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

3d ago

Andrea Nouga Feliu (Spanish, Cameroonian)

Andrea Nouga Feliu shares her personal journey of navigating her mixed heritage, confronting societal and familial perceptions, and creating art to express her identity. This episode explores themes of belonging, identity, and the power of art in healing and representation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrea's background and heritage 01:52 Growing up in Spain as a girl of mixed heritage 03:56 Rejection of African roots and societal influences 06:03 Realisation of political and social differences in adolescence 08:07 Experiences of feeling othered and seeking approval 12:02 Finding her identity in London and reconnecting with roots 13:56 The importance of knowing her father and cultural roots 15:56 Creating her film 'When Yesterday Was Tomorrow' 18:06 The significance of in-between spaces and belonging 20:05 Deciding to find her father in Cameroon 22:02 First impressions and emotional journey in Cameroon 23:53 Reflections on racial identity and societal perceptions 26:00 The unexpected experience of being called white in Cameroon 27:50 The role of representation and underrepresented communities 30:06 Supporting children of mixed heritage and family dynamics 36:00 Family's response to her artistic work 41:59 The message and purpose of her latest film 44:05 The importance of acknowledging diverse identities 44:56 Closing thoughts and Andrea's upcoming film release References: OOART Andrea's artistic company Andrea's Instagram Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye Sponsor: The Biskery
Aug 31

Sandhiya Sophie Argent (Indian, English & French)

In this episode, Sophie shares her unique experience of navigating her Indian, English and French heritage. For instance, how speaking multiple languages and cultural practices strengthen her identity. As well as her view on how diversity in the legal and judicial systems can improve understanding and fairness. And much, much more. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:10 Heritage influences and childhood experiences 05:08 Navigating multicultural identity in a predominantly white environment 08:10 Assumptions and perceptions about heritage 11:05 Heritage and colonial history influence 14:28 Language, connection, and cultural authenticity 19:02 Representation and societal perceptions of mixed heritage 24:46 Colourism and societal privileges in India 30:23 Legal challenges faced by mixed heritage people in international law 37:57 Law, diversity, and the need for recognition 43:30 Community, pride, and the future of mixed heritage identity Sources: Mixed Rights Lawyer
Aug 3

Mel Selvon Ellyard (Mauritian, British)

Mel Selvon Ellyard shares her deeply personal journey of discovering her mixed heritage, reconnecting with her family roots in Mauritius, and navigating identity and belonging. This episode highlights the importance of understanding heritage, embracing cultural diversity, and fostering open conversations about race and identity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mel's heritage story 02:16 Learning about her mixed race background 04:41 Finding her father through postcode tracking 06:33 Meeting her biological father and family 08:22 First encounter with her father in the restaurant 10:08 Her childhood and navigating identity without heritage 12:44 Her family’s response to her heritage discovery 14:44 Deciding to explore her Mauritian roots 19:07 Traveling to Mauritius and connecting with family 21:56 Language and cultural connection in Mauritius 24:19 Her family’s reception and her relationship with them 27:38 Confidence in embracing her identity 29:50 Her career and navigating diverse environments 33:15 The importance of knowing her heritage 35:18 Mauritian cuisine and cultural expression 37:13 Her analogy of her heritage as a buffet 38:37 Connecting with her Mauritian Creole roots and identity 39:01 Sharing her story and its impact on others 44:29 Reflections on intergenerational understanding 45:41 Managing her curly hair and cultural expression 47:25 Closing remarks and gratitude Resources Mauritian Culture and Heritage Resources - https://www.mauritius-tourism.mu/
Jul 20

Layla Blake (South Africa coloured & white)

In this episode, Layla Blake shares her journey of embracing her biracial identity, navigating societal perceptions in South Africa and Dubai, and advocating for representation and understanding of mixed heritage communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:23 Inheriting confidence from her mother 02:50 Growing up biracial in post-apartheid South Africa 04:13 Meeting Katie and discovering her identity 06:03 Campaigning for representation in Miss South Africa 07:15 Racial classification systems in South Africa 09:37 Celebrating diversity and the Rainbow Nation 12:30 Challenges faced growing up biracial 15:23 Fitting into societal boxes and self-acceptance 17:50 Living proudly as a biracial woman 20:19 The impact of education and societal perceptions 22:24 Confidence and identity over the years 24:42 Support from family and community 26:00 Living in Dubai and its multicultural environment 30:24 Peace and freedom from racial labels in Dubai 33:00 The future of racial harmony in South Africa 34:48 Advice for parents of biracial children 41:03 Reflections on her parents' relationship 44:44 The significance of names and societal perceptions 45:50 Closing thoughts and gratitude Resources Meadow and Marley's Magical Mix - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Meadow+and+Marley's+Magical+Mix Layla Blake's Campaign for Miss South Africa - https://www.misssa.co.za South African Classification System - https://www.gov.za/documents/identity-document-forms Story Lab South Africa - https://storylab.co.za guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laylablake Twitter - https://twitter.com/laylablake Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laylablake
Jun 23

Namalee Bolle (Sri Lankan, Dutch, "British")

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 (Guinean, British)

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 (Jamaican, British)

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 (South African, British)

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 Makandawire (Malawian, British)

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.

1 Trailer

10 Episodes

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

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Saskia
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Essays in Sepia