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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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November 16, 2020

Ney-T: Healing Through Music

November 16, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Ney-T is a singer-songwriter from the West African nation of Senegal. He shares with us his passion for music and an original song in his native Wolof. Come for the conversation, stay for the music.

November 16, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Ney-T, FLYB, Wolof, Senegal, guitarist, West African Music, Grand Rapids Michigan, 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.

October 12, 2020

Vincent Mcintosh – Irie Man Cooks Up Caribbean

October 12, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Growing up as a child of immigrants is not easy. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Vince Mcintosh learned to navigate between his Jamaican parents' expectations and the African American kids at his school, eventually finding his way as a young businessman. He joins us in studio to talk about a passion for food, his Jamaican roots, and creating community.

October 12, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Vincent Mcintosh, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, Jamaican cooking, Jamaican culture, immigrant children, cooking Caribbean, Grand Rapids MI, Irie Kitchen, 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.

October 12, 2020

Aladeen Alashmli – Fleeing Civil War

October 12, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

A young accountant flees civil war in his native Yemen, is granted asylum, and moves to Detroit, Michigan to begin his life again. Aladeen Al-Ashmli joins us to share his story.

October 12, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Aladeen Alashmli, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, Detroit Michigan, Sanaa Yemen, Yemen Civil War, Houthi, Djibouti, asylum seekers, Global Detroit, 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.

September 17, 2020

Tausi Zaina: Teacher with a Beautiful Voice

September 17, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

If teaching is in your blood, you often know it as a young child. Tausi Zaina did – and now does, thousands of miles from her native Kenya. Also second nature to this dynamic immigrant is making music, either chorally (as she does in metro Grand Rapids, Michigan) or solo (as she does in our studio). Come meet Tausi Zaina, the teacher with the beautiful voice!

September 17, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Tausi Zaina, FLYB, Kenyan immigrant, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Beatrice Muriithi, Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom, Alma College

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.

September 07, 2020

Juanita Bocanegra: From Migrant Worker to District Judge

September 07, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Growing up the only child of migrant working parents, Juanita Bocanegra never dreamed of the opportunities that she could have in the USA. Graduating from law school, she worked her way up in the prosecutor’s office, and is now running for 58th District Judge in West Michigan. Juanita joins us to share her incredible story. [November update: Juanita won her election and will be seated Jan. 1, 2021 as Ottawa County's first Hispanic judge.]

September 07, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Juanita Bocanegra, FLYB, Mexican American, Ottawa County Prosecutor, migrant workers, Mexican farmworkers, Juanita for Judge, 58th District Court, Holland Michigan, 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.

August 11, 2020

David Astudillo: Representing Latin America in Film

August 11, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Growing up in Venezuela, David Astudillo loved stories told through film. When the opportunity arose, he ventured to Grand Valley State University to follow his passion of filmmaking. With us, he discusses bringing Latin American voice to the world of film.

August 11, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
David Astudillo, FLYB, GVSU, Film and Video Production, Grand Rapids Michigan, Latin American voices, filmmaking, Grand Valley State University, Caracas Venezuela, Suzanne Zack, Kim Roberts, Anaal Shah, 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.

July 29, 2020

Raheef Alturkmani: Husband, Father, Educator, Advocate

July 29, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Raheef Alturkmani grew up in Syria before coming to the U.S. in 2011 to pursue his education. He currently works in human resources at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI, and teaches part time at Northwood University there. He joins us to discuss his personal story and his advocacy with Dow's Middle East/North Africa Employee Resource Group (MENA-ERG).

July 29, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Raheef Alturkmni, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, Syria, Northwood University, Midland Michigan, West Virginia University, Morgantown West Virginia, Syrian civil war, inclusion advocate, MENA-ERG, Middle East/North Africa Employee Resource Group, Dow Chemical Co., 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.

June 24, 2020

RC Caylan: Designing West Michigan

June 24, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

RC Caylan is the creative director of RC Caylan Atelier in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He joins us to discuss growing up gay in the Philippines, his work in the fashion world, and the early inspirations that got him there.

June 24, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
RC Caylan, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, Philippines, Grand Rapids MIchigan, fashion design, working on cruise ships, coming out in the Philippines, RC Caylan Atelier, 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.

April 28, 2020

David Pilgrim: Jim Crow, Racist Memorabilia, and Social Justice Education

April 28, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Harlem-born David Pilgrim grew up in the American Deep South, where his education and life experiences teach him lifelong lessons about race, racism, and race relations in the United States. This Founder and Curator of the Jim Crow Museum shares how everyday artifacts can educate us about our troubled national history in order to understand the meaning of true racial equity.

April 28, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
David Pilgrim, FLYB, Ferris State University, Jim Crow Museum, racist memorabilia, Mobile Alabama, Jarvis Christian College, racism, racial justice, race relations, Woodbridge Ferris, Feel Like You Belong

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.

April 27, 2020

Javier Cervantes: Community Advocate

April 27, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

Javier Cervantes is a young professional making a difference in his native Grand Rapids. The son of Mexican immigrants, this community advocate is working to promote the neighborhoods and schools around him. His leadership has been recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and he joins us to tell his story.

April 27, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
Javier Cervantes, FLYB, Grand Rapids MIchigan, LINC Up, community advocate, GRPS, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Rock the Block, Mexican immigrants, Latino leadership, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 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.

April 11, 2020

Edafe Okporo: Building Bridges from Persecution

April 11, 2020/ Alan Headbloom

West Africa is not a safe place to live for lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals. Nigerian-born Edafe Okporo talks about the legalized oppression of LGBTQ citizens in his homeland and why he sought asylum in the United States.

April 11, 2020/ Alan Headbloom/
LGBTQ, FLYB, Edafe Okporo, Nigerian persecution, anti-gay laws, USA asylum, Pray Away the Gay, Conversion Therapy, GSA, Jungle Justice, 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 31, 2019

Rosine Hounakey: Surviving Human Trafficking

December 31, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

At age 13, Rosine Hounakey was trafficked to work in hair-braiding salons in the United States. Listen to one plucky young woman's story about a sad reality in too many American cities and the courage to rise above such abuse.

December 31, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Rosine Hounakey, FLYB, human trafficking, Togo, United States, hair-braiding, Bethany Christian Services, 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 23, 2019

Sergio Cira Reyes: Movimiento Cosecha

December 23, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

An estimated 11 million residents of the United States do not have formal authorization to live there. Some overstayed visas. Others crossed the border illegally in search of work, safety, or family members. Over the years, they have become contributing members of their respective communities: from Savannah to Spokane, from Albany to Albuquerque. They clean our hotel rooms, pick our produce, construct buildings, and even start businesses in their adopted cities. Born of the farmworker movement, Cosecha (Spanish for "harvest") is advocating for life with dignity for all immigrants. Sergio Cira Reyes explains how.

December 23, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Sergio Cira Reyes, FLYB, Cosecha Movement, Movimiento Cosecha, farmworkers union, rights for undocumented, underdocumented, illegal aliens, language that hurts, El Grito, Dia Sin Inmigrantes, Grand Rapids MIchigan, Licenses for All, Mexico, Dignity for Immigrants, 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.

November 14, 2019

Cindy Wilson: Too Much Soul

November 14, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

When Cindy Wilson enters a room, observers see an Asian American woman and make instant judgments about her character, her preferences, her roots. If they had waited to talk to her, they would discover an African American woman at her soul. Born in South Korea, Wilson was adopted by an African American couple stationed there on military assignment. Growing up back in the American South, she encountered puzzlement, bullying, and stereotyping, all of which she covers in her book, Too Much [Seoul] Soul.

November 14, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Cindy Wilson, FLYB, Too Much Soul, Seoul South Korea, South Korea orphanage, international adoption, Korean adoptee, Jackson MS, Asian American, race in America, racial stereotyping, Cindy Wilson book, 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.

November 01, 2019

Maha Freij: Woman on the MOVE

November 01, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

Maha Freij is a community jewel and national inspiration. The first Arab woman to earn the CPA designation in Israel, she brings her immigrant pluck and Palestinian tenacity to any job she undertakes. Currently serving as Executive Director of ACCESS in southeast Michigan, Maha joins us to talk about Mobilizing, Organizing, Vocalizing, and Empowering the Arab American community and well beyond in her adopted homeland.

November 01, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Maha Freij, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, Palestinian American, CPA, MOVE conference, Dearborn Michigan, Arab American, social justice, social services Detroit, 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.

October 18, 2019

Carlos Cortés: Owning One's Identity

October 18, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

"My name is Carlos, not Carl," young Carlos Cortés told the teacher at his new school, just before being sent to the principal's office. Seven decades later, Professor Emeritus Cortés emphasizes the importance of embracing one's full background across ethnicity, birthplace, language, and religion. He shares with us the need to honor cultural identity and monitor the influence of media on our children.

October 18, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Carlos Cortés, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, ethnic identity, intermarriage, The Children Are Watching, University of California Riverside, Professor Emeritus, Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon, Jewish mom, Catholic dad, Mexican, Ukraine, Kansas City MO, Rose Hill: An Intermarriage Before Its Time, 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.

October 18, 2019

Maddalena Pistillo: Authentically Made in Italy

October 18, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

Authentically born and raised in Italy, entrepreneur Maddalena Pistillo joins us in the studio to talk about the importance of global travel, trans-Atlantic business, and the thrill of finding your place in a new culture.

October 18, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Maddalena Pistillo, FLYB, Feel Like You Belong, Italy, Authentica Experience, Authentica Journeys, travel to Italy, Woodways by Zordan, Zeeland Michigan, Holland Michigan, West Michigan, expatriate entrepreneur, trans-Atlantic business, 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.

October 13, 2019

Ekemini Uwan: Sistamatic Theologian

October 13, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

Speaker, writer, consultant, and podcast host Ekemini Uwan is a Nigerian American whose parents emigrated from southeastern Nigeria. In this episode, Ms. Uwan shares her thoughts on race in America, her podcast "Truth's Table," and how the biblical concept of reparations is relevant in today's world.

October 13, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Ekemini Uwan, FLYB, Sysematic Theology, Sistamatic Theology, Race in America, Reparations, Biblical teachings on reparations, Black Lives Matter, Ibibio, Nigeria, Nigerian American, immigrants, Feel Like You Belong, Alan Headbloom, Truth's Table, Michelle Huggins, Christina Edmondson, Matthew Ajibade, Alfred Olongo

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.

September 20, 2019

Ana Jose: Transforming West Michigan

September 20, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

A 5-cent, hour-long phone call from a pay phone convinced a young Dominican immigrant that West Michigan was a place she could live. Fast-forward several decades, Ana Jose is boldly transforming the local business climate for Latino-owned enterprises one conversation, one seminar at a time. Join us to be inspired by this ever-humble, ever-aspiring young woman!

September 20, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
Ana Jose, FLYB, Transforming West Michigan, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Transformando West Michigan, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, Latina Network, New York City, Grand Rapids MIchigan, 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.

August 29, 2019

Melissa Giraud & Andrew Grant-Thomas: Embracing Race

August 29, 2019/ Alan Headbloom

As lifelong educators and parents of biracial children, Melissa Giraud & Andrew Grant-Thomas are uniquely qualified to examine the country's most skittish conversation: race. Together they share personal observations as well as tips for parenting while Embracing Race.

August 29, 2019/ Alan Headbloom/
EmbraceRace, FLYB, conversations with kids on race, Melissa Giraud, Andrew Grant-Thomas, parents and kids discuss race, race in America, Canada, Dominica, Jamaica, racial awareness, 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.

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    • About "What's Up?"
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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