The National Immigration Law Center’s Freedom to Thrive Podcast is powering pro-immigrant narratives one story at a time. The podcast sheds light on immigration truths missing from the national dialogue, while centering the humanity of immigrants through storytelling. On the show, Victoria engages in conversation with immigrants, children of immigrants, cultural influencers, artists, activists and people at the center of policymaking.
In these conversations, we explore how we can create a society where everyone, regardless of how much money we have, what we look like, or where we were born, has the Freedom to Thrive.
The podcast host, Victoria Ballesteros, is a national immigrant rights leader, award-winning writer, storyteller, mom, daughter of Mexican immigrants and creative force behind Freedom To Thrive.
Victoria has developed several impactful narrative and culture change initiatives including #ImmigrantsAreEssential, which won a 2021 Shorty Award and 2022 Gold Anthem Award for Human & Civil Rights. Join her for engaging, informative and inspiring conversations!
Listen on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and Amazon Music. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes!
#14 Encountering ICE: In Life and in Art
In the latest NILC Freedom to Thrive Podcast, host, Victoria Ballesteros speaks with Sam Cutler-Kreutz, director of the Oscar-nominated short A Lien, and Joanna Cuevas Ingram from NILC. They discuss the film’s powerful depiction of a family's encounter with ICE, share essential "Know Your Rights" information, and explore how art and advocacy can drive change. Tune in for a compelling conversation on storytelling, legal preparedness, and community action.
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#13 Our Community is Strong and Resilient
Our podcast returns amid a national crisis, where immigrant rights—and fundamental freedoms—are under attack. We discuss the impact of Los Angeles fires, the resilience of diverse communities, and the fight against rising extremism. Through activism, art, and dialogue with inspiring guests, we explore how to stand together in defense of democracy.
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#12 The Power of Books
In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros talks with Roxanne Coady, founder of R.J. Julia Booksellers and Read to Grow. Roxanne shares how her love for books, inspired by her immigrant father, shaped her journey to creating a bookstore that fosters community and civil dialogue. The conversation explores the transformative power of literature, its role in social justice, and the importance of storytelling in building empathy amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
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#11 Borderland I The Line Within
In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, Victoria Ballesteros discusses the documentary 'Borderland, The Line Within' with filmmakers Pamela Yates and Paco de Onis, and digital humanist Alex Gil. The film uncovers the hidden border industrial complex affecting communities nationwide. Together, they explore immigrant resilience, the industry's far-reaching impact, and the urgent need for reform in our country's immigration policies and narratives.
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#10 Know Your Rights | Kica Matos
In this post-election episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros speaks with NILC President Kica Matos about the challenges immigrant communities face following the recent presidential election. Kica shares NILC's plans for navigating these times, stressing solidarity, resistance, and the fight for justice. They discuss the importance of citizenship pathways and immigrants’ economic contributions. Listeners are encouraged to support immigrant rights through local organizations, volunteering, and donations to NILC, joining the collective effort to protect communities and uphold justice.
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#9 Chicano Legend
Join host Victoria Ballesteros on the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast as she talks with the legendary Cheech Marin. In this episode, Cheech reflects on his childhood, the influence of his family on his comedic career, and the origin of his iconic nickname. Together they explore his journey as a comedian, actor, and art collector, as well as his connection to the Chicano movement and the creation of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. Tune in for a conversation about identity, heritage, and the power of art and comedy to drive social change.
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#8 Space For Everyone
In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros talks with NASA astronaut John Daniel Olivas, the first Mexican-American to walk in space. They discuss humanity’s fascination with space, Danny's journey from West Texas to NASA, and the experience of spacewalking. Danny also reflects on his family’s heritage, his great-grandfather’s immigration story, and his commitment to diversity. The episode highlights the Space for Everyone Foundation, which supports immigrant rights and family unity. Tune in to explore the connection between space, culture, and the human experience.
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#7 Centering UndocuBlack Voices
Join host Victoria Ballesteros on the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast as she talks with Dr. Felicia Russell, a Jamaican-born, American-raised researcher, author, and advocate for Black immigrants. Dr. Russell shares her journey from Jamaica to the U.S. and her work elevating Black immigrant voices, and discusses her book, "Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education." They also discuss the unique challenges Black immigrants face and how allies can support this community. This episode challenges one-dimensional immigrant narratives and calls for centering marginalized voices.
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#6 Taking Our Power Back
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.
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#5 All Around Super Cool Human
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.
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#4 The Undocumented Americans
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.
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Ep.#3 A Bold Vision for Immigration
In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center.
Kica Matos is a social justice advocate, lawyer, and national immigrants' rights leader. Kica gets to the heart of America's immigration issues, sharing personal stories and professional insights.
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Ep.#2 Food for Thought
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.
Join us as 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.
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Ep.#1 Dance Floor Democracy
In this episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros explores the powerful intersection of music and social justice with special guest, Hector Flores, co-founder of the band Las Cafeteras.
Join us as Hector shares his journey from social justice organizer to musician, highlighting the inspiration behind songs like "Caravana," "Vivas Nos Queremos," and "La Bamba Rebelde." Discover how his music serves as a voice for immigrant communities and a call to action for listeners everywhere.
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