Immigrantly
253 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★ - 155 ratingsWelcome to Immigrantly: a boundary-pushing, border-crossing podcast that gives diverse voices and stories home. Drawing on her own experiences as a rights activist and a first-generation Asian immigrant, creator & host, Saadia Khan tackles the big questions on race, identity & the immigrant experience while challenging mainstream narratives. Through Immigrantly, we are revolutionizing storytelling in America by offering a new kind of intellectual engagement that encourages listeners to learn and unlearn on their own terms without fear of judgment. Our vision is to normalize the immigrant identity within the American social discourse for a kinder, more humane world. Covering everything from love and dating to food and faith, each weekly episode explores a theme with inspiring guests such as Grammy-winning singer Arooj Aftab, bestselling author of 'The Kite Runner,' Khaled Hosseini, and comedians Hari Kondabolu and Aparna Nancherla. It's a true celebration of what makes us unique – and a timely reminder of all that unites us. If you'd like to be part of this fun, thoughtful, and inclusive community, all you need to do is subscribe!
Producer & Host: Saadia Khan
Podcast Assistant: Shei Yu
Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Bobak Afshari, Rainier Harris & Saadia Khan
Sound Design & Content Editor: Haziq Ahmad Farid
Media Coordinator: Katie Lam
Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson
Other Music: Epidemic Sound
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Episodes
"Politics of Authenticity"
October 13, 2020 09:00 - 54 minutesIn a time where the current events in America feel like they’re moving us closer to a dystopian reality, it’s hard not to feel frazzled by it all. Our guest today is someone who has spent a lot of time thinking about this. Hari Kunzru is a British-Indian novelist and journalist. He is the author of the novels The Impressionist, Transmission, My Revolutions, Gods Without Men, and White Tears. His most recent work is Red Pill, a novel that explores the idea of searching for order in a world tha...
Comedy in the Age of Wokeness
October 06, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutesShafi Hossain is a Bangladesh-born comedian who moved to the United States for college. Now, he calls New York City his home. He’s been navigating the comedy scene for years, with features on festivals like World Series of Comedy and 208 Comedy Fest. His humor and comedic style address cultural dichotomies through personal anecdotes. Produced & Hosted by: Saadia Khan; Written: Sarah Doh, Saadia Khan; Editing: Tom Whelan; Music: Evan Ray Suzuki
2020 Election: What's at Stake?
September 29, 2020 09:00 - 54 minutesShariq Ahmad is the Chairman of the Edison Democratic Organization, the fifth-largest municipal Democratic party in NJ & representative of the group, South Asians, for Biden. Saadia & Shariq talk about why we must vote in the 2020 Election, Joe Biden’s political approach, & how to engage young people and progressives. Produced & Hosted by Saadia Khan Written by Sarah Doh, Saadia Khan Edited by Tom Whelan Music by Evan Ray Suzuki
Meeting Abortion with Compassion
September 22, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutesDr. Meera Shah is the Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, in New York. Meera is a tireless advocate for accessible, safe abortions. She has recently published a book called, “You’re The Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion” which aims to humanize abortions. Each experience reflects the uniqueness of circumstances of the person seeking an abortion. Produced & Hosted by Saadia Khan Written by Sarah Doh, Saadia Khan Edited by Tom Whelan Music by Evan Ray ...
"I Couldn't Just Create Art for Art's Sake"
September 15, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutesPaola Mendoza is a critically acclaimed filmmaker, author, a human rights activist who carries her Colombian heritage and immigrant identity with pride and perspective. Paola knows what it is like to feel exhausted and disillusioned as if this country is not for her but against her. But she also knows resilience like it’s her middle name. She is a fierce feminist who is raising her son to be one. She recently co-authored a YA novel "Sanctuary". Our conversation was deep, profoundly honest, a...
"Are You Choosing it or are You Defaulting into it?"
September 08, 2020 09:00 - 43 minutesSeason 8 launches with a great conversation with Majo Molfino. Majo is taking back the narrative that has been assigned to women for centuries. Her work centers around dismantling tendencies that hold women back from stepping into their power. According to her, these are the “good girl myths.” Myths that societally condition women into acting “good” instead of achieving their most powerful selves. Now, she has released a book that helps women undo these tendencies, titled “Break the Good Girl...
"One More Push: Defining Advocacy through Technology"
August 28, 2020 09:00 - 32 minutesToday we have a very special guest who is merging the vogue field of technological design with that of social impact. He is reimagining products so they can be accessible and user friendly for all, those who are physically disabled and physically abled. Amin Hasani has his hands in many pots but most notably is the founder, or as I see it, the mind and the machine, behind Blue Heart Hero, a local Brooklyn organization that provides 3D solutions for amputees. Considering where he is now and th...
A Double-Edged Sword Existence
August 25, 2020 09:00 - 35 minutesWhen COVID hit the United States, and DACA decisions were in limbo, the Immigrantly team sought to learn how the two events were being felt by undocumented immigrant communities - in particular, undocumented Asian Pacific Islanders. With guidance from API organizations like RAISE and notable research platforms, we found ourselves absorbed and humbled by this group's unique socio-political existence. Today's episode is as much a conversation on the complicated portrayal of undocumented Asian A...
Let's Talk British Colonialism
August 14, 2020 08:00 - 26 minutesOn the anniversary of Pakistan’s independence from British colonial rule, sit down with Immigrantly as we give you a brief history lesson on British colonialism over India and Pakistan. How exactly did it start? What were the political implications of British colonialism? What was life like under colonial rule? What did it create for generations to come? In this incredibly informative episode, Immigrantly, in collaboration with Their Stories, breaks down the Colonial subcontinent and analyzes...
A Perpetual State of Irony
August 11, 2020 09:00 - 54 minutesShreya Tanisha is a multi-media artist and the founder of , a London-based film and theatre company promoting artists of color. We spoke about our nomadic lives, discrimination based on race and color within the art world, how patriarchy manifests itself in the Western cultures & what's next for Shreya. Produced by Saadia Khan Written by Yudi Liu, Saadia Khan Edited by Tom Whelan Music by Evan Ray Suzuki
"We're Different Chapters of the Same Book"
August 04, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutesAsifa Lahore is Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen. She is a proud British-Pakistani, Muslim, Transgender, Disabled artist, and performer. However, it’s important to understand that Asifa cannot be reduced to her identities. She embraces every part of her, finding the beauty in the intersections of who she is and creating art that validates those who have been misunderstood. Art that gives visibility to the stories that were never meant to fit into any binary. Produced by Saadia Khan Wri...
Her Bold Sense of Purpose
July 28, 2020 09:00 - 58 minutesMaytha Alhassen is a multi-hyphenated career woman and activist. She is a staff writer on Hulu's show Ramy. She also teaches, she is a yogi and reporter, and the list goes on. Her journey is as fascinating as her bold sense of purpose, and along the way, she taught us a few things about artistry, vision, and healing. Produced by Saadia Khan Written by Yudi Liu, Saadia Khan Edited by Tom Whelan Music by Evan Ray Suzuki
"Listen to What Your Kids Are Saying"
July 21, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutesOur today's guest is Maliha Abidi. She is an artist who uses her work to shed light on critical social issues and celebrate the women who are leading them. Last year, she compiled these portraits to honor 50 inspirational Pakistani women from various walks of life in a book titled, Pakistan for Women. She represents the Generation Z mindset in the most eloquent manner. Produced by Saadia Khan Written by Sarah Doh, Saadia Khan Edited by Tom Whalen Music by Evan Ray Suzuki
Outward and Inward Conversations
July 14, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutesZohran Kwame Mamdani is an Indian-Ugandan New Yorker, housing counselor, a democratic socialist, and a candidate to represent Astoria, NY in the State Assembly. Zohran ran his campaign for the State Assembly on the grounds of guaranteeing housing to all New Yorkers, desegregate the schools, fund and fix the MTA, and apply critical changes to the criminal justice system such as eliminating cash bail and banning solitary confinement. Check it out. Produced by Saadia Khan Written by Sarah Do...
“Decolonizing Self-Love”
July 07, 2020 09:00 - 35 minutesToday's guest, DJ Bembona is taking the New York music scene by storm. Her sets are known for their infectious Afro-diasporic tracks. At the core of her work, she is an activist. She uses her sounds to empower by bridging the gap between communities of color, activism, and generations. Her sets offer a space for healing, movement, joy, and liberation for black and brown communities. When she’s not DJ Bembona, she is Xiomara. A Brooklyn-Native who continues to advocate for marginalized communi...
"A Time for Reflection"
June 30, 2020 09:00 - 48 minutesWelcome back to Season 7 of Immigrantly. Our today’s guest is Shruti Ganguly. She is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has been featured globally, at festivals like Sundance, Venice, and AFI. Shruti recently launched her own production company honto88 and its clients are just as impressive, including media outlets like MTV. Behind the glitz and the glam is just your neighborly, city girl with intense wonder and drive. Shruti believes in creating art that is brave and purposeful, which sho...
Season 7 Trailer
June 19, 2020 16:00 - 3 minutes81 Episodes later, we are gearing up to release our 7th Season of Immigrantly on June 30th. 81 conversations that have challenged the archaic stereotypes of what it means to be an immigrant, a child of immigrants, a person of color, and everything in between. And we’re far from being done. We have so many more conversations that we’re excited to share with you. Thanks for coming on this journey with us. We can’t wait for you to hear Season 7.
Underrepresentation in Hollywood
June 16, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutesThe focus of today’s episode is on the entertainment industry. Leading the battle from within for inclusion and accountability is Sue Obeidi, director of MPAC’s (Muslim Public Affairs Council) Hollywood Bureau, our guest today on Immigrantly. We spoke to Sue about her role at MPAC, Hollywood's representation of minority communities, tips on how consumers can become mindful of the content they are watching.
"How [are] you involved in White Supremacy?"
June 09, 2020 09:00 - 1 hourHow do we navigate spaces in which we can have access to some privileges but not others? How can anyone claim their identity without first recognizing their entitlement? Today, We will do a deep dive on these topics with Layla Saad. She is an esteemed writer, speaker, and podcast host. Layla is the author of the New York Times Bestselling book, Me and White Supremacy, providing the tools to go inwards as you begin to unpack how you benefit from and further white supremacy. It’s not only for...
Mother Nature is telling us Something
June 05, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutesToday on Immigrantly, we welcome an exceptional guest who is all about the environment and fighting for mother earth as our home. Gelareh Darabi is an environmental correspondent for the National Geographic Channel and Al Jazeera. She grew up with lakes, forests, islands as her playground and now fights for their health and existence today. She is an activist, a journalist, a filmmaker, yet what I see as most core to her identity is her familial connection to this planet. I am inspired by Gel...
Unapologetically Progressive
May 26, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutesA first-time candidate running for office to represent Queens in the House of Representatives, Sandra Choi joins a wave of progressive newcomers, hoping to ignite change at the most direct level. A lifelong Queens resident, Sandra is running her campaign on economic and social equality. These issues are close to her heart because they are her lived experiences. A child of immigrants, she grew up working class. She and her brother were raised by her grandmother, who lived with Parkinson’s dise...
Unspoken Words
May 19, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutesCatherine Kapphahn’s mother, Marijana, died of ovarian cancer when Catherine was only 22. she found herself cut off from the past she never really knew. Born and raised in America, Catherine realized that she knew very little of her Croatian mother’s early life. As Catherine searches for clues to her mother’s elusive history, she discovers that Marijana was orphaned during WWII, nearly died as a teenager, and escaped from Communist Yugoslavia to Rome, and then South America. Through travel an...
Entry Point to Cultures
May 12, 2020 09:00 - 1 hourOur guest for today's show is Yara Elmjouie. Yara’s production “In Real Life” is structured in short documentaries on conversations around food, from its flavors to its history to its sociopolitical implications. These episodes are abundant in wacky dishes and comical relief, just as they are tuned to discussions on what food means to identity and community. Besides his evident passion for cooking and sharing that passion with others, Yara is also politically involved. His journalism is imbu...
Our Tehzeeb
May 05, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutesOur guest for today's show is Iram Parveen Bilal. She is a creator. A Physics-Olympian-turned-filmmaker, she wears eight rings on her body and appreciates honesty. She is an enabler who focuses on thought-provoking stories that are socially impactful and envision an inclusive world. All of these statements were provided by her. When someone uses these words to describe themself, you know that the art they produce is going to be interesting and thought-provoking. What more could you expect fro...
Everyone Has A Voice
April 28, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutesAysha Khan is an award-winning journalist whose work is rapidly changing the narrative around Muslims in America and around the world. What’s most impressive about her work is its justice-oriented nature. Aysha has dove headfirst into controversial, uncomfortable subjects that uplift the voices of marginalized communities. It’s daring and brave. Her work has covered federal anti-extremism programs, Muslim women spiritual abuse, a Uighur woman for her father's release from detention in Chin...
My Namesake
April 21, 2020 09:00 - 1 hourToday we welcome a special guest, one who you might say shares a similar role as me, talking to people, researching stories, and broadcasting them to the public. His name is Latif Nasser. Most visibly, Nasser is the Director of Research at WNYC’s Radiolab, and he recently launched a podcast series called "The Other Latif" about his namesake, a detainee at Guantanamo held for his alleged involvement with al-Qaeda and the Taliban. For those who are finding they now have a bit more free time on ...
"Maybe We Need to Tell Fuller Stories"
April 14, 2020 09:00 - 48 minutesOur today’s guest is She is someone who has lived through some of history’s most defining moments. Her early childhood took place in the heels of the Iranian Islamic Revolution of 1979. She remembers attending school and swearing her allegiance to revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini and being encouraged by her teacher to report her parents if they did “bad things” like listening to music, drinking wine, and speaking poorly of Khomeini. But at the age of six, this course of life...
"A Choice to Destroy Lives"
April 07, 2020 09:00 - 19 minutesWe are kicking off April with a new season of Immigrantly. You probably noticed, we took a small hiatus in recognition that so much is happening around us and like you, we needed time to adjust, root down, and grapple with what this nation and the globe is experiencing. I think everyone is feeling a mixed bag of emotions. Some are anxious, fearful even. Others are exhausted physically and emotionally. And there are those who are hopeful, hopeful that this is a reset button, a forced acknowled...
"What Do Your Mom and Dad Call You?"
March 24, 2020 09:00 - 48 minutesis an acclaimed actress known for her provocative performances in a wide range of memorable roles on film and television. She has starred in over 20 feature films and many TV shows and has earned a loyal, international following. She is also a seasoned voice-over artist. Perhaps best known to mainstream film audiences for starring opposite Albert Brooks in Warner Bros’ LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD, Sheetal has become a favorite in the independent film world. She won 3 Best Actress n...
"I Make My Own Choices."
March 17, 2020 09:00 - 44 minutesSaima Mir is a powerful writer who uses her personal stories to challenge notions surrounding patriarchy, Islam, and parenting. As a result, she has produced narratives that explain the intersection of identities, religion, and politics. Her writing simultaneously educates and empowers the communities she is writing for. But even a reader who doesn’t share her background will find something to relate to because Saima writes in a way that draws on the universal themes of what it means to be h...
"Raise Your Hand If You're A Racist"
March 10, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutesRegina Jackson and Saira Rao are the co-founders of Race2Dinner, an organization that allows specifically white women to address their racism through a sit-down dinner they pay for. It’s innovative, and it pushes past social boundaries to get to the heart of the matter. Saadia talks to Saira and Regina about how they define racism in America, their encounter with white supremacy, and what led them to start Race2Dinner. In the process, Saadia hints at her take on the controversial topic of rac...
"Inherent Love of Exploration"
March 03, 2020 10:00 - 47 minutesXiao Wang is the co-founder and CEO of the Seattle-based startup, Boundless. Boundless is an immigration company with a mission to “empower families to navigate the immigration system more confidently, rapidly, and affordably.” In 2018, they received the Torch Award for “Business of the Year” from the Better Business Bureau. Xiao’s credentials include leadership roles at Amazon Go, Providence Equity, NYC Department of Education, and McKinsey. Xiao holds a BA/MS from Stanford University and an...
“I Have Lived Both Sides"
February 25, 2020 10:00 - 44 minutesWardah Khalid is a policy analyst, activist, and speaker on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, refugees/immigration, and Islam in America. She currently works on Capitol Hill as an APAICS Congressional Fellow. She is the Founder and President of the , a national civic education, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening American Muslim engagement with Congress. We talked about her passion for political advocacy, Muslim involvement in US Politics, Muslim tropes & sweet stuff li...
"We Keep Each Other Honest"
February 18, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutesShamim Sarif is a British novelist and filmmaker. Her work often focuses on various aspects of identity; including gender, race, and sexuality. It often draws upon her own personal experience with cross-cultural, non-heterosexual love. Sarif described her film, I can’t think straight to be semi-autobiographical. With her partner Kattan, she runs Enlightenment Productions based in London. Her next project is Polarized; a love story between two women from very different sides of post-Trump Amer...
Special Minisode- America's History of Family Separation
February 11, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutesThis special minisode focuses on America’s immigration history in the context of family separation. It debunks the notion that the concept of family separation is new. The episode showcases how children have been separated from their families time and time again throughout America’s history. In each of the instances, Saadia explores how people of color, often children, were violently separated to fulfill economic and political agendas.
It's Up to Us to Tell Our Stories
February 11, 2020 10:00 - 50 minutesAnnie Tan is a Chinese American Special Education teacher, writer, activist, and storyteller from Chinatown, in New York. Annie has been featured in the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and The Moth Radio Hour on NPR. She will be featured in the upcoming PBS documentary series "Asian Americans." Her work centers around public education, teachers unions, tenants' rights, and Asian American issues. Previously a teacher in Chicago, Annie, now teaches Latinx and Asian students in Sunset Park,...
"You See the Other Side"
February 04, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutesNusrat Alam and Jo'rell Whitfield are changemakers. They are the co-founders of I am Perspective (IAP). IAP aims to create a united society by fostering empathy, awareness, growth, and genuine human connection through open and honest dialogue between all races, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and political views in a free, safe, non-judgmental space. Nusrat Alam, a second-generation Bengali American, grew up in Queens, NY. Currently, Nusrat is working on her first boo...
"That's the Cause of Your Problem"
January 28, 2020 10:00 - 40 minutesDr. Simran Jeet Singh is a writer, a religious scholar, activist, and author. He regularly speaks on issues of diversity, equity, hate, violence, race, and religion, inspiring others around him. He also frequently offers his perspectives to television, radio, and print media, and today he is on Immigrantly to share his story with Saadia Khan.
"We Want a Better Life for the Kids”
January 21, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutesWe all have an idea of what an American dream is, but how would you define an American nightmare? Aarti and her family encountered every obstacle that an immigrant family can run into in America. She is the author of a memoir; Here We Are American Dreams, American Nightmares. Aarti’s work has always been personal; she went from being a community organizer with a bullhorn defending the rights of immigrants to now speaking to millions as a Silicon Valley correspondent for National Public Radio....
Can We All Just Get Along?
January 14, 2020 10:00 - 36 minutesMairav Zonszein is a second-generation Israeli American journalist and editor who writes about Israel-Palestine conflict and its role in U.S. politics. She was born and raised in NY., but she has spent most of her adult life in Israel. Saadia talks to Mairav about her experiences as an American Immigrant in Israel. Her publications include The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Review of Books, The Intercept, VICE News, Foreign Policy, and many more. She is a chan...
An Insider-Outsider Perspective
January 07, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutesSaks Afridi is a New York-based Pakistani American artist who explores the dichotomy of being an insider/outsider. Through his work, he recreates the historical and cultural narratives to highlight social issues. Saks collaborates with weavers, painters, and food vendors to address the problems around identity, Islamophobia, drone warfare, and social justice.
A Leap of Faith
December 24, 2019 10:00 - 34 minutesQinza Najm is a Pakistani-American visual artist whose interdisciplinary artistic practice explores gendered violence and female subjectivity. Her work has been featured in Artnet News, the Huffington Post, N.Y. Daily News, International Business Week, Buzzfeed, and Herald. Saadia spoke to Qinza about her evolution from a psychologist and a professor at a prestigious University to a freelance artist in NY.
Immigration-A Love Story
December 17, 2019 10:00 - 48 minutesThis week's episode is centered around an incredible immigration love story. An Italian-born Designer/Media Advertiser, Francesco Bertocci, meets his future wife, Lucy Harris, an American who went to Rome to teach English after college. They fall in love, get married, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Thanksgiving Special
December 10, 2019 10:00 - 52 minutesA little late, but we’re still excited to share a Thanksgiving Special. Come and reflect with us on this year’s Thanksgiving and make plans with us to celebrate next year’s Thanksgiving in a more honest and inclusive way. In this episode, Lisa Genn and Saadia Khan talk about their Thanksgiving day and looking forward how they can celebrate this day while acknowledging its history and honoring Native Americans.
Wanna Eat Some Ice cream?
December 03, 2019 10:00 - 44 minutesAhmed Ali Akbar is a writer, journalist, and the host of "See Something, Say Something", an incredible podcast where Ahmed talks to Muslims from across different industries and talks about culture, current events, and being Muslim in America. Ahmed talks about the things that "American Muslims are talking about right now," which can range from mass incarceration to memes. I am very excited to have him on my show.
Let me be Honest
November 19, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutesAsad Dandia is a young Brooklynite who is reinventing the way people approach religion esp, Islam. Asad was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated from New York University (NYU) with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 2016; his focus was on community organizing. He is currently a graduate student at Columbia University's Middle East Institute, pursuing an MA in Islamic Studies. We spoke about nexus between Islamic Theology and Asad's work as a podcaster and blogger affecting change.
Let's talk about Patriarchy
November 12, 2019 10:00 - 57 minutesKim Yi Dionne is an Assistant Professor in the Political Science department at the University of California–Riverside. She is also an editor of the Washington Post’s Monkey Cage, a blog devoted to making political science findings more accessible to the public, allowing us to have thorough conversations with integrity to the facts. At work, Kim teaches courses on African politics and ethnic politics and recently wrote a book called Doomed Interventions, on the failure of global responses to A...
Defying Gravity
November 05, 2019 10:00 - 42 minutesFahamu Pecou is an interdisciplinary artist and scholar whose work combines observations on hip hop, fine art, and popular culture. He takes on such complicated topics as black masculinity, stereotypes, and potential in his work with a deft touch that leaves a profound impact.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes
October 29, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutesKulsoom Abdullah is a Data Scientist. She has a Masters and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and if this wasn't enough, she is also a Pakistani American Weightlifter who competed in the 2011 World Championship. Kulsoom represents Pakistan for the world and the U.S. for national-level tournaments. She made history by being the first fully covered Muslim woman contestant. We talk about her work and her passion for weightlifting.
A kid in a Candy Store
October 22, 2019 09:00 - 38 minutesDonny Khan is the Senior Marketing Director at National Hockey League (NHL). Donny immigrated to America from Pakistan as a young teen and has been National Hockey League Senior Director of Marketing for eleven years. Donny helped create NHL’s national and international brand from the ground up. He won the Sports Emmy award in 2009 and 2011, created NHL’s most successful marketing campaign for 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and has been recognized by major media outlets like the Today Show and th...