

Immigrantly
Saadia Khan | Immigrantly Media
Join Saadia Khan on Immigrantly, the award-winning podcast that dives deep into immigrant narratives and the messy beauty of identity, race, and belonging in America today. Each week, Saadia, a human rights activist, social entrepreneur, and proud cat mom, hosts unfiltered conversations with diverse voices: artists, academics, cultural disruptors, and everyday people with extraordinary cultural stories.At Immigrantly, we go beyond surface-level diversity to explore how culture, immigration, and inclusion shape real lives. We believe identity is powerful, but when unchecked, it can become an ego trap. That’s why every episode unpacks the nuance, humor, and contradictions of what it means to belong.Inclusive storytelling. Immigrant perspectives. Real talk—never flattened.To join this fun, thoughtful, and inclusive community, subscribe!
Producer & Host: Saadia Khan
Editorial Review: Shei Yu
Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Bobak Afshari, Rainier Harris, Adiba Hussain & Saadia Khan
Sound Design & Content Editor: Haziq Ahmad Farid, Paroma Chakravarty, Steve Martin, Lou Raskin
Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson
Other Music: Epidemic Sound
Follow us on IG @immigrantlypodsTwitter @Immigrantly_podTikTok @ImmigrantlyYouTube: @immigrantlypodsSubscribe to our PatreonImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media production.For advertising inquiries, please email at info@immigrantlypod.com
Producer & Host: Saadia Khan
Editorial Review: Shei Yu
Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Bobak Afshari, Rainier Harris, Adiba Hussain & Saadia Khan
Sound Design & Content Editor: Haziq Ahmad Farid, Paroma Chakravarty, Steve Martin, Lou Raskin
Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson
Other Music: Epidemic Sound
Follow us on IG @immigrantlypodsTwitter @Immigrantly_podTikTok @ImmigrantlyYouTube: @immigrantlypodsSubscribe to our PatreonImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media production.For advertising inquiries, please email at info@immigrantlypod.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2024 • 42min
'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 aspects of her life and career. Did you know Mila was born in Indonesia and raised in Germany before moving to the U.S.? Like me, she embarked on her podcasting journey during the 2016 elections. Mila and I explore how her multicultural background influences her perspective on civic life and democracy. We talk about her diverse career: before stepping into the podcasting world, Mila had a stint on Wall Street and a significant role at Sesame Street, where she was instrumental in launching the show's Indonesian version.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon'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

Jul 16, 2024 • 48min
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 powerful book about her experience called "The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival." Her recent book is Three Summers, which launched in April 2024. The book is based on her real life and is geared towards young readers. For those who may not know, the Bosnian Genocide happened between 1992 and 1995 and involved horrific ethnic cleansing and mass killings, especially against Bosniak Muslims. The worst of it was the Srebrenica Massacre in July 1995, where over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Bobak Afshari & Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon'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

Jul 9, 2024 • 50min
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 journalism.I've been deeply engaged with Emily's latest podcast, 'Inheriting,' which delves into Asian American and Pacific-Islander families. Through her exploration of how historical events reverberate across generations, Emily creates a narrative that feels intimate and profound, akin to sharing a moment with her in a cozy living room. Each episode, including the one on Pakistan, resonates deeply, showcasing Emily's passion for unraveling the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon'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

Jul 2, 2024 • 16min
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 Qader, and I, as we represent diverse backgrounds and experiences and share our reflections on freedom (or lack thereof), identity, and the ongoing journey toward true equality.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon’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

Jun 24, 2024 • 43min
Community, Culture, and 'Cost of Living'
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, Cost of Living, which poignantly captures the complexities of human connection and the profound effects of isolation.Joining me today is Martyna Majok, the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner for Cost of Living. A distinguished graduate of the Yale School of Drama and the Juilliard School, Martyna has also studied at the University of Chicago and has received numerous accolades from the Kennedy Center, the American Theatre Critic Association, and many others.Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & 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 | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 18, 2024 • 49min
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 the world of music and media. Her songwriting is a testament to her linguistic versatility, with enchanting melodies in English, French, and Mauritian Creole. Lazou is also the brilliant mind behind the 'Nuances' podcast, a platform that explores the diverse experiences of the Asian diaspora. The show dives deep into the complexities of identity, touching on themes such as LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism, feminism, politics, religion, career paths, family dynamics, and much more. Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan & Adiba Hussain I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Haziq Ahmed Farid I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11, 2024 • 43min
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 becomes central to our idea of who we are as a people. It’s a storytelling process and the most central story to who we are as a people. The civil rights movement has become one of the central collective memories in America's story of both who it is and who it wants to be. However, careful examination of the record reveals that the civil rights movement was a political project meant to dismantle multicultural democracy. Further, as the collective memory of Dr. King became sanitized and whitewashed, his legacy carried a lot of moral legitimacy, and his moral symbolic authority became ripe for manipulation.Hajar is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and the author of The Struggle for the People’s King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement.Please tune in to Future Hindsight every Thursday whenever you get your podcasts. https://www.futurehindsight.com/Credits:Host: Mila Atmos Guest: Hajar YazdihaExecutive Producer: Mila AtmosSenior Producer: Zack Travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4, 2024 • 43min
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 documentary, “In Search of Bengali Harlem,” with actor and playwright Alaudin Ullah, which premiered in early March, reveals the forgotten history of Bengali migrants who settled in Harlem during the 1920s, integrating into Black and Hispanic communities. Key TakeawaysHistory of South Asian Migration:
Overview of South Asian migration to the United States.
Experiences of early South Asian immigrants.
Impact of immigration laws on the South Asian community.
Personal and Family Experiences:
Vivek Bald's upbringing and influences.
His mother’s activism and its impact on his perspectives.
Development of his interest in documentary filmmaking.
In Search of Bengali Harlem:
The undocumented migration of Bengali Muslim men to the US in the early 20th century.
Intermarriages with African American and Puerto Rican women.
Challenges faced by these communities.
Personal stories and the research process behind the documentary.
The intersection of Race, Class, and Identity:
How these elements have shaped the experiences of South Asian immigrants.
The cultural influence of South Asians in cities like New York.
Political undertones in the narratives of South Asian migration.
Additional Links:To learn more about In Search of Bengali Harlem, http://bengaliharlem.com The film is available to stream on PBS as part of the documentary series America ReFramed: On PBS/WORLD’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os-PxQ2q3IgUsing the PBS App on your TV or Mobile Device:https://www.pbs.org/pbs–app/At America ReFramed:https://worldchannel.org/episode/america-reframed-in-search-of-bengali-harlem/ http://bengaliharlem.com/watch Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan & Adiba Hussain I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly podcast is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.comDon’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 2024 • 45min
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 innovation. Today, he teaches sustainable business models at Parsons and social entrepreneurship at John Jay College.Join us as we discuss his journey from DJing to designing a greener future and explore his work at 'Future Meets Present.' Get ready for an inspiring conversation that combines the energy of party anthems with the urgency of environmental actionImmigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Saadia Khan & Bobak Afshari I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly 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

May 21, 2024 • 38min
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 students there. Her work has been showcased in publications such as The New Yorker and Women’s Studies Quarterly. Through her workshops and writing columns, she explores allyship within BIPOC communities. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with a truly remarkable writer!Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. We do this by providing our listeners with authentic, accurate insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN.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.comHost & Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writer: Adiba Hussain and Saadia Khan I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic SoundImmigrantly 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