Ten Million Souls

In the podcast episode “Ten Million Souls”, we explored the lives of two immigrants: Nasser Al Saadun and Ana Arias. Even though the two people come from completely different backgrounds, this episode explores the similarities that they have. Both Nasser and Ana have been through traumatic events in their home countries. But, they both also bring up the mental struggle of adapting to a new culture in the United States. 

Interviewees:

• Ana Arias
  • Ana Arias was born in Manaus, Brazil. She went to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California for two years before returning to Brazil. She later continued her education at Eastern Mennoite University majoring in Psychology. She worked at the Collins Center for 12 years as a sexual assault therapist. She now works for the Harrisonburg Public School system as a trauma therapist. She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband and three sons.
• Nasser Al Saadun
  • Nasser Al Saadun was born in Kuwait. He received his B.A at the University of Basra in Iraq. After graduating, he became an interpreter for the British and United States army during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This job created many dangers for Nasser and his family. So, he immigrated to the United States. He then received his Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern Mennonite University. He now works at James Madison University in the Foreign Language Department as an Arabic Instructor. 

Links:

• “Affection.” Royalty Free Stock Audio, Special Effects and More, www.audioblocks.com/stock-audio/affection-bxz2g2oz8k69tat9h.html. 
• Al Saadun, Nasser. “Support Office Of New Americans.” Daily News-Record, 13 Feb. 2020, www.dnronline.com/opinion/open_forum/support-office-of-new-americans/article_613df9ec-bfcb-5f0d-beb2-b13e3bcde50d.html.
• Radford, Jynnah. “Key Findings about U.S. Immigrants.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 17 June 2019, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/17/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/. 
• “Refugee Blues by W H Auden.” By W H Auden – Famous Poems, Famous Poets. – All Poetry, allpoetry.com/refugee-blues. 
• Risen, James, et al. “Leaked Iranian Intelligence Reports Expose Tehran’s Vast Web of Influence in Iraq.” The Intercept, 18 Nov. 2019, theintercept.com/2019/11/18/iran-iraq-spy-cables/ 
• Saadun, Nasser Al, Oral History Conducted April 2009, in Shenandoah Valley Oral History Project, 2005-2009, 1677, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. 

• “The U.S. Invades Panama.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Feb. 2010, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-u-s-invades-panama. 
• “We Are Millenials.” Royalty Free Stock Audio, Special Effects and More, www.audioblocks.com/stock-audio/we-are-millenials-hb4f1xgf_0hk4brm9cq.html. 

Producers: 

• Emily Baker: Audio Editor
• Arielle Gick: Host/Interviewer
• Kara Myers: Host/ Content Editor
• Madison White: Content Editor