In a special twist for this episode of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants, the host becomes the guest. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by my friend Rée, and in this heartfelt conversation, I shared what inspired me to launch this podcast and why immigration stories hold a special place in my heart. So here is the story behind the mic.
Why Immigration?
Although I was born in the United States, immigration has always been a central theme in my life. My parents and stepmother immigrated from the Dominican Republic, and my husband did as well. Nearly everyone close to me—family, friends, and community members—has experienced some version of the immigration journey.
Because of this, I’ve always felt a deep connection to immigrant stories. I know the struggles and triumphs not just from a distance but through lived family experiences. I also briefly worked for an immigration law firm where I helped with DACA applications. That hands-on experience showed me how complex, emotional, and life-changing the immigration process can be. It solidified my passion for supporting and amplifying these voices.
The Podcast That Almost Wasn’t
Interestingly, The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants didn’t start as an immigration-focused podcast. My original idea was to create a show that spotlighted the amazing things God was doing in the lives of my friends and family. I wanted to show that even in the ordinary—our day-to-day routines—we’re often making an extraordinary impact on those around us.
But when I sat down to plan those initial episodes, I kept coming back to the stories of immigrants I knew. Their courage, their hope, and the resilience they carried while chasing a better life were stories that needed to be heard. And so the podcast evolved.
Centering Compassion and Curiosity
Rée, who has been a listener of the show, mentioned how much she appreciated the way I blend compassion and curiosity into each episode. I try to create a space where guests feel safe to share vulnerable, powerful parts of their journeys. My goal has always been to honor their experiences and bring nuance to how we talk about immigration.
What started as a personal passion project has grown into a platform that reaches people around the world. And every story shared reminds me why this work matters.
Final Thoughts on the Story Behind the Mic
Immigration is more than politics and policies—it’s about people. It’s about dreams, family, resilience, and sacrifice. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share these stories with you and for listeners like Rée who see the heart behind each episode.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to Episode 83 for a more intimate look at why this podcast exists and what it means to me. And if you’re an immigrant with a story to tell, or you know someone who is, please reach out. Your story could inspire the world.
With Love, Heidy
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