In this episode of From There to Here, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with Mish Kumar-Jonson - a queer, non-binary, neurodivergent South Indian migrant who has called India, Oman, France, the US, New Zealand, and Australia home. Mish shares a deeply personal and insightful journey through multiple migrations, exploring how cultural identity is shaped, challenged, and redefined across borders and contexts. They discuss the complexities of adapting to new cultures, the challenges of code switching, and the pressure migrants often feel to maintain a positive façade of gratitude at the expense of their genuine feelings and struggles. Mishma also explores the double empathy problem, the limitations of empathy, and the need to prioritise compassion over empathy in therapeutic practice. They discuss the significance of investing in joy rather than solely focusing on trauma, drawing on the wisdom of First Nations and Black communities and the importance of art, dance, and celebration for healing.

Chapters:

(00:00) Cultural Identity and Migration Journey

(08:55) The Challenge of Code Switching

(21:05) Navigating Gratefulness and Criticism as a Migrant

(27:23) Defining Australian‑ness and Cultural Perceptions

(35:12) Empathy and the Double Empathy Problem

(42:40) Intersectionality and Community Dynamics

(50:18) Understanding Accents and Communication

(55:09) Compassion Over Empathy

(58:44) The Limits of Empathy

(01:02:33) Expanding Horizons and Responsibility

(01:07:12) Investing in Joy Over Trauma

(01:12:40) Finding Belonging and Community

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.