Life in Our Skin: Recent Episodes
Life in our Skin
A podcast created for women in the middle. Our guests share their American experiences living between the white and black communities. Join us, Lisa Harris and Anahita Champion, as we share Life in Our Skin... raw and unedited.
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with Sheena Yap Chan, a Chinese–Filipino woman living in Toronto. Sheena talks about how she moved from being ashamed of her culture to building her self confidence as an Asian woman. Today, she has also learned how to embrace paving her own path of success. In Episode 38, we welcome Sheena Yap Chan.Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin: linktr.ee/lifeinourskinConnect with Sheena:www.sheenayapchan.comConnect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedInConnect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedInAbout Life In Our Skin: A podcast created for 'women in the middle'. Our guests share their American experiences living between the white and black communities. All episodes available here: www.lifeinourskin.com
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with Alia Mohammad, a Palestinian-American raised in Dubai and immigrated to the U.S as a young girl. She discusses how her parents tried to keep their family traditions and values, including experiences with cultural attire and religion while adapting to American life. In Episode 37, we welcome Alia Mohammad!
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with Rossana Corniel, a Puerto Rican military veteran who moved frequently as a young child to several countries including the United States. Rossana shares how she navigated language barriers, overcame adversity, and empowered herself to thrive through awareness, clarity, and control. In Episode 36, we welcome Rossana Corniel.Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.comConnect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedInConnect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with Poiab Vue, a Hmong refugee whose family immigrated to the U.S. in 1979, eventually settling in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Poiab discusses the challenges of growing up Hmong–American and how her rebellious personality set her apart from other Hmong daughters. Today, as a licensed psychotherapist, Poiab aims to empower people in choosing their own path in life and to support them in healing through trauma. In Episode 35, we welcome Poiab Vue.Connect with Poiab: www.yourownpathwaytherapy.comLife in Our Skin can be found at www.lifeinourskin.comConnect with Lisa Harris: www.lisaharrisandco.comConnect with Anahita Champion: www.itsanahita.com
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with Peachy Galindez. Peachy shares her experience immigrating to the United States in her 30's as a young wife and mother. She also discusses her approach to integrating Filipino culture and pride in raising her children in America. In Episode 34, we welcome Peachy Galindez. Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedInConnect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with Pallavi about moving to the USA at 18 years old to attend Winona State University. Pallavi quickly embraced the American lifestyle and prioritized her independence and career goals despite her parents hopes of an arranged marriage. Furthermore, we discuss blended marriage, cultural traditions, and women in tech. In Episode 33, we welcome Pallavi Sharma.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedInConnect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, Lisa and Anahita chat with LeeAnn about her experiences as young Laotian-American growing up in the USA while supporting her immigrant parents with language barriers. Through her upbringing, relationships, divorce and second marriage + growing a blended family, LeeAnn shares challenges and joys in her story from then to present day. In Episode 32, we welcome LeeAnn Rasachak.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Lisa and Anahita chat with Shilpa Lewis, an East Indian woman born and raised in the United States. In this episode, Shilpa talks about the tension and struggles of growing up in an immigrant family. Unlike her peers, her college-educated, traditional father worked multiple jobs to support the family and send money back to India. Shilpa simply wanted to live an American life. This dream was taken away at 14 years old when her family moved back to India where she spent her high school years feeling different. Despite experiencing pain and isolation from both cultures, today Shilpa is thriving, knows herself, and lives in purpose helping other women as a mindfulness coach. In Episode 31, we welcome Shilpa Lewis.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Lisa and Anahita chat with Laura Merino-Franco, a South American woman from Colombia, a creative entrepreneur, community supporter, and world traveler. In this episode, Laura shares about her adjustment to the American culture after moving to the United States at 18. She paints a transparent picture of her experiences trying to blend in versus how to reinvent herself following a life crisis. We hear about her healing journey and search to find self-worth where she "made some noise." In Episode 30, we welcome Laura Merino-Franco.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Lisa and Anahita chat with Narate Judy Keyes, a Khmer-American woman from Cambodia, mother, poet, spoken word artist and author. In this episode, Narate shares a beautiful perspective of the refugee camps from the innocent eyes of a child and how being a talkative, social butterfly helped her learn a new culture and language as an immigrant to the United States. We also learn about the cultural tensions she felt between being an American and honoring her Cambodian roots. In Episode 29, we welcome Narate Judy Keys.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
We enjoyed chatting with Aisha Branch, an Iranian-American woman, wife, mom and entrepreneur! In this episode, Aisha shares stories about cultural differences she experienced throughout her upbringing as well as growing up with her father’s 3 core pillars of success. We hear how certain family expectations brought on seeking approval from others in her life, and her beautiful journey of becoming Aisha. Join us for this episode of Life in Our Skin....raw and unedited.
In the beginning, Rachel knew very little of her native ancestors. Once understanding that she was Indigenous, she often hid this part of her identity. The negative stigma surrounding Native American people was rampant in her community and she felt ashamed. In this episode, Rachel discusses her journey to fully embracing her identity as a Húŋkpapha Standing Rock Oyate woman and how she navigated the pageant system by "Celebrating Culture & Driving Diversity" as the first-ever Indigenous Miss Minnesota 2022. Following her year of service, Rachel will begin law school to earn a JD in Native American Law through the Native American Law & Sovereignty Institute at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. It is her greatest hope to be a legal force and advocate for Indigenous youth and families under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). In Episode 27, we welcome Rachel Evangelisto.Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.comConnect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedInConnect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, we hear about a queer Gutraji -Indian woman share some life experiences following a family tragedy and how community played an integral role in her upbringing. After losing her father at 6 years old, Toral's and her family were comforted by tradition and culture around them yet at times she felt alienated as she desired certain support. She shares how her adult years of working in diverse settings throughout her career allowed her to identify with other women of color and to become transparent on identity and stronger support systems. In Episode 25, we welcome Toral Livingston-Jha.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
On the banks of Thailand, a pregnant mother crossed the river to a nearby refugee camp. Soon after, she gave birth to a girl she named Saymoukda – a name originating from a dream. Saymoukda spent her early childhood years in the refugee camp before immigrating to St. Paul, Minnesota. Growing up in public housing, Saymoukda was a natural connector between her family and her new community. Saymoukda, like her mother, had a grand imagination and stories would later contribute to her work as a playwright, poet, and author. In Episode 25, we welcome Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Born in the United States, Natasha spent her early years in student housing at the University of Minnesota with her family. Her parents immigrated to America from Pakistan in pursuit of higher education. In the aftermath of 9/11, Natasha faced racism and fear from her community. This made it even harder for Natasha to feel a sense of belonging. Through her work in the media industry, she realized there was no representation of women who looked like her. Natasha positioned herself to represent other Pakistani-American and tell their stories. Today, a mother, wife, and media professional, she feels responsible to be the voice for other under-represented. In Episode 24, we welcome Natasha Chughtai.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Adopted at 3 months old into a white family, Jen grew up knowing her European and Jewish background. As a theater major in college, she was often typecasted as ethnic characters. She began to realize that others saw her differently than she saw herself. Jen's story took a twist at the age of 23 when her birth father reached out via their original adoption agency. In this episode, Jen shares how this connection revealed her true ethnic background that would change the trajectory of her life. In Episode 23, we welcome Jen Rotty.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Born and raised in Colombia, Naz De La Rosa immigrated to the United States a few years after her family moved to New Jersey. Naz quickly acclimated to American culture, but inside the home it was straight Colombia! In this episode, Naz shares how the Latina women and culture played a significant role in her upbringing and adulthood. Today, as a mother and entrepreneur, she sees her own mother in herself and is proud to serve and attract clients that “look like her.” In Episode 22, we welcome Naz De La Rosa from Miami.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
At 16 years old, Alexandra and her family immigrated to Canada from Bolivia and eventually made their way to New York. This can be a difficult transition for any teenager, especially one who is navigating a new country with English as her second language. In this episode, Alexandra talks about those lonely high school years as an ESL student and how she lost a piece of herself trying to blend into her surroundings. Today, Alexandra lives in Minnesota with her husband and young daughter where she’s dedicated to providing her daughter with a healthy and happy childhood. Her journey forward includes a path of self healing focused on both her mental and physical health. In Episode 21, we welcome Alexandra Phillips.
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
From the orphanage steps in New Mexico, our guest was born to a Spanish mother and raised by black family members. Spending most of her life self-identifying as a black woman with mixed heritage, Dorothy–Inez experienced colorism from both family and peers. Years Later, she recognized the importance of embracing all parts of her and is ready to explore her Spanish, Native American and European roots. Today, Dorothy-Inez produly “RE-presents” all women with her cultural makeup and continues guiding women, as a confidence coach, to show up and shine from the inside out. As Dorothy–Inez says, "Confidence is courage, be about it." In Episode 19, we welcome Dorothy–Inez. Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com Learn More About Dorothy–Inez: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Growing up on the Indian reservations in Northern Minnesota, our guest, a proud Anishinaabe woman from the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians enjoyed fishing and exploring the land. Her curiosity outside transferred to the classroom. Despite facing learning challenges and racism as an indigenous student, she was successful with the support and influence of family and mentors. In this episode, Laurelle shares her childhood experiences, advocacy for all peoples, and her hopes for a more equitable future. Today, Laurelle is proud to serve the Minneapolis community as the director of Mino Bimaadiziwin (Good Life) Wellness Clinic along with being a licensed therapist, and most recently, running for the Minneapolis School Board in District 5. In Episode 18, we welcome Laurelle Myhra. Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin. www.lifeinourskin.com
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Imagine, a young Hmong girl whose childhood was spent in the sunny farm fields of southern France surrounded by cousins at the tender age of 11. She then moved to the United States to be closer to family, but through adversity from peer experiences she learned how to play the game of power in order to safe guard herself from bullies and discrimination. Youa has persevered into being a strong and confident woman who is paving her own path and showing future generations of Hmong girls and young women that leading with (intention) can set them apart, without being boxed in as a young Hmong Bride or outkast.
Today, Youa Thao is a successful business professional working in a male dominated industry, who made it her intention to complete her college education as an adult in May 2020. Youa has an abundant love for food and travels whenever she gets the chance, and enjoys staying involved with the local community to give back by volunteering.
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youavsthao/
Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Youa Thao is a food and travel enthusiast who has worked in the Information Technology industry for the past ten years. She most recently joined Arista Networks as an Account Manager to support customers in the MN, ND, SD, IA, and western WI markets. She’s held various titles such as Product Development Manager, Operations Manager, Customer Engagement Manager, Financial Analyst, and Project Coordinator. She earned her B.S. degree in Business Management and Marketing from St. Catherine University in St. Paul while working full time. Her childhood was spent in the sunny farm fields of southern France and at the tender age of 11, she moved to the United States to be closer to family. She has an abundant love for food and travels whenever she gets the chance. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youavsthao/
On the Southside of Minneapolis, Katie grew-up in a poor, multi-generational home with her five siblings. The food prepared in their kitchen would one day become the seed capital for a large midwestern Chinese restaurant chain. As one of few Chinese-American families, Katie carried cultural shame and left Minnesota to pave her own path. From a successful career in the entertainment industry to embracing her culture through cooking, today, Katie is living her purpose. She is committed to honoring her mother’s legacy and promoting anti-Asian efforts nationally. Celebrity Chef Katie Chin is an Award-winning cookbook AAPI author, caterer, blogger, Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and co-chair of LA Mayor Garcetti's AAPI LA Task Force. In Episode 16, we welcome Chef Katie Chin from Los Angeles. Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Life in Our Skin podcast!
Exactly one year ago day (July 6th, 2021), we launched the Life in Our Skin podcast. In this special episode, we re-introduce ourselves and the origin of this platform. We take you on a fun stroll down the past 12 months of some of our favorite episodes + share the different ways each of our families celebrated gatherings.
It is our hope that Life in Our Skin becomes a resource for individuals and communities to better understand the lived experiences of underrepresented women, and to provide a space to unite and highlight women in the middle.
Join us for Life in Our Skin....raw and unedited.
Connect with us:
Lisa Harris | LinkedIn, Instagram, Website, Facebook
Anahita Champion | LinkedIn, Instagram, Website, Facebook
Sustainable farming and clean eating was an influential part of Amalia’s Guatemalan upbringing. Raised by her grandmother, the kitchen would later be the source of her future culinary career. Before this, Amalia came to the United States to advance her education and experienced what it was like be a triple minority immigrant. Today, Amalia is a business leader, multi-award-winning author, speaker, consultant, and chef entrepreneur. As a Latina, she is on a mission aimed to help individuals understand the Latin American culture with food as the common demoninator. In Episode 14, we welcome Amalia Moreno-Damgaard. Join us for this episode of Life in Our Skin.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Raised by Chinese immigrants, our guest shares childhood memories and the recurring message that she is not white. Her family's reason for coming to America was to advance their station in life. Susanna did just that, and has accomplished a successful A+ career. Now in her late 40s, she has created her own assignment and chooses how she self identifies. In this episode, we welcome Susanna Sung joining us from Washington D.C. Listen to this episode of Life in Our Skin.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Imagine being a biracial kid whose parents attended the first integrated high school in the Twin Cities. Our guest today shares how her childhood experiences positioned her for a career rooted in education and social justice. In this episode, we welcome Andrea Satter. Andrea identifies as a mixed woman raised in an international and blended family. With two decades of experience in fundraising, relationship management, sales, and recruiting, Andrea currently serves as executive director for a nonprofit that is shifting K-12 education. Join us for this episode of Life in Our Skin. Andrea’s Book recommendations: Coaching for Equity; https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51158963-coaching-for-equity High Conflict; https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55711592-high-conflict Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
A Transracial Adoptee (TRA) is an adoptee raised in a different culture and ethnic background than their origin heritage. In this episode, we welcome our first guest, Amy Thureen. Amy identifies as a transracial adoptee- born in India, raised in Minnesota by Swedish/Norwegian parents. Being the youngest in a multiracial adopted family gave her a unique perspective and lived experience. Join us for this episode of Life in Our Skin.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
We are asking the BIG question, what "race" box do you check? A topic that can feel simple for some people and frustrating for others. As young girls finding their place in the world, it caused Lisa & Anahita uncertainty and confusion. In this episode, you'll hear about the evolution of their identity, which box they checked, and the origin of race terminology. Join us for this episode of Life in Our Skin.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
OMG! He is so cute! Wouldn't you like to be on a fly on the wall for this girl chat? Before marriage, we had a plethora of crushes, boyfriends... and a boo or two. Join Lisa and Anahita as we walk the halls of middle school, high school and college and what it was like dating interracially.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, we visit the different experiences we had with our family history in education, social class, and the impact on our mindset of success. We shared a bit about our levels of education family, expectations growing up, and how our chosen path now has that been received by family.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Who is Anahita Champion? The full-of-energy gal we know as Anahita has much to share that goes beyond the emcee and marketing strategist roles she has immersed herself into. In this episode, we invite you to get to know her and why she believes the Life In Our Skin podcast can unify us all. When we open our minds, learn about different cultural experiences and begin to understand unique perspectives, it's only then when we can heal the divides within our country. Join us as Lisa interviews her co-host, Anahita Champion. Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Who is Lisa Harris? Beyond her LinkedIn profile and her formal bio, there is more to Lisa than meets the eye. In this episode, we invite you to get to know her and why she believes everyone should listen to the Life In Our Skin podcast. When we open our minds, learn about different American experiences and begin to understand unique perspectives, it's only then when we can heal the divides within our country. Join us as Anahita interviews her co-host, Lisa Harris. Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Meet little Lisa and little Anahita. Growing up 10 years apart in predominately white communities, Lisa and Anahita mostly played with white dolls. In this episode, we share how lack of representation played a part in the toys and characters of our respective generations and how good it felt to finally be seen. Join us as we go back in time to explore the dolls, characters, and princesses that made up our childhood.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
ALLO!?!? Can you hear me now? Communication overseas has its obstacles, challenges, and intricacies. From odd hours and bad reception to banging pots & pans, staying connected with the Motherland was always interesting. Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn Connect with Anahita: Instagram: @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
Buckle up for a delicious episode where we take a personal and lighthearted approach to the foods that make up our family dynamics. You'll hear a snippet of the famous tahdig that many Persians race to the table to get a bite of and the impact of the aromas that filled our homes. PLUS, Filipino lumpias, stinky fish, bratwurst and more....how a multiracial family experiences food from many different cultures. We hope you're hungry!
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram: @anahitachampion |Website | LinkedIn
In this episode, we discuss the unsettling feelings that we carried throughout the 4th of July leaving us uncertain as to what we were celebrating. The conflict and duality of being cognizant of our American history and honoring its past while still celebrating the journey of our immigrant families was multilayered and full of mixed emotions.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Anahita: Instagram: @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn
An introduction to hosts Lisa Harris and Anahita Champion, how we met and where this began.
Connect with Lisa: Instagram @lisaharrisandcompany | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook
Connect with Anahita: Instagram @anahitachampion | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook