Mosaic: Recent Episodes
The Public's Radio
Mosaic is a podcast that explores immigration and identity in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, a region that traces the history of American immigration back to the early days of colonization.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which has a community essay series.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which has a community essay series.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which has a community essay series.
In this special episode of Mosaic, our podcast on immigration, we introduce Chiqui Versace: a Rhode Island resident who came to the U.S. at 16, looking for work and hoping to support his family back in Colombia. He also came here to be his true self – to not have to hide anything about who he is. From the outside, Versace lived what appeared to be a normal life. For decades he was gainfully employed, paid taxes every year, and volunteered his time for charitable causes. But to stay here, to live the life he had always wanted to live, he had to carry a very big secret.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which has a community essay series.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio podcast on immigration and identity in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which has a series of community essays.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which features a series of community essays.
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which features a series of community essays.
It’s been nearly five months since Russia invaded Ukraine, spurring a war that has shaken Ukrainian communities across the world.
The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, Mosaic, has a series of community essays. This one is by an anonymous contributor with sound design by Tracy Jonsson of Newport, Rhode Island.
The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, Mosaic, has a series of community essays.
The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, Mosaic, has a series of community essays.
It’s been 20 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks changed everything. In this episode of Mosaic, we’ll hear from four different people about their experiences with 9/11.
It’s been 20 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks changed everything. In this episode of Mosaic, we’ll hear from four different people about their experiences with 9/11.
Highlights from Mosaic’s community stage at The Wilbury Theatre’s Fringe Fest 2021. Ana sits down with activist Enrique Sánchez and artist Jess Brown to talk about the impact of the pandemic on their lives and communities.
Highlights from Mosaic’s community stage at The Wilbury Theatre’s Fringe Fest 2021. Ana sits down with activist Enrique Sánchez and artist Jess Brown to talk about the impact of the pandemic on their lives and communities.
Daniela came from a place that became the mouth of a shark. In just a few months, she went from a teenager praying in her village church to a migrant, traversing half a continent to reach the Rio Grande.
Daniela came from a place that became the mouth of a shark. In just a few months, she went from a teenager praying in her village church to a migrant, traversing half a continent to reach the Rio Grande.
Jon Hope creates music that represents his roots in Rhode Island and Africa. With his new album and a new educational initiative, Hope is moving beyond his past and helping others to realize a new future.
Jon Hope creates music that represents his roots in Rhode Island and Africa. With his new album and a new educational initiative, Hope is moving beyond his past and helping others to realize a new future.
Gloria Greenfield helps undocumented victims of domestic abuse break free from their abusers and get legal status, all without being a lawyer.
Gloria Greenfield helps undocumented victims of domestic abuse break free from their abusers and get legal status, all without being a lawyer.
Tony Mendez co-founded Rhode Island’s first 24/7 Spanish-language radio station, Poder 1110, in 1995. He talks with host Ana González about how radio has empowered the latinx community in Rhode Island to become civically engaged.
Tony Mendez co-founded Rhode Island’s first 24/7 Spanish-language radio station, Poder 1110, in 1995. He talks with host Ana González about how radio has empowered the latinx community in Rhode Island to become civically engaged.
Intergenerational conversations within immigrant families are complicated by differences in language, experience, and the trauma of immigration. Ana sits down with playwright Jenny Sánchez to see how she worked through her own family’s immigration story with her virtual, Spanish-language play, Abue!
Intergenerational conversations within immigrant families are complicated by differences in language, experience, and the trauma of immigration. Ana sits down with playwright Jenny Sánchez to see how she worked through her own family’s immigration story with her virtual, Spanish-language play, Abue!
Gisel Bello is a 4th-year medical student and the host of You Are Med, a podcast that unpacks what it means to be underrepresented in medicine.
Gisel Bello is a 4th-year medical student and the host of You Are Med, a podcast that unpacks what it means to be underrepresented in medicine.
Professor Beshara Doumani gives new context to the relationship between Israel and Palestine and speaks about what it means to be Palestinian in a world that denies your very existence.
Professor Beshara Doumani gives new context to the relationship between Israel and Palestine and speaks about what it means to be Palestinian in a world that denies your very existence.
A conversation with therapist Sandra Victorino LMHC about her life and the complexities and benefits of treating mental health from a bicultural perspective.
A conversation with therapist Sandra Victorino LMHC about her life and the complexities and benefits of treating mental health from a bicultural perspective.
A conversation with playwright and director Don Mays, who has created a space for a theatrical examination of Christianity in Black and brown communities with his latest audio play.
A conversation with playwright and director Don Mays, who has created a space for a theatrical examination of Christianity in Black and brown communities with his latest audio play.
Asian Americans are seen as perpetual “aliens” in this country. Professor Robert Lee explains how that leads to violence.
Asian Americans are seen as perpetual “aliens” in this country. Professor Robert Lee explains how that leads to violence.
Murray Kaplan learned how to bake from his father, who learned how to bake from his father, who started the family bakery in 1917 after coming over from Russia. After this weekend, Murray will officially be retired.
Murray Kaplan learned how to bake from his father, who learned how to bake from his father, who started the family bakery in 1917 after coming over from Russia. After this weekend, Murray will officially be retired.
Juan García’s story concludes in Providence, where he finds direction defending immigrant communities.
Juan García’s story concludes in Providence, where he finds direction defending immigrant communities.
Part one of Juan Garcia’s life tells a history of revolution, migration, and the strength of the human spirit.
Part one of Juan Garcia’s life tells a history of revolution, migration, and the strength of the human spirit.
Zenaida García never wanted to leave Puerto Rico. She was forced into the choppy waters of the vaivén and almost lost herself entirely. In this episode of Mosaic, Zenaida reclaims her life.
Zenaida García never wanted to leave Puerto Rico. She was forced into the choppy waters of the vaivén and almost lost herself entirely. In this episode of Mosaic, Zenaida reclaims her life.
In Dominican culture, baseball is the only sport that matters. One youth baseball organization in Providence taps into that power to support Dominican immigrant families and build futures for kids on and off the field.
In Dominican culture, baseball is the only sport that matters. One youth baseball organization in Providence taps into that power to support Dominican immigrant families and build futures for kids on and off the field.
John Gordon’s fate turns into folklore that, 166 years later, causes a group of Irish Rhode Islanders to reopen the trial and seek justice.
John Gordon’s fate turns into folklore that, 166 years later, causes a group of Irish Rhode Islanders to reopen the trial and seek justice.
There are theories to this day about who killed the powerful mill owner in 1843. But no answers. One family, though, and really just one man, remains indelibly linked to the Sprague murder. In this episode of Mosaic, part one of the story of Irish immigrant John Gordon.
There are theories to this day about who killed the powerful mill owner in 1843. But no answers. One family, though, and really just one man, remains indelibly linked to the Sprague murder. In this episode of Mosaic, part one of the story of Irish immigrant John Gordon.
In this episode of Mosaic, we explore what it means to be Cape Verdean in a Black and white America through the story of New England’s most famous R&B family.
In this episode of Mosaic, we explore what it means to be Cape Verdean in a Black and white America through the story of New England’s most famous R&B family.
Johnston’s history as a Yankee farming town makes it hard for newcomers like Julius Kolawole to feel welcome farming the same soil. He’s doing it anyway.
Johnston’s history as a Yankee farming town makes it hard for newcomers like Julius Kolawole to feel welcome farming the same soil. He’s doing it anyway.
In this episode of Mosaic, three generations of one family tell a history of Chinese migration, struggle, and the changing politics of identity that go into the creation and preservation of Chinese-American restaurants.
In this episode of Mosaic, three generations of one family tell a history of Chinese migration, struggle, and the changing politics of identity that go into the creation and preservation of Chinese-American restaurants.
In this episode of Mosaic, we break fast with the Kinjawi family throughout the holy month of Ramadan to understand how living as Muslims in the US has allowed them to become both more Muslim and more American.
In this episode of Mosaic, we break fast with the Kinjawi family throughout the holy month of Ramadan to understand how living as Muslims in the US has allowed them to become both more Muslim and more American.
We pick up where we left off with the story of Pov Pech: he returns to Lowell after serving his sentence and tries out the straight and narrow life. But Pov’s past has already changed the course of his life and set him up on a path that, decades later, ends in deportation.
We pick up where we left off with the story of Pov Pech: he returns to Lowell after serving his sentence and tries out the straight and narrow life. But Pov’s past has already changed the course of his life and set him up on a path that, decades later, ends in deportation.
Pov Pech came to the US as a refugee and turned towards crime to solve his problems. He stole, fought, sold drugs, and even shot up a high school. Last summer, he was deported back to a country he barely knows, leaving his family and his American identity behind.
Pov Pech came to the US as a refugee and turned towards crime to solve his problems. He stole, fought, sold drugs, and even shot up a high school. Last summer, he was deported back to a country he barely knows, leaving his family and his American identity behind.
The coronavirus pandemic has been especially difficult for undocumented immigrants, like Mikayla’s parents. As a student at Brown University, Mikayla has spent the majority of 2020 trying to forge her own path through the Ivy League and a changing world all while dealing with the stress of her family back home.
The coronavirus pandemic has been especially difficult for undocumented immigrants, like Mikayla’s parents. As a student at Brown University, Mikayla has spent the majority of 2020 trying to forge her own path through the Ivy League and a changing world all while dealing with the stress of her family back home.
Americans often look back on the Industrial Revolution as a time of opportunity, when immigrants came to America with nothing and quickly climbed the economic ladder. But the truth is the 19th and early 20th Centuries were a hard time for many immigrants who faced discrimination and, often, tough odds.
Americans often look back on the Industrial Revolution as a time of opportunity, when immigrants came to America with nothing and quickly climbed the economic ladder. But the truth is the 19th and early 20th Centuries were a hard time for many immigrants who faced discrimination and, often, tough odds.
Murray Kaplan learned how to bake from his father, who learned how to bake from his father, who started the family bakery in 1917 after coming over from Russia. Now that he’s close to retirement, Murray faces a choice: continue the tradition of Jewish bakeries in Rhode Island, or hang up his apron strings for good.
Murray Kaplan learned how to bake from his father, who learned how to bake from his father, who started the family bakery in 1917 after coming over from Russia. Now that he’s close to retirement, Murray faces a choice: continue the tradition of Jewish bakeries in Rhode Island, or hang up his apron strings for good.
For generations, Cape Verdean-Americans have farmed on the cranberry bogs of Southeastern Massachusetts. Despite the challenges, one family in the town of Carver is keeping that tradition alive.
For generations, Cape Verdean-Americans have farmed on the cranberry bogs of Southeastern Massachusetts. Despite the challenges, one family in the town of Carver is keeping that tradition alive.
When Hernan leaves Argentina, he doesn’t know where he’s going or if he’ll be back. He travels from one end of the world to the other, but it’s not until he falls in love that he finds a home, for now.
When Hernan leaves Argentina, he doesn’t know where he’s going or if he’ll be back. He travels from one end of the world to the other, but it’s not until he falls in love that he finds a home, for now.
Saleh, an immigrant from Senegal, came to America thinking it’s the land of Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Olympic runners. Then he found out that’s partly true, but it’s also a whole lot more.
Saleh, an immigrant from Senegal, came to America thinking it’s the land of Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Olympic runners. Then he found out that’s partly true, but it’s also a whole lot more.
Decades after immigrating, Jamaican chef Conroy tells his story through Jamaican patties.
Decades after immigrating, Jamaican chef Conroy tells his story through Jamaican patties.
More than 100 years before the founding of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, an immigrant orchestra from Berlin helped put Newport music on the map.
More than 100 years before the founding of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, an immigrant orchestra from Berlin helped put Newport music on the map.
Thanksgiving has a complex and, often, political history. But how much does that matter to newly-arrived immigrants?
Thanksgiving has a complex and, often, political history. But how much does that matter to newly-arrived immigrants?
Growing up in India, Rupa loved to learn and perform classical Kathak dance. But life and school prevented her from following her passions. That is, until she moved to the US and regained her confidence.
Growing up in India, Rupa loved to learn and perform classical Kathak dance. But life and school prevented her from following her passions. That is, until she moved to the US and regained her confidence.
For generations, the triple decker home provided a reliable path for thousands of immigrants who dreamed of becoming homeowners. But, today, things are changing.
For generations, the triple decker home provided a reliable path for thousands of immigrants who dreamed of becoming homeowners. But, today, things are changing.
The triple decker home is an icon of urban New England that's given a start to generations of immigrants. But what’s life like inside the walls of a three family home?
The triple decker home is an icon of urban New England that's given a start to generations of immigrants. But what’s life like inside the walls of a three family home?
You walk by them, maybe you live in one. But do you know the triple-decker home was once a symbol of anti-immigrant sentiment in New England?
You walk by them, maybe you live in one. But do you know the triple-decker home was once a symbol of anti-immigrant sentiment in New England?
On one of the most controversial holidays in America, Providence's historic Italian-American neighborhood celebrates its identity.
On one of the most controversial holidays in America, Providence's historic Italian-American neighborhood celebrates its identity.
The Mosaic podcast team at The Public’s Radio is producing an episode on triple-decker family homes and their connection to the immigrant experience in New England. Did you grow up in a triple-decker? Has your family owned a three family home for several generations? Share your stories here to be featured in an upcoming episode of Mosaic.
The Mosaic podcast team at The Public’s Radio is producing an episode on triple-decker family homes and their connection to the immigrant experience in New England. Did you grow up in a triple-decker? Has your family owned a three family home for several generations? Share your stories here to be featured in an upcoming episode of Mosaic.
Connecting with a new place and new people can be tough when you don’t know the dominant language. In this episode of Mosaic, we meet a Chinese immigrant who does it with fun, food, and little bit of fishing.
Connecting with a new place and new people can be tough when you don’t know the dominant language. In this episode of Mosaic, we meet a Chinese immigrant who does it with fun, food, and little bit of fishing.
Part II of the Aaron Lopez saga brings us to a burial ground in Newport, where headstones give us insight into the lives of enslaved and free Africans in colonial Rhode Island.
Part II of the Aaron Lopez saga brings us to a burial ground in Newport, where headstones give us insight into the lives of enslaved and free Africans in colonial Rhode Island.
Aaron Lopez flees the Spanish Inquisition and arrives in Newport in 1752 a religious refugee. He quickly becomes a successful entrepreneur and a pillar of the Jewish community. At the same time, he’s actively funding slaving voyages.
Aaron Lopez flees the Spanish Inquisition and arrives in Newport in 1752 a religious refugee. He quickly becomes a successful entrepreneur and a pillar of the Jewish community. At the same time, he’s actively funding slaving voyages.
Kamal was one of many Yazidis to leave Iraq after the ISIS genocide. But now he’s in a foreign place where no one outside his home practices his faith.
Kamal was one of many Yazidis to leave Iraq after the ISIS genocide. But now he’s in a foreign place where no one outside his home practices his faith.
A Brazilian teenager immigrates to the US with their mom and finds gender-affirming language and community.
A Brazilian teenager immigrates to the US with their mom and finds gender-affirming language and community.
Luis was smuggled into the U.S. when he was just eight years old. He built a life in New Bedford, Mass., but his world came “crashing down” when his parent’s legal status split apart the family.
Luis was smuggled into the U.S. when he was just eight years old. He built a life in New Bedford, Mass., but his world came “crashing down” when his parent’s legal status split apart the family.
Single mom Pichuna and her 8 kids connect with the Armenian community in Providence over their shared histories of being refugees and finding solace in church.
Single mom Pichuna and her 8 kids connect with the Armenian community in Providence over their shared histories of being refugees and finding solace in church.
Estela came to the United States by chance and only planned to stay a couple of months. Nearly fifteen years later, she lives here with her husband, two kids, and an active deportation order against her.
Estela came to the United States by chance and only planned to stay a couple of months. Nearly fifteen years later, she lives here with her husband, two kids, and an active deportation order against her.
A Syrian doctor risks his career and life for his home during a gruesome civil war. Then, he faces a choice: become the enemy or leave everything behind.
A Syrian doctor risks his career and life for his home during a gruesome civil war. Then, he faces a choice: become the enemy or leave everything behind.
Three friends from Fall River, Massachusetts, use the struggles of second generation Portuguese Americans as inspiration for careers in comedy (contains a handful of instances of mild swears).
Three friends from Fall River, Massachusetts, use the struggles of second generation Portuguese Americans as inspiration for careers in comedy (contains a handful of instances of mild swears).
By the time he was 10 years old, Guillermo knew he wanted to be a drug dealer. At 30, he was sitting in a federal prison in North Carolina, awaiting deportation to the Dominican Republic. This episode contains explicit language
By the time he was 10 years old, Guillermo knew he wanted to be a drug dealer. At 30, he was sitting in a federal prison in North Carolina, awaiting deportation to the Dominican Republic. This episode contains explicit language
After settling in Wisconsin, members of the Brothertown tribe are forced to give up their reservation to avoid a government ordered removal to present-day Kansas, setting in motion an unforeseen legal battle their ancestors will fight more than a century later.
After settling in Wisconsin, members of the Brothertown tribe are forced to give up their reservation to avoid a government ordered removal to present-day Kansas, setting in motion an unforeseen legal battle their ancestors will fight more than a century later.
Betrayed by his mentor Eleazar Wheelock and wary of all colonists, Samson Occom forms a new American Indian tribe in the mid-1770s and leads his followers on a journey further west.
Betrayed by his mentor Eleazar Wheelock and wary of all colonists, Samson Occom forms a new American Indian tribe in the mid-1770s and leads his followers on a journey further west.
The impact of early European immigration on Native Americans in New England is examined through the story of Samson Occom, a brilliant Mohegan Indian from Eastern Connecticut who gains fame on two continents before his story takes a dramatic and unexpected turn.
The impact of early European immigration on Native Americans in New England is examined through the story of Samson Occom, a brilliant Mohegan Indian from Eastern Connecticut who gains fame on two continents before his story takes a dramatic and unexpected turn.
It's May of 1637, and English armies are preparing to attack a large Pequot fort in Connecticut colony. What happens next will change the relationship between indigenous tribes of New England and colonists forever. And it's all thanks to Roger Williams.
It's May of 1637, and English armies are preparing to attack a large Pequot fort in Connecticut colony. What happens next will change the relationship between indigenous tribes of New England and colonists forever. And it's all thanks to Roger Williams.
Gambian refugee Omar Bah starts his life over in Providence, Rhode Island, and turns his struggle into a mission to help other refugees.
Gambian refugee Omar Bah starts his life over in Providence, Rhode Island, and turns his struggle into a mission to help other refugees.
Gambian journalist Omar Bah flees his country after the government orders a national manhunt for him, putting Omar’s life at stake.
Gambian journalist Omar Bah flees his country after the government orders a national manhunt for him, putting Omar’s life at stake.
If you or your family have a story about how you came to live in the USA, we want to hear it!
If you or your family have a story about how you came to live in the USA, we want to hear it!