PODCAST · society
That's My Name
by Maya
That’s My Name is a podcast connecting deeply personal stories and family histories to culture, work and society. We all have a name - sometimes two, or more! We might have a nickname or a work name. Our names can be given by family, friends or colleagues, or self-chosen. Our names can be mispronounced, misspelled, and affirmed. Each episode features a guest, in conversation with podcast host, Maya, to discuss a particular topic related to the theme of names. Subscribe to this podcast to hear discussions about names with guests from all walks of life.
Episodes
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Sandhiya Sophie Argent: using a rarely mispronounced name to a commonly mispronounced one
Sandhiya Sophie Argent shares her experiences with using her name Sophie versus Sandhiya, including mispronunciation, assumptions about her heritage, and questioning. This episode also explores diversity, equity and inclusion from a legal perspective. Sandhiya Sophie Argent is a media lawyer who...
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Hena Naranbhai: Hindu naming and astrology, considerations when naming my children
Hena Naranbhai discusses the role of astrology when choosing a name, her decision-making process when she chose her childrens' names, and the influence of Indian culture and traditions on the rise of the wellness industry. Hena Naranbhai, Finance Transformation & Technology Specialist. Has an...
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Alyssa Jaffer: say my name, say my name (right)
In this episode, Alyssa Jaffer shares her experiences with correcting people on the pronunciation of her name and how she thinks getting someone's name right is a true sign of respect. Alyssa (a-lee-sa) is a content writing and communications expert hailing from California, with two degrees in...
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Carlotta Elena Goodwin Thorp: discovering name change documents, and experiences of the Italian spelling of my Spanish name
In this episode, Carlotta Elena Goodwin Thorp shares her experiences of discovering that her family surname was changed by her grandparents to be more English, Spanish responses to her Italian-spelled Spanish name, and the journey she's been on with her name. Carlotta Elena Goodwin Thorp is a...
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Sonya Barlow: challenging bias with my name, my name not 'matching' my identity, experiences with stolen domain names
In this episode, Sonya Barlow shares her experiences of her name not matching with people's assumptions of what she should look like, the privileges of having a marketable name, and how LMF Network's name evolved following the domain name being stolen. Sonya Barlow is an award-winning founder of...
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Jade Goldsmith: my name's links with my heritage, and is ADHD a 'superpower'?
In this episode, Jade discusses how her name and name-related stories link with her cultural heritage, the power of names, whether we place too much importance on names, and reflections on ADHD, if it should be labelled a 'superpower', and ADHD coaching (jadhdcoaching.co.uk). Jade Goldsmith is an...
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Pascalle Bergmans: going by 'Catherine', and becoming the fairy godmother of public speaking
In this episode, Pascalle discusses why she decided to use the name Catherine in a way to reinvent herself, her journey with reclaiming her name, and advice in relation to public speaking. Pascalle is an accomplished speaker, actress and CEO of PresenTales where she helps senior leaders and execs...
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Em Bayley-Melendez: changing my name, ticking the 'mixed-other box'
In this episode, Em discusses her decision to change her name, to feel more reflective of her. The episode also explores the 'mixed-other box', providing a mirror to Em's experiences of never fully fitting in. Em Bayley-Melendez is a tech career changer having studied Politics and International...
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Viya Nsumbu: name inspired by a Congolese song, say my name right, 'building' a name and reputation
In this episode, Viya shares the inspiration behind her name and her childhood recollections of aunties and uncles singing a song (Madilu System - Biya) to her, which she learned that she was named after. Viya also shares her experiences of name mispronunciation, and the importance of reputation...
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Ramat Tejani: 'your name is spelled wrong', name-based assumptions, and my experiences on the TEDx stage
Assumptions about gender, ethnicity, and so much more are made just from seeing someone's name. Imagine walking into an interview, and someone expecting to see someone totally different to who you are... This episode explores Ramat Tejani, founder of The Inspiration Box, speak about her...
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Adeyele Ezeli: exploring names from a faith perspective
Names throughout history have had religious references and ties. In this episode, Adeyele Ezeli reflects on names from a faith perspective, sharing her personal stories of how her name brings her closer to God. Names can be a positive affirmation and a reminder of your parents' intentions for…
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Fran Solo: how choosing my name positively impacted my life
In this episode, Fran Solo shares why she chose to change her name and her experiences since using the name Fran Solo. The discussion also covers why diversity is crucial in the technology industry and Fran's reflections on the current cost of living crisis. Fran Solo (she/her) is an…
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Professor Funke Abimbola MBE: 'can I call you Dave?'
In this episode, Professor Funke Abimbola MBE shares her experiences with being asked if someone can call her 'Dave', Yoruba naming traditions and her reflections on progressing society and self-promotion. Professor Funke Abimbola is a London-based Partner at Korn Ferry, a global organisational...
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Siwan Smith: my name's Welsh, but I'm from Liverpool!
In this episode, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Siwan Smith, discusses her experiences with having a Welsh first name despite being Liverpudlian, the issues of making assumptions based on a name, growing up with her name being persistently mispronounced, and the story of the Welsh...
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Brin McKinnon: misgendering and misspelling my name, neurodiversity and names, cross-cultural communication, and reflections about social mobility in Australia and the UK
In this episode, hear from Brin, Founder and CEO of Además Consulting, about her experiences of persistent name misgendering, misspelling and being called the wrong name, like 'Bin' and 'Brian'! The discussion also covers the impacts that neurodiversity can have on 'getting names right', and...
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Bashar Salha: growing up with an Arabic name surrounded by non-Arabic names, fleeing Syria and contemplating my identity
Today's episode explores Bashar's experiences with his name in a Western environment, his potential projections about his name and assumptions about what other people might be thinking, and how he links the meaning of his name to how he navigates through life. Bashar (@bashar_salha) is a Ph.D....
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Subira Jones: what my name means and signifies, and my experiences of extreme burnout and starting the Corporate Hippie
In this episode, Subira Jones, shares the meanings of her name, Subira, how this has been significant at points throughout her life, including extreme burnout. Subira and Maya also discuss burnout and techniques to avoid it, which Subira supports people around the world with as the Corporate...
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Eve Lin I Chen 林怡辰: Taiwanese naming traditions, names through generations reflecting history, names as wishes for children
In this episode, learn about Taiwanese naming traditions, Eve Lin deciding to use the name Eve when living in the US, and names in Taiwan reflecting the state and history of the country. Eve is a creative B2B digital marketing professional with a passion for art, food, and cats. She is from...
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Nat Cortazar: Hispanic and Spanish naming traditions, and my many, many names
In this episode, Nat discusses Hispanic and Spanish naming traditions, her reflections on the impacts of Spanish colonisation on naming traditions, and her numerous names. Natalia Cortazar is the CEO and Founder of The Good Egg - an award-winning boutique agency that works hard to create a…
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Fox Mega (they/xier): choosing my name, German naming restrictions, and my plea to stop killing trans and non-binary folk
Content warning - discussion issues of depression, suicidality and violence against the trans community. To mark International Transgender Day of Visibility (31 March 2023), listen to Dr. Fox Mega (they/xier) share their journey with choosing the name, Fox, reflections on trans and non-binary...
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Lọ́lá Béjidé: say my name (correctly), Yoruba naming ceremonies, progress with London's schools in embracing diversity
In this episode, Lọ́lá discusses her experiences with name mispronunciation throughout her life, and how it was a particular source of frustration during her formative years. She also reflects on her sons' experiences with Yoruba names, and how times have progressed since Lọ́lá was growing up in...
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Phil Ossai: guilt over having an English name, the importance of being a Black role-model, using your difference as your superpower
In this episode, Phil Ossai shares his experiences with feeling guilty about having an English first name, his reflections on being a Black founder and entrepreneur, and his views on using your difference as your superpower. Phil runs OSSAI agency, a personal branding agency for founders and…
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Darain Faraz: the names I've gone by and a discussion about accents and code-switching
In this episode, listen to Darain Faraz discuss the many names he's gone by and how they served different purposes and reflect different times in his life. Maya and Darain also discuss accents and code-switching, and make the distinction between changing accents as a way to fit in and assimilate…
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Farzin Farzad: Iran's naming restrictions and going by 'Frank' at Starbucks
In this episode, learn about naming restrictions in Iran, cultural and political views towards different ethnic groups in Iran, Farzin's experiences with his name, and him deciding to use the name 'Frank' at Starbucks. Farzin is the founder of Critical Equity Consulting, LLC, a boutique...
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Baiba Žiga: my name and my identity, how my ancestor's names were changed during migration
This episode discusses Baiba's journey with the spelling of her name, how she ties her name to her identity and sense of belonging, and her family's history and the changing spelling of her family member's names. Over the 10 years of living in the UK and catering for the Brit’s comfort, Baiba's...
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August Rocha: choosing my name and coming out as trans to 100k TikTok fans
In this episode, August discusses how he chose his name, August, why the month of August is so important to him, and his experiences coming out as trans to 100k TikTok fans. August Rocha is a Chinese-American, disabled, transgender speaker, writer, and TikTok content creator with over 100K...
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Glenn Lutz: feelings of predestination, ties to religion, and mental health in Black men
In this episode, host Maya speaks with Glenn Lutz about the journey he's had with his name, the different names he's gone by which have reflected different periods of his life, how his name has been tied to religion, and Glenn's experiences with his mental health. Glenn Lutz is an author and...
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Tino Chakadonha: Zimbabwean naming traditions, focused on the Shona tribe
In this episode, learn more about Zimbabwean naming traditions, specifically focused on the Shona tribe. Tino Chakadonha is a senior account manager at Veritone - an Enteprise AI company. His professional interest lies at the intersection of technology and humanity. As a British-Zimbabwean, Tino...
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Aira Gonzales: Spanish colonisation of the Philippines and the impact on surnames
Aira Gonzales moved to the UK when she was 7 and since starting school, her name has always been something she's been hyper aware of. Whether it’s a teacher assuming she was Spanish because of her last name and greeting her in Spanish, her name warranting a pause during the register because the...
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Greg Bunbury: my name and its links with the transatlantic slave trade
This episode explores Greg Bunbury's complex and intricate relationship with his name and its links with the transatlantic slave trade and his work within the DE&I space. Greg Bunbury is a Graphic Designer, Creative Consultant and D&I consultant. His mission is to change the world by design,...
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WuQing Hipsh: my names as a Chinese adoptee growing up in New York City
In this episode, listen to WuQing Hipsh share her story of how she chose to be known by her birth name, WuQing, aged just 2.5 years old, after being adopted from China as a baby, growing up in New York, the meanings behind her names, and the history behind her surname, Hipsh.
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Masruba Tasnim: shortening my name to 1 syllable and the meaning of my names
In this episode, listen to Masruba Tasnim, Inclusive Leadership and Talent Consultant, share experiences with shortening her name to just one syllable to accommodate others, the meaning of her names and the story behind why she doesn't share her surname with the rest of her family. Masruba's...
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DJ GoldTooth: Tamil naming traditions, identity and confusion
Listen to GoldTooth reflect on his birth name, Tamil naming traditions and how he came up with his DJ name. GoldTooth is a British-Tamil producer, selector & curator hailing from South London. Having spent his formative years listening to the sounds of Tempa, DMZ, Metalheadz, Lord Of The Mics,...
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Gesu Antonio Baez: the evolution of my name and being called the spawn of satan
Gesu Antonio Baez is an International Politics Advisor and Public Affairs Consultant based in London. He's the Chief Political Advisor at Pax Tecum Global Consultancy, a firm focused on helping businesses engage with local governments to promote their business which leads to greater social…
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Ana, Florence, Winnie: did I say 'I do' to taking my husband's surname?
In this International Women's Day 2022 special (pt2), Ana, Florence and Winnie discuss their decisions to take their husbands' surname when they got married, or not. While the episode focuses mainly on heterosexual marriages, That's My Name would be interested in exploring the experiences of same...
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Caitlin Rozario: patriarchal marriage naming conventions
In this International Women's Day 2022 special (pt1), Caitlin and Maya discuss the British tradition of women taking their husband's surname when they get married. The episode also covers different rules about surnames after getting married in different countries, and Caitlin's own perspectives…
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Tino Chakadonha: reshaping and reclaiming my identity through my name
Tino Chakadonha is a senior account manager at Veritone - an Enteprise AI company. His professional interest lies at the intersection of technology and humanity. As a British-Zimbabwean, Tino has experienced the introspection that comes from feeling that you don't quite belong anywhere and the...
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Cynthia Tze Keng Ko: using my full name, reflecting on racial stereotypes growing up
Cynthia Tze Keng Ko is ethnically Chinese but born and raised in the Netherlands. Her family comes from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia. She's faced discrimination from a very young age which made her struggle with her mental health. Seeking to create a social impact and explore her own…
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Yerin Yoon: reclaiming my Korean name, being randomly assigned an English name aged 5
Yerin was born in Seoul, South Korea but has lived abroad most of her life. She currently works as a Market Analyst at a B2B agriculture platform called Tridge, based in her home of Korea. Yerin is able to use her international background and multicultural exposure to cross-communicate with both...
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Nikki St Paul: impacts of insidious racism and being called by a name that isn’t mine
Nikki is a life learner, Diversity & Inclusion enthusiast with a love for long walks and yoga. Her passions include writing, storytelling as well as realising and releasing potential in herself and others through reflection, coaching and mentoring. In this episode, Nikki shares her experiences of...
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Mia Gwynne-Smith: baby naming, a midwifery student's perspective
Mia Gwynne-Smith was raised between Brighton and North London, and currently lives in Elephant & Castle. She's in her final year of training at King's College London to become a midwife. In this episode, Mia shares her experiences with soon-to-be and new parents choosing baby names as she has…
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DeLisha Tapscott (nèe Sylvester): experiences with having a 'hood' name
DeLisha is an author, writer, and social change agent. DeLisha received her master's degree in Organizational Management at Ashford University, where she focused her attention on Leadership and Media Management. During this time, she began using her knowledge within the #SayHerName movement to…
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Toni Kent: a confusing first name, nicknames, and identity associated with the label 'mummy'
Toni Kent is a professional speaker, compere and stand up with a specific focus on social mobility. Using her own journey as a rich seam of material and humour as a means to diffuse what can be a tricky topic, Toni’s performed for audiences that range from corporate insurers and tech firms to…
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Sho Dewan: 'do you have an English name?'
Sho is a LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search & Careers and the founder of his career coaching & training company, Workhap. He has helped thousands get hired with the best companies in the world and his work has been featured in HR Magazine, Jumpstart Media, and Pixl Media. In today’s minisode, Sho...
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Princess Adu-Gyamfi: unique name experiences and job application difficulties
This episode covers Princess' experiences with having a unique name, only discovering her first name during secondary school, and altering her name during job applications. It also explores the meaning of Princess' full name and touches on Ghanaian naming traditions.
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Dominiq Oti: Ghanaian naming traditions, identity and biases
Dominiq Oti is a Ghanaian Briton currently studying at Yale. This episode explores Ghanaian naming traditions, the meanings behind Dominiq's names, how names are a significant part of our identity and Dominiq's experiences of assumptions and bias around his name.
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Hilda Hernandez: mispronunciation, assimilation and Mexican nicknaming traditions
Hilda Hernandez is a first generation daughter of a Mexican immigrant family living in the US. This episode explores how Hilda became empowered to correct the pronunciation of her name, the pressures she's experienced to assimilate into US culture and nicknaming traditions that exist in her…
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Joanne Monck OBE: How I chose my name as a transgender woman
Joanne Monck OBE was born male in 1955. This episode explores how Joanne chose her name, as well as the challenges she's faced and the positive impacts she continues to have on diversity and inclusion, particularly for the transgender community.
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TRAILER - That's My Name
That’s My Name is a podcast all about names. Rihanna, Eminem, Destiny’s Child and other prolific artists have rapped or sung about them. Names can be steeped in history and enriched with meaning. We all have one and they form part of our identity. Each episode will feature a guest, in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
That’s My Name is a podcast connecting deeply personal stories and family histories to culture, work and society. We all have a name - sometimes two, or more! We might have a nickname or a work name. Our names can be given by family, friends or colleagues, or self-chosen. Our names can be mispronounced, misspelled, and affirmed. Each episode features a guest, in conversation with podcast host, Maya, to discuss a particular topic related to the theme of names. Subscribe to this podcast to hear discussions about names with guests from all walks of life.
HOSTED BY
Maya
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