In the second half of my conversation with Maanarak on The Kreashon Podcast, we go deeper into the work I do today.

I talk about building community for immigrants, the hidden emotional and financial costs of advocacy, and my drive to help high-achieving immigrants decode workplace dynamics and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

This part is all about turning personal challenges into a platform for change.
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Check out the full episode on The Kreashon Podcast here

Connect with Maanarak:

YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

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The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen to more episodes on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn

📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org

📱 Follow us on Social Media:
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

📱 Share your story with us:
💼 simone.8.johnson@gmail.com

📱 Read my blog:
💼 https://thriveabroad.substack.com/

#ImmigrantAdvocate
#RepresentationMatters
#ImmigrantSuccess
#AmplifyingVoices
#ImmigrantSupport
#ImmigrantStoriesMatter
#BreakingBarriers
#ImmigrantPride
#VoicesOfTheDiaspora

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.

I was honored to join The Kreashon Podcast with the amazing Maanarak to share my journey from Jamaica to the U.S.

This first part dives into my early immigrant experience, the culture shock, the language nuances, and that disorienting feeling of being caught between two worlds.

I open up about what it truly means to navigate a new country while trying to hold on to your roots, and how those experiences shaped my mission to amplify immigrant voices worldwide.

______________________________________________________

Check out the full episode on The Kreashon Podcast here

Connect with Maanarak:

YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

______________________________________________________

The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen on:
💼 Apple Podcast
💼 Spotify
💼 Amazon

📱Support our Patreon

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on The Journey Podcast with David Hackett, where we explored some of the most meaningful threads from my life and work as an immigrant, coach, and podcast host.

In this episode, I share how my own journey from Jamaica to the U.S. shaped the way I see the world, and the work I now do to support others navigating similar paths.

We dive into a rich conversation around:

- International affairs and global travel
- The emotional layers of the immigrant experience
- Mental health in immigrant communities
- Bilingualism, identity, and the beauty of language
- High- vs. low-context cultures and the stories we carry
- Spirituality, assimilation, and finding your voice in a foreign land

Whether you’re living between cultures, working across borders, or simply curious about the complexity of identity and belonging, I hope my story offers something that resonates.

🎧 Tune in and let me know what part of the conversation speaks to you most.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkGXmewJgrA&list=PLoyoNf5zuWSjT48I-PJLLdRYICPHhlc1-&index=4&t=2s

______________________________________________________

The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn

📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown on The Carry On Friends Podcast, we go even deeper.

I share how navigating the immigrant journey as an immigrant woman has reshaped my understanding of identity, resilience, and power.

We talk about the tension between assimilation and authenticity, and what it really means to create belonging without betraying yourself.

This episode is for anyone who’s had to shrink to survive, but is ready to grow, take up space, and lead with clarity and courage.

If you’ve ever questioned your belonging, struggled with cultural boundaries, or wanted to step more fully into your voice, this one is for you.

Tune in and let’s continue the conversation. 🌍💬

Watch the original YouTube video of our conversation here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdkEjCk_3Es&list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ

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Carry On Friends: The Carribean American Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ

______________________________________________________

The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn

📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.

I recently had the honor of being interviewed by Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown on The Carry On Friends Podcast, where we explored the nuanced reality of what it means to live and lead, as a third culture immigrant.

In this conversation, I shared how my journey shaped the way I navigate identity, culture shock, parenting, and boundaries in both personal and professional spaces.

We spoke about the mental and emotional toll of existing between cultures and the quiet pressure so many of us feel to shrink or silence ourselves just to fit in.

We also discussed what it means to redefine success on your own terms and the courage it takes to stay rooted in your values while adapting to a new environment.

Whether you’re navigating life abroad, raising children in a culture different from your own, or figuring out how to honor your identity while building a career, this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in and let me know what resonates most with your journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdkEjCk_3Es&list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ

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Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLloo1R4UZiU4MX488pKdyG4wEjMSekwgZ

______________________________________________________

The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn

📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

Please note: I do not provide immigration legal services or case-specific guidance. My work focuses on cultural adjustment, financial empowerment, and personal growth.

In this continuation of our conversation, I sit down once again with the deeply creative and reflective Maanarak of Grey, an artist and podcast host originally from the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean.

In Part 2, we explore how art, storytelling, and stillness have helped her process the transitions of immigration, what it means to live between cultures, to grieve a place that still feels like home, and to reimagine belonging in unfamiliar spaces.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and remember that creativity can be both a compass and a lifeline in times of transition.

Tune in and listen to how one woman’s story holds space for many of us navigating the immigrant experience, quietly, powerfully, and on our own terms.

_________________

Connect with Maanarak:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KreashonHub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreashon.hub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreashon
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kreashon/

_________________

The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn

📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, I sit down with the thoughtful and creative Maanarak of Grey, an artist and podcast host originally from Bonaire in the Caribbean.

Maanarak shares her journey as an immigrant, what it’s been like leaving behind the comfort of home and adjusting to life in a new environment.

From the warmth of island culture to the challenges of navigating unfamiliar social norms, her story is filled with quiet strength and deep reflection.

We discuss:

- The origin behind Maanarak's name
- Living in the island of Bonaire
- Her culture shock and adjustment to living abroad
- What she misses most about life in Bonaire
- The tension between staying rooted in your culture while adapting to a new one
- How her immigrant journey influences her creative work and advocacy
- The importance of building spaces where diverse identities feel seen and celebrated

This conversation is a powerful reminder that migration is not just about relocation, it’s about rediscovery, resilience, and reclaiming your voice.

🎧 Tune in to hear Maanarak’s story and join us in celebrating the depth and beauty of the immigrant experience.

Connect with Maanarak:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KreashonHub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreashon.hub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreashon
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kreashon/

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.

In this episode of The Immigrant Experience in America, I sit down with Erika Warner, a Latina entrepreneur, educator, founder of Inglés Pa’ Mi Gente, and mom.

Erika’s journey began when she immigrated to the U.S. as a child, navigating the emotional and linguistic challenges of learning English in a world that didn’t feel like home.

Today, she runs a thriving six-figure business teaching English to Spanish-speaking immigrants, people who share her story and her struggle.

But Erika’s success didn’t happen overnight. Her story is one of slow, determined progress: raising a family, carving out space in a new culture, and building a business that gives voice to a community often overlooked.

In this powerful conversation, we explore:

💬 What it means to live between two worlds as an immigrant parent
🌱 Raising children while raising yourself
🎯 Turning lived experience into a mission-led business
🔥 Balancing burnout, guilt, and ambition as a working mom
📈 How she grew from kitchen-table videos to 230K+ followers and a top-charting podcast

Erika’s story is a reminder that immigrant success doesn’t always follow a straight line, but it’s always worth celebrating.

Tune in to hear her truth, her grit, and her wisdom.

#ImmigrantVoices #LatinaEntrepreneur #MotherhoodAndBusiness #InglesPaMiGente #SimoneSpeaks #ImmigrantExperience #ThirdCultureStories #WorkingMomTruths #PodcastConversation

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Connect with Erika:

Website: https://inglespamigente.com/
Instagram: @inglespamigente
Podcast: https://inglespamigente.com/podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Ingl%C3%A9spamigente

__________________________

The Immigrant Experience in America

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3OmWxJZ
Official Site: https://bit.ly/3OmWAWg

📱Listen on:
💼 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3OK7xCN
💼 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3DKXsiE
💼 Amazon: https://amzn.to/43VG4Cn

📱Support our Patreon: https://bit.ly/3KwUiTz

📱Connect with Simone!
💼 Website: https://www.thebridgeconcepts.org
💼 LinkedIn: / simonewjohnson
💼 Instagram: / theimmigrantexperiencepodcast
💼 TikTok: / theimmigrantexperience

Disclaimer: The Immigrant Experience in America podcast is produced in my personal capacity. The views and opinions shared by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of the U.S. government or USCIS.