National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive Podcast

Ep. #9: Chicano Legend | Cheech Marin

Join host Victoria Ballesteros as she welcomes the legendary Cheech Marin to the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast. In this engaging episode, Cheech shares fond memories of his childhood, his family's influence on his comedic career, and the origin of his iconic nickname. Dive deep into Cheech's trailblazing journey as a comedian, musician, actor, and art collector, and explore how he has continuously pushed boundaries and defied expectations.Discover the enduring legacy of Cheech and Chong, and hear about Cheech's personal connection to the Chicano movement, the inspiration behind his 1987 film "Born in East LA," and the establishment of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. Through captivating anecdotes, Cheech reflects on the importance of art in social justice movements and the power of comedy to spark change and build bridges.Don't miss this insightful conversation about identity, heritage, and the transformative role of art and culture in shaping narratives and creating a more inclusive future. Tune in to hear how Cheech Marin's legacy continues to inspire and empower generations to come.

Ep. #8: Space for Everyone | NASA Astronaut Danny Olivas

In this captivating episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with NASA astronaut John Daniel "Danny" Olivas, the first person of Mexican-American heritage to walk in space. Together, they explore the age-old human fascination with space, touching on how ancient cultures worshipped lunar and solar deities, and how the stars have guided explorers through history.
Danny shares his inspiring journey from a starry-eyed kid in West Texas to becoming a U.S. astronaut, offering a glimpse into the rigorous path that led him to fly missions on the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Discovery. They discuss the challenges of spacewalking, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from space, and the humbling perspective it provides on human borders and shared humanity.
Listen as Danny delves into his family heritage, the influence of his great-grandfather's immigration story, and how it shaped his commitment to diversity and inclusion. The episode also highlights the Space for Everyone Foundation, co-founded by Danny and his wife, Marie, aiming to support legal immigration pathways and family unity.
Join the conversation to discover the profound connections between space exploration, cultural heritage, and the shared human experience.

Ep. #7: Centering UndocuBlack Voices | Dr. Felecia Russell

Join host Victoria Ballesteros on the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast as she delves into the untold stories of immigrants beyond the common narratives. In this episode, Victoria welcomes Dr. Felecia Russell, a Jamaican-born, American-raised researcher, author, and advocate for Black immigrants. Together, they explore the vibrant and diverse experiences of immigrants, challenging the often one-dimensional portrayal in the media.
Dr. Russell shares her own journey from Jamaica to the U.S., highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced as an undocumented student. Her work focuses on elevating the voices of Black immigrants, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their unique experiences and contributions. Through her book "Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education," Dr. Russell sheds light on the complexities of identity and belonging for Black undocumented students.
Discover how Dr. Russell is changing the narrative by centering Black immigrant voices and advocating for policy changes. Learn about the misconceptions surrounding Black immigrants and how allies can support this community. This episode is a call to action to embrace diverse narratives and amplify marginalized voices in the ongoing conversation about immigration and social justice.

Ep. #6: Taking Our Power Back | Kristina Wong

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with the multitalented performing artist, writer, comedian and activist, Kristina Wong. From her early days at UCLA to becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Kristina's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
Listen in as Kristina shares anecdotes about her eclectic career, from her satirical website "Big Bad Chinese Mama" to her impactful work with undocumented Americans and formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover the origins of the Auntie Sewing Squad, a grassroots initiative born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led to her critically acclaimed show, "Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord."
Victoria and Kristina explore the intersectionality of Kristina's activism, her upcoming projects, and her thoughts on the importance of community and storytelling. This episode is a testament to how creativity and activism can come together to create powerful change.

Ep. #5: All Around Super Cool Human | W. Kamau Bell

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with four-time Emmy Award-winning comedian, author, and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell.
Kamau shares insights from his extensive career, including his experiences from his acclaimed CNN show "United Shades of America." Victoria and Kamau discuss the importance of empathy, curiosity, and listening in bridging divides, as well as Kamau's latest projects, including the East Bay Film Collective and his Emmy Award-winning documentary "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed."
Tune in to hear Victoria and Kamau's discussion about the intersection of immigration and systemic racism, the power of storytelling, and the need for solidarity among marginalized communities. Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation that challenges us to find our compassion and shared humanity.

Ep. #4: The Undocumented Americans | Karla Cornejo-Villavicencio

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros engages in conversation with acclaimed writer and storyteller, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio. Karla, an immigrant from Ecuador and Harvard graduate, is reshaping the narrative around immigrants in America through her powerful works "The Undocumented Americans," and "Catalina."
In this episode, Karla shares her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her books, and the importance of telling immigrant stories with authenticity and humanity. Discover how Karla's personal experiences and defiance against stereotypes fuel her mission to ensure that the histories and contributions of immigrants are recognized and remembered.
Listen as Karla and Victoria discuss the challenges and rewards of being a storyteller, the complexities of immigrant identities, and the critical role of narratives in shaping our understanding of immigration. Tune in to explore how Karla's writing not only captures the essence of immigrant life but also inspires future generations to continue this vital tradition.

Ep. #3: A Bold Vision For Immigration | Kica Matos

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with Kika Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center.
Kica Matos is a social justice advocate, lawyer, and national immigrant rights leader. Kica gets to the heart of America's immigration issues, sharing personal stories and professional insights.
From the historical context of immigration laws to the human resilience Kica witnessed firsthand at the border, this episode sheds light on the urgent need for reform and the incredible work being done to support immigrant communities.
Tune in as we explore the past, present, and future of immigration in the United States, and highlight the ongoing fight for justice and dignity for all.

Ep. #2: Food For Thought | Chef Angel Dimayuga

In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros delves into a heartfelt conversation with internationally acclaimed Filipinx chef and author, Chef Angel Dimayuga.
Chef Angel is a culinary trailblazer with accolades such as the James Beard Foundation Award and Zagat 30 Under 30. Chef Angel discusses discusses their journey from a young, ambitious cook to a renowned chef. Chef Angel explores the role of food in storytelling, preserving culture, and creating community, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their immigrant upbringing and Filipinx heritage.
Discover how Chef Angel's book, "Filipinx, Heritage Recipes from the Diaspora," brings the flavors of their homeland to kitchens everywhere, offering accessible recipes for cooks of all skill levels.
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about the profound connection between food and heritage, and hear Chef Angel's vision for a more inclusive and joyful society, the important role of immigrants in the culinary industry, and the power of food as a universal language.