the in-betweenish pod: Recent Episodes
Beatriz Nour
Have you ever found yourself questioning your sense of identity or place in the world? Well, you're not alone! In this space, we will explore questions of belonging, and navigate the space of living in-between countries, cultures, ethnicities, and faiths. Through open conversations with people from all walks-of-life, we will share personal stories about growing up in numerous countries, amongst different faiths, speaking multiple languages, and integrating into new and diverse cultures. Join me, your host, Beatriz Nour, as I navigate the delicate dynamics of in-betweenish.
Can you find where you belong halfway across the world?
In this episode, Shreya Sharma shares her unique experience growing up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and moving to various countries in the Gulf region before becoming a naturalized Canadian citizen, where she found her chosen place of belonging. She discusses the impact of colonial beauty standards, the caste system, and her intersectional identity as a queer woman of color on her sense of self. Shreya challenges traditional notions of "coming out" and reflects on her journey to Canadian citizenship, which has brought her a profound sense of belonging and liberated her to choose her own path. She poignantly articulates this newfound freedom in a powerful, poetic way.
Episode mentions
- Shreya's Audio Affairs — Shreya's newsletter
- The God of Small Things — Arundhati Roy
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✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
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Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
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Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
How has your gender impacted your sense of belonging? — with Malik
On this episode of the inbetweenish, we focus on an inbetweenish aspect that has seldom come up in previous episodes: gender identity. Malik is a bicultural transgender man who spent his formative years between America and Egypt. With Malik we cover his first identity crisis, discovering the spectrum of LGBTQ+, manoeuvring his gender identity within himself and also with his family, and complicated feelings towards the places you come from. This conversation was truly eye-opening for me in many ways, from how differently Malik felt in Egypt as a man vs a women, to how unifying religion can be and bring families together, and so much more.
In honor of Pride Month, in June, I thought it was the perfect time to publish this episode. I ask that you please listen with kindness and an open mind.
Episode mentions
- Malik’s Website
- Malik on Spotify: MMKN
- Malik’s Art on Instagram
- Glee — TV Series (2009-2015)
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✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
How do you connect with your different cultures?
In this episode, I’m speaking with Fiona Livingstone, who balances her Dutch-Scottish heritage with her English upbringing. Fiona candidly shares her journey of navigating her cultural identity and the challenges she experienced along the way. She opens up about her childhood home, her desire to assimilate, and how her perspective evolved over time. From feeling silently judged to missing out on learning Dutch, Fiona reveals how she coped and how nostalgia played a significant role in her life. Interestingly, she created a list of all the things she loves about her different cultures, which helped her form a unique and authentic sense of being. This episode offers a touching and insightful glimpse into Fiona's life and how her magazine, FOYER, was born from her own struggles with her identity.
Fiona Livingston is the founder and editor of FOYER magazine, an annual print arts, culture and heritage magazine from the point of view of second-generation, mixed-heritage and third-culture kid individuals.
Episode mentions
- FOYER Magazine
- Culture Stew Podcast
- Robert Burns — Auld Lang Syne
- Robert Burns — Tam o’ Shanter
- Katherine May — Wintering
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✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
Can we talk about taboos?
In this second episode with Amuna Wagner we explore taboos and the importance of processing them and addressing them. She also shares her views on the nuance and difference between religion and faith, this is particularily interesting to listen to given her life experience with a family that touches three major religions. Lastly we also focus on growing up her experience growing up as an interracial child, and her queerness.
In the last episode, Amuna reflected on her crisis of purpose as she walked us down her fascinating family history: from the Holocaust, to refugee camps, and eventually to rebuilding of life as a marginalized community. Make sure you tune into episode 1!
Episode mentions
- If you're interested in watching her documentary, Schwarz, reach out to Amuna directly through her Instagram or her website
- Kandaka, the blog
- Article in Kandaka: Motherhood as Sisterhood
- Article in Kandaka: Archiving the Women Who Made Me Possible
- The Zine: High Priestess in Low Tides
—
✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
How has your family's past influenced your identity?
In this first episode, Amuna Wagner reflects on her crisis of purpose and wonders out loud if she has a responsibility towards her identity. She walks us down her family history from her grandparents to her parents, from the Holocaust, to escapes, to refugee camps, and eventually to rebuilding of life as a marginalized community. Amuna’s background touches the three Abrahamic religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - which adds another layer of complexity to her multicultural identity.
In the next episode, we will explore Amuna’s cultural influences, her experience as an interracial child, and her queerness. You don’t want to miss this thoughtful episode where we will discuss taboos and distinguish between religion and faith. Coming out April 2nd!
Episode mentions
- Amuna’s website
- Kandaka, the blog
- Article in Kandaka: Motherhood as Sisterhood
- Article in Kandaka: Archiving the Women Who Made Me Possible
- The Zine: High Priestess in Low Tides
—
✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
What if you don’t fit the stereotype?
In this episode, Sadia Azmat, a published author, podcast host and a stand-up comedian, brings a unique perspective to the discussion on cultural identity. Sadia is born in Britain to Indian parents and she is also a practicing Muslim, however, she does not quite fit the perception people tend to have of her. She shares her journey with embracing her hijab and how it became complicated due to media narratives and misconceptions surrounding it. Sadia also touches on her experiences dealing with cultural expectations, relationships, and finding peace within herself.
Episode mentions
- Sex Bomb — memoir by Sadia Azmat
- No Country for Young Woman — BBC Sounds podcast co-hosted by Sadia Azmat
- Find out more about Sadia Azmat through her website
—
✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
Part 3 of the ‘on Palestine’ series:
Have you ever asked a Palestinian how they see a way forward? Or what is different about this generation of Palestinians? In this episode we dive into all that through the voices of our three Palestinian guests: Zeena, Faissal, and Nour.
On Palestine is a three-part-series on the inbetweenish pod that focuses on the Palestinian identity, the struggle for liberation, and a way forward. Palestinians have often been misrepresented by the media, so in this mini-series you will be hearing from 3 Palestinians that come from different backgrounds:
→ Zeena, Palestinian diaspora who was raised in the Arab world
→ Faissal, Palestinian diaspora who was raised in the Western world
→ Nour, Palestinian who was born and raised in Palestine
Discover Palestine through it’s voices:
- Article: Jewish settlers stole my house. It’s not my fault they’re Jewish — Mohammed El-Kurd
- Article: The Right to Speak for Ourselves — Mohammed El-Kurd
- Article: Reflections on the 75th Anniversary of a Nakba That Never Ended — Mohammed El-Kurd
- Book: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 — Rashid Khalidi
- A list of reliable resources covering the on-going genocide in Gaza, Palestine: Gazan, Palestinian, Jewish & Israeli voices — compiled by Zeena and Beatriz
Music for the On Palestine series comes from traditional Palestinian folkloric music found in this compilation here.
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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong to the respective guests of the show and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the inbetweenish pod and team.
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We'll be back soon with Season 2 of the inbetweenish pod. Stay tuned!
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✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
Part 2 of the ‘on Palestine’ series:
The Palestinian struggle for liberation is portrayed widely differently depending on who you ask, but have you ever asked Palestinians how they see and understand their own struggle for liberation?
On Palestine is a three-part-series on the inbetweenish pod that focuses on the Palestinian identity, the struggle for liberation, and a way forward. Palestinians have often been misrepresented by the media, so in this mini-series you will be hearing from 3 Palestinians that come from different backgrounds:
→ Zeena, Palestinian diaspora who was raised in the Arab world
→ Faissal, Palestinian diaspora who was raised in the Western world
→ Nour, Palestinian who was born and raised in Palestine
Discover Palestine through it’s authors, artists, and poets:
- Books by: Ghassan Kanafani — Palestinian poet and author
- Article on: Ghassan Kanafani — Palestinian poet and author
- Cartoons by: Naji al-Ali — an archive of his work
- Article on: Naji al-Ali — assassination investigation
- Article on: Mohamed al-Durrah — a moment in history
Music for the On Palestine series comes from traditional Palestinian folkloric music found in this compilation here.
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Join us next Tuesday for Part 3 of the On Palestine series, this time we will be covering: a way forward, with vulnerability and honesty.
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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong to the respective guests of the show and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the inbetweenish pod.
—
✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
Part 1 of the ‘on Palestine’ series:
In your lifetime and exposure, how have you understood Palestinian culture and it’s people?
On Palestine is a three-part series on the inbetweenish pod that focuses on the Palestinian identity, the struggle for liberation, and a way forward. Palestinians have often been misrepresented by the media, so in this series you will be hearing from 3 Palestinians that come from different backgrounds:
→ Zeena, Palestinian diaspora who was raised in the Arab world
→ Faissal, Palestinian diaspora who was raised in the Western world
→ Nour, Palestinian who was born and raised in Palestine
Discover Palestine through it's art and recommendations shared by On Palestine guests:
- Book: The Secret Life of Saeed: The Pessoptimist — Emile Habibi
- Movie: The Time that Remains — directed by Elia Suleiman
- Movie: It Must Be Heaven — directed by Elia Suleiman
- Short Film: The Present — directed by Farah Nabulsi
Music for the On Palestine series comes from traditional Palestinian folkloric music found in this compilation here.
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Join us next Tuesday for Part 2 of the On Palestine series, this time we will be covering the struggle for liberation.
—
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed belong to the respective guests of the show and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the inbetweenish pod.
—
✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on Apple or Spotify. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry.
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour.
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?
Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
In this season's first minisode, we’re getting personal as I’m sharing a valuable lesson from Vovó (grandma in portuguese). Navigating a complex and ever-evolving identity can be confusing, to say the least, but today we breakdown why it’s normal. Confusion about your identity is a common human experience. We dive into how many identities we have accumulated and gathered through our lifetime. This is universal; you don’t have to be inbetweenish to be confused about who you are, but it definitely adds another layer of complexity. I hope this resonates, and I hope you can relate. And most of all, I hope you realize, you are not alone. We're all on our own journey of self-discovery.
Episode mentions
- Find out more about Finding Home Within by Wiebke from Chameleon Coaching
- Trailer of Stutz Netflix documentary on Mental Health
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✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on
Apple, Spotify, or Our Website. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore
the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour
Behind-the-scenes magic is thanks to Habiba Al Roubi
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
The inbetweenish is back for Season 2: First episode launches Tuesday, October 3rd.
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey exploring the fundamental concepts of roots, home, and belonging all while embracing the beauty of being different. This season we travel through the bridges we’ve built across cultures — understanding the decisions that shaped us, remembering the homes we had to leave behind, and celebrating the immense power in the freedom to choose your own future.
Join us every other Tuesday for different shades of stories of belonging. I hope you hear echoes of your story reflected back at you. So grab your headphones and let's dive into that inbetweenish life!
Thank you to everyone who made this season possible: guests, collaborators, friends and my partner in life. I appreciate all of you! x
✳ Leave a Review or Rate the show on
Apple, Spotify, or Our Website. It means a lot!
✳ Sign-up to The QUEST. Newsletter to explore
the crossroads of multiple belongings.
—
The inbetweenish pod is created and hosted by Beatriz Nour
Behind-the-scenes magic is thanks to Habiba Al Roubi
Original music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
—
Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.net
Behind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.pod
Have an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net
We're wrapping up an incredible season of inbetweenish pod! From vulnerability to raw reflections, these stories of belonging have been quite the journey. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of the season, sharing highlights, learnings, and even some embarrassing bloopers. Oh and guess what? Season 2 is on its way! So, stay tuned for more heart to hearts, explorations of identity, belonging, and culture.
Thank you for following along and thank you for being a part of the inbetweenish family! Please help spread the word, leave a review, and sign up for the QUEST newsletter to stay connected.
Review or Rate the show on Apple, Spotify, or Our Website.
Sign up to The QUEST. Newsletter.
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite| Instagram| Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, migrant, immigration—the news is abuzz with some of these terms. But do you truly grasp the differences between them?
Join Baharak Bashmani and me as we fearlessly delve into this complex topic, breaking it down into simple terms. With Baharak's unique perspective as a former refugee, having experienced the entire journey from displacement to resettlement, and her work with the UNHCR assisting fellow refugees, she offers valuable insights.
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore:
- Defining the terms, debunking misconceptions, and addressing stigmas
- Uncovering the reasons why people flee and where they go
- Navigating the process from displacement to resettlement
Our motto: No question is taboo, all questions are welcome.
Episode Mentions
- UNHCR Hope Away From Home — This year’s theme for World Refugee Day (June 20) is Hope Away From Home
- Give — Support the creation of scholarships for young refugees by donating to our Aiming Higher campaign.
- Create — Join UNHCR’s global art contest, which will launch on 20 June, and get a chance to design shirts that will raise funds for refugees.
- Learn — 5 ways you can support refugees
- Welcome — things you can do to make refugees feel welcome
- Education — The 1951 Refugee Convention: Legal document that define the term 'refugee' and outlines their rights and the international standards of treatment for their protection.
- Education — Universal Declaration of Humans Right — foundational document that establishes a set of 30 fundamental rights and freedoms that apply to all individuals around the world, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or gender.
- Hope Away From Home — article by Baharak Bashmani, found in Rooted in B
- World Refugee Day — article by Baharak Bashmani, found in Rooted in B
- Rooted in B — Baharak’s blog where she explores notions of home, layers of identity and belonging
- 🌳 Notions of Home — inbetweenish episode with Baharak where we explore her personal life journey
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Mo — Netflix series written by Mohammed Amer and Ramy Youssef Illustrating the life of a Palestinian family as they navigate the convoluted US immigration system
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More about: Baharak Bashmani (aka B)Instagram | Blog
- Curious about the in-betweenish podChat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
What happens when you're inbetweenish? It's both a curse and a blessing as there are many internal and external battles that you face when you have multiple belongings. In this episode we try to unpack some of the common experiences— the good and the bad that comes with being inbetweenish.
PS. Bob the cat makes an appearance 🐈
💭 reflections on: what is cultureTune into this minisode to understand the many complex layers of culture using the iceberg analogy. This goes in depth into explaining and providing examples for the many visible and invisible layers of culture.
💭 reflections on: Third Culture Kids and Cross-Cultural Kids explained
Listen to this minisode, especially if you’re not familiar with the terms TCK and CCK. It sheds light on the many different ways someone can exist, experience, and belong across different cultures.
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Basically I set out a QUEST and you have a month to nerd out on it, before you get the next one in your inbox! This is what you can expect:
- Q — Question
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- E — Exercise for culture
- S — Short snippet
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Tell a friend, to tell a friend! 🚀
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Curious about the in-betweenish?Chat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
How do you understand time? Is it linear? Do things progress with time? Or do they regress?
Axel’s Two-Part Interview
- Episode 6, Season 1:
🎹 it is not with bones and skin, it’s all with feeling — with Axel [Part I] - Episode 7, Season 1:
🎹 a man is synonymous with describing a soldier — with Axel [Part 2]
More about: Axel KacoutiéWebsite | Instagram | Twitter
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Newsletter Alert: The QUEST. Newsletter👉 Click here to Subscribe
Basically I set out a QUEST and you have a month to nerd out on it, before you get the next one in your inbox! This is what you can expect:
- Q — Question
- U — Untranslatable word
- E — Exercise for culture
- S — Short snippet
- T — Trending edutainment
Or visit our website, and sign up with your email under the Newsletter tab!
Tell a friend, to tell a friend! 🚀
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In these 'SideTalk' episodes of the in-betweenish pod, I’ll be selecting side conversations extracted from recording sessions with our guests.
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Curious about the in-betweenish podChat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
We talk a lot about culture around here, so I thought it was about time we actually break it down — what is culture? On some level, we all know what it is, but it helps to understand the nuances of the word and for this explanation I’m going with the iceberg analogy to illustrate the visible and invisible layers of culture.
Newsletter Alert: The QUEST. Newsletter👉 Click on this Link to Subscribe
Basically I set out a QUEST and you have a month to nerd out on it, before you get the next one in your inbox! This is what you can expect:
- Q — Question
- U — Untranslatable word
- E — Exercise for culture
- S — Short snippet
- T — Trending edutainment
Or visit our website, and sign up with your email under the Newsletter tab!
Tell a friend, to tell a friend! 🚀
—
Curious about the in-betweenish?Chat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Have you ever asked yourself what ‘home’ means to you?
And did you ever stop to wonder how the words we use matter?
From a young age, Baharak Bashmani, has had to navigate many worlds, each time moving for different reasons: from fleeing her 'home' country, to being resettled by the UNHCR, and later moving by choice. Every move comes with its own trials and tribulations, but ultimately her determination carries her through. As she makes her way through 7 countries, she reflects on her experiences and asks: What is home? And where are my roots? Tune in for an honest conversation as Baharak reveals her notions of home, the nuances between fitting in and belonging, and as she reflects on her roots and nomadic lifestyle.
Episode Mentions
- Rooted in B — Baharak’s blog where she writes about her experience as a nomad, and reflects on home, identity, and belonging
- Article Baharak wrote for the UNHCR on #WhatHomeMeans
”She feeds me, listens to my journeys and makes me feel right at home.” - Zan, Zendegi, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom)
Rooted in B Article written by Baharak about the current situation in Iran - UNHCR — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
The UN Refugee Agency that resettled Baharak and her family to Finland.
If you want to learn more about what is being done for refugees and how to help, find out more on their website -
The Body Keeps the Score — Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
The go-to book for deconstructing trauma, understanding what it means, and it's affects on both children and adults. Told from a psychologist's perspective. -
More about: Baharak Bashmani (aka B)Instagram | Blog
- Curious about the in-betweenish podChat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Have you ever stopped to wonder what rituals you practice from your inherited faith?
Are they religious rituals? Or are they cultural rituals?
Episode 9, Season 1 with Aakshi Singha
🌶️ the diversity that brings us together — with Aakshi
More about: Aakshi SinghaInstagram | Twitter
In these 'SideTalk' episodes of the in-betweenish pod, I’ll be selecting side conversations extracted from recording sessions with our guests. Each SideTalk will tackle a specific subject.
Curious about the in-betweenish podChat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
What is the strongest tie you have to your home country?
How does your schooling inform your own identity?
On this episode, I chat with Aakshi Sinha about her upbringing, growing up all over India, and then going away for college at Minerva University. Aakshi bravely shares stories from her boarding school days, from complicated hierarchal relationships, to coping mechanisms through music and community building. Together we explore subjects of mental health, seeking therapy, discovering one’s sexual identity and the importance of representation. One topic we keep circling back to is Partition and Independence, and Aakshi asks a very important question: how much of history is actually felt in the present?
Episode Mentions
- On Children by Khalil Gibran
- The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
- 1947 Partition Archive — a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to archiving the people's history of Partition
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Gaysi — safe zone and platform exploring the intersection between being Desi and queer
More about: Aakshi SinghaInstagram | Twitter
- Curious about the in-betweenish podChat with Beatriz on InstagramBehind the Scenes onTikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
In this minisode we’re going back to the origin story of in-betweenish, explaining why and how it came to be. It all started with a few simple questions about a decade ago:
Where is home?
What is a home?
This lead me on a journey to discover the term Third Culture Kid (TCK). Researchers John and Ruth Useem, an American sociologist and anthropologist couple, first coined the term Third Culture Kids when they were living abroad in India with their family. According to Dr. Ruth Useem, being a Third Culture Kid explained “Children who accompany their parents into another culture [usually for a parent’s career choice.]” Sometimes the term Adult Third Culture Kid, ATCK, is used to describe adults who had a TCK upbringing.
Simple formula used to understand Third Culture Kids:
A [parents’ culture] + B [host country/countries culture(s)] = C [your own third culture]
Years later, when doing research for the inception of the in-betweenish pod, I came across the more inclusive term Cross-Cultural Kids (CCK). This new model was researched and developed by Ruth E. Van Reken and encompasses more diverse experiences of people who exist across different cultures for any reason. In her research, Van Reken outlines 7 Cross-Cultural Kid categories and they are:
- Bi-racial/ bi-cultural children
- Children of Immigrants
- Children of Refugees
- Children of Minorities
(Privileged or Marginalized) - International Adoptions
- Traditional Third Culture Kids
(Foreign Service Kids, Corporate Brats, Missionary Kids, Military Brats) - Domestic Third Culture Kids
If you recognize yourself in this CCK upbringing and you want to share your story, reach out to me directly. I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me through our website or send me a message through our Instagram.
✏️ TCK and CCK Resources: Learn More Here
- Mo — Netflix series developed by Mohammed Amer and Ramy Youssef
The life of a Palestinian family as they navigate the convoluted US immigration system - Cross Cultural Kids
Research developed by Ruth E. Van Reken - Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds
Book by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken - Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between
Book by Christopher O'Shaughnessy - Letters Never Sent: A Global Nomad’s Journey from Hurt to Healing
Book by Ruth E. Van Reken - The Danger of a Single Story
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | TED
** If you decide to purchase the books through the links above, the show may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
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Curious about the in-betweenish pod
Website | Instagram | TikTok | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Identity Crisis is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit nowadays. In this minisode, I attempt to understand, from a psychological perspective, what an identity crisis really is. In doing so, we also explore what identity is comprised of: experiences, relationships, beliefs, values and memories. Information shared in this minisode is based on the work and theories of Erik Erikson and James Marcia.
PS. Read along this article if you want to understand how identity develops!
Erik Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development
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Curious about the in-betweenish pod
Website| Instagram| Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Have you ever tried to fit in so badly you changed your appearance? Were you aware of the subconscious reasons that may have lead to this decision?
Nora Sundberg is a close friend and in this episode we dive deep into her roots and unveil a story of layered identity crisis. At a young age, Nora was adopted, then she spent her life growing up in various places, as a Third Culture Kid. On this episode you hear her navigate the delicate dynamics of being from a certain place, but always standing out: from negative stereotypes perpetrated against Asian women, to strangers questioning her belonging, tune in for a vulnerable, honest, and courageous conversation on this week’s episode of the in-betweenish pod.
Content Warning: There is mention of depression in this episode, so please listen with caution. If you would like to avoid this section altogether please skip from minutes 44:30 to 45:15.
Episode Mentions
- What’s Wrong with Asking “Where are you from?”
by Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar in the Harvard Business Review - this is not the exact article mentioned in the episode
- The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
"And once again, only the Small Things were said. The Big Things lurked unsaid inside."
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Old friends are often times a gateway to our past selves. Who we were as teenagers is not gone but only built upon. Today, I encourage you to reach out to an old friend from your teenage years, even if you’re no longer very close. They still know a past version of yourself that may be buried under layers of adulthood.
PS. If you do reach out to an old friend and want to share your story with me, I’d love to hear from you. 🎙️ And you can actually send me a voice message through our website! Looking forward to connecting with more of you soon.
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Curious about the in-betweenish pod, find us here:Website| Instagram| Contact
The in-betweenish pod is hosted and produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
What are the known unknowns in your life?
How about the unknown unknowns?
It’s a scary thought isn’t it? All the things we have internalized and deeply ingrained in us from childhood, from our families, from society, from culture. And we often go through life completely unaware of what is inherently our own and what was inherited, passed down through generations. In this episode Axel Kacoutié reflects on his relationship to his inherited faith and where he stands today. We also dive into their gender identity, from queerness to masculinity and what it means to be a man.
Episode Mentions:
- Axel’s work: A Sound Poem
- Vodun: is an ancient religion practiced by some 30 million people in the West African nations of Benin, Togo and Ghana. With its countless deities, animal sacrifice and spirit possession, voodoo -- as it's known to the rest of the world -- is one of the most misunderstood religions on the globe.
- Podcast on men and the patriarchy: Men — Scene on Radio (Season 3)
(you can also find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you listen)
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More about: Axel KacoutiéWebsite | Instagram | Twitter
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Who are you to yourself, when no one is around?
Axel Kacoutié is not afraid to explore uncomfortable territory. We tread, not so lightly, on topics around their cultural identity, from Ivorian roots to British citizenship. We also explore questions around Axel’s racial identity, and how the Berlin Conference from 1884, where Africa was neatly divided amongst European colonizers, still affects people today.
Axel questions and makes sense of identity through expression, through art, and through writing. A few works mentioned in the episode were:
- A Mother Tongue
- How to Remember
- A Sound Poem
Episode Mentions:
- Ethnicities — Bété people; Anyi (Akan) people
- Fufu or Foutou — a mashed blend of plantains, cassava or yams. It is a staple dish for Akan people of Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and other parts of West Africa.
- Djembe or Jembe drums — rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa
- the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purpose
- Zaouli Dance — a traditional dance of the Guro people of central Ivory Coast
- Chansonnier — an insightful singer, poet, songwriter that helps the community heal from old wounds
- The Body Keeps the Score — Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
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More about: Axel KacoutiéWebsite | Instagram | Twitter
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Growing up did you feel like you had to adhere to a certain checklist; be it your parent's, society's, or your religion's checklist?
This is part II of a two-part episode with my high school friend Nora Gharib. She is a full-time architect, interior designer, and content creator who just moved from the East Coast to the West Coast! This week we tackle religion as Nora grew up in an interfaith household and with a very diverse family around her. We chat about celebrating religious and cultural traditions, the checklist for marriage, questioning your elders, and wonder why we have arbitrary rules. Part I of this two part episode was all about culture, languages, identity switching, and hiding behind certain identities.
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More about: Nora GharibInstagram | TikTok | Youtube | Simply Gharib Blog
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Do you hate being asked “no, but where are you really from?”
This is the first of a two-part episode with my high school friend Nora Gharib. Nora is a full-time architect, interior designer, and content creator! This week we chat about how her parents met in NYC, despite coming from two entirely different countries; we also chat about language confusion, culture, and hiding behind certain identities. Of all the intercultural people I have met, Nora and her family are the first I meet that have an extended family that also understand what it means to be cross-cultural within the same cultures! Next week on part II of the episode, we tackle religion as Nora also grew up in an interfaith family.
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More about: Nora GharibInstagram | TikTok | Youtube | Simply Gharib Blog
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Have you ever felt "othered"?
On this episode, I speak with my old friend Mohamed Khairat, a lawyer, journalist and founder of Egyptian Streets. We discuss his upbringing growing up between Australia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the Netherlands. As we navigate his experiences in the different countries, we touch upon discrimination, being white-passing, and the desire to fit in. He also goes back to the origin story of Egyptian Streets and explains how it came to be. Tune in for an insightful conversation about growing up as a Third Culture Kid.
Episode Mentions
- Egyptian Streets: "What makes you insecure about your name?" video
- Egyptian Streets: Egyptian synagogues post
- Egyptian Cinema: Khairat's very first article
- Hasan w Morcos w Cohen: Egyptian movie on Youtube
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More about: Mohamed KhairatTwitter | Instagram
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
Do you remember the first time you were called a foreigner?
On this episode I speak with Hedvig Sandbu, a language and learning coach, as she reflects on her upbringing between two countries, her sense of belonging compared to others around her, and her passion for languages. We speak about growing up in a bubble, attending international schools, and people's perception of us that may be different than our own. She shares how throughout the pandemic, her idea of belonging changed and she reveals just how ingrained the practice of being in nature is to her Norwegian roots.
Episode Mentions
- Belgium Rapper: Stromae's song Bâtard
"monsieur n'est même pas raciste, vu que monsieur n'a pas de racines" - Norwegian Philospher: Arne Næss
and his philosophy "Ecosophy T"
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More about: Hedvig SandbuAbundate Language Coaching | Abundate Podcast
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite | Instagram | Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
A little different than the rest, this episode is where I introduce myself and reveal a little bit about me by answering three questions: Who am I? Why am I here? And why is it important to talk about identity? I dive into some of the different elements that make up my own ish, from cultural, to lingual, to religious, and reveal the worlds I grew up in-between. Confusion is a common thread running throughout my life, and I know other Cross-Cultural Kids can relate to that.
Episode Mentions
- Pão de Queijo Recipe — Brazilian comfort food! a labor of love 💙
- History of Pão de Queijo
- Carioca e Feliz Spotify Playlist — Brazilian Indie-ish Artists
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite| Instagram| Contact
The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry
If you’re curious, confused, or up for candid conversation, grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and tune in as we dive deep into topics around home and belonging. Every week, Beatriz Nour invites you into a conversation about navigating different worlds. We will share personal stories about growing up in numerous countries, amongst different faiths, speaking multiple languages, and integrating into new and diverse cultures.
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Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite| Instagram| Contact
The in-betweenish podcast is produced by Beatriz Nour
Music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry