Best Positive Immigration Impact Podcasts (2025)

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Delay In CalFresh Benefits Leaves College Students Struggling To Afford Food 10:32

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31m ago10:32

10:32

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore full funding for SNAP benefits by Friday. The Justice Department is appealing. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom's office says some people in California are starting to receive their benefits, but it's unclear how many. The uncertainty is leaving many college students to wonder how they'll afford…

1
Fed. Tax Breaks for "Going Green" at Home Set to Expire 10:35

15h ago10:35

10:35

Biden-era federal tax breaks for home owners that want to switch from gas-powered appliances in their homes to electric or "greener" solutions are expiring at the end of the year. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress. With the announcement, she will NOT be seeking re-election as representative of San Francisco. Le…

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Proposition 50 Sails to a Win in California's Special Election 10:46

1d ago10:46

10:46

California voters pass Proposition 50, setting the state up to redraw its congressional district maps, challenging a move by Texas to redraw its maps to give Republicans an edge in next year's mid-term elections. California Senator Alex Padilla has squashed any rumors that he has eyes on his state's Governor's seat. Yesterday, he announced his inte…

1
California Votes on the Fate of Proposition 50 10:44

3d ago10:44

10:44

Californians head to the polls today to decide on legislation that would change the state's redistricting rules if passed--and could set up a more protracted political battle with the Trump Administration ahead of next year's midterm elections. It has been championed by Gov. Newsom as a counter to the Texas state legislature's decision to redraw it…

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Five Assumptions We Can Make from What the Bible Says About Suffering 17:20

2d ago17:20

17:20

What does God say that should inform our theology of suffering? That’s the topic of today’s episode, as we dive into five assumptions we can make from what the Bible says about suffering. Want to meditate on some of the Scripture quoted in this episode? Take a look at these: · Matthew 11 · Romans 8 · Psalm 84:11 · 2 Corinthians 4 · Psalm 91 · Psalm…

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From Nigeria to Nursing Professor: Idongesit Obeya (Ep. 200) - Part 2 32:20

2d ago32:20

32:20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Immigrant Experience in America Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg 📱Listen to more episodes on: 💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN 💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE 💼 Amazon: ht…

1
California's Food Banks Mobilize to Fill Benefits Gap Left by Gov. Shutdown 10:42

4d ago10:42

10:42

The government shutdown has left the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in funding limbo--after two judges on Friday ordered a reticent Trump Administration to fund the food aid program with the $5 billion in contingency funds the USDA has on hand. Meanwhile, millions of Californians who rely on the state's version of SNAP--CalFresh-…

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Some Worry Prop. 50 Would Mark the Last Ride for California's Horse-Haven 10:40

7d ago10:40

10:40

In our latest report for the segment, "California Divided," we head down to Norco, California. This Republican enclave in Riverside County is known as the horsiest town in the Golden State; and that's how residents like it. What they are not so hot on, is the idea that Prop. 50 could redraw district lines that would ultimately change their way of l…

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California's Biggest Voting District Faces Seismic Change if Prop. 50 Passes 10:48

8d ago10:48

10:48

In Part 4 of our series, ⁠California Divided⁠, we head north, to speak with residents in District 1, who've expressed concern over the impact that Proposition 50 will have on their voting power if it passes. The Trump Administration is halting automatic renewals of work permits for immigrants. The policy, which begins today, could force thousands o…

1
Central Valley Farmers Express Concerns About Possibility Of New Political Maps 10:19

9d ago10:19

10:19

The ripple effects of President Trump’s national gerrymandering battle are being felt in California’s rich agricultural belt. Next week, voters in the state will decide whether to support Proposition 50. That’s Governor Newsom’s plan to counter surprise redistricting in Texas and other red states. If Prop 50 passes, Congressman David Valadao of the…

1
In Lake Tahoe, Some Voters See Redistricting As Opportunity For Change 10:39

9d ago10:39

10:39

Californians are deciding on a ballot measure that could reshape how our state is represented in Congress. Proposition 50 would redraw California's congressional district lines to help Democrats pick up five additional seats in the House. Prop 50 is part of a national fight over redistricting. And if it passes, political lines from Sonoma down to S…

1
In Northeast San Diego County, Democrats See Redistricting Battle As Chance For Change 10:30

9d ago10:30

10:30

Northeast San Diego County is becoming a battleground in the nationwide fight over congressional districts and control of the House of Representatives. Ballots are out now for a special election that could change several districts in California to give Democrats the advantage. Democrats are working on the ground in an effort to flip the congression…

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From Nigeria to Nursing Professor: Idongesit Obeya (Ep. 199) - Part 1 31:16

10d ago31:16

31:16

Key Themes Identity & Belonging The tension of "you've arrived here, now who are you?" Many immigrants carry a dual identity: rooted in a homeland + building a future elsewhere. Letting go of perfection: striving to fit in often causes people to lose parts of what made them uniquely strong. Belonging isn't only about external acceptance. It begins …

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Gaining Confidence in Christ: Understanding Who God Made Me to Be with Lisa Allen 55:16

10d ago55:16

55:16

If you desire to gain confidence in Christ, my guest, Lisa Allen, has so much truth to speak into your life today on the UnPerfect Podcast. She’ll answer questions like: · What is calling? · What is self-leadership? · What is confidence (and how do I get it)? · How do I harness my strengths and bring my best self into my other relationships and res…

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As World Series Begins, Dodgers Look For Repeat 10:41

14d ago10:41

10:41

The World Series gets underway Friday night from Toronto as the Blue Jays take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic. LA is looking to become the first back-to-back champs in 25 years. Toronto hasn’t won a championship since 1993. Guest: Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times President Trump says he will not be sending a surge of federal agents to…

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The Megadonor Opposing Proposition 50 Explains His Position 10:28

15d ago10:28

10:28

Proposition 50 would temporarily let the legislature draw new congressional maps, a move supporters, including Governor Newsom, say is meant to stop gerrymandering and protect democracy. But opponents are calling it a partisan power grab, warning it could weaken the state's independent redistricting commission. One of the most vocal critics is Char…

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Lawsuits Against Trump Administration Argue Immigration Policies Are Breaking The Law 10:36

16d ago10:36

10:36

California civil rights advocates are calling on the federal courts to halt Trump administration policies leading to the arrest of asylum seekers, victims of trafficking and people attending immigration court hearings. A series of recent class action lawsuits argue: the arrests violate federal law and the U.S. Constitution. Reporter: Tyche Hendrick…

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From Panama to Pastoral Leadership: Dr. Renaldo White's Journey of Faith, Culture & Resilience (Ep. 198) - Part 3 30:26

17d ago30:26

30:26

In this four‑part conversation on The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson‑Smith sits down with Dr. Reynaldo White, a Panamanian‑born pastor, educator, author, musician, and community advocate whose life journey traverses Panama, Miami, and rural Alabama. Dr. White recounts his upbringing in extreme poverty near the Panama Canal …

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The Challenges Facing The Uninsured Looking To Rebuild In Altadena 10:40

17d ago10:40

10:40

Rebuilding after January’s fires in Los Angeles County is underway for some people. But an Altadena family is facing what may be insurmountable financial obstacles. Reporter: Erin Stone/LAist Congressional Democrats plan to investigate reports that federal agents unlawfully detained U.S. citizens during the Trump administration's ongoing immigratio…

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Dreams Surrendered to God: From Waiting on God to Waiting with God 57:47

17d ago57:47

57:47

Do you struggle to keep your dreams surrendered to God? If you’re like most women, we struggle to wait on God and let go of control in some regions of our heart. We can get frustrated and discouraged – especially when God closes doors or worse, when God says, “Wait.” But what if our waiting on God could become waiting with God? It’s possible, my fr…

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Both Sides In Prop 50 Argument Rely On Familiar Messaging In Lead-Up To Election 10:43

18d ago10:43

10:43

As Democrats in California attempt to convince voters to approve new maps next month to give them more seats in Congress, and Republicans fight back against the redistricting measure, both sides are relying on familiar political playbooks. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Hundreds of thousands of people took part in No Kings rallies across California o…

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After a Tough Season, Wine Country Famers Are Working to Harvest Grapes 10:44

21d ago10:44

10:44

Federal immigration officials could be setting their sights on Sonoma county. A local supervisor says Department of Homeland Security officials asked in a meeting if the sheriff's office would notify DHS when undocumented immigrants are arrested. Shandra Back, KRCB Farmers in wine country have been working at all hours to get their grapes off the v…

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In-Home Daycare Providers Still Face Discrimination From Landlords 10:44

21d ago10:44

10:44

Thousands of California families rely on in-home daycares for their kids. But after the housing market collapse in 2008, the state lost 30% of these types of child care settings, leading to a crisis. As part of its effort to rebuild, California passed a law in 2019 forbidding landlords and homeowners’ associations from refusing to rent to in-home c…

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Waymo Continues To Increase Its Footprint In Los Angeles 10:47

23d ago10:47

10:47

In San Francisco, more people are now ordering Waymo robotaxis than Lyfts with human drivers. People are getting more comfortable using driverless cars. This got us thinking - is the same thing about to happen in LA? And how do human Uber and Lyft drivers feel about it? Reporter: Megan Jamerson, KCRW A new state audit released this week finds that …

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From Panama to Pastoral Leadership: Dr. Renaldo White's Journey of Faith, Culture & Resilience (Ep. 197) - Part 2 27:50

24d ago27:50

27:50

Episode Summary In this extended conversation from The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson-Smith talks with Dr. Reynaldo White—a Panamanian‑born pastor, educator, author, and former concert pianist now living in Alabama. Over three parts, they explore Dr. White's journey from growing up in poverty near the Panama Canal to servin…

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Delta Community's Finances Up In Air Amid Talks Of Disincorporation 10:35

24d ago10:35

10:35

A tiny California town in Sacramento’s Delta has struggled for decades, and within a matter of months, could face some big decisions on its status as a city. Financial choices over the years have put Isleton in a sink or swim situation– with talks of disincorporation or bankruptcy and what that could mean for the city’s 800 residents. Reporter: Ril…

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Resting in God with Becky Thompson: Hidden with Christ, Letting Go of Control 31:35

24d ago31:35

31:35

If you’re looking to discover the secret to truly resting in God – even in the middle of your chaos – you’re going to love the second half of my interview with Becky Thompson, author of Healing Rest. (If you missed part one, head back to Episode #121), Finding peace isn’t something we can only experience when we finally go on vacation or the kids a…

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Proposed Change to Endangered Species Act Threatens California's Sea Otter Haven 10:37

25d ago10:37

10:37

The Trump Administration is considering a change to the federal Endangered Species Act that could create new risks for an area in California that has more sea otters than any other in the state. Last October, the state finished removing four dams from Klamath River up in far Northern California. In the year since the removal, there has been drastic…

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#53 Beginning a new chapter -- for you and for this podcast 10:03

25d ago10:03

10:03

Most change doesn’t come with a plan — it starts with a feeling that something needs to shift. In this episode, I talk about how small steps create clarity and tell my favorite story about Steve Jobs and a calligraphy class that changed the course of his life and led to the founding of Apple. I also give a sneak peek of what’s next for the podcast …

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How Fresno Schools Are Helping Students Get Back On Their Feet 10:38

28d ago10:38

10:38

For many families experiencing homelessness, school can be a difficult hurdle to clear. Chronic absenteeism is higher, and graduation rates are lower among homeless students. But the Fresno Unified School District has been working to combat this problem. And the efforts appear to be working. Reporter: Rachel Livinal/KVPR Doctors at Adventist Health…

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Preserving The Stories Of Altadena's Trees After The Eaton Fire 10:25

29d ago10:25

10:25

When you talk about Altadena, you can’t not talk about its trees. It’s why one young Altadenan is documenting the stories of the community’s trees in the wake of the Eaton Fire. Reporter: Erin Stone, LAist A 29-year-old man has been arrested for starting a fire that eventually became the deadly Palisades Fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

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

29d 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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Masking Law Just Part Of Bigger Fight Over Immigration Enforcement 10:32

1M ago10:32

10:32

California made national headlines last month when Governor Newsom signed a bill barring law enforcement officers from wearing masks -- a law aimed at immigration agents. Federal officials say they won’t comply. But the skirmish is about more than just masks. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED New data suggests Fresno is a more prosperous city than it wa…

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From Panama to Pastoral Leadership: Dr. Renaldo White's Journey of Faith, Culture & Resilience (Ep. 196) - Part 1 35:01

1M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, host Simone W. Johnson-Smith talks with Dr. Reynaldo White—a Panamanian-born pastor, educator and author now living in Alabama. Dr. White recounts his childhood in extreme poverty near the Panama Canal, his family's move to Miami when his father joined the U.S. Army, and the adjustments he fac…

1
Investigation Sheds New Light On What May Have Sparked Eaton Fire 10:27

1M ago10:27

10:27

By KQED

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Healing Rest with Becky Thompson: Resting With God by Finding Peace with Jesus 37:38

1M ago37:38

37:38

By Shelly Snead

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Following Medicaid Cuts, Californians With Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities Face Uncertain Future 10:39

1M ago10:39

10:39

When President Donald Trump signed his sweeping policy bill this summer, it included $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, known here as Medi-Cal. The program is recognized for helping low-income people access health care, but it also funds services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, many Californians with disabilities fac…

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#52 My Biggest Dare Yet: How Small Bold Steps Spark Big Change 15:26

1M ago15:26

15:26

This week, I share one of the biggest dares I’ve ever taken — opening my art studio to the public for the very first time. I talk about what happened, what I learned, and how the Dare Yourself movement was born from that moment. If you’ve ever kept a dream to yourself, this episode will remind you why your dreams need witnesses — and how daring you…

1
New Movie Tells The Story Of Bus Driver Who Helped Students, Teachers Escape Camp Fire 10:28

1M ago10:28

10:28

The 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise remains California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire in history. The Northern California fire claimed the lives of 85 people. Now, a new movie depicts the real-life heroic escape of one local bus driver. Reporter: Claudia Brancart, North State Public Radio Yosemite National Park remains open during the governm…

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Joshua Tree National Park Nonprofit Concerned About Latest Government Shutdown 10:40

1M ago10:40

10:40

During the last federal government shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019, national parks here in California were greatly impacted. Some shut down completely, meaning a significant loss in potential revenue. Others remained open, but were not fully staffed. That includes Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Vehicles drove off-road, causi…

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Dust Storms An Increasing Problem Around The Salton Sea 10:35

1M ago10:35

10:35

Around the Salton Sea, dust storms have become an increasing problem, sparking dozens of public health studies. But many Imperial Valley residents have grown weary of repeated studies that all basically say the same thing: that the air quality is bad and getting worse. Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS National Parks are once again caught up in the middl…

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Decoding America and Thrive Abroad with Thriving In Intersectionality Podcast (195) 20:54

1M ago20:54

20:54

Part 2 of the interview: I was recently interviewed on the Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast by Lola Adeyemo. Listen to Thriving In Intersectionality Podcast Apple podcastYouTube MusicSpotifyAmazon Audible If this episode resonates, subscribe, like, and share with others navigating life across borders. Comment below your experiences or question…

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State Looks To Hire Thousands Of Year-Round Firefighters 10:39

1M ago10:39

10:39

What once was a fire season in California is now a fire year. As a result, the state is looking to combat increasing wildfires with funding for more year-round firefighters. Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR California voters approved a $10 billion climate bond measure, last November. We're now getting a sense of where the first round of Prop 4 money …

1M ago25:15

25:15

I was recently interviewed on the Thriving in Intersectionality Podcast by Lola Adeyemo. Listen to Thriving In Intersectionality Podcast Apple podcastYouTube MusicSpotifyAmazon Audible If this episode resonates, subscribe, like, and share with others navigating life across borders. Comment below your experiences or questions—we love hearing your st…