Immigrantly

In this captivating episode, I invite you to join us as we delve into the extraordinary life and work of Eshe Lewis. As a researcher focusing on the experiences of Afro-descendant women in Peru, Eshe has dedicated herself to illuminating their stories and challenges. Alongside her role as the host of the fifth season of the podcast Sapiens, she leads the innovative Sapiens Public School Training Program.With a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from the University of Florida, Eshe's passion lies in collaborating with Afro-descendant communities in Peru. Over the past decade, she has worked tirelessly on social movements, women's issues, Black feminism, and gender violence.Eshe's impact is palpable within these communities, exemplified by the groundbreaking 2015 study she conducted on Afro-Peruvian women's experiences with intimate partner violence and state-run Women's Emergency Centers.Join me as we talk about Eshe's research and her personal journey.Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Rainier Harris & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those who know me know that as someone who has always been open about my mental health journey, starting conversations about mental health is crucial. That's why, when Mental Health Awareness Month arrived, I jumped at the opportunity to reshare a great conversation with you from the Immigrantly vault. In 2021, I interviewed the founder of Brown Girl Therapy, Sahaj Kohli. Brown Girl Therapy began as a passion project, but it quickly grew into a worldwide community, providing a haven for those seeking a space to engage in discussions about mental health. In addition, Sahaj has a monthly mental health advice column at The Lily, a Washington Post publication, where she answers questions about identity and relations.Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm so excited to introduce today's guest, V.V. Ganeshananthan, who also goes by Sugi. She's a novelist whose work has appeared in many leading newspapers and journals, including Granta, The Atlantic Monthly, and The Washington Post.We had a great conversation about her recent novel Brotherless Night and her debut novel Love Marriage. Both of these books are about families impacted by Sri Lankan politics and conflict, and Sugi has talked a lot about the plots and structures of these books. But today, we get to hear more from Sugi, the person.I loved talking to her about her writing process, the inspiration behind her work, and her experiences as a Sri Lankan American. It was a rich conversation that I can't wait for you all to hear. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Immigrantly.Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Rainier Harris & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm particularly excited to have Shin Yu Pai with me today. I've been a fan of her poetry for a while now, and it's truly an honor to have her on the show. Shin Yu recently started producing and hosting her own podcast, and we chatted about how she got started and what inspired her to take on this new endeavor. What I loved most about our conversation was getting to know the person behind the poetry. Shin Yu is not only an incredibly talented artist but also a warm and engaging individual. Her passion for creativity is infectious, and I came away from our conversation feeling inspired and energized.So, whether you're a poetry lover, a fan of nonfiction, or just interested in exploring new creative mediums, I recommend tuning in to this episode. Shin's insights and experiences are sure to leave you with a fresh perspective on the art of storytelling.Clips Used:1. BBC News - "Alaska Willow Oil Project Passed by US President Joe Biden"2. Associated Press - "The Biden Administration Approved Three Drilling Sites for the Willow Project."3. National Park Diaries - "The Willow Project, Explained."Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Michaela Strauther & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm thrilled to have Asad Butt, my friend, and co-host of our other podcast Invisible Hate, on the show today. Asad has been in the business, entrepreneurial, and media world for a while now, and like me, his personal and career goals have been primarily shaped by a post-9/11 America. Asad started Rifelion in 2020 to promote diverse voices in podcasting, and we talked about his award-winning documentary podcast, King of the World. We also discussed the challenges and opportunities of broadcast journalism today and the impact of post-9/11 America on the Muslim community. And, to lighten things up, we shared some laughs over Asad’s experience with figure skating. So tune in for a fun and fascinating conversation!If you want to listen to our other podcast, Invisible Hate, click hereJoin the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Michaela Strauther & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today is Meklit Hadero, the Ethiopian-born, San Francisco-based artist. She is best known for her innovative Ethio-Jazz vocals and electric performance style. Even if you were to listen for a few minutes, you’d notice a genre-bending nature to her songs. Her songs weave together jazz, folk, Eastern African influences, and what Meklit calls everyday sounds. She has performed worldwide, from San Francisco to Cairo to London to Montreal. Her latest, released in 2017, “When the People Move, the Music Moves Too,” was named among the best records of the year by Bandcamp and the Sunday Times UK. She is a National Geographic Explorer, a TED Senior Fellow, and a 2019 Artist-in-Residence at Harvard University. Meklit is the co-founder, co-producer, and host of Movement, a new radio series telling stories of global migration through music.In our conversation, she shares how she looks to music to express longing, pain, hope, and other facets of the diaspora. Her words reminded me of the importance of heritage and how traditional music from our homelands can be integrated into present movement and music. Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Yudi Liu & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson Order of Meklit's Tracks during the episodeMeklit - Yesterday Is A TizitaMeklit - Sweet and SaltyMeklit - This Was Made HereOddisee - Try AgainDengue Fever - Ethanopium Xenia Rubinos - Hair RecedingMeklit - Float and FallAdditional LinksMeklit Hadero: The unexpected beauty of everyday sounds | TedDr. Jon Jenkins - Chasing Shadow Words: Exoplanets from Kepler & Beyond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Kareem Rahma, the creator of the popular series "Keep the Meter Running" on TikTok and YouTube. In each episode, Kareem catches a taxi in New York City and tells the driver to take him to their favorite place while keeping the meter running. From visiting new restaurants to flying in a helicopter, Kareem's conversations with his cab drivers are entertaining and insightful.Kareem is a comedian, content creator, entrepreneur, and fellow podcaster. You may have seen him in a commercial for TheRealReal, on an episode of the Drew Barrymore Show, or even once going viral for dipping his hot dog in his beer at a baseball game. I'm excited to chat with Kareem about his experiences creating "Keep the Meter Running" and his other ventures, as well as his creative process, motivations, and personal life. So join me for an entertaining and informative conversation with Kareem Rahma. Interested in "Keep the Meter Running"? Click on the link here.You can buy tickets to Kareem's show here.Join the conversation: Instagram @immigrantlypod | Twitter @immigrantly_pod | Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help more people find us! Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Michaela Strauther & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Ramadan, the month of fasting, is underway, I find myself drawn to the deeper meaning of fasting and how it can fuel my spiritual connection. This led me to revisit one of my favorite podcast episodes from the Immigrantly vault, which explores the intersection of Islam and mental health. The episode, released in June 2021, features my thoughtful conversation with one of our previous writers, Sarah Doh, who sat down with two practicing Muslims from very different backgrounds to tackle the question of "What role does God play in your mental health?" basically engaging in deep and meaningful conversations about the role of faith in mental health. Listening to these powerful conversations reminded me of the profound connection between spirituality and mental health. Even during the most challenging moments, we can draw upon our faith as a source of strength and comfort. So, whether you're a new listener or have already enjoyed this episode before, I invite you to join me in exploring this powerful intersection between faith and mental health.  A special shout-out to Omar Hisham Al Arabi for his beautiful recitation of Surah Maryam Join the conversation: Instagram | Twitter |  Please share the love and leave us a review on  to help more people find us!  Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Sarah Doh & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I  Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Evan Ray Suzuki I Other Music: Epidemic Sounds     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Immigrantly, the podcast that shares immigrant stories and experiences through a nuanced lens. In this episode, I am joined by Lionel Nicolau and Ilana Weitz, co-producers of the hilarious and insightful podcast Culture Jumpers. Together, we'll explore their personal experiences with cross-cultural relationships and how they navigate the challenges and joys of blending their diverse backgrounds. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired by the dynamic duo behind Culture Jumpers. You can listen to Culture Jumpers . Join the conversation: Instagram | Twitter |  Please share the love and leave us a review on  to help more people find us!  Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Yudi Liu & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I  Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Evan Ray Suzuki I Other Music: Epidemic Sounds   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to be inspired and informed in this podcast episode as I sit down with Saket Soni, a labor organizer and human rights activist making a significant impact in the fight for workers' rights. Originally from Delhi, India, Saket is the author of a new book called “The Great Escape: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America,” a gripping true story that shines a light on the hidden world of forced labor and immigrant dreams in America. With his firsthand experience and unflinching dedication to justice, Saket gives us an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of those who have been forgotten by society. Join me for an enlightening and entertaining conversation as we delve into the urgent need for workers' rights and the captivating story of The Great Escape. Don't miss out on this episode because you’re in for a wild ride with Saket Soni. You can buy the book here. Join the conversation: Instagram | Twitter |  Please share the love and leave us a review on  to help more people find us!  Host & Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Michaela Strauther & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I  Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Evan Ray Suzuki I Other Music: Epidemic Sounds       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices