Essays in Sepia

Sarah Smith

Sarah shares her deeply personal journey of being adopted as a mixed heritage baby. And her journey of navigating 'otherness' growing up in a white family and area. AS well as the subsequent impact this has on her career as a midwife. This conversation explores themes of race, identity, family, and societal perceptions, offering valuable insights into the complexities of being mixed in a diverse world. Chapters * 00:00 The Experience of Being Mixed-Race and Adopted * 08:16 The Search for Belonging and Acceptance * 25:32 Complexities of Identity and Belonging * 31:19 Navigating Biracial Identity * 40:02 Healthcare Disparities and Personal Impact * 52:22 Challenges of Societal Perceptions Resources Book: 'Mixed / Other' by Natalie Morris

Professor Miri Song

In this insightful conversation, sociologist Miri Song discusses the complexities of multiracial and mixed heritage identities, exploring how societal perceptions, historical context, and personal experiences shape self-identification and social categorisation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professor Miri Song's Work 02:54 Exploring Ethnic Identity and Agency 05:05 The Concept of Code Switching 07:41 Navigating Racial Assignments and Self-Identification 10:44 The One Drop Rule and Its Implications 13:24 Historical Context of Racial Categories 16:29 Mixed Heritage and Family Dynamics 18:28 The Role of Data in Understanding Mixedness 21:18 Cultural Contexts and Racial Dynamics 23:56 The Importance of Context in Racial Identity 26:24 Challenges of Racial Data Collection 28:46 Diversity Within Mixed Heritage Groups 30:36 Interracial Unions and Gender Dynamics 33:21 Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Identity Resources: Miri Song's Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics - https://www.lse.ac.uk/social-policy/people/miri-song Dr Miri Song became motivated to do her studies of mixed people as spouses and parents, because she got tired of only seeing studies of mixed people's identities. So she focused on generational change - what happens when mixed heritage children have children.  Her Written work: * Mixed Heritage in the Family: Racial Identity, Spousal Choice, and Child-Rearing * Multiracial Parents: Mixed Race Families, Generational Change, and the Future of Race * Mixed Race Identities * Choosing Ethnic Identity * Helping Out: Children's Labor in Ethnic Businesses

Katie Mantwa George

In this insightful conversation, Katie Mantwa George shares her unique journey of navigating her mixed heritage across different countries, the impact of apartheid on her identity, and the importance of embracing diversity and self-awareness. Discover how her experiences shape her perspectives on race, culture, and belonging. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Identity and Heritage 01:36 - Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa 04:38 - Cultural Transition to the UK 07:52 - Understanding Racial Identity in Different Contexts 10:46 - The Impact of Apartheid on Identity 13:30 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Cultural Differences 16:12 - The Role of Family in Shaping Identity 19:26 - Creating Representation in Literature 22:27 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding 25:27 - Concluding Thoughts on Mixed Heritage 32:06 - The Complexity of Identity and Categorization 38:14 - Navigating Locality and Belonging 46:04 - Perceptions of Race and Mixed Heritage 58:52 - Family Dynamics and Racial Awareness RESOURCES * Meadow and Marley's Magical Mix [https://www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/meadow-and-marleys-magical-mix] * Katie Mantwa George's Website [https://www.beinghumanwell.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mantwa-george/]

Wani

Wani Mkandawire shares his rich heritage, navigating life between Malawi and the UK, and how his multicultural experiences shape his identity, resilience, and entrepreneurial journey in coffee farming. Chapters 00:00 - Embracing Heritage and Identity 29:36 - Navigating Cultural Connections 40:15 - Pride in Roots and Family Traditions RESOURCES * Malawi Coffee [https://malawiancoffee.com/] * Wani's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wani-mkandawire/] * Ask me where I am local TED Talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCKzpXEW6E&t=1s]

Intro to podcast

Saskia shares her motivation for recording podcast conversations about being mixed race and her hopes for the project. She also expresses her humility and openness to learning and understanding more about the subject.