Explore the world of migration with these five powerful podcasts by migrant women. Covering a range of Topics, these shows deliver unique insights and inspiring stories that will broaden your perspective and keep you informed.
by Juliana da Penha
In a media landscape often dominated by stereotypes, Immigrantly creates authentic conversations around immigrant experiences. Hosted by Saadia Khan, a first-generation Asian immigrant, human rights activist, and social entrepreneur, this podcast has challenged preconceived notions about immigrants and people of colour in America since 2018.
Immigrantly serves as a platform for critical discussions on a wide range of topics, featuring guests who share unique perspectives through thought-provoking content that highlights the complexities and inspirations of immigrant experiences.
One of the many notable episodes, “When is it Okay to Call Someone Resilient?” features Vinita Srivastava, a multimedia producer, researcher, podcaster, and writer. She discusses her journey and her podcast, “Don’t Call Me Resilient”, which presents news from an anti-racist perspective and challenges the uses of the term resilience, often attributed to marginalised communities.
Immigrant is produced by Immigrantly Media, a startup dedicated to promoting representation and inclusion in America through storytelling, reshaping media consumption for first and second-generation immigrant communities in the U.S.
Wempower is a London-based media platform dedicated to reshaping the dialogue around gender issues and women’s rights. With its website, magazine, talks, workshops, and networking events, Wempower creates a space for more inclusive and impactful conversations.
At the heart of Wempower is its podcast, hosted by founder and journalist Illaria Biancacci, shining a spotlight on women leaders from diverse fields, sharing their journeys and inspiring listeners.
“Behind the Headlines: The Missing Narratives of Women Journalists” is a series that brings to light the contributions of female journalists. Through insightful interviews, industry leaders discuss their personal challenges, triumphs, and the pressing societal issues they navigate.
One particularly compelling episode features Barbara Serra, an award-winning journalist, TV presenter, documentarian, and writer. An Italian migrant, she explores the obstacles faced by non-native English-speaking journalists navigating the UK media industry. Her story of overcoming significant barriers due to her accent is both inspiring and instructive, as she now mentors other second-language English speakers journalists to find their authentic voice.
If you’re looking for a podcast that offers a fresh take on culture, lifestyle, and daily life from an international perspective, check out “The Brazilian Point of View”, hosted by Ana Tagliati, a Brazilian journalist living in Scotland. Ana mixes her Brazilian heritage with her international experiences to create a rich and diverse listening experience.
This podcast is all about fostering intercultural dialogue. Ana invites guests from various backgrounds to share their personal stories, diving deep into different aspects of life, from career challenges to everyday experiences. You’ll hear the inspiring journeys of people who have overcome obstacles and achieved their goals.
Guests on “The Brazilian Point of View” come from all walks of life, offering perspectives that are often missing in mainstream media. This diversity means that every episode brings something new and valuable, whether it’s a unique cultural recommendation, a fresh way of thinking about a common issue, or an inspiring story of personal growth.
Meet Ranecia Johnson and Natalia Uribe, two American co-hosts living in Scotland who bring an authentic and informal vibe to their conversations. In Melanin Speaking, guests are co-hosts with them, and listeners are invited to sit on their cultural couches for deep yet easy-going conversations.
Reflecting on their own experiences as migrant women of colour, Ranecia and Natalia create a welcoming space for their guests to talk about a wide range of topics, many of which focus on race, ethnicity, and belonging. Their discussions also touch on their own journeys in Scotland and the unique challenges faced by migrant women of colour in Britain.
In one of the episodes, “Transcending Borders: Impact of British Exceptionalism,” they chat with Human Rights lawyer and author Eeman Talha. They get deep into the concept of British exceptionalism and systemic racism, highlighting their experiences as women of colour and migrants in the UK and the US.
It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in culture, identity, and the powerful storytelling of women of colour.
Lazy Women is an inclusive platform and community founded by young Eastern European and Central Asian women to share and reflect on the lived experiences and structural pressures related to their diverse experiences.
Their debut podcast series, “Making it in Western Europe: Experiences of Young Eastern-European Women”, features eight stories of young women who have moved abroad for personal or political reasons, creating a rich dialogue on belonging and identity.
One of the episodes, “Expert Reflection: Exile, Structural Barriers, and Possibilities for Improvement with Selin Bucak,” features Turkish journalist Selin Bucak, who is based in Paris. Selin discusses her new book, “The Last Day Before Exile: Stories of Resistance, Displacement, and Finding Home”, and reflects on her own migration background and the reasons behind writing her book.
Lazy Women’s podcast series is an essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted experiences of Eastern European and Central Asian women in Western Europe. It offers valuable insights into the personal and political dimensions of migration and belonging and the nuanced experiences of women navigating these challenges.
