the in-betweenish pod

Send us a textHow do you keep your culture alive, when you've had to flee and create a whole new life in a country you never chose yourself? Sarah Baharaki was born in Badakhshan Province and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. But rather suddenly, the year she graduated from high school, the situation in her country took a radical turn. In just a few days after the fall of the capital city of Kabul, Sarah, just a teenager at the time, had to flee her home country with her family and has never been able to return home since.In this conversation, Sarah walks us through being uprooted from her home country, landing in the UK, the culture shock she had to overcome, and how she balances her new culture with her home culture. When we speak of the differences in languages we also go into the topic of humor and ‘how to be funny in a foreign language'.From a world away, she watched as her friends and classmates back home became stripped of basic human rights. Driven by a deep conviction, Sarah is a huge advocate for The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 which advocates for Quality Education, and SDG 5 which advocates for Gender Equality. Today Sarah takes charge of the topics dear to her heart. She has carved a path out for herself and is currently a Global Youth Ambassador for Their World, and a UK Youth Delegate to the UN Women in the UK. With a focus on Afghan women, she was also the Opening Keynote speaker at ECOSOC2024 at the UN Head Quarters in New York. Episode mentions: Afghanistan is not what traditional media portrays. Yes, security risks exist, but there is more to the country than just the Taliban's unsettling presence. Learn more about Afghanistan and one of the most famous poets who comes from there in the following links:Omar Haidari — Human Rights Advocate and Blogger from AfghanistanThe Afghan — learn more about Afghanistan through the eyes of an AfghanYes Theory — 96 Hours Inside of Afghanistan in 2020About Rumi — Molana Jalal al-Din Mohammad-e BalkhiRumi's Poetry translated into EnglishIn a wonderful twist of fate, this quote by Rumi (translated into English) feels incredibly fitting for this episode:“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”—✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave an idea? Contact Us or send an email to inbetweenish.pod@gmail.com

Send us a textIs cultural 'enoughness' a myth?In this episode, I sit down with Lazou, a Sino-Mauritian-Canadian-American creative, podcasting colleague and friend who also explores questions of belonging. Lazou shares her unique perspective in understanding layered identities while sharing her own diverse cultural identity. Together we discuss:seeing the West through Disney colored glasses,language learning, translation gaps, and language evolution,colonization vs settling and the history of Diego Garcia,being Chinese enough, confronting biases and so much more!Lazou is a talented musician, producer, and writer, hosting the 'Nuances: Our Asian Stories' podcast. Through her platform, she examines the Asian diaspora experience, tackling topics like queerness in pre-modern Asian times.Episode Mentions:Podcast — Nuances: Our Asian StoriesPodcast — Nuances Season 2: Queering Pre-Modern AsiaBook — Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America by Pekka HämäläinenDiego Garcia — Human Rights Watch: UK, US Expelled Islanders 50 Years Ago, a Crime Against HumanityDiego Garcia — AJ+ How the U.S. Stole This Paradise Island?—✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave an idea? Contact Us or send an email to inbetweenish.pod@gmail.com

Belonging vs Belongings:It has always bothered me how similar these two words are, set apart only by an ‘S'. Yet somehow they hold completely different meanings.In this minisode, I'm exploring the relationship between our sense of belonging and our physical belongings. The idea for this episode came about after I recently lost a physical product of mine and I found myself unreasonably upset over it. A conversation with a dear friend sparked this debate and now I'm letting you into bits and pieces of our conversations where she shares a metaphor that helped me reframe the relationship between belonging and belongings.I hope you find value in this less structured, unscripted minisode and if you do, please share it with a friend or spark this conversation with someone around you:What is the relationship between belonging and belongings?Are belonging and belongings intricately connected?Can we find belonging without our belongings?—✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave an idea? Contact Us or send an email to inbetweenish.pod@gmail.com

Is home a person, a place, or a feeling? On this episode of the inbetweenish I speak with Mona Hassan who shares her unique experiences growing up at the intersection of Austrian, South Korean, and Egyptian cultures. Mona takes us through her multicultural upbringing and emphasizes the importance of family acceptance in fostering a sense of belonging within society. We discuss the fascinating parallels between South Korean and Egyptian values and how they can sometimes clash with Austrian culture. At the end, Mona vulnerably shares her spiritual journey that has led her to redefine her sense of “home” and make sense of her belonging.Episode Mentions:Mona Hassan on InstagramEmbodied Coaching InstituteWomen Empowerment Coach Training 2025Mona Hassan's podcast, WTF is normal, I want Magic!—✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net

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 mentionsShreya's Audio Affairs — Shreya's newsletterThe God of Small Things — Arundhati Roy—✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave an idea? Contact Us or send an email to beatriz@inbetweenish.net

How has your gender impacted your sense of belonging? — with MalikOn 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 mentionsMalik's WebsiteMalik on Spotify: MMKNMalik's Art on InstagramGlee — TV Series (2009-2015)—✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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 mentionsFOYER MagazineCulture Stew PodcastRobert Burns — Auld Lang SyneRobert Burns — Tam o' ShanterKatherine May — Wintering —✳ 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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. She also shares her views on the nuance between religion and faith, this is particularily interesting given her life experience with a family that touches three major religions. Lastly we also focus on her experience growing up as an interracial child. 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 mentionsIf you're interested in watching her documentary, Schwarz, reach out to Amuna directly through her Instagram or her website Kandaka, the blogArticle in Kandaka: Motherhood as SisterhoodArticle in Kandaka: Archiving the Women Who Made Me PossibleThe 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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 mentionsAmuna's website Kandaka, the blogArticle in Kandaka: Motherhood as SisterhoodArticle in Kandaka: Archiving the Women Who Made Me PossibleThe 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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 mentionsSex Bomb — memoir by Sadia AzmatNo Country for Young Woman — BBC Sounds podcast co-hosted by Sadia AzmatFind 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.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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 PalestineDiscover Palestine through it's voices:Article: Jewish settlers stole my house. It's not my fault they're Jewish — Mohammed El-KurdArticle: The Right to Speak for Ourselves — Mohammed El-KurdArticle: Reflections on the 75th Anniversary of a Nakba That Never Ended — Mohammed El-KurdBook: The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 — Rashid KhalidiA list of reliable resources covering the on-going genocide in Gaza, Palestine: Gazan, Palestinian, Jewish & Israeli voices — compiled by Zeena and BeatrizMusic for the On Palestine series comes from traditional Palestinian folkloric music found in this compilation here.—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.—We'll be back soon with Season 2 of the inbetweenish pod. Stay tuned! —✳ 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 PalestineDiscover Palestine through it's authors, artists, and poets:Books by: Ghassan Kanafani — Palestinian poet and authorArticle on: Ghassan Kanafani — Palestinian poet and authorCartoons by: Naji al-Ali — an archive of his workArticle on: Naji al-Ali — assassination investigationArticle on: Mohamed al-Durrah — a moment in historyMusic for the On Palestine series comes from traditional Palestinian folkloric music found in this compilation here.—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.—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 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 PalestineDiscover Palestine through it's art and recommendations shared by On Palestine guests:Book: The Secret Life of Saeed: The Pessoptimist — Emile HabibiMovie: The Time that Remains — directed by Elia SuleimanMovie: It Must Be Heaven — directed by Elia SuleimanShort Film: The Present — directed by Farah NabulsiMusic for the On Palestine series comes from traditional Palestinian folkloric music found in this compilation here.—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 mentionsFind out more about Finding Home Within by Wiebke from Chameleon CoachingTrailer of Stutz Netflix documentary on Mental Health—✳ 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 NourBehind-the-scenes magic is thanks to Habiba Al RoubiOriginal music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry—Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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 NourBehind-the-scenes magic is thanks to Habiba Al RoubiOriginal music is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry—Curious to learn more about the in-betweenish?Visit our website: www.inbetweenish.netBehind-the-scenes is on our Instagram: @inbetweenish.podHave 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.—Curious about the in-betweenish pod Website  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe 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 stigmasUncovering the reasons why people flee and where they goNavigating the process from displacement to resettlementOur motto: No question is taboo, all questions are welcome.Episode MentionsUNHCR 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 refugeesWelcome — things you can do to make refugees feel welcomeEducation — 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 BWorld Refugee Day — article by Baharak Bashmani, found in Rooted in BRooted in B — Baharak's blog where she explores notions of home, layers of identity and belonging

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

How do you understand time? Is it linear? Do things progress with time? Or do they regress?Axel's Two-Part InterviewEpisode 6, Season 1:

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

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 MentionsRooted in B — Baharak's blog where she writes about her experience as a nomad, and reflects on home, identity, and belongingArticle 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 IranUNHCR — 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 websiteThe Body Keeps the Score — Dr. Bessel van der KolkThe 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 Instagram Behind the Scenes on TikTokAnything else? Contact Us HereThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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

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 MentionsOn Children by Khalil GibranThe Prophet by Khalil Gibran1947 Partition Archive — a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to archiving the people's history of PartitionGaysi — safe zone and platform exploring the intersection between being Desi and queer - More about: Aakshi SinghaInstagram  |  Twitter-Curious about the in-betweenish pod Chat with Beatriz on Instagram  Behind the Scenes on TikTokAnything else? Contact Us Here The in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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 childrenChildren of ImmigrantsChildren of RefugeesChildren of Minorities (Privileged or Marginalized)International AdoptionsTraditional 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 HereMo — Netflix series developed by Mohammed Amer and Ramy Youssef The life of a Palestinian family as they navigate the convoluted US immigration systemCross Cultural Kids Research developed by Ruth E. Van RekenThird 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. ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  ContactThe 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____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe 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 MentionsWhat'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 episodeThe God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy "And once again, only the Small Things were said. The Big Things lurked unsaid inside."____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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.

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 PoemVodun: 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)____________________More about: Axel KacoutiéWebsite  |  Instagram  |  Twitter____________________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 TongueHow to RememberA Sound Poem Episode Mentions:Ethnicities — Bété people; Anyi (Akan) peopleFufu 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 purposeZaouli Dance — a traditional dance of the Guro people of central Ivory CoastChansonnier — an insightful singer, poet, songwriter that helps the community heal from old woundsThe Body Keeps the Score — Dr. Bessel van der Kolk____________________More about: Axel KacoutiéWebsite  |  Instagram  |  Twitter ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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.____________________More about: Nora GharibInstagram  |  TikTok  |  Youtube  |  Simply Gharib Blog ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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.____________________More about: Nora GharibInstagram  |  TikTok  |  Youtube  |  Simply Gharib Blog  ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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 postEgyptian Cinema: Khairat's very first article Hasan w Morcos w Cohen: Egyptian movie on Youtube____________________More about: Mohamed KhairatTwitter  |  Instagram   ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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"____________________More about: Hedvig SandbuAbundate Language Coaching  |  Abundate Podcast ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic 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

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. ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  Contact The in-betweenish podcast is produced by Beatriz NourMusic is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry