makes you sharper The truth about “sustainable” fashion (and why she’s not buying it) How ambition and kindness can work together This one’s got wisdom, wit, and just the right amount of Oprah! We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Riding Along with Kareem Rahma: Creating 'Keep The Meter Running' and More (April 2023) 39:39

10 weeks ago39:39

39:39

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. This conversation is packed with unexpected twists and insights that you'll love. So, dive in now, and be sure to come back for a brand new Immigrantly episode with engaging guests and fresh perspectives. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Helicopters, Justice & Magic Tricks?? 49:58

11 weeks ago49:58

49:58

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 space. She also shares her insights on reimagining military recruitment to address sexual assault, the complex role of the U.S. military in global politics, and the nuanced patriotism that comes with service. Beyond the uniform, Julie is a community advocate and magician (yes, really!). Listen in as she unpacks the intersections of duty, justice, and personal identity. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Links: Vet Voice Foundation – Elevating veterans' voices in civic engagement and policy advocacy. VoteVets – A progressive veterans' organization advocating for responsible foreign policy and support for veterans. Meals on Wheels – Delivering meals to seniors, including veterans in need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Lost & Found: Search for A Soviet Guardian Angel 1:01:07

12 weeks ago1:01:07

1:01:07

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 train in Russia. But her dream quickly turned into a nightmare when she fell gravely ill, abandoned in an isolation ward until Natasha, a fellow dancer, risked everything to help her escape. Decades later, Jake embarks on a quest to find this woman, uncovering powerful themes of fate, memory, and the ripple effects of human kindness. Join me as we explore the intersection of storytelling, history, and identity and reflect on the ways in which we all have someone in our past worth finding. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Birthright, Borders & Bullsh*t! 53:04

13 weeks ago53:04

53:04

This episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards- go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get started 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 deportations, we tackle the fear-mongering narratives shaping policy and why they don’t hold up. Claudia, a DACA recipient, and TPS holder shares how young voters reject political apathy and mobilize for real change. Is the American Dream just a marketing gimmick? Why do politicians keep using immigrants as political pawns? Can young, diverse voters flip the script in Texas? We’re calling out the myths, exposing the power plays, and showing how you can fight back at the ballot box, in the streets, or by simply sharing this episode. We invite you to join us in creating new intellectual engagement for our audience. For more information, visit http://immigrantlypod.com . Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! You can connect with Saadia on Twitter @swkkhan Email: saadia@immigrantlypod.com Host & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Immigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. You can also follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Forgotten Stories 51:16

14 weeks ago51:16