It was in 2019 when God put it in my heart to start a podcast. Although I initially thought I would be sharing and celebrating the good things, my friends are doing in their lives on the podcast. The concept of sharing immigrant stories didn’t come until about a month before I started researching how to launch a podcast. Now, it’s been almost two years since I became a podcaster, and looking back, it’s the best choice I’ve made. Here are a few reasons why.

Share Immigrant Stories

When I first got the tug to start a podcast, the vision was to have a co-host, and we would give our opinions about various topics. I tried to get my husband to do it, but he wasn’t interested. I then thought I would highlight my friends and talk about the great things they are doing in their lives, but after I read an article on Medium about an immigrant from Kenya and how each culture shock she experienced in the United States diminished her confidence, I thought how these types of stories aren’t shared or talked about. 

The concept of immigrants sharing their journey coming to the United States and what they experienced after they arrived was foreign to me. I had not heard of podcasts or a space that shared these types of stories. Although this is just a part of their stories, not all of it, I still think it’s an important part and will continue to highlight them.

Since starting The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast, I’ve heard so many incredible, inspiring, and sad stories. I said I want to share the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the podcast because everyone has a different experience, and that shapes their perspectives and their opinions. Their truths are their truths; neither I nor anyone else can take that away from them. I’m just using a medium to host their stories.

Live My Mission While Spreading the Gospel

The mission of my podcast is to change the narrative of immigration to a more compassionate and empathetic approach – like a Jesus approach. And the best way to achieve that goal is by sharing stories of immigrants. As I am sharing these stories, I’m also spreading the gospel and showing my audience that even though we may disagree with policies, we can still extend compassion to God’s people. 

At the end of the day, we should treat everyone as they are all made in the image of God. And there are plenty of Bible verses that talk about how we should treat immigrants and refugees. 

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19 NIV

“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NIV

This last verse is a reminder that how we treat others is how we treat Jesus himself.

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Teaching Others to Podcast

In September of 2022, I posted on Facebook how I wanted to help others launch their own podcast, and in August of 2023, I hosted my first “How to Launch a Podcast Masterclass.” I’ve created a six-week course where I walk people through the process of launching a podcast step by step. 

I’ve realized that initially, the process can be overwhelming. However, if you break it down step by step, it’s easier to manage and not feel discourage. I want to be the person I needed when I started my podcast.

Teaching others to do podcasts is a love I didn’t even know I had until I started. I’ve always been generous with my knowledge and sharing my process of whatever project I’m working on. So, now I’m sharing the knowledge of launching a podcast and helping those who wish to have their own. It’s such an amazing feeling!

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Becoming a Podcaster Was Clearly the Best Choice

Sometimes, we don’t realize we like something until we try it. When I first started podcasting, I didn’t know I would help others launch theirs, and once I started, I realized I absolutely love it. I’ve tried many things in my life, and some of them I didn’t like, so I shifted, but I wouldn’t have known that it wasn’t for me if I hadn’t tried. 

Becoming a podcaster is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life, and I’m so glad I took that huge leap of faith. I’m excited to continue on this path and share the journey with you along the way! 

With Love, Heidy

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