PODCAST · education
Seeking Refuge
by SRPA Team at the University of South Carolina
Want to hear some extraordinary stories of resilience and humanity? Tune in to Seeking Refuge for the human stories of refugees and those working to protect them. Our guests talk everything from going to the International Court of Justice to making cross-genre music, from incredible acts of resilience to the everyday things that make them smile. We also talk issues facing refugees such as education, health care, and legal rights, and we learn about the history of refugees and the current world events impacting them. Seeking Refuge was started by a group of students at the University of South Carolina who want to depoliticize the narrative around the refugee crisis. We focus on bringing you stories from refugees themselves and those on the frontlines of the crisis, giving a platform to the human beings who know the most about the refugee experience. Our guests come from everywhere. From Columbia, SC to Los Angeles to South Sudan, Seeking Refuge is bringing you the humanity behind the
Episodes
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Season 13 Trailer: Legacies of Refuge
Welcome to a new season of Seeking Refuge! In this trailer, Charlie, Val, Maggie, and Trista introduce our theme, Legacies of Refuge, where we explore the past and present of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, as well as the policies and actions impacting them. Tune in as we explore the...
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Understanding Enforcement: Myths, Data, and What Lies Ahead with Dr. Austin Kocher
In this episode, Alex and Trista talk with Dr. Austin Kocher, a political and legal geographer with two decades of experience, about common misconceptions, what the average American isn’t knowledgeable about, and where he thinks the future of enforcement is headed. He critically analyzes publicly...
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Flooding in Hawaii: Human Effects, Environmental Costs and Political Implications | News
In this news brief, Kanyisile details the extreme impacts of flooding in Hawaii over the last month. She discusses the human effects, the environmental impacts, and concerns by city officials about valuing Wahiawā dam over the consequences on the surrounding community. This is a developing story...
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Caring for the Community with Mike Young of Good Samaritan Clinic
In this episode, Tina and Alex talk with Mike Young, executive director of Good Samaritan Clinic, a nonprofit providing free healthcare to individuals without insurance in Columbia, SC. They discuss the organization's history, mission, community outreach, and connections to migrant communities in...
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New ICE Office in Columbia, SC | News
In today’s news brief, Alex details the recently announced lease for a new ICE office in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. He outlines reactions from city officials and community residents alike, as the office was planned without city approval. This story is developing, so continue to stay...
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College Student Advocacy and Action: Refugee Resettlement Assistance Programs at South Carolina Universities
In this episode, Tina talks with ECAR and GARC, student organizations from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, about their recent student activism. They share their stories, their missions, and their why. In times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to stand by our...
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Refuge and Resistance: Minnesota's Immigration Legacy | News
In this news brief, Alex takes us through the history of immigration to Minnesota, as well as the cultural additions immigrants have made in the state. Minnesota has been a hotspot in recent immigration events regarding ICE in the United States. This news brief helps to situate recent events in a...
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Legacies of Peace Building in Former Yugoslavia with Dr. Carl Dahlman
In this episode, Miranda talks with Dr. Carl Dahlman, Professor of Geography at the University of South Carolina, about his research on the pattern of displacement, resettlement, and peace building following the Yugoslav wars in the 1990's. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and leave us…
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Evangelical Volunteerism and Resettlement in South Carolina with Dr. Caroline Nagel
In this episode, Tammy and Miranda talk with Dr. Caroline Nagel, Professor of Geography at the University of South Carolina, about her work with Christian volunteers who work in resettling refugees. We unpack what truly begins after migration— the negotiations of identity, faith, and community…
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Resettlement in the Carolinas with Nix, Seth, and Lutheran Services Carolinas
In this episode, Charlie talks with Nix Ruiz and Seth Hershberger from Lutheran Services Carolinas' New Americans Program. Nix and Seth discuss the mission and initiatives of the New Americans Program, as well as their experiences with the program, and how we can help get involved. If you would...
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Hurricane Melissa: Natural Disasters and Limited Mobility | News
In this news brief, Josh examines Hurricane Melissa, the strongest hurricane in Jamaican history, which made landfall in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba last week. While offering details on the detrimental impacts of the hurricane, Josh also magnifies this hurricane as a case study of how natural...
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ICE Under the Second Trump Administration | News
In this news brief, Miranda unpacks the escalating actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the second Trump administration. Once guided by discretion and humanitarian priorities, ICE has shifted toward aggressive mass enforcement, raids, violence, and expedited removals that…
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[S12E1] Education and Language in Resettlement with Saleh
In this episode, Emily talks with Saleh about his experiences as a refugee from Lebanon. Specifically, he speaks about his challenges going to school in a new country, learning English as a second language, and how his experience was unique as a minor coming to America with his family. Liked this...
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The Truth Behind "Alligator Alcatraz"
In this news brief, Maggie breaks down a timeline of the South Florida Detention Facility, a temporary migrant detention center constructed in June 2025. This facility, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" by politicians, has sparked public outcry, court cases, and national media coverage since its...
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Season 12 Trailer: The New Colossus
Welcome to a new season of Seeking Refuge! In this trailer, Tina and Charlie introduce our theme, The New Colossus, where we dive into the realities of resettlement in America. Tune in as we explore the history, policy, and human stories behind it. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and...
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[S11E10] Immigration and Deportation through the Lens of Public Health with Dr. William Lopez
Today, Maggie and Angela chat with Dr. William Lopez, a Clinical Assisstant Professor on Health Behavior and Health Equity, a Senior Advisor on Poverty Solutions, and a Faculty Associate in Latino/a Studies at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Here, they discuss how public health is tied to...
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Legal Battles Surrounding Trump's Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act | News
In today's news brief, Tina highlights the recent actions by President Trump to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, citing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify this deportation. Tina then expands on judicial efforts to thwart these actions,...
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Reyna Grande on Transforming Migrant Experiences into Literary Activism
Today, Diana and Charlie interview Reyna Grande, an author and activist from Guerrero, Mexico who writes about the realities faced by undocumented youth in the United States. In this episode, Reyna shares with us the implications of the US-Mexico border on individuals, her process of writing...
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Implications of Trump's Executive Orders on Lutheran Services Carolina | News
In today’s news brief, Maggie highlights the effects of a recent executive order signed by President Trump on organizations supporting refugees. Specifically, Maggie focuses on the impacts of this executive order on Lutheran Services Carolinas, an organization in the local Columbia area near the...
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[S11E8] Dr. Jason De León Discusses the Complexity of Migrant Storytelling
Today, Tina interviews Dr. Jason De León, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he holds a split faculty position in the Department of Anthropology and Chicana/o Studies. Dr. De León's research interests revolve around theories of violence, materiality, Latin American...
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Trump's Pause of USAID Funding | News
In this news brief, Miranda gives an update regarding one of Trump's most recent executive orders to pause federal funding for USAID. While the executive order only pauses funding for 90 days, Miranda discusses how it has already had damaging impacts across several humanitarian crises, including...
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[S11E7] Alexandra Diaz on "The Only Road" and the Importance of Children's Books on Migration
Today, Maggie and Angela interview Alexandra Diaz, the author of The Only Road. The Only Road is a children’s book inspired by true events that depicts the journey of two cousins, Jaime and Ángela, who migrate from Guatemala to seek refuge in the United States. In this episode, Diaz explains her...
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President Trump's First Two Weeks in Office: Executive Orders and Immigrant Rights | News
In this news brief, Charlie gives an update regarding anti-immigrant executive actions by President Trump in his first two weeks in office. Those mentioned include the signing of the Laken Riley Act and the large-scale detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants in recent days. Charlie...
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[S11E6] Judith and Andrea on Emergency Shelters and Rising Concerns about the Incoming Trump Administration - Border Line Crisis Center
Today, Tina and Angela interview Judith and Andrea from the Border Line Crisis Center. This organization, located in Tijuana, Mexico, offers comprehensive care networks to migrants, including a community center and an emergency shelter for women and children. This interview covers a range of...
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Displacement, Aid, and the LA Fires | News
In this news brief, Miranda describes the current Los Angeles fires as a event displacing many in the area, as well as a moment of collaboration with firefighting aid from Canada and Mexico in addition to offers from other countries, including Ukraine. If you would like to donate, consider the…
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[S11E5] Migration Politics with Samuel Davidoff-Gore
In today's episode, Saanvi interviews Samuel Davidoff-Gore, an Associate Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. The Migration Policy Institute is a non-partisan think tank that focuses on immigration and integration policies in North America and Europe. This interview covers a range of...
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[S11E4] Hollie Webb and the Misconceptions, Realities, and Legal Implications of the Border - Al Otro Lado
Today, Thrisha and Anne-Marie interview Hollie Webb, a supervising attorney for the Border Rights Project with Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado is an advocacy organization based in Mexico and California that offers legal and humanitarian support to immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. In this episode,...
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Israel's Ban on UNRWA | News
In this news brief, Emily examines Israel's recent decision to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), highlighting the potential humanitarian fallout. The episode explores the accusations leveled by Israel against UNRWA, the agency's response,...
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[S11E3] Past, Present, and Future of the American Detention System with Amilcar Valencia - El Refugio
Today, Saanvi and Emily interview Amilcar Valencia, the executive director of El Refugio. El Refugio is a non-profit organization in Georgia that aids and advocates for immigrants at Stewart Detention Center and their families. In this episode, key topics include the work of El Refugio, as well…
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FEMA Disaster Relief Funding Is not Used for Migrants | News
In this news brief, Miranda dispels the myth that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funding is being used to house undocumented migrants. She outlines the distinct sources of funding received by FEMA and the aid that hurricane Helene and Milton victims are receiving....
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[S11E2] Sebastian and Changing the Discourse
In this episode, Diana and Maggie speak with Sebastian, a student at the University of Texas at El Paso. Sebastian shares his experiences at the border, as well as his studies in migration and border studies. Tune in for a clear and honest conversation about the issues surrounding the border.…
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One Year of War in Gaza: Updates and Crowdsourcing Endeavors | News
In this news brief, Tina gives updates on the war in Gaza, as it has just reached one year in length (as of October 7). Some topics include news on internally displaced people in Gaza and the surrounding area, recent bombings in surrounding countries such as Lebanon, and crowdfunding used as a...
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Trump's Debate Impact on Haitian Immigrants | News
Today, Thrisha examines the political and social fallout on Haitian immigrant communities after the remarks made by Donald Trump in regard to Haitian Immigrants in Springfield, Ohio during the September 10, 2024 Presidential Debate. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and leave us a review...
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[S11E1] Mini Episode: Debunking Myths
In this mini-episode, Maggie and Emily tackle common myths and misconceptions about the U.S.-Mexico border. Drawing on real quotes from anonymous USC students, they shed light on complex, gray-area topics and share essential information to set the record straight. Tune in for a clear and honest...
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Crisis in Sudan | News
Today, Diana talks about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting its historical context and current devastating impact. Currently, Sudan is the country with the largest internal displacement crisis in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more attention and aid to address this....
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Season 11 Trailer: Deconstructing "The Wall"
Welcome to a new season of Seeking Refuge! In this trailer, Diana and Thrisha introduce our theme, Deconstructing "The Wall", where we dive into the complexities of the US-Mexico Border. Tune in as we explore the history, policy, and human stories behind it. Liked this episode? Let us know!...
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Iran-Israel Conflict | News
Today, Claire discusses the latest updates on the conflict between Israel and Iran, after Iranian forces were bombed by Israel in Damascus, Syria. This led to a retaliatory attack by Iran towards Israel, and another attack back at Isfahan and Tabriz, Iran. It is possible that there have been more...
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[S10E6] Amanullah Aziz and the Story of Halal International
Episode Notes Today, Claire interviewed Amanullah Aziz, the owner of Halal International in Columbia, SC. She discussed Amanullah's journey to Columbia, the international community in Columbia, and the importance of having a diverse staff. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and leave us a...
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[S10E5] Dr. Sarah Waheed on Pakistan's Geopolitical Landscape
In today's episode, Claire and Anusha are joined by Dr. Sarah Waheed, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina specializing in South Asian history. Together, they explore the current geopolitical dynamics in Pakistan and their impact on Afghan refugees seeking safety in the...
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[S10E4] Exploring Refugee Ventures in Clarkston, Georgia
Today, join us as we travel to the "Ellis Island of the South", Clarkston, Georgia. We are doing a special episode where a few of our members travel to Clarkston to explore the diverse community. Clarkston is considered to be the most diverse square mile in America, with over half the city's...
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Texas' Immigration Law | News
Today, Shireen discusses updates on Texas' SB 4, which allows for people to be arrested and detained on suspicion of being in the country illegally. In December, the Supreme Court validated the law in a 6-4 decision. But, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated an injunction against the law...
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[S10E3] Olha Svieshnikova on Moving Forward with a Heart of Ukraine
In today’s episode, Diana and Jazmine chat with Olha Svieshnikova through her translator, Marina. Olha shares about her journey from Ukraine through various countries before reaching the United States. Additionally, she shares her experiences with starting her small, home-based business in Utah…
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CAA & NRC in India
In today's news episode, Claire will discuss the growing unrest in India over the recent enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by President Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party just weeks before elections. With the CAA and the possibility of enacting the National Register of Citizens...
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[S10E2] Social Enterprise Project: Supporting Palestinian Refugees Through Embroidery
Episode Notes In today's episode, Emily and Shireen talk with the Social Enterprise Project, which uses high-quality fashion to enhance and encourage development within Palestinian refugee camps. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and leave us a review below! Connect with us if you or...
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Texas Border Control in Eagle Pass | News
Episode Notes In todas episode, we discuss hostile border policing in Texas and the constitutionality of recent measures. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and leave us a review below! Connect With Us If you or someone you know would like to share their personal refugee story, send us an...
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Rafah Airstrikes | News
In today's episode, we discuss the Israeli airstrikes on Rafah on February 11th, a date that correlates with one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the world, the Super Bowl. Liked this episode? Let us know! Subscribe and leave us a review below! Connect With Us If you or someone you...
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[S10E1] Exploring Refugee Owned Businesses with Ahmad Alzoukani - Mint Coffeehouse
In this episode, our host Anusha Ghosh is speaking with Ahmad Alzoukani about his experience running his business called Mint Coffeehouse, based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Ahmad will tell us about his experience as a refugee coming to the United States from Syria, due to the impact of the Syrian...
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Summary of Recent ICJ Rulings Against Israel | News
Today, Shireen shares with us the recent court ruling from the case brought to the International Court of Justice by South Africa against Israel. Script: Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Seeking Refuge News. I’m Shireen Kaur, and today we will be discussing the recent court...
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Season 10 Trailer: "Ventures: Supporting Refugee-Owned Businesses"
Welcome to a new season of Seeking Refuge! In this trailer, Anusha reflects on Seeking Refuge's journey and discusses the podcast's goals for Season 10: to uplift small business owners with an international and refugee background. We cannot wait to share the diverse list of businesses we have…
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USC's Response to the Palestinian Humanitarian Crisis | News
Published for the NPR College Podcast Challenge Anusha, Claire, Victoria, and Thrisha (speaking order) come together to discuss the University of South Carolina's response to the Palestinian Humanitarian Crisis. Across campus, students and faculty have felt waves of silence, intimidation, and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Want to hear some extraordinary stories of resilience and humanity? Tune in to Seeking Refuge for the human stories of refugees and those working to protect them. Our guests talk everything from going to the International Court of Justice to making cross-genre music, from incredible acts of resilience to the everyday things that make them smile. We also talk issues facing refugees such as education, health care, and legal rights, and we learn about the history of refugees and the current world events impacting them. Seeking Refuge was started by a group of students at the University of South Carolina who want to depoliticize the narrative around the refugee crisis. We focus on bringing you stories from refugees themselves and those on the frontlines of the crisis, giving a platform to the human beings who know the most about the refugee experience. Our guests come from everywhere. From Columbia, SC to Los Angeles to South Sudan, Seeking Refuge is bringing you the humanity behind the
HOSTED BY
SRPA Team at the University of South Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Seeking Refuge have?
Seeking Refuge currently has 149 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Seeking Refuge about?
Want to hear some extraordinary stories of resilience and humanity? Tune in to Seeking Refuge for the human stories of refugees and those working to protect them. Our guests talk everything from going to the International Court of Justice to making cross-genre music, from incredible acts of...
How often does Seeking Refuge release new episodes?
Seeking Refuge publishes regularly with 149 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Seeking Refuge?
You can listen to Seeking Refuge on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Seeking Refuge?
Seeking Refuge is created and hosted by SRPA Team at the University of South Carolina.
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