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feel like you belong

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feel like you belong

sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States

Television Show

Feel Like You Belong TV is your source for real stories about the real people we call migrants. They may be the seasonal workers who traverse the country picking our daily produce.* They may be the expatriates who come on temporary assignment for their multinational companies. Or they may be the intrepid** souls who have committed to calling these United States their new homeland.

People have been migrating since time immemorial.*** They have moved for safety from earthquakes and drought. From war and disease. From persecution and economic hardship. They have the same characteristics as our immigrant forebears who gave up the familiarity and comfort of home in order to take risks and build a better life.

Join us here every week with these heroic storytellers and learn about what it is that still makes America a destination for entrepreneurs and risk-takers. The people who moved themselves and their families across deserts and oceans. People who add to each new generation’s vibrancy**** and can-do spirit. Welcome to Feel Like You Belong. 

feel like you belong

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    • About "Whadja Say?"
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May 25, 2016

Joe Lurie: From Gaffes to Growth

May 25, 2016/ Alan Headbloom

When do our cultural perceptions become deceptions? Whenever we let stereotypes and unfounded assumptions take over our thought processes. Interculturalist Joe Lurie talks about five decades of global learning––from observations as well as personal missteps. He shares some of the wisdom from his new book and offers tips for immigrants who want to succeed in the U.S. workplace.

May 25, 2016/ Alan Headbloom/
Joe Lurie, Berkeley, UC-Berkeley, International House, Peace Corps, Perception and Deception, Kenya, Uganda, Entebbe, intercultural, ESL, immigrants, second language, crossing cultures, Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, modesty, saving face, talk show, interview

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.

May 02, 2016

Silvana Quadros Russell: Entrepreneur Baker

May 02, 2016/ Alan Headbloom

Love of an American made her move to the United States. Love of food from her Brazilian homeland made her enter local cooking contests.  And an entrepreneurial spirit made her a baker of the tasty pão de queijo, a staple of her childhood and reason for her growing business. Love and a Brazilian oven in Kalamazoo, Michigan!

May 02, 2016/ Alan Headbloom/
Silvana Quadros Russell, Brazil, Brazilian cooking, Brazilian baking, mandioca, pão de queijo, Kalamazoo Michigan, Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom, talk show, Whole Foods, entrepreneur immigrant, ESL, Brazilian-American

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.

December 21, 2015

Arturo González Vargas: From Mexico, with Love, Art, and Compassion

December 21, 2015/ Alan Headbloom

If you ever needed convincing that Arturo González Vargas was passionate about the power of non-profits to transform lives, spend just five minutes with this young man to dispel any doubts.  For 18 months, the Grand Rapids Community had the privilege of sharing his wisdom, energy, and optimism for all things empowerment.  An Atlas Fellow from Monterrey, Mexico, Gonzalez Vargas worked as a tireless advocate for Kids Food Basket, an organization providing daily nutrition to thousands of school children in Western Michigan.

December 21, 2015/ Alan Headbloom/
Arturo González Vargas, Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom, Talk show, Immigration, Mexico, Atlas Corp, Atlas Corps, Kids Food Basket, Philanthropy, ESL, discussion, art education, art, education, volunteer

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.

October 26, 2015

Takunda Mavima: Second Chance, One Choice

October 26, 2015/ Alan Headbloom

Three years ago, Takunda Mavima had the world by the tail.  He was an immigrant child whose family had worked its way into Middle America. He was an honors student who’d recently attended his senior prom.  With a scholarship to Grand Valley State University, he was poised to enroll in the pre-pharmacy program and chase his professional dreams.  Then, a night of drinking turned his life literally upside down.  In this interview, we look at tragedy, forgiveness, and a rise from the ashes.

October 26, 2015/ Alan Headbloom/
Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom, immigrants, Talk show, discussion, Zimbabwe, Takunda Mavima, friends, alcohol, talk, drunk driving, car, crash, fatal accident, black, prison, remorse, support, choices, One Choice, Wyoming High School, speech, decisions, St. John Vianney, party, prom, senior, high school, college, Grand Valley State University, Michigan, international, ESL, USA

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.

March 02, 2015

Nguyet-Anh Tran: Fleeing One's Country, Holding Tight to One's Culture

March 02, 2015/ Alan Headbloom

When fleeing war and destruction, people act decisively and powerfully. Though they break free from the land, their hearts are often left behind.  Reliving the emotions of the times, Anh Tran tells of her family’s escape out of Vietnam during the 1975 Fall of Saigon.  After the tears come resolution, hard work, and the resilience to make life work in a strange new land...along with the kindness of strangers.

March 02, 2015/ Alan Headbloom/
Anh Tran, Vung Tao, Viet Cong, Vietnam, Vietnam War, Communists, 1975 Fall of Saigon, American Navy, refugee, Grand Rapids Michigan, Pennsylvania, ESL, talk show, Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.

December 04, 2014

Attila Mosolygó: Ballet Master

December 04, 2014/ Alan Headbloom

Call it serendipity. Call it kismet. Any way you frame it, Attila Mosolygó will tell you there are forces in the universe more powerful than the decisions one makes alone. His career in ballet? Blame it on his six-year-old sister! His residency and ultimate U.S. citizenship? Credit his parents' decision to take a "little vacation" across the Atlantic! Join us as we hear the story of a boy from Hungary who finds life fulfillment an ocean away from home.

December 04, 2014/ Alan Headbloom/
Attila Mosolygo, Grand Rapids Michigan, Hungary, Hungarian Revolution, 1956, immigration, ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, Grand Rapids Junior Ballet Company, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Hungarian National Ballet Company, English, ESL, belonging, Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom, talk show, first impressions, language, informality, American humor

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.


  • Home/
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  • Blog/
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    • About the Television Show
  • Whadja Say?/
    • Whadja Say?
    • About "Whadja Say?"
    • Glossary
  • What's Up?/
    • What's Up?
    • About "What's Up?"
  • What's So Funny?/
    • What's So Funny?
    • About "What's So Funny?"
  • About Us/
    • Meet the Crew
    • Behind The Scenes
  • Contact/

feel like you belong

Feel Like You Belong is a sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always “touch-your-heart” real conversation about fitting into the American culture. It introduces guests who have made the immigrant journey to the United States. The stories–of both struggle and success–will help newcomers feel more confident in sharing their opinions and expertise, more likely to want to stay in the U.S., be more productive in their jobs, and fully invest in their communities.

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new shows

Television Show
Duc Nguyen Abrahamson: Doing Business with Asia-Pacific
Duc Nguyen Abrahamson: Doing Business with Asia-Pacific
about 4 years ago
Sughnen Yongo: Africans, African Americans, and the Culture of Hair
Sughnen Yongo: Africans, African Americans, and the Culture of Hair
about 4 years ago
Luzia Leme Tartari: Finding Home
Luzia Leme Tartari: Finding Home
about 4 years ago
Robyn Afrik: Promoting Inclusion
Robyn Afrik: Promoting Inclusion
about 4 years ago
Ney-T: Healing Through Music
Ney-T: Healing Through Music
about 4 years ago

new blog posts

Blog
Racism or Prejudice?
about 4 years ago
The Naked Pronunciation Lesson
about 5 years ago
(No More) Ole and Lena
about 5 years ago
Stop Saying That: Columbus Discovered America
about 5 years ago
Stop Saying That: All Lives Matter
about 5 years ago

New What's Up? 

What's Up?
Parent Party: Pronouncing "par"
about 4 years ago
No "itch" in Michigan
about 4 years ago
Vowel Contrast 10–11
about 4 years ago
Cuppa Joe
about 4 years ago
Defining "Racism"
about 4 years ago

New What's So Funny? 

What's So Funny?
Beautiful Wedding
about 4 years ago
Time Travel
about 4 years ago
Lifesavers
about 4 years ago
The History of Glue
about 4 years ago
Smoke Shop
about 4 years ago