HAVE YOU HEARD?
Immigrantly // Deconstructing stereotypical immigrant narratives
Have You Heard? is where the Pod Bible team meet the people behind the podcasts you may not have heard of yet. While the Oh. My. Pod. section in the magazine gives a quick shout out to shows of that ilk, Have You Heard? aims to go deeper in an effort to spread awareness for shows that deserve more exposure! We recently heard from Saadia Khan, who produces and hosts Immigrantly, the podcast deconstructing stereotypical narratives of immigrants.
Who are you and what…
My name is Saadia Khan. I am the producer and host of Immigrantly. I am also an immigrant, intersectional feminist, social entrepreneur, and human rights activist. I have worked with UN Women and other UN entities as part of my work at a small civil society organization focused on women’s rights. My own experiences as an immigrant and a human rights activist explore intersectionality between different cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds form the basis of a lot of discussions. I also write for publications including Medium and the GlobalPost.
The Immigrantly podcast is an independent, minority, immigrant, women-led, weekly podcast. It aims to deconstruct stereotypical narratives of immigrants, their second-generation kids, people of color, and change-makers, through cross-cultural and nuanced conversations. Each episode brings a fresh perspective on the issues we address through dialogue full of rich nuances. Our listeners express appreciation for our work in challenging narratives and rehumanizing people through shared human experiences. Immigrantly uses a combination of storytelling and interviews to provide engaging, immersive content.
Why did you decide to start podcasting?
After 2016 elections, I was frustrated with the constant dehumanization of minorities in America. Being an immigrant was not part of my consciousness prior to the elections but after 2016, my immigrant identity became a marker of otherness. Hence I decided to create a platform for honest and raw conversations around racial identity, class and culture in America and across the globe.
What was the first podcast you ever listened to?
Serial – like many people I’m sure!
Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?
My favorite podcast is Code Switch. I admire Shereen’s ability to examine complex issues with humor and humanity, whether discussing race, identity, or culture or dissecting the origins of a song, piece by piece. Shereen said the best career advice she received was “When you see a herd of reporters chasing the same story, run in the opposite direction.” That is precisely what Immigrantly seeks to do–amplify “hidden” stories that share the lived experiences, perspectives, and humanity of people of color and immigrants.
Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?
I’d love to speak to Riz Ahmed. He’s done so much: actor, rapper, musician, and activist.
Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?
“Decolonizing Yoga” released on Oct 27th, 2020. Susanna Barkataki, who is the creator of the Honor (don’t appropriate) Yoga Summit, talks about building awareness, equity, and diversity within the yoga community.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?
Be authentic. If you try to emulate others, people can see right through it.
Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?
You can find out more on our website, immigrantlypod.com and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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