Love can be borderless, but power never is. In this episode of Borderscapes catch Carolina and Sergio, a Spanish Colombian couple as they move through the interplay of colonial legacies and everyday love. Who holds power, who gets exoticized, and who does the dishes?

From heated debates about colonialism to small negotiations about wet bathroom floors, it's all political if you look closely. Tune in to this episode which is part history lesson, part relationship therapy and the right amount of awkward.

Is it possible to be both a feminist and a Christian? The one thing that comes to my mind when I think of Christianity is the patriarchy a.k.a. the antithesis of feminism. From how Eve doomed mankind in the tale of Adam and Eve, to the perpetuation of gender roles, Christianity has brought with it rigid and harmful depictions of women. Can my mind be changed?

In this episode, I’m joined by Blessing, a self-declared feminist and Christian. I will be asking her about her religious and feminist beliefs and experiences to determine if one can truly be both. Swinging from moments of light-hearted chatter to earnest discussions, this episode dissects the stereotypes and borders that divide the two identities.

How far are you willing to go to tell a story?

Journalists take life-threatening adventures in search of truth. While some may be killed, arrested or face physical and online abuse in the line of duty, others experience psychological trauma, separating them from family, friends and things they love so much.

In this episode of Borderscapes, Fisayo Soyombo, an award-winning journalist from Nigeria shares his experiences as an undercover reporter. Growing up, all Fisayo wanted to become was a medical doctor, but destiny had a different script. From discovering his love for storytelling as a campus journalist, to going undercover as a smuggler to expose corruption in Nigeria, Fisayo reflects on how hard it is to be an investigative journalist. He also talks about his unending search for true love, a sacrifice he must make for the public good.

Beyond the headlines, some individuals risk it all for you. Join me in understanding why their stories matter.

An artist is someone with creativity, inspiration, and a singular vision. Are those traits limited to “fine” mediums? Who decides who gets to be an artist? In this episode of Borderscapes, ‘Between Fiber and Art,’ host Maria McCoy explores why weavers have been blocked out of the fine art world.

Drawing a line between art and craft causes problems. For one, it slights women. Fiber practices, including weaving, knitting, and sewing, are not only categorized as craft, but as “women’s work.” Dismissing them discounts passionate women makers, a few of whom you’ll meet as a guest of the East Sussex Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers.

Beyond that, a border between art and craft is just too limiting. Philip Sanderson, studio leader at West Dean Tapestry Studio, explains how tapestry weaving doesn’t fit squarely in either category. 

So, can this border be dismantled? Listen in to find out!

What happens when faith and feminism meets? Would you cross boundaries to find true love?

Season 5 drops on May 2.

Music by the Umamies

Borderscapes Season 5 - Coming Soon

Music by The Umamies

Coming out and expressing one's gender identity openly is a deeply personal and often courageous act. It involves breaking free from societal norms and expectations that may dictate how one should behave or identify based on their assigned gender at birth. By embracing their identity, individuals affirm their right to self-expression and autonomy, regardless of whether it aligns with traditional gender roles. This act of liberation allows individuals to live authentically and fosters a more inclusive and understanding society where everyone can be accepted for who they are. It's a journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation that promotes greater diversity and respect for individual differences. There should be no deprivation of rights to live a life of happiness that gives every bit of you hope and satisfaction, for it takes a lot of courage to express and become free to be who you want to be or who you are in society.