Best Compassionate Immigration Stories Podcasts (2025)

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Vanderpump Rules' Guillermo Zapata on Acting, SUR & Starting Over in America 52:32

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4d ago52:32

52:32

What happens when you arrive in the U.S. with no English, no plan, and no safety net—but an unshakable dream? In this powerful episode of Interviews with Immigrants, Guillermo Zapata—actor, producer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of the legendary SUR Restaurant (yes, that SUR from Vanderpump Rules)—opens up about trading in comfort in Buenos Aires for…

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S2E11 Blending Traditions Japanese American Holiday Customs and Unforgotten Voices 27:03

5d ago27:03

27:03

Send us a text Celebrate the holidays through a Japanese American lens! 🎄🥢 From quirky Christmas traditions in Japan to the rich flavors of New Year’s osechi, this episode uncovers the meaning behind festive rituals. Featuring moving performances from Unforgotten Voices and the diary of Stanley Hayami, we honor resilience, gift‑giving in hard times…

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Chef Ron Dumra: On Life After A Stroke…Plus, Staying Positive Despite Hardships…And How An Airport Mix-Up Led To A Last Minute BBQ With Rapper Warren G 22:48

20d ago22:48

22:48

Our Guest Is Chef Ron Dumra. He Joins Us From Hayward… Where He’s Currently The Chef And Owner Of Wah Jee Wah Specializing In Indian BBQ Street Food….And Is Number 19 On San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants In The Bay Area For 2025…. We Talk About: ✅ Life After A Stroke ✅ Staying Positive Despite Hardships ✅ How An Airport Mix-Up Led To A …

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Inside the Orphanage: Will’s Uganda Experience and the Book Inspired by It- with Will Duncan (US) 47:10

24d ago47:10

47:10

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Will Duncan from the US. Will has dedicated his life to explore the world. One big experience was living in Uganda for a few months as a volunteer at an orphanage which also inspired him to write a book. Join me in conversation with Will, whose journey of exploring the world began with …

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S2E10 Thanksgiving Food Traditions and Japanese American Identity 31:16

1M ago31:16

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Send us a text Join hosts Koji and Michelle as they explore the fusion of Japanese and American cultures through food in the latest episode of the Japanese America Podcast. They delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, unique culinary experiences, and the impact of Japanese cuisine on identity. Koji shares a personal essay about his relationship w…

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Hong Kong to the USA🇭🇰🇺🇸 - How a Hong Kong Kid Became a Style Icon in America - Leo Chan! 49:27

1M ago49:27

49:27

What happens when an immigrant story includes Wall Street spreadsheets, GQ features, and a side of chicken feet? 🧧👟🇭🇰 In this episode of Interviews with Immigrants, host Andrea Szew sits down with fashion creator and first-generation immigrant Leo Chan — who moved from Hong Kong to Queens at 10 years old, learned English through cartoons and basket…

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Sixteen and Abroad: Hannah’s Exchange Year in Costa Rica- with Hannah Elam (Alaska) 48:58

1M ago48:58

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Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Hannah Elam from Alaska, USA. Hannah went on a student exchange to Costa Rica when she was sixteen, and today she’s taking us down memory lane. In this episode, Hannah shares how her dream of doing an exchange year began after a family trip to Mexico, where she met an exchange student f…

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ICE Enforcement and Christian Responses to Immigration Detention 33:58

2M ago33:58

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We explore ICE operations, detention centers, and the harsh conditions where 70% of detainees have no criminal conviction. From the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia - notorious for having the most deaths of any ICE facility - to violent arrests in our communities, we examine what's happening when immigration enforcement strips away human dignity…

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Chef Elsy Dinvil: On How The Kindness Of A Fellow Chef Helped Launch Her Business… Exploring the Human Aspect of Homelessness & The Psychological Angle Missing From The Act Of Rebuilding Lives…Plus, The ... 39:03

2M ago39:03

39:03

Our Guest Is Elsy Dinvil. She Joins Us From Portland Oregon… Where She’s Currently The Owner Of Creole Me Up… The First Haitian Food Processing Company In Portland. Creole Me Up Offers Authentic Haitian Culinary Products. We Talk About: ✅ How The Kindness Of A Fellow Chef Helped Launch Her Business… ✅ Exploring the Human Aspect of Homelessness & Th…

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The Expat Who Went and Came Back- with Michele Taleetha (Singapore) 44:28

2M ago44:28

44:28

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Michele Taleetha from Singapore. Michele left home to live in New Zealand for 7 years before she decided that it was time for her to go back home. And here is her story. In this episode, I chat with Michele, who was born in Singapore but carries Indian roots through her ancestors. We st…

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Real Immigrant Stories of Hope, Justice, and Compassion 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

Through stories from the Afghanistan evacuation, encounters at the US-Mexico border, and our daily work with immigrant families, we examine how faith sustains us through the heaviest moments while celebrating the victories that make it all worthwhile. You'll discover practical ways to engage in conversations about immigration, understand the real h…

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U.S. Immigration Law vs. the Law of God’s Kingdom 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Tune in this week to examine the balance between the law of the land and the law of God as they relate to immigration. We address common concerns about scarcity and safety, explore how current immigration policies often conflict with biblical values of human dignity, and offer concrete steps for living out God’s values. Get full show notes, transcr…

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7 Years in New Zealand- A Mini Life Update 12:13

2M ago12:13

12:13

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, On the 17th of September, I celebrated seven years in New Zealand! Looking back to the day I left Germany and arrived here, so many memories and emotions come flooding back — the excitement, the happiness, the sense of freedom, and of course, the challenges along the way. I’m incredibly grateful to be able to…

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From Mexico to MasterChef: Aarón Sánchez Dishes on Culture, Cuisine & the American Dream | Interviews with Immigrants 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

What happens when tradition meets ambition and is served with a splash of tequila? 🎙️🌮🥃 In this episode of Interviews with Immigrants, host Andrea Szew sits down with world-renowned chef, TV personality, and proud Mexican-American Aarón Sánchez. From his roots in El Paso and deep Mexican culinary heritage, to becoming a household name on MasterChef…

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S2E9 Cruising J-Town: Exploring Japanese American Car Culture and Community 47:24

2M ago47:24

47:24

Send us a text In this episode, we ride through the heart of Southern California’s Japanese American car culture with Dr. Oliver Wang, curator of the Cruising J-Town exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. From the sleek lines of import tuners to the slow roll of classic cruisers through Little Tokyo, we explore how cars became more th…

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Immigration News: Understand Facts, Not Fear 37:18

2M ago37:18

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Immigration news can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally charged. It can seem like the people around you are being easily swayed by biased media reporting, and it can be difficult to sort the facts from a narrative. You’ll learn practical strategies for engaging in thoughtful conversations, recognizing your own biases, and responding to n…

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Why Don’t Immigrants Just Come Legally? 26:35

2M ago26:35

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The question "why don't they just come legally?" echoes through countless conversations about immigration, often delivered with certainty rather than curiosity. Behind this seemingly straightforward question lies a maze of legal complexities, long wait times, and impossible choices that most Americans never have to face. Through personal stories an…

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Why Immigration Matters: A Christian Perspective 35:29

2M ago35:29

35:29

Immigration touches all of our lives, whether we know it or not. In this first episode of Hope in Action, we explore the human side of immigration through a Christian lens, examining the challenges families face and the moral stakes for communities across the country. Tune in today to discover why immigration matters in your community, how scriptur…

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Welcome: How to Navigate Immigration with Faith, Confidence, and Compassion 1:38

2M ago1:38

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Lindsay Brennan: On Hybrid Grapes & How They’re Emerging As A Conversation As Winemakers Face The Challenges Of Climate Change…Plus, The Guiding Light That Connects Her Both Professionally & Personally ... 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

Our Guest Is Lindsay Brennan. She Joins Us From Montreal… Where She’s The Founder Of Vin I Vida…A Wine Agency Specializing In Small-Production Catalan And Spanish Wines…. She’s Also Sommelier And Co-Owner Of Alma…A Restaurant Highlighting Modern Mexican Cuisine With A Focus On Heirloom Corn, Local Ingredients And Catalan Wine … She Also Owns Terraz…

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One Travel Enthusiast to Another- with Kane Power (New Zealand) 50:05

3M ago50:05

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Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Kane Power from New Zealand— award-winning podcast producer, editor, audio consultant, speaker, and founder of Precision Podcasting. But most importantly fellow travel enthusiast. Originally from Hamilton, New Zealand, Kane moved to London with his wife to pursue music and new opportuni…

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S2E8 Legacy of Hope: Clara Breed's Letters and the Art of Compassion 19:40

3M ago19:40

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Send us a text In this episode of the Japanese America Podcast titled "Legacy of Hope: Clara Breed's Letters and the Art of Compassion," hosts Koji and Michelle embark on a touching exploration of the enduring power of empathy and small acts of kindness. They begin by sharing personal anecdotes about the impactful teachers in their lives, setting t…

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From Brazil to USA: Jade Catta-Preta’s Hilarious Immigrant Journey | Interviews with Immigrants 36:21

3M ago36:21

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Welcome to the very first episode of Interviews with Immigrants 🎉 — the podcast that celebrates the real stories, humor, and humanity of U.S. Immigration. In this premiere, Andrea Szew sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Jade Catta-Preta — Brazilian-born 🇧🇷 comedian, actress, and host (you may know her from E!’s The Soup and her hit show Riv…

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Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?- with SSSD (New Zealand) 37:39

4M ago37:39

37:39

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Have you ever wondered if you should book the travel insurance or not? I most certainly have, every single time when I booked a trip. And I have to admit that I often did not book the insurance! But todays guest might change my view on it forever. And maybe yours, too. Please welcome with me SSSD from New Zea…

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George Fredenham: On His Quest To Discover Where Flavors Come From….Plus His Take On The Best Approach To Foraging….And An Epic Story About Stumbling Into 5 Kilos Of Porcini Mushrooms In The Woods…. 53:40

4M ago53:40

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Our Guest Is George Fredenham. He Joins Us From London… Where He’s The Founder Of Flavour Fred….A Company That Highlights His Skills As A Flavour Forager, Fermenter, Chef And Distiller… We Talk About: ✅ His Quest To Discover Where Flavors Come From…. ✅ Plus His Take On The Best Approach To Foraging… ✅ And An Epic Story About Stumbling Into 5 Kilos …

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Travel, Transitions and Mental Health- with Carla Smith (UK) 52:32

4M ago52:32

52:32

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Carla Smith from the UK. Carla has moved to New Zealand in late 2022 and has experienced first hand how hard moving countries can be on your mental health. I am grateful to have her here today, sharing her story with the world. In this episode Carla is sharing her journey of living abro…

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S2E7 Nisei Week and Beyond: Uniting Generations Through Tradition with Helen Ota 23:06

4M ago23:06

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Send us a text In this engaging episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant summer festivities of Japanese American culture. They share delightful anecdotes from events like Obon and Nisei Week, highlighting the unique traditions and foods that make these celebrations sp…

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Making the World a Funnier Place- with Alan McElroy (Ireland) 42:05

5M ago42:05

42:05

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Alan McElroy from Ireland. Alan is an Irish comedian who is sharing his story of how he got into comedy and how he made his way to New Zealand around 15 years ago. In this episode, we talk about how his comedy career began in Ireland, what brought him to the other side of the world, and…

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Chef Travis Limoge: On Leaning Into Impermanence…..Allowing The Universe To Lead Our Lives…...Using Our Collective Purchasing Power To Make A Positive Difference On Our Planet…...And How Slowing Down Can ... 1:05:58

5M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Our Guest Is Chef Travis Limoge. He Joins Us From Mexico…. Where He Recently Moved To Launch Some New Projects… He’s Currently Working On A New Physical Location For His Concept Pirata…In Saladita…Aiming For A 2026 Relaunch…. He’s The Founder Of Cocina Pirata…A Creative House Of Activism… Which Includes De La Costa, A Non Profit Organization Focuse…

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How to Change Your Life One Step at a Time- with Jennifer Bowers (US) 41:14

5M ago41:14

41:14

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Jennifer Bowers alias Shea Love from the US. The first episode of her own podcast called "Being: from Atlanta to Auckland", has recently dropped and describes parts of her journey of moving countries. Now, she is navigating her new life and is sharing her experience with us. In this ins…

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S2E6 From Karate to Cuisine: Junki Yoshida's American Dream 29:33

5M ago29:33

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Send us a text In this episode of the Japanese America podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Junki Yoshida, the mastermind behind Yoshida Sauce. Through humorous and candid storytelling, Mr. Yoshida recounts his remarkable transformation from a rebellious youth in Japan to a successful entrepreneur in the United States. As an immigrant …

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Chef Juan Lopez Luna: On The Beauty Of Taking Moments To Appreciate Your Life’s Work…The Importance Of Showing Solidarity With Immigrants…And How One Meal Changed The Course Of His Life… 51:35

6M ago51:35

51:35

Our Guest Is Chef Juan Lopez Luna. He Joins Us From Montreal… Where He’s Currently The Executive Chef & Co-Owner Of Alma…Where He Delivers His Take On Modern Mexican Cuisine With A Focus On Heirloom Corn, Local Ingredients And Catalan Wine … He Also Owns Terraza Luz, A Seasonal Back-Alley Taqueria… And Has Two New Projects Underway... One Is Called…

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S2E5 Blending Traditions and Finding Balance -- Michelle's Immigration Story 27:05

6M ago27:05

27:05

Send us a text In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Michelle and Koji explore the unique journey of Japanese immigrants adapting to life in the U.S. They delve into the cultural crossroads and identity challenges faced by these individuals, from nostalgic childhood dreams influenced by American commercials to the bittersweet farewell to Japanese…

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Charmaine Mchugo: On Learning About Releasing Control Through Gardening…The Art Of Truly Listening To People And Being Open To Feedback…And Exploring Endings As Openings On Our Journey… 30:52

7M ago30:52

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Our Guest Is Charmaine Mchugo. She Joins Us From Wales… Where She’s Currently Co-Owner Of Michelin Green Starred Restaurant Chapters… We Talk About: ✅ Learning About Releasing Control Through Gardening ✅ The Art Of Truly Listening To People And Being Open To Feedback ✅ Exploring Endings As Openings On Our Journey https://chaptershayonwye.co.uk/ htt…

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Leaving Argentina to call Middle-earth home- with Juan Rossi (Argentina) 40:51

7M ago40:51

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Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Juan Rossi from Argentina. In need of a change Juan moved to New Zealand in 2010 and calls this beautiful place on earth now home. In this episode, Juan shares his journey from Argentina to New Zealand, blending his passion for travel with his love of geography and adventure. He begins …

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S2E4 From Dachau to Salvation A Story of Unexpected Heroes 20:49

7M ago20:49

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Send us a text In this poignant episode of the Japanese American Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor and his unexpected salvation by Japanese American soldiers during World War II. Through Solly's harrowing experiences on a death march from the Dachau death camp, listeners are introduced to the 522nd Field A…

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How moving abroad can shape relationships- with Almaz Bergk and Dominik Feiler (Germany) 44:51

8M ago44:51

44:51

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Almaz Bergk and Dominik Feiler from Germany. The couple came to New Zealand in 2014 and made it their home. An inspiring journey of evolving as a couple while moving abroad. Sacrifices, compromises, growths and lessons. In this episode, I sit down with Almaz and Dominik to talk about th…

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BONUS: Holding Each Other's Stories, Discovering Some Truth with Genny Lim and Andi Wong 11:40

8M ago11:40

11:40

Though Angel Island began with Del Sol Quartet's collaboration with composer Huang Ruo, poet Genny Lim and arts educator Andi Wong are essential to everything the project has become and continues to be. We are thrilled to share that since the time of this podcast, Genny has been inaugurated as San Francisco poet Laureate. She's the first Chinese Am…

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Chef Eríc Martínez: On Healing After The Recent Death Of His Mother….The Importance Of Showing Yourself Love And Compassion….Plus Creating A Sustainable Future In Upscale Dining 48:59

8M ago48:59

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Our Next Guest Is Chef Eríc Martínez. He Joins Us From Sacramento… Where He’s Currently The Chef At Crispín Supper Club… Curating An 8-Coursed Menu Focused On Cooking In Harmony With The Seasons And Utilizing Sustainability… We Talk About: ✅ Healing After The Recent Death Of His Mother ✅ The Importance Of Showing Yourself Love And Compassion ✅ Crea…

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BONUS: Building a Future of Inclusion and Belonging Amidst the Complexities of the Immigrant Experience with Ed Tepporn 18:11

8M ago18:11

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Immigration is a hot-button topic for many nations around the world, and especially in the United States. The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation is one organization that not only seeks to preserve the history of immigration through Angel Island, but also to steward a culture that recognizes the complexities of immigration and works to buil…

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Benefits of house sitting around the world- with Annie Ciampaglia (US) 39:15

8M ago39:15

39:15

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Annie is back! Please welcome with me Annie Ciampaglia from the US, who has moved over to New Zealand in 2018 and has just recently made another big move to the neighboring country. After first joining us in Episode 15, she's now sharing her latest chapter — a big move from New Zealand to Australia. In this e…

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S2E3 Bridging Generations: The Cultural Impact of Baseball in Japanese American Life 28:18

8M ago28:18

28:18

Send us a text In this captivating episode of "Bridging Generations: The Cultural Impact of Baseball in Japanese American Life," hosts Koji and Michelle explore the profound connections between baseball and cultural identity within the Japanese American community. They delve into personal stories, from Koji's admiration for Hideo Nomo to Michelle's…

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BONUS: Living and Working on Angel Island with Casey Dexter-Lee 31:43

9M ago31:43

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Casey Dexter-Lee is a state park interpreter who has dedicated 23+ years to Angel Island. Casey has been an invaluable resource for coordinating our world premiere on Angel Island and subsequent Angel Island Concert Series. In this bonus episode, Del Sol violinist Hyeyung Sol Yoon talks with Casey on location about what it's like to visit, live, an…

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Saving the bees: The global importance of bee health- with Dr. Marc Schaefer (Germany) 40:24

9M ago40:24

40:24

Click here to get in touch Hi Everyone, Please welcome with me Dr. Marc Schaefer from Germany. Marc has discovered his passion to travel at a young age and started combining his career in science with the opportunity of exploring different countries and cultures. As the leader of the National Reference Laboratory of Bee Diseases in Germany, Marc is…

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Chef Lucho Martinez: On Accepting Endings In Life While Enjoying The Present Moment…..The Importance Of Fully Understanding And Embracing Your Current Path…....And The Love-Hate Relationship When It Comes ... 35:17

9M ago35:17

35:17

Our Guest Is Chef Lucho Martinez. He Joins Us From Mexico City….. Where He Currently Owns Em, Martínez, Cafe Tormenta, Ultramarinos Demar… And Friends & Family, His Media Company That Merges Creativity, Gastronomy And Other Cultural Disciplines Under A Unified Vision… We Talk About: ✅ Accepting Endings In Life While Enjoying The Present Moment… ✅ T…

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Bikepacking through Europe and Southeast Asia- with Emily Sopers (New Zealand) 58:38

9M ago58:38

58:38

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome with me Emily Sopers from New Zealand. Emily and her partner Hugo are passionate cyclists and decided to go on a 9 months adventure by bikepacking through Europe and Southeast Asia. In this episode, Emily shares how they embraced the bikepacking lifestyle, carrying all their essentials on their…

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S2E2 Grace Under Fire: The Resilience of Japanese American Women in WWII 23:55

9M ago23:55

23:55

Send us a text In this poignant episode of the Japanese America Podcast, hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the incredible story of Grace Obata-Amemiya, a Japanese American woman whose resilience during World War II serves as a testament to strength and hope. Grace's journey from an aspiring public health nurse to enduring the hardships of the conc…

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BONUS: Transforming Place Through Performance with Susan Moffat 28:52

9M ago28:52

28:52

Del Sol's relationship with Susan Moffat began as a chance encounter at a spontaneous street performance during the pandemic. In this bonus episode, hear how that meeting blossomed into impactful collaborations at the Albany Bulb and Angel Island, and an entire curriculum of programming at UC Berkeley, A Year on Angel Island. Susan highlights the b…

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How it started vs how it is going- with Ashley Russell, Part 2 (New Zealand) 38:07

10M ago38:07

38:07

Click here to get in touch Hi everyone, Please welcome back with me Ashley Russell from New Zealand who moved to the UK 1.5 years ago. She made a rare family visit over the Christmas holidays and I was fortunate enough to get her back on the show to talk about her new life in the UK. The last time we spoke (Episode 13), she was preparing for the bi…

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BONUS: Following Your Own Artistic Voice with Emiko Ono, Hewlett Foundation 10:29

10M ago10:29

10:29

This is for young artists, musicians, new ensembles, and anyone seeking to take on bigger or more complex projects in their creative work! Emiko Ono is the Director, Performing Arts Program at The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. And it is safe to say that without the Hewlett Foundation's 50 Arts Commission, there may never have BEEN an Angel …