Immigrantly Podcast: Cross-Cultural Conversations

Over the last decade, the word "immigrant" has been tarnished with allusions to illegality, stealing resources from existing citizens, exporting crime and violence, and robbing Paul to pay Pedro. 

Although a sizable block of citizens in the U.S. have enmity towards immigrants, nations such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom have built political platforms based on such unbridled antipathy.

Although podcasting has seen more infiltration by right-wing extremists, multiphobic hate merchants, and misinformation mavens, the medium is still an oasis of multiculturalism and tolerance.

Exhibit number one is Immigrantly, which is a podcast that shares the stories of immigrant communities, exploring the multifaceted experiences of identity, culture, and belonging.

  As the Immigrantly team says: "On our flagship podcast, Immigrantly, we dare to ask our guests what they think of America and what they hope for America."

 As a host, Saadia Khan dives deeply into explorations with her guests of stereotypical narratives Americans hold about immigrants and people of color. Khan and her team tenderly unravel the nuance and depth of the immigrant experience.

Immigrantly is partaking in discussions, and topics often overlooked in the mainstream media. 

Saadia Khan is a Pakistani American immigrant, human rights activist & business major turned social entrepreneur. She is a Columbia University graduate with 12+ years of experience in human rights and six years of experience producing audio content. She has worked with U.N. Women and other U.N. entities as a small civil society organization focused on women’s rights.  

 

Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that "celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life," Khan notes. "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."

Khan is a terrific host and the sound design of the show is well-crafted. After all, the show has produced over 300 episodes, so they have the process down to a science.

What's on the show? Here are a few examples:

On August 6, 2024, show, Immigrantly explores why, 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 captures the humanity of the immigrant experience.

In this episode, guests Antonia Cerejido and Lorena Rios, the brilliant minds behind the podcast Imperfect Paradise, Return to Mexico share the powerful journey of Daniel Zamora, an undocumented immigrant sent back to Mexico, revealing a story of grit, vulnerability, and strength.

On the June 24, 2024, episode, host Khan delves 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. 

On the March 28, 2023, episode, Khan was joined by Lionel Nicolau and Ilana Weitz, co-producers of the podcast Culture Jumpers. Together, host and guests explore their personal experiences with cross-cultural relationships and how they navigate the challenges and joys of blending their diverse backgrounds. 

Immigrantly produces other podcasts such as Banterly, Nationly, Sportly, and Invisible Hate.  

Check out Immigrantly. This podcast attempts to create a more holistic society by elevating diverse perspectives and experiences.