Essays in Sepia

Saskia

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Society & Culture

a podcast exploring people’s stories that don’t fit neatly into black or white

Jun 23

Namalee Bolle

In this episode, Namalee Bolle shares her rich multicultural background (Sri Lankan / Dutch), exploring identity, family heritage, language, and the importance of understanding racial and cultural dynamics in therapy and personal growth. Delving deep into the role of therapy in understanding racial and cultural identity. And the importance of culturally competent mental health support. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Mixed Heritage and Identity 04:54 Cultural Connections and Language Barriers 11:04 First Impressions of Sri Lanka 15:18 Navigating Identity in School and Society 18:57 The Need for Parental Guidance in Identity Development 20:53 The Importance of Representation in Therapy 28:13 Navigating Mixed Heritage Through Creativity 32:53 The Evolving Understanding of Mixed Identity 39:19 The Psychological Impact of Familial Racism 39:36 Introducing the Mixed and Multiracial Guide to Wellbeing Resources The Mixed and Multiracial Guide to Wellbeing - https://www.jkp.com/products/the-mixed-and-multiracial-guide-to-wellbeing Namalee on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxdtherapist Navigating Mixed + Multiracial Mental Health: Online Book Launchhttps://app.onlinevents.co.uk/events/oe-48588968
Jun 8

Esta Suma

This interview explores the complex identity of being mixed race, cultural heritage, and personal experiences growing up in a diverse community. Esta shares her journey of understanding her roots, navigating societal perceptions, and embracing her multifaceted identity. Key topics Cultural heritage and identity Personal experiences of race and belonging Impact of societal perceptions on self-identity Chapters 00:00 Heritage and Identity Exploration 08:12 Cultural Belonging and Personal Struggles 16:59 Navigating Mixed-Race Experiences 24:20 Reflections on Tokenism and Representation 27:52 Navigating Identity and Heritage 34:38 Cultural Connections and Disconnections 46:22 The Impact of Loss on Identity 53:52 Parenting Mixed-Race Children Resources Guinea Conakry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Conakry
May 18

Sarah Smith

Sarah shares her deeply personal journey of being adopted as a mixed heritage baby. And her journey of navigating 'otherness' growing up in a white family and area. AS well as the subsequent impact this has on her career as a midwife. This conversation explores themes of race, identity, family, and societal perceptions, offering valuable insights into the complexities of being mixed in a diverse world. Chapters 00:00 The Experience of Being Mixed-Race and Adopted08:16 The Search for Belonging and Acceptance25:32 Complexities of Identity and Belonging31:19 Navigating Biracial Identity40:02 Healthcare Disparities and Personal Impact52:22 Challenges of Societal Perceptions Resources Book: 'Mixed / Other' by Natalie Morris
May 4

Professor Miri Song

In this insightful conversation, sociologist Miri Song discusses the complexities of multiracial and mixed heritage identities, exploring how societal perceptions, historical context, and personal experiences shape self-identification and social categorisation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professor Miri Song's Work 02:54 Exploring Ethnic Identity and Agency 05:05 The Concept of Code Switching 07:41 Navigating Racial Assignments and Self-Identification 10:44 The One Drop Rule and Its Implications 13:24 Historical Context of Racial Categories 16:29 Mixed Heritage and Family Dynamics 18:28 The Role of Data in Understanding Mixedness 21:18 Cultural Contexts and Racial Dynamics 23:56 The Importance of Context in Racial Identity 26:24 Challenges of Racial Data Collection 28:46 Diversity Within Mixed Heritage Groups 30:36 Interracial Unions and Gender Dynamics 33:21 Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Identity Resources: Miri Song's Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics - https://www.lse.ac.uk/social-policy/people/miri-song Dr Miri Song became motivated to do her studies of mixed people as spouses and parents, because she got tired of only seeing studies of mixed people's identities. So she focused on generational change - what happens when mixed heritage children have children. Her Written work: Mixed Heritage in the Family: Racial Identity, Spousal Choice, and Child-RearingMultiracial Parents: Mixed Race Families, Generational Change, and the Future of RaceMixed Race IdentitiesChoosing Ethnic IdentityHelping Out: Children's Labor in Ethnic Businesses
Apr 20

Katie Mantwa George

In this insightful conversation, Katie Mantwa George shares her unique journey of navigating her mixed heritage across different countries, the impact of apartheid on her identity, and the importance of embracing diversity and self-awareness. Discover how her experiences shape her perspectives on race, culture, and belonging. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Identity and Heritage 01:36 - Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa 04:38 - Cultural Transition to the UK 07:52 - Understanding Racial Identity in Different Contexts 10:46 - The Impact of Apartheid on Identity 13:30 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Cultural Differences 16:12 - The Role of Family in Shaping Identity 19:26 - Creating Representation in Literature 22:27 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding 25:27 - Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Heritage 32:06 - The Complexity of Identity and Categorization 38:14 - Navigating Locality and Belonging 46:04 - Perceptions of Race and Mixed Heritage 58:52 - Family Dynamics and Racial Awareness ResourcesMeadow and Marley's Magical MixKatie Mantwa George's WebsiteLinkedIn
Apr 6

Wani

Wani Mkandawire shares his rich heritage, navigating life between Malawi and the UK, and how his multicultural experiences shape his identity, resilience, and entrepreneurial journey in coffee farming. Chapters 00:00 - Embracing Heritage and Identity 29:36 - Navigating Cultural Connections 40:15 - Pride in Roots and Family Traditions ResourcesMalawi CoffeeWani's LinkedInAsk me where I am local TED Talk
Apr 2

Intro to podcast

Saskia shares her motivation for recording podcast conversations about being mixed race and her hopes for the project. She also expresses her humility and openness to learning and understanding more about the subject.

Trailer

Intro to podcast

Saskia shares her motivation for recording podcast conversations about being mixed race and her hopes for the project. She also expresses her humility and openness to learning and understanding more about the subject.

a podcast exploring people’s stories that don’t fit neatly into black or white

Creator

Saskia
Years Active

2026
Episodes

7
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Saskia
Show Website

Essays in Sepia