Season One of The Identity Library has officially come to a close, and what a chapter it has been. From graduating at NC State to being accepted into grad school, this season was full of change, challenge, and moments I never expected to carry so deeply. As I head home to Germany for the summer, I’m taking a well-deserved pause, eating way too much feta cheese, sipping sparkling soda in the sun, and feeling genuinely happy for the first time in a while. But don’t worry, the stories won’t stop he...
Jul 26, 2025•27 min•Ep. 21
Surprise, we’re still in Season 1, but this one feels different. Call it a summer edition, a bonus chapter, or just a moment that needed to exist before we officially wrap things up. In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant and quietly powerful friend Cece Harrison, a Nuclear Engineering major at NC State, to talk about what it really means to be a woman in engineering. Not the glossy poster version. The real one, filled with doubt, pressure, purpose, and the occasional moment of joy when y...
Jul 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 20
After weeks of writing, presenting, and overthinking every single page of my thesis, I’m finally back. This semester was a whirlwind, and somehow, I actually graduated. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Tommy Godwin, who also just crossed the stage, to reflect on everything we’ve learned, unlearned, and are still figuring out. Tommy, a double major in Agroecology and International Studies with a minor in Soil Science, shares what it’s like to feel out of place in your own field. I talk ...
Jul 12, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 19
Ever wondered what it’s like to live as a "John Smith"? Well, Abdullah Najjar can tell you—because he did just that! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of names. Abdullah shares his experience adopting the most common name in the Western world while in Libya, all in an effort to sound less... well, too "exotic". Spoiler alert: It didn’t go exactly as planned. From the Roman naming system to the complexities of “Gunther” and “Gustav,” we explore how...
Mar 22, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 18
Picture this: You’re sitting around a warm kitchen table in China, where the rich aroma of fresh dumplings fills the air, and your grandmother's hands, weathered with years of tradition, expertly fold the dough. The room buzzes with soft laughter, and each dumpling she creates is a piece of history, wrapped in dough and steeped in memory. In this episode, I sit down with Mingduo, a recent NC State graduate originally from China and shaped by his experiences in Hong Kong. Mingduo shares how his c...
Mar 15, 2025•59 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, I sit down with Gavin Bell, assistant director at NC State’s Multicultural Student Affairs Center and a member of the Lumbee Tribe, to explore Native American identity, cultural resilience, and holistic well-being. Gavin shares the rich history and unique traditions of the Lumbee people, highlighting the diversity among Native American tribes and the importance of cultural preservation. A central theme of our conversation is the medicine wheel, an Indigenous framework for achiev...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 16
Ever wondered what happens when graphic design meets fashion? In this episode, I sit down with Alyx Hucks, a designer who’s blending the digital world with the tactile magic of wearable art. We dive into her journey from creating eye-catching graphics to transforming thrifted pieces into wearable masterpieces that speak to personal growth and loss. But it’s not just about fabric and design—it’s about the power of creativity as therapy, the unexpected lessons learned through experimenting with ne...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 15
It’s hard to believe we’re already stepping into 2025! In this episode, I sit down with Abdullah Najjar to reflect on our past year—2024—and all the things that made it unforgettable. From the ups to the downs, we talk about the moments that shaped us, both personally and professionally. We dive into what we’ve learned, the surprises life threw our way, and how gratitude and reflection became such a big part of our lives. And of course, we share a few laughs along the way—including a karaoke mom...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 14
Welcome to the first episode of the semester! I hope you all had a great start to 2025 and are ready for another season of conversations on identity, culture, and life abroad. To kick things off, I’m joined by Loridana Foksha, who is giving us a recap of her semester in Spain—living away from her home in the U.S. and NC State. From the excitement of immersing herself in a new culture to the challenges of adjusting to life abroad, Loridana shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of her tim...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 13
As the holiday season sparkles to life and the clock inches closer to a new year, this episode is a warm toast to traditions, laughter, and the magic of festive customs. I’m joined by Lucas Ciscato, who brings stories of Italian Christmas dinners, the whimsical La Befana, and the symbolic ritual of burning away the old to welcome the new. We wander through snowy German Christmas markets, savor Dutch “oliebollen,” and marvel at Russian New Year’s traditions involving champagne glasses and ashes o...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 12
What happens when you venture deep into the Everglades, armed with nothing but curiosity, a love for nature, and a resilient spirit? For Josie Houchard, it marked the start of an adventure that would change her life. In this episode, Josie takes us on a journey through wetlands, rivers, and the winding paths of self-discovery. From growing up as the youngest in a bustling North Carolina family to finding her calling in the lush Everglades, her story is one of grit, humor, and an unshakable conne...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 11
Welcome to Chapter 10 of Identity Library– an episode where we immerse ourselves in the warmth, flavors, and timeless traditions of Italian culture through the eyes of Lucas Ciscato. In this captivating conversation, Lucas takes us from the lively streets of Italy, where the scent of fresh espresso mingles with the sounds of animated conversations, to the intimate moments around family tables where food and stories are shared in equal measure. He reflects on how these moments—like the cherished ...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 10
What does it mean to truly align with yourself? In this transformative episode, Kian Alberto returns to explore the deep connections between self-love, alignment, and the pursuit of purpose. Together, we unravel how life’s unexpected detours—whether a job you loathe or a path you never planned to take—can become your greatest blessings. From reframing failures as opportunities to finding clarity in discomfort, Kian shares his personal journey and offers practical steps for embracing challenges, ...
Nov 20, 2024•56 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to this bonus episode of Identity Library, recorded at the beginning of the semester! I’m excited to have my friend Loridana back with me. Did anyone miss her? With the basketball season just starting, many might dream of becoming a basketball star in their next life, making this episode topic perfect for this time of year. We dive into the complexities of being in your 20s, exploring questions like: Do you believe your ancestors guide you? What about destiny? Plus, we’ll chat about thos...
Nov 04, 2024•30 min•Ep. 8
Join us as we soar through the inspiring journey of Cole Hood, a dedicated student at North Carolina State University. From navigating multiple major changes to earning his pilot's license, Cole shares the pivotal moments that shaped his passion for aviation, including cherished memories with his grandfather and uncle. In this episode, we explore the cultural significance of flying in the U.S., delve into the rigorous training processes of aviation, and hear about a thrilling incident involving ...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 7
In this chapter, I welcome you to "Islamland." Don’t be scared but be aware that the road may be bumpy and probably filled with way too many camel riders. Here’s the question: are you the rider or the actual camel? If this is confusing you, you definitely need to join our new story as we uncover the truth and the key that connects our names to our identity. What if I told you your name holds the key to your identity? Join me and my dear friend Abdullah Najjar on an enlightening journey through t...
Oct 15, 2024•51 min•Ep. 6
What happens when a random encounter at a café sparks a conversation that unfolds into a captivating story? Get ready for a compelling episode that’s bound to challenge your perspectives! Join me as I welcome Kian Alberto, whose life story reads like a screenplay of triumph and struggle. From a three-year-old soccer prodigy to navigating the complexities of a multicultural identity, Kian's journey is anything but ordinary. But that’s just the beginning. As we peel back the layers of Kian's exper...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 5
Before we dive into today's episode, I want to remind everyone in North Carolina to stay safe and prepared for the upcoming hurricane—take care of yourselves and your loved ones! Now, grab your helmets and your Dutch breakfast sprinkles as Lucas Ciscato takes us on a wild ride through his multicultural life. Born in Mexico to a Dutch mom and Italian dad, Lucas shares the ups and downs of being a 'third culture kid'—from cruising around on Dutch bikes to navigating lupus at 18. You'll laugh, you'...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 4
Chapter 3 of the Identity Library dives into the experience of relocating and living in a new country. This episode will be especially valuable for those who are currently making or planning an international move, with guest Loridana Fosha sharing her insights and emotions about moving to Spain for the next two years. My hope is that this conversation will assist travelers in finding their footing and achieving inner peace amid the transition. ★ Support this podcast ★...
Sep 14, 2024•52 min•Ep. 3
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! To kick off the new month, we’ll embark on a quest to uncover the essence of life with my guest, Nima Fatima. This chapter, "The Journey to Our Meaning of Life," shares a personal narrative of navigating the challenges of external circumstances—particularly during COVID times—and the process of rediscovering oneself after a profound emotional upheaval. My hope is that this conversation resonates with someone, offering solace or inspiration no matter where you...
Sep 07, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the very first episode of Identity Library! I’m thrilled to kick off this journey with my guest, Loridana Foksha, as we dive into her fascinating experiences with her family's holistic medical practices and the rich family traditions of Moldova. Join us for a lively and heartfelt discussion that sets the stage for what’s to come on this podcast adventure. ★ Support this podcast ★
Aug 28, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1
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Aug 26, 2024•49 sec
