Best Ahmad Thomas Podcasts (2025)

1
The Cost of Reform and the Power of Community with Representative Jennifer Bacon 1:23:36

2d ago1:23:36

1:23:36

What happens when a Black educator survives a natural disaster, a political awakening, and a broken school systemall in the same year? In this deeply moving episode of The Exit Interview, Colorado State Representative Jennifer Bacon recounts how her early teaching career in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina became a catalyst for her journey into…

1
Elevating the Discourse with Taylor Thomas 51:15

9d ago51:15

51:15

Episode 131 In part 24 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Taylor Thomas. She is an interdisciplinary scholar, artist, and educator specializing in philosophy and religion. Currently, she serves as a part-time philosophy instructor and a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Mind and Culture. Her research focuses on d…

1
So Many Stars, So Many Ways to Be Free 48:43

10d ago48:43

48:43

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe What does it mean to belong when your identity defies borders, binaries, an…

1
Youth at the Core with Joy Delizo-Osborne Live at SXSWEDU 2025 55:48

16d ago55:48

55:48

What happens when you're doing everythingleading a school, serving your community, answering the phones, teaching mathand still feel like you're drowning? In this Exit Interview live show, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Joy Delizo-Osborne, who shares the real reason she left her role as a founding principal: her doctor said quit, and her wife offere…

1
Two Passports and A Punchline 54:02

17d ago54:02

54:02

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe This week on Immigrantly, Saadia KhanI sits down with the brilliant and hila…

1
Elevating the Discourse with Fred Ledley 55:09

23d ago55:09

55:09

Episode 130 In part 23 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Fred Ledley. He is a professor of natural & applied science and management at Bentley University in Waltham, MA and director of the center for integration of science and industry. A physician and pediatrician by training, he has performed research in genomics …

1
Autopsies, Fame, and Scandal: Inside the Life of Thomas Noguchi 50:03

24d ago50:03

50:03

What happens when a Japanese immigrant becomes Hollywood’s most powerful and controversial coroner? In this gripping conversation, Saadia sits down with historian and author Anne Soon Choi to unpack the life of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, LA’s former Chief Medical Examiner and the man behind some of the most infamous autopsies in American history—Marilyn M…

1
Mis/Disinformation Part 1: Why Do Smart People Believe Dumb Things? 1:02:28

29d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Episode 129 Why do smart people believe dumb things? We unpack cognitive biases, like how judges might deny parole just because they're hungry (or maybe not?). Learn why Steve Jobs wore black turtlenecks, why knowing a little Greek makes pastors dangerous, and why acknowledging your biases doesn't make you immune to them. Plus, we touch on misinfor…

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Liberation As A Non-Negotiable with Jamilah Pitts 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

What happens when an educator's deep love for liberation collides with the realities of traditional schooling? In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jamilah Pittseducator, author, yoga teacher, and founder of She Imprintsto explore her journey through the education system and beyond. Jam…

1
Redefining Home: The Journey Back to Mexico (August 2024) 42:26

1M ago42:26

42:26

Subscribe to Hyphenly, our latest newsletter, for a chance to win a gift card ⁠: https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ While host Saadia Khan recovers from laryngitis, Immigrantly brings back a standout episode from August 2024 featuring journalists Antonia Cerejido and Lorena Ríos. Originally recorded in the lead-up to the 2024 el…

1
The Stories We Whisper, The Sounds We Miss 52:32

1M ago52:32

52:32

What does it mean to lean into your culture while living in a place that flattens it? In this richly textured episode, Saadia Khan sits down with Sudanese-American journalist and host of The Stoop, Hana Baba, for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, diaspora, and the soundscapes of belonging. From the cacophony of Sudanese weddings to the quiet…

1
Speaking Imperfectly, Belonging Fully 46:27

1M ago46:27

46:27

Do you speak more than one language—but feel truly fluent in none? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Saadia Khan is joined by Angela Lin, founder of Real You Mandarin, to explore how language shapes our identities, relationships, and sense of belonging. Angela, a Taiwanese American polyglot, believes language …

1
Boundaries, Burnout and Black Educator Wellness with Josephine Ampaw-Greene 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Josephine Ampaw-Greene a licensed family therapist and former educatorto explore what it truly means to sustain wellness while navigating the demands of education and racial battle fatigue. Josephine shares her unique journey from paraeducat…

1
From Spinning Beats to Saving Earth (May 2024) 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

April is Earth Month — a time to reflect on the state of our planet, address urgent environmental issues, strategize action, and hold ourselves and others accountable. In that spirit, we’re bringing back an essential conversation from the Immigrantly vault. This episode with futurist and climate optimist Amer Jandali originally aired on May 28, 202…

1
Elevating the Discourse with Ciara Reyes-Ton 55:28

2M ago55:28

55:28

Episode 128 In part 22 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Ciara Reyes-Ton. She is a biologist, science writer, and editor who is passionate about science communication to faith communities. She has a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. She has served as Managing Editor for the American …

1
Finding Identity and Building Community with Jenna Greenwood 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

In this special episode recorded live at Quince Coffee House, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jenna Greenwood to explore her inspiring journey of self-discovery, family legacy, and finding community beyond traditional educational spaces. Jenna shares stories about growing up influenced by her grandmother, Marie Greenwood, Denvers first Black tenured …

1
Designed to Exclude: How Policy Shaped the Fate of Mexican Immigrants in Texas 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

What if the barriers to success weren’t personal but structural, intentional, and decades in the making? In this episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with demographers Jennifer Hook and James Bachmeier, authors of a groundbreaking new book, Texas-Style Exclusion: Mexican Americans and the Legacy of Limited Opportunity, that traces how…

1
Too Foreign for Home, Too Foreign for Here 43:25

2M ago43:25

43:25

Identity isn’t always a box you check; it’s a journey. In this episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with Beatriz Nour, the creator of Inbetweenish, a podcast that unpacks the complexities of belonging across cultures, languages, and traditions. Beatriz shares her personal story of navigating three cultures, four languages, and two rel…

1
Elevating the Discourse with Jack Shlachter 49:07

2M ago49:07

49:07

Episode 127 In part 21 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Rabbi Dr Jack Shlachter. Jack Shlachter is a physicist who worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over thirty years with briefer stints at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, the Atomic Energy Agency, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organizati…

1
Breaking Barriers in Special Education with Jason B. Allen 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Jason B. Alleneducator, activist, and policy advocateto discuss the systemic barriers Black students and educators face in traditional school systems. Jason shares his personal journey from school administrator to special education teac…

1
Writing Like Nobody’s Watching 48:21

2M ago48:21

48:21

What happens when we step outside our own understanding of identity and embrace the messy, beautiful, and sometimes contradictory stories that shape us? In this episode of Immigrantly, host Saadia Khan sits down with writer and television executive Nayantara Roy to explore the intersections of storytelling, belonging, and cultural memory. From navi…

1
The Real Paleo Diet with Briana Pobiner 49:01

3M ago49:01

49:01

Episode 125 This conversation was recorded at the Sinai and Synapses alumni gathering in November 2023. In it, we talk with Dr. Briana Pobiner about the earliest cannibals, fad diets, and what life was like for our paleolithic predecessors. When you're done with this episode, make sure to check out her other interviews as well! https://www.downthew…

1
Hearing 'No' Like An Immigrant 54:25

3M ago54:25

54:25

How do you go from fleeing your home country to building a Luxury Fashion Empire? Dr. Neri Karra did just that—without the fluff, the nonsense, or selling out. In this episode of Immigrantly, I sit down with Neri to talk about how she built a global brand, teaches at Oxford, and still finds time to write about immigrant entrepreneurship experiences…

1
Elevating the Discourse with JD Stillwater 51:42

3M ago51:42

51:42

Episode 125 In part 21 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with JD Stillwater. He is a science ambassador and author who writes and speaks about profound insights from natural reality, insights that drive paradigm shifts, and cultural awakening. He is an officer of the Religious Naturalist Association, and serves on the gover…

1
On Co-Teaching, Rest, and Black Educator Retention with Keisha Rembert 49:18

3M ago49:18

49:18

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with award-winning educator and advocate Keisha Rembert to discuss her journey in education, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of racial literacy, affinity spaces, and wellness. Keisha reflects on her 17-year career as a middle schoo…

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Riding Along with Kareem Rahma: Creating 'Keep The Meter Running' and More (April 2023) 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

I am excited to re-drop one of my favorite episodes featuring the incredible Kareem Rahma! When we first recorded this chat, Kareem was all about "Keep the Meter Running." Now, he's taken his journey to new heights with "Subway Takes." It's a series of short videos created by Kareem Rahma that offer his opinions on brands and pop culture, and he is…

1
Don't Call it a Comeback! 1:11:29

3M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

Episode 124 We're back! After over two years, we have recorded a new episode, but it's better than that. We've actually recorded a couple of new episodes with a plan in place to record dozens more. Oh, and we have a whole host of interviews lined up with fascinating people that we know you will love. It feels more important than ever to be able to …

1
Helicopters, Justice & Magic Tricks?? 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

What does serving in the U.S. military while challenging its norms mean? In this episode of Immigrantly, Saadia Khan sits down with Lieutenant Julie Roland, an active-duty naval aviator and law school graduate who advocates for systemic change. Julie takes us behind the scenes of military life, its hierarchies, recruitment strategies, and the chall…

1
Beyond the Principal's Office: Finding New Ways to Serve with Dr. Adrienne Davenport 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, and author, to talk about career transitions, leadership, and the realities of being a Black educator. Dr. Davenport shares how she unexpectedly entered the field of education, her journey fr…

1
Lost & Found: Search for A Soviet Guardian Angel 1:01:07

3M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

What happens when a family story takes you on an unexpected journey? In this episode of Immigrantly, I sit down with Jake Warren, founder of Message Heard and the creator of Finding Natasha, a profoundly personal podcast about tracking down the woman who saved his mother’s life decades ago in the Soviet Union. Jake’s mother, a young British balleri…

1
Birthright, Borders & Bullsh*t! 53:04

4M ago53:04

53:04

This episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards- go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get started What happens when a country built by immigrants starts redefining who belongs? In this episode, I sit down with Claudia Yoli Ferla, a Venezuelan-born Latina and the Executive Director of Move Texas to discuss the latest political chaos surrounding immigration, …

1
Forgotten Stories 51:16

4M ago51:16

51:16

This episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards- go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get started Some stories demand to be told. This one, in particular, struck me deeply. I sat down with Nancy Wang, a storyteller, artist, and author of Red Altar, to talk about her ancestors—Chinese immigrants who helped build California’s fishing industry against all odds…

1
Achievement Addiction and the Quest for Wellness with Najmah Ahmad 1:02:27

4M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

In this powerful and reflective episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to discuss her nearly 20-year journey through education, from working in nonprofits and higher education to leadership roles in school districts and national policy. Najmah candidly shares her experiences navigati…

1
What's Your Legacy? 54:08

4M ago54:08

54:08

This year, we’ve tackled deep emotions and intricate journeys of faith, and today, we’re diving into the profound yet personal concept of legacy. Legacy—it sounds monumental, right? But does it have to be? For me, crafting a legacy sometimes feels like another overwhelming to-do list. Yet, what if the legacy isn’t about grandeur but embracing our s…

1
In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas 55:17

4M ago55:17

55:17

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness over monetary incentives. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from starting as a teacher…

1
When a Christian Minister and a Muslim Podcaster Walk Into a Studio… 52:29

4M ago52:29

52:29

Talking about religion makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it’s because I practice a faith that’s often misunderstood in this country. But in this episode, I decided to face that discomfort head-on. I sat down with Minister Lydia Sohn, a progressive Christian leader and writer, to have an honest, vulnerable, and surprisingly fun conversation about faith,…

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Immigrantly 2025: Working through the Arc of the Emotions with Anita Rao 52:04

5M ago52:04

52:04

This episode is sponsored by Bilt Rewards-go to JoinBilt.com/Immigrantly to get started Start the year with powerful insights! In this episode, I reflect on Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire (catchy or cop-out?) and chat with Anita Rao, host of Embodied. We explore working through emotions instead of discharging them and building emotional inte…

1
What It Means To Be Well with Dr. Shawn Ginwright 36:56

5M ago36:56

36:56

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing wi…

1
Ponchos, Panther, and Purpose: Bambadjan Bamba Redefines Belonging 53:03

5M ago53:03

53:03

Can you believe it? This is the final Immigrantly episode of 2024! As I reflect on this incredible year, I’m grateful for the meaningful stories and conversations we’ve shared. Together, we’ve leaned into curiosity, allyship, and learning, and I can’t wait to bring you even more inspiring voices in 2025. Mark your calendars—our first episode of the…

1
I Just Want A Show 51:18

5M ago51:18

51:18

Today’s guest is Julio Salgado. Through his bold and unapologetic work, Julio challenges the status quo and uplifts voices that are too often silenced. As a queer, undocumented creator, he uses his art to reimagine visibility, joy, and resistance. In this conversation, we connected on our immigrant experiences, love for art, and his beautiful, poet…

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Tearing Down Tribes: Aymann Ismail on Love, Religion, and Legacy 55:35

6M ago55:35

55:35

Today, I'm thrilled to reconnect with Aymann Ismail, award-winning journalist and the visionary behind the PBS documentary American Muslims: A History Revealed. Beyond the groundbreaking stories from the series, our conversation takes a deeply personal turn. Aymann opens up about his new book, 'Becoming Baba,' which explores his journey of self-dis…

1
Sobriety, Identity & Cat Chats 44:41

6M ago44:41

44:41

I’m so excited to share my conversation with Adam Macias on this episode of Immigrantly. Adam is a comedian, writer, and podcaster whose sobriety journey is just one fascinating chapter in his story. We talked about everything—from how he uses humor to connect with people to his thoughts on Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate and how young men today navigate…

1
Feed Drop: Turkeys, Touchdowns, and Tradition: John Madden’s Thanksgiving Legacy-Sportly Thanksgiving Special 20:30

6M ago20:30

20:30

Today, I am bringing you something a little different. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I am excited to share a special episode from Sportly, one of our sibling podcasts here at Immigrantly Media. Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s about family, connection, and tradition. And for many, Thanksgiving D…

1
Taking Care and Moving Forward with Dr. LaShaune Stitt 46:52

6M ago46:52

46:52

When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined h…

1
AI at the Border 50:36

6M ago50:36

50:36

In this compelling episode of Immigrantly, we’re joined by Petra Molnar, a renowned lawyer and anthropologist whose work sits at the intersection of migration, technology, and human rights. As Associate Director of the Refugee Law Lab at York University and a Faculty Associate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Petra critic…

1
Finding Stillness in a Fast Moving World 1:00:14

7M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Delsy, a Guatemalan-American therapist, visual artist, and co-host of the Tamarindo Podcast. She’s also the creative force behind the Ocu-Pasión Podcast, where she amplifies the voices of Latin American artists and visionaries. But Delsy doesn’t just live in the audio space—she co-founded Encue…

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Worthy of Rest with Octavia Raheem 38:42

7M ago38:42

38:42

In this episode of The Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons engages in a deep conversation with Octavia Raheem about the transformative power of rest. Octavia Raheem, an accomplished author, rest restorative coach, and former public school teacher, shares her journey from traditional education to becoming a leader in wellness and restorative practic…

1
Election Day Musings: Frustration, Hope, and Showing Up 10:40

7M ago10:40

10:40

Today, on Election Day, Saadia Khan shares an honest conversation about the weight of this election cycle. She reflects on the disconnection many feel with the current political landscape, the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the moral complexities that define our time. Saadia emphasizes why showing up is crucial—not just for us but for those who can’…

1
Feed Drop: The Myth of the Deadbeat Dad by Homegoings 37:23

7M ago37:23

37:23

A heads up: This episode contains strong language and unbleeped swearing*** "Stereo-anti-types” is a special series from Homegoings examining some of the most troubling, most profound, and most dangerous stereotypes that apply to Black men. In this first episode, host Myra Flynn and colleague Bryant Denton get up close and personal with podcaster P…

1
Learning to Relearn with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah 1:08:07

7M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Kwame Sarfo-Mensah and discusses his transformative journey from aspiring professional athlete to dedicated educator. Kwame discusses his initial pivot to becoming a math teacher and the various challenges he faced in his early teaching years, including …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ahmad Thomas Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen