<![CDATA[Essays in Sepia]]>a podcast exploring people’s stories that don’t fit neatly into black or white

]]>https://essaysinsepia.my.canva.site/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:44:49 GMTSun, 08 Mar 2026 16:12:08 GMT60Saskia<p>a podcast exploring people’s stories that don’t fit neatly into black or white</p>episodicSaskiasas.mari@gmail.comno<![CDATA[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 Launch

https://app.onlinevents.co.uk/events/oe-48588968

]]>55a2afbb-b496-4964-8ed8-03be675ad084Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:45:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Exploring Mixed Heritage and Identity</p><p>04:54 Cultural Connections and Language Barriers</p><p>11:04 First Impressions of Sri Lanka</p><p>15:18 Navigating Identity in School and Society</p><p>18:57 The Need for Parental Guidance in Identity Development</p><p>20:53 The Importance of Representation in Therapy</p><p>28:13 Navigating Mixed Heritage Through Creativity</p><p>32:53 The Evolving Understanding of Mixed Identity</p><p>39:19 The Psychological Impact of Familial Racism</p><p>39:36 Introducing the Mixed and Multiracial Guide to Wellbeing</p><p></p><p></p><p>Resources</p><p>The Mixed and Multiracial Guide to Wellbeing - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-mixed-multiracial-guide-to-wellbeing" target="_blank">https://www.jkp.com/products/the-mixed-and-multiracial-guide-to-wellbeing</a></p><p></p><p>Namalee on Instagram - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mxdtherapist" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/mxdtherapist</a></p><h1>Navigating Mixed + Multiracial Mental Health: Online Book Launch</h1><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.onlinevents.co.uk/events/oe-48588968" target="_blank">https://app.onlinevents.co.uk/events/oe-48588968</a></p>no00:42:026Namalee Bollefull<![CDATA[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

]]>0235370a-69c4-4ead-b903-9cd3c2b38b87Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Key topics</p><p>Cultural heritage and identity</p><p>Personal experiences of race and belonging</p><p>Impact of societal perceptions on self-identity</p><p> </p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Heritage and Identity Exploration</p><p>08:12 Cultural Belonging and Personal Struggles</p><p>16:59 Navigating Mixed-Race Experiences</p><p>24:20 Reflections on Tokenism and Representation</p><p>27:52 Navigating Identity and Heritage</p><p>34:38 Cultural Connections and Disconnections</p><p>46:22 The Impact of Loss on Identity</p><p>53:52 Parenting Mixed-Race Children</p><p></p><p>Resources</p><p>Guinea Conakry - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Conakry" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Conakry</a></p><p></p>no00:54:15Esta Sumafull<![CDATA[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 Adopted
  • 08:16 The Search for Belonging and Acceptance
  • 25:32 Complexities of Identity and Belonging
  • 31:19 Navigating Biracial Identity
  • 40:02 Healthcare Disparities and Personal Impact
  • 52:22 Challenges of Societal Perceptions

Resources

Book: 'Mixed / Other' by Natalie Morris

]]>796a64a0-24a4-41a0-b173-7d87baed3304Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>This conversation explores themes of race, identity, family, and societal perceptions, offering valuable insights into the complexities of being mixed in a diverse world.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Experience of Being Mixed-Race and Adopted</li><li>08:16 The Search for Belonging and Acceptance</li><li>25:32 Complexities of Identity and Belonging</li><li>31:19 Navigating Biracial Identity</li><li>40:02 Healthcare Disparities and Personal Impact</li><li>52:22 Challenges of Societal Perceptions</li></ul><p></p><p>Resources</p><p>Book: 'Mixed / Other' by Natalie Morris</p>no00:47:204Sarah Smithfull<![CDATA[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-Rearing
  • Multiracial Parents: Mixed Race Families, Generational Change, and the Future of Race
  • Mixed Race Identities
  • Choosing Ethnic Identity
  • Helping Out: Children's Labor in Ethnic Businesses
]]>728c36c0-5886-4fc5-a2e0-540191fbb332Mon, 04 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Professor Miri Song's Work</p><p>02:54 Exploring Ethnic Identity and Agency</p><p>05:05 The Concept of Code Switching</p><p>07:41 Navigating Racial Assignments and Self-Identification</p><p>10:44 The One Drop Rule and Its Implications</p><p>13:24 Historical Context of Racial Categories</p><p>16:29 Mixed Heritage and Family Dynamics</p><p>18:28 The Role of Data in Understanding Mixedness</p><p>21:18 Cultural Contexts and Racial Dynamics</p><p>23:56 The Importance of Context in Racial Identity</p><p>26:24 Challenges of Racial Data Collection</p><p>28:46 Diversity Within Mixed Heritage Groups</p><p>30:36 Interracial Unions and Gender Dynamics</p><p>33:21 Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Identity</p><p></p><p></p><p>Resources:</p><p>Miri Song's Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics - https://www.lse.ac.uk/social-policy/people/miri-song</p><p></p><p>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.<br /></p><p>So she focused on generational change - what happens when mixed heritage children have children. </p><p></p><p>Her Written work:</p><ul><li><i>Mixed Heritage in the Family: Racial Identity, Spousal Choice, and Child-Rearing</i></li><li><i>Multiracial Parents: Mixed Race Families, Generational Change, and the Future of Race</i></li><li><i>Mixed Race Identities</i></li><li><i>Choosing Ethnic Identity</i></li><li><i>Helping Out: Children's Labor in Ethnic Businesses</i></li></ul>no00:40:573Professor Miri Songfull<![CDATA[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

Resources
]]>29193799-db80-4ccc-9f02-32b753efa987Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p><b>00:00 - </b>Embracing Heritage and Identity</p><p><b>29:36 - </b>Navigating Cultural Connections</p><p><b>40:15 - </b>Pride in Roots and Family Traditions</p><h5><b>Resources</b></h5><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://malawiancoffee.com/" target="_blank"><b>Malawi Coffee</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wani-mkandawire/" target="_blank"><b>Wani's LinkedIn</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCKzpXEW6E&amp;t=1s" target="_blank"><b>Ask me where I am local TED Talk</b></a></li></ul>no00:50:281Wanifull<![CDATA[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.

]]>9aba1224-c8fd-4b3f-9b4a-d9c6e8ea06c5Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:19:50 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p></p>no00:04:29Intro to podcasttrailer<![CDATA[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

Resources
]]>4cd4d483-8bb0-459a-9bd3-ac6c0b6a4667Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p><b>00:00 - </b>Introduction to Identity and Heritage</p><p><b>01:36 - </b>Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa</p><p><b>04:38 - </b>Cultural Transition to the UK</p><p><b>07:52 - </b>Understanding Racial Identity in Different Contexts</p><p><b>10:46 - </b>The Impact of Apartheid on Identity</p><p><b>13:30 - </b>Navigating Mixed Heritage and Cultural Differences</p><p><b>16:12 - </b>The Role of Family in Shaping Identity</p><p><b>19:26 - </b>Creating Representation in Literature</p><p><b>22:27 - </b>The Importance of Empathy and Understanding</p><p><b>25:27 - </b>Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Heritage</p><p><b>32:06 - </b>The Complexity of Identity and Categorization</p><p><b>38:14 - </b>Navigating Locality and Belonging</p><p><b>46:04 - </b>Perceptions of Race and Mixed Heritage</p><p><b>58:52 - </b>Family Dynamics and Racial Awareness</p><p></p><h5><b>Resources</b></h5><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/meadow-and-marleys-magical-mix" target="_blank"><b>Meadow and Marley's Magical Mix</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.beinghumanwell.com/" target="_blank"><b>Katie Mantwa George's Website</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mantwa-george/" target="_blank"><b>LinkedIn</b></a></li></ul>no01:07:442Katie Mantwa Georgefull