Ladies of Sosa

Ladies of Sosa
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Join us as we step into the role of storytellers, not merely the subjects. We bring you the unfiltered, authentic stories and experiences of South Sudanese people across the diaspora. From tales of resilience and triumph to navigating the complexities of identity and culture, our podcast explores the vibrant tapestry of voices that often go unheard. Through interviews, personal narratives, and in-depth discussions, we shed light on the rich heritage, challenges, and aspirations of our diverse diaspora. Tune in to discover the untold stories that shape our communities and inspire meaningful conversations.

  1. 5d ago

    We Love America… But Can We Critique It? | Our Assimilating Experience | Part 2

    What happens when you're South Sudanese—but you grew up in America? In Part 2 of our conversation about assimilation, Christine and Sahra sit down with Tariq, Willy, and Janet to move beyond the viral clip and talk about something much more personal: our own experiences growing up South Sudanese in America. As first-generation and third-culture kids, we've often found ourselves caught between two worlds. We were raised with South Sudanese values, traditions, expectations, and identities but we also grew up surrounded by American culture and had to figure out how to navigate school, friendships, relationships, careers, and everyday life. So what happens when you're trying to fit in? We talk honestly about the parts of our culture we've held onto, the parts we've adapted, and the things we may have unintentionally lost along the way..including language. For some of us, assimilation meant becoming more comfortable in American culture. But it also came with questions about identity: Am I South Sudanese enough?  Am I too American?  Where do I actually belong? We also get into the complicated relationship many immigrants have with America. We can recognize the opportunities this country has given us, appreciate the freedoms and possibilities we've experienced, and still have honest conversations about racism, discrimination, stereotypes, and microaggressions. Can you critique the country you call home while still being grateful for what it has given you? Can you love America without ignoring its problems? And can you fully embrace American culture without losing your South Sudanese identity? This conversation isn't about finding one "right" way to assimilate. It's about sharing different experiences and asking what we've gained, what we've lost, and what we want to carry forward. In this episode, we discuss: 🇸🇸 Growing up South Sudanese in America  🇺🇸 Assimilation and adapting to American culture  🌍 Being first-generation & third-culture kids  🗣️ Losing our native languages  👥 Trying to fit in while maintaining our identity  🎓 Growing up between South Sudanese and American expectations  💭 Questions of belonging and cultural identity  ✊🏾 Racism, stereotypes & microaggressions  ❤️ Being critical of America while still appreciating it  💰 The opportunities America has provided immigrant families  🔄 What we want to preserve—and what we're willing to let evolve  👨🏾‍👩🏾‍👧🏾 What this means for the next generation of South Sudanese Americans This is our experience, but everyone's story is different. What did you have to change or adapt when you were growing up in America? Did you ever feel too African for America or too American for your African community? And what part of your culture would you never want to lose? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇🏾 🎙️ Hosts: Christine & Sahra 🎤 Panel: Tariq, Willy & Janet #LadiesOfSosa #SouthSudanese #SouthSudaneseAmerican #SouthSudaneseDiaspora #Assimilation #ImmigrantExperience #ThirdCultureKid #AfricanDiaspora #CulturalIdentity #Racism #AmericanDream #Identity Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    We Love America… But Can We Critique It? | Our Assimilating Experience | Part 2

  2. Sep 22

    “I Have No Intention of Assimilating”: South Sudanese Lawyer Sparks a Viral Immigration Debate

    What does it really mean to assimilate—and do immigrants have to give up parts of their culture in order to truly belong? In this episode of Ladies of Sosa, Christine and Sahra sit down with panelists Tariq, Willy, and Janet to react to the controversial clip featuring South Sudanese-Australian lawyer and human rights advocate Nyadol Nyuon, who stated that she has “no intention of assimilating” into Australian culture. But what does assimilation actually mean? Is it different from integration? Can you fully participate in and contribute to the society you live in without giving up your cultural identity? And where is the line between adapting to a new country and feeling pressured to erase where you came from? The conversation gets especially personal as we explore what these questions mean for the South Sudanese diaspora. From language and traditional clothing to food, marriage, parenting, respect for elders, gender roles, and community expectations—we ask what parts of our culture should be preserved, what traditions can evolve, and whether cultural preservation can sometimes become cultural pressure. We also dive into the unique experience of being raised between cultures. What happens when you're told you're “too Western” by your own community, but “not really from here” by the society around you? Can you be fully South Sudanese while also being American, Australian, Canadian, or British? And perhaps the biggest question of all: Do we really have to choose between the two? 🔥 In this episode, we discuss: The controversial “I have no intention of assimilating” statementAssimilation vs. integrationCultural preservation vs. cultural pressureThe South Sudanese diaspora experienceLanguage and maintaining cultural identitySecond-generation identityTraditional values that should evolveWhether you can reject certain traditions without rejecting your cultureWhat it means to truly belongBeing South Sudanese AND WesternWhether immigrants should have to prove their loyalty or belonging💬 Join the conversation in the comments: What does assimilation mean to YOU? What South Sudanese tradition would you NEVER give up? 🇸🇸 And what tradition do you think needs to evolve? Can you be completely South Sudanese while also fully embracing the country you call home? Let us know your thoughts—and keep the conversation respectful. 🎙️ Hosts: Christine & Sahra 🎤 Panel: Tariq, Willy & Janet #LadiesOfSosa #SouthSudanese #SouthSudaneseDiaspora #Assimilation #ImmigrantExperience #AfricanDiaspora #CulturalIdentity #SouthSudaneseCulture #Diaspora #Identity #Belonging Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    “I Have No Intention of Assimilating”: South Sudanese Lawyer Sparks a Viral Immigration Debate

  3. Sep 15

    Losing a Parent: Grief, Identity & the Journey to Healing ft. Daughters Without Mothers

    What happens to your sense of identity when you lose someone who helped shape it? In this special collaboration between Ladies of SOSA and Daughters Without Mothers, Christine and Sahra sit down with Danisha for an honest and deeply personal conversation about identity, culture, grief, loss, healing, and legacy. Danisha's story brings together three worlds — South Sudanese, St. Lucian, and British — and explores what it means to grow up carrying multiple cultures while navigating the loss of a parent. We talk about: • Growing up between South Sudanese, Caribbean, and British cultures • Finding a sense of belonging when you come from multiple backgrounds • What happens emotionally after losing a parent • How grief changes as we grow older • The pressure within African and Caribbean communities to “stay strong” • Why conversations about grief can be so difficult in our communities • How losing a parent can reshape relationships, identity, and purpose • The importance of community and having safe spaces to talk about loss • The story behind Daughters Without Mothers and why Danisha created the platform • Intergenerational healing and the cycles we hope to break • What it means to honor the legacy of a parent we've lost This isn't just a conversation about grief. It's a conversation about who we become after loss, the cultures that shape us, and how storytelling can help us heal. Whether you've experienced the loss of a parent, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to better understand the experience of grief within diaspora communities, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to navigate loss alone. ❤️ Watch, listen, and join the conversation. What is one thing a parent or loved one left with you that you carry today? #LadiesOfSOSA #DaughtersWithoutMothers #GriefAndHealing #SouthSudanese #DiasporaStories #Healing #Grief #Identity #AfricanDiaspora #LifeAfterLoss Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    Losing a Parent: Grief, Identity & the Journey to Healing ft. Daughters Without Mothers

  4. Sep 8

    Domestic Violence and Femicide Must End in the South Sudanese Diaspora 🇸🇸

    What happens when the person who is supposed to protect you becomes the person you fear? In this powerful and difficult episode of Ladies of Sosa, Christine and Sahra sit down with Monica Deng for an honest conversation about domestic violence, femicide, gender expectations, cultural silence, and the safety of South Sudanese women. The conversation is sparked by the tragic death of a South Sudanese mother of five who was fatally stabbed in July 2026. Rather than sensationalizing her death, this episode centers her humanity and asks the bigger questions her story forces our community to confront. Why are women sometimes encouraged to “stay for the children”? When does preserving a marriage become more important than protecting the woman inside it? Can family elders effectively address domestic violence, or are there situations where professional and legal intervention is necessary? We also explore the role of bride price, marriage expectations, masculinity, family reputation, community pressure, and the ways cultural traditions can sometimes be misunderstood or misused to justify control. And perhaps most importantly: What are we teaching our sons and daughters about healthy relationships, respect, accountability, and safety? This isn't about blaming South Sudanese culture. It's about asking whether we can love and respect our culture while still challenging the parts that may cause harm. Because marriage should never cost someone their life. In this episode, we discuss: • Domestic violence and intimate-partner violence • “Stay for the children” and the pressure to preserve marriages • Bride price, marriage and perceptions of ownership • The role of elders and community mediation • What young women should know about red flags and abuse • Why women may feel unable to leave • The responsibility of men to challenge abusive behavior • The unique challenges facing the South Sudanese diaspora • How families and communities can better support survivors • What needs to change to prevent another tragedy ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, gender-based violence and the killing of a South Sudanese woman. Some of the discussion may be difficult to hear. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help from trusted professionals and local support services. Subscribe to Ladies of Sosa for honest conversations about South Sudanese culture, relationships, identity, family, life in the diaspora and the conversations our communities need to have. #LadiesOfSosa #SouthSudanese #DomesticViolence #Femicide #SouthSudaneseWomen #GenderBasedViolence #Diaspora #AfricanWomen #HealthyRelationships Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    Domestic Violence and Femicide Must End in the South Sudanese Diaspora 🇸🇸

  5. Sep 1

    Can Marriage Unite South Sudanese Communities? Tradition, Intertribal Marriages & Modern Love

    What happens when a wedding becomes bigger than the couple? This past weekend, the South Sudanese community came together in Dallas for a traditional wedding that brought people from across the country, and even overseas, into one room. Different tribes, generations, families and communities came together to celebrate love, culture and marriage. And it got us thinking: Can marriage actually bring South Sudanese people closer together? In this episode of Ladies of Sosa, Christine and Sahra sit down with a panel of South Sudanese men and women to talk about traditional marriage, intertribal relationships, family expectations, dowry, tribal identity, education, gender roles and the changing expectations of marriage in our generation. Should marriage be between two people or two families? And when it comes to choosing a spouse, should it be tribe, family expectations or character? Most importantly, can the next generation of South Sudanese marriages help build a more united community? Join the conversation as we celebrate the beauty of our traditions while also asking the difficult questions about what needs to change. What do YOU think? Let us know in the comments! #LadiesOfSosa #SouthSudanese #SouthSudaneseWedding #SouthSudaneseMarriage #IntertribalMarriage #SouthSudaneseCulture #AfricanMarriage #SouthSudaneseDiaspora #Marriage #AfricanDiaspora Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    Can Marriage Unite South Sudanese Communities? Tradition, Intertribal Marriages & Modern Love

  6. Aug 11

    Is Greece really Black Girl Friendly? Euro Summer & Traveling while Black

    We traveled to Europe, and we're bringing you the REAL conversation. 🇬🇷🇵🇹✈️ From Greece to Portugal, this episode of Ladies of Sosa brings together Black travelers to talk about what it's really like experiencing Europe through our eyes. We share our recent Greece experience, while our Tariq joins the conversation with his experience traveling to Portugal for Afro Nation. And we're going beyond the beautiful pictures. What is it actually like traveling through Europe as a Black person? Do Black men and Black women experience travel differently? How important is representation? Have we ever felt "noticed" because of our race? And are some destinations really more Black-friendly than others? We're talking about: 🇬🇷 Greece: Food, beaches, culture, transportation, hospitality and whether it lived up to the hype 🇵🇹 Portugal & Afro Nation: The festival experience, traveling as a Black man, and what Portugal was like beyond the event 🌍 Traveling While Black: Racism, representation, beauty standards, feeling welcomed vs. feeling noticed 💇🏾‍♀️ Black Hair & Beauty Abroad: Finding products, navigating beauty standards, and preparing for different climates 💰 The Real Cost of Travel: Budgeting, luxury travel, travel hacks and whether you really need to be rich to see the world 📱 Social Media vs. Reality: Are we traveling for the experience or for the content? 🔥 Unpopular Travel Opinions: From overpacked itineraries to tourist traps, influencer culture and luxury travel 👫 Men vs. Women: Do Black men and Black women have different experiences when traveling internationally? And we're asking the questions that might get people talking: Is Europe really Black-friendly? Do Black travelers expect too much from destinations? Has social media ruined some travel experiences? Are we traveling to experience the world or to prove that we were there? Whether you're planning your first international trip, you're a seasoned traveler, or you're still waiting to get that passport stamped, this conversation is for you. 🌍 LET'S TALK IN THE COMMENTS: What's the best country you've visited? What country exceeded your expectations? Have you ever experienced racism or discrimination while traveling? Do you think Black men and Black women have different experiences abroad? And what's the ONE country every Black person should visit at least once? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE with your travel crew! Real stories. Real conversations. Real perspectives from the South Sudanese diaspora and beyond. #LadiesOfSosa #TravelingWhileBlack #BlackTravel #BlackTravelers #GreeceTravel #PortugalTravel #AfroNation #BlackMenTravel #BlackWomenTravel #AfricanDiaspora #SouthSudanese #TravelPodcast Hosts: Sahra - @SoSahra Christine - @ChristinaLado Panel: Willy - @WillyFast_ Janet - @JanetAkorikin Rougui -  Tariq - @Arnabi20  KK - @TruckingWithKK Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    Is Greece really Black Girl Friendly? Euro Summer & Traveling while Black

  7. Aug 4

    Netflix's The Polygamist: Reality vs. Real Life | African Diaspora Panel Discussion 🇸🇸🇺🇬🇬🇶🇿🇦

    Netflix's The Polygamist has sparked conversations around the world—but how much of what we see on screen reflects real life? In this episode of Ladies of SOSA, hosts Christine and Sahra are joined by a diverse panel of two women and three men for an open, respectful discussion about polygamy across Africa and within the African diaspora. Together, we explore the cultural, religious, historical, legal, and emotional realities behind one of the continent's most debated family structures. Rather than treating Africa as one culture, we examine how experiences differ by country, ethnicity, religion, and personal choice. In this episode we discuss: • Did Netflix accurately portray polygamy? • Why did polygamy become common historically? • Women's experiences and emotional realities • Men's perspectives on tradition and modern relationships • Children growing up in polygamous families • Religion, culture, and customary marriage • Polygamy in the African diaspora This conversation isn't about telling people what to believe—it's about creating space for honest dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and hearing perspectives that are often overlooked. 💬 Join the conversation: Would you marry someone who already has a spouse? Can polygamy ever be fair? Has modern society changed how people view polygamy? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more authentic conversations that explore African culture, identity, relationships, and the stories shaping our communities. #LadiesOfSOSA #Polygamy #Africa #AfricanDiaspora #Relationships #Culture #Marriage #Netflix #PanelDiscussion #SouthSudanese #Tradition #Faith #Podcast Hosts: Sahra - @SoSahra Christine - @ChristinaLado Panel: Willy - @WillyFast_ Janet - @JanetAkorikin Rougui -  Tariq - @Arnabi20  KK - @TruckingWithKK Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    Netflix's The Polygamist: Reality vs. Real Life | African Diaspora Panel Discussion 🇸🇸🇺🇬🇬🇶🇿🇦

  8. Jun 2

    My Husband Took Another Wife Without Telling Me | Monica Deng on Polygamy, Betrayal & Tradition

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Ladies of SOSA, hosts Sahra Benjamin and Christine sit down with Monica Deng to discuss one of the most debated topics in South Sudanese culture: polygamy. Monica shares her firsthand experience of discovering that her husband had taken another wife without her knowledge. She opens up about the emotional impact, feelings of betrayal, the role of family, and the difficult questions that followed. Together, we explore whether the real issue is polygamy itself or the lack of honesty, communication, and consent. We also examine the historical roots of polygamy in South Sudan, how perspectives are changing within the diaspora, and whether traditional practices still fit modern relationships. This conversation is not about judging those who support or oppose polygamy. It is about creating space for honest dialogue, understanding lived experiences, and discussing how culture, religion, marriage, and personal choice intersect in today's world. Topics discussed: • Discovering a secret second wife • The emotional impact of betrayal and secrecy • Polygamy in South Sudanese culture • Marriage, trust, and communication • Religion and polygamy • Modern relationships in the diaspora • Can polygamous marriages succeed? • Healing, self-worth, and lessons learned We invite you to join the conversation in the comments: Would you want to know beforehand if your spouse wanted another partner? Can polygamy work if everyone involved agrees? Is the biggest issue polygamy—or the secrecy surrounding it? Subscribe to Ladies of SOSA for authentic conversations, diverse perspectives, and unfiltered stories from the South Sudanese diaspora. #LadiesOfSOSA #SouthSudanese #Polygamy #MonicaDeng #SouthSudan #Marriage #Relationships #DiasporaVoices #AfricanCulture #MarriageTalk Hosts: Sahra - @SoSahra Christine - @ChristinaLado Guest: Monica Deng -  #Tribalism #EndTribalism #UnityOverDivision #IdentityAndCulture #DiasporaVoices #CulturalConversations #CommunityHealing #HardConversations #GenerationalChange #SouthSudanese #SouthSudanDiaspora #SouthSudanYouth #SouthSudaneseVoices #SouthSudanesePodcast #NileNation #EastAfricanDiaspora #LadiesOfSosa #SudanesePodcast #LivePodcast #YouTubeLive #PodcastClips #PanelDiscussion #CommunityDialogue  Please feel free to engage and challenge the perspectives, but please keep comments respectful.  Thank you so much for watching! Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!  Peace and love to our Sosa Fam :) 🇸🇸❤️ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💬CONNECT WITH US:  https://linktr.ee/ladiesofsosa

    My Husband Took Another Wife Without Telling Me | Monica Deng on Polygamy, Betrayal & Tradition
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Join us as we step into the role of storytellers, not merely the subjects. We bring you the unfiltered, authentic stories and experiences of South Sudanese people across the diaspora. From tales of resilience and triumph to navigating the complexities of identity and culture, our podcast explores the vibrant tapestry of voices that often go unheard. Through interviews, personal narratives, and in-depth discussions, we shed light on the rich heritage, challenges, and aspirations of our diverse diaspora. Tune in to discover the untold stories that shape our communities and inspire meaningful conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Ladies of Sosa
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ladies of Sosa
  • Show Website
    Ladies of Sosa

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