Interviews with Immigrants

Before The Queen’s Gambit: The Real Story of Susan Polgar

Welcome back to Interviews with Immigrants — the podcast that cuts through the politics and celebrates the heart, humor, and humanity behind real immigrant journeys. I’m your host Andrea Szew, immigration attorney and the face behind Szew Law Group, where thousands turn each month for US immigration guidance — but this show is about life, legacy, and the stories that deserve to be told. In this episode, I sit down with chess legend Susan Polgar — the real-life trailblazer who was changing the game long before Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit made chess a global phenomenon ♟️👑. Born in Hungary 🇭🇺, Susan takes us from learning chess at just four years old to becoming the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title through traditional norms — breaking barriers in a world that wasn’t built for her. We talk about the Polgar experiment — her father’s belief that “geniuses are made, not born” — and what it was really like growing up under that intense training. Susan shares the challenges she faced as a young girl competing against men, the resistance she encountered, and how she pushed through to redefine what women could achieve in chess. She also opens up about her move to the United States 🇺🇸, the cultural shock of how little respect chess had here, and why she made it her mission to change that — not just by winning, but by teaching, mentoring, and building opportunities for the next generation of players, especially girls. You’ll hear powerful insights on breaking stereotypes before they take hold, the pressure of being “the first,” and how her immigrant journey shaped her mindset, resilience, and legacy. And yes — we talk about The Queen’s Gambit and how Susan’s real-life story compares to the fictional Beth Harmon. 🎧 Available to listen everywhere: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19YtPoXvb47f1M9aGpA6FJ [https://open.spotify.com/show/19YtPoXvb47f1M9aGpA6FJ] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interviews-with-immigrants/id1792940158?uo=4 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interviews-with-immigrants/id1792940158?uo=4] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/db753d20-2dff-4a26-87a6-7721e442d9ec [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/db753d20-2dff-4a26-87a6-7721e442d9ec] If this episode made you think, inspired you, or gave you a new perspective on chess or immigration, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss more powerful stories on Interviews with Immigrants. 🎧 New to the show? Start here on YouTube:  Brazilian comedian Jade Catta-Preta 🇧🇷🎤 — https://youtu.be/m5rP4HL-FgA [https://youtu.be/m5rP4HL-FgA] Mexican-American chef Aarón Sánchez 🇲🇽🔥 — https://youtu.be/iF2gwzmaQJ4 [https://youtu.be/iF2gwzmaQJ4] Hong Kong-native fashion creator Leo Chan 🇭🇰🗽 — https://youtu.be/X7UwahYAQtc [https://youtu.be/X7UwahYAQtc] Argentinian-born actor & restauranteur Guillermo Zapata 🇦🇷🍷 — https://youtu.be/cYFrMfsgL3I [https://youtu.be/cYFrMfsgL3I] From India 🇮🇳 to Michelin: Chef Sujan Sarkar — https://youtu.be/9lvVQfmdMTY [https://youtu.be/9lvVQfmdMTY] Connect with Szew Law Group & Andrea: 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/szewlaw?lang=en [https://twitter.com/szewlaw?lang=en] 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/szewlaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/szewlaw/] 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/szewlawgroup/ [https://www.facebook.com/szewlawgroup/] 👉 Website: https://www.szewlaw.com/ [https://www.szewlaw.com/] 📧 Need Immigration Help?  Email: info@szewlaw.com  ☎️ Call: (310) 477-0047  💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/YRQOCMEPEULUL1 [https://wa.me/message/YRQOCMEPEULUL1] 📅 Schedule: https://szewlaw.com/contact/ [https://szewlaw.com/contact/] #SusanPolgar #QueensGambit #Chess #WomenInChess #ChessGrandmaster #ChessLife #ChessCommunity #ChessHistory #GothamChess #BotezLive #AnnaCramling #ChessInterview #ImmigrantStories #InterviewsWithImmigrants #WomenWhoLead #Trailblazer #BreakingBarriers #ChessPlayers #ChessCulture #USImmigration #ImmigrantJourney #SuccessStory #HungaryToUSA #FemaleEmpowerment

From Barefoot in Kenya to 5 Olympics: Bernard Lagat’s Immigrant Story 🇰🇪➡️🇺🇸

🏃‍♂️🇰🇪➡️🇺🇸 From Barefoot in Kenya to 5 Olympics: Bernard Lagat’s Immigrant Story 🥇✨ Welcome back to Interviews with Immigrants — the podcast that cuts through the politics and celebrates the heart, humor, and humanity behind real immigrant journeys. I’m your host Andrea Szew, immigration attorney and the face behind Szew Law Group, where thousands turn each month for U.S. immigration guidance — but this show is about life, legacy, and the stories that deserve to be told. In this episode, I sit down with Bernard Lagat, one of the greatest middle- and long-distance runners of all time. Born in Kenya, Bernard takes us from barefoot runs to wearing a used pair of Nikes from his sister Mary — the woman who changed everything — all the way to five Olympic Games, World Championship titles, and representing two countries on the world’s biggest stage. 🎙️ In this episode, we talk about… 👟 Growing up barefoot in rural Kenya and receiving his first pair of Nikes from the sister who changed everything  🏡 Life as the 5th of 10 children and the values of family, faith, and community that shaped him  🇺🇸 Arriving in America with big expectations — and being picked up in a beat-up Ford Bronco instead of a limo 🦌  🎓 Buying into excellence at Washington State University and learning what it really means to be “all in”  🏁 Going inside his mind during the legendary Athens 2004 Olympic finish against Hicham El Guerrouj  📄 Winning the Diversity Visa lottery and becoming a U.S. permanent resident and citizen  🇰🇪➡️🇺🇸 Representing two countries on the world stage and navigating identity, belonging, and pride  🔥 Defying age and expectations with a 52-second lap at the U.S. Olympic Trials at 41 years old  💬 Rapid-fire fun: rivals, getting lost on a run in Madrid, and who should play Bernard in a movie  💛 The legacy he hopes the next generation of immigrants takes from his journey ⏱️ Key Moments in This Episode 00:00 Running as culture, tradition, and way of life  02:24 Growing up as the 5th of 10 kids in rural Kenya  04:40 The first pair of Nikes — and the sister who changed everything 👟  19:04 Expecting a limo… arriving to a Ford Bronco and deer crossing signs 🦌  33:42 Bernard “calls the race” — inside the Athens 2004 Olympic finish 🏁  38:06 Winning the Diversity Visa and becoming a U.S. permanent resident 🇺🇸  46:48 The iconic 41-year-old, 52-second lap at the U.S. Trials 🔥  51:18 Rapid-fire fun: Denzel vs. Chris Rock, getting lost in Madrid, and more 😂  53:05 The legacy Bernard hopes immigrants take from his story 💛 If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or see immigration a little differently, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss the incredible voices featured this season on Interviews with Immigrants. 🎧 Behind every immigration story is a celebration of humanity. 🎧 New to the show? Start here: Brazilian comedian Jade Catta-Preta 🇧🇷🎤 — https://youtu.be/m5rP4HL-FgA Mexican-American chef Aarón Sánchez 🇲🇽🔥 — https://youtu.be/iF2gwzmaQJ4 Hong Kong-native fashion creator Leo Chan 🇭🇰🗽 — https://youtu.be/X7UwahYAQtc Argentinian-born actor & restauranteur Guillermo Zapata 🇦🇷🍷 — https://youtu.be/cYFrMfsgL3I From India 🇮🇳 to Michelin: Chef Sujan Sarkar on Reinventing Indian Cuisine in America - https://youtu.be/9lvVQfmdMTY 📧 Need Immigration Help? Email: info@szewlaw.com ☎️ Call: (310) 477-0047 💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/YRQOCMEPEULUL1 📅 Schedule: https://szewlaw.com/contact/ #InterviewsWithImmigrants #BernardLagat #ImmigrantStories #Olympics #Kenya #TeamUSA #TrackAndField #Running DISCLAIMER: This video and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. The information in this video should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. the information presented in this video does not create an attorney/client relationship nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice. You should seek legal advice from Andrea Szew directly by contacting her through email or other means noted above, or from another attorney before taking any legal action.

From India 🇮🇳 to Michelin: Chef Sujan Sarkar on Reinventing Indian Cuisine in America

What happens when you arrive in America with no roadmap, a bold culinary vision, and a commitment to do things the right way? In this delicious episode of Interviews with Immigrants, Michelin-starred chef Sujan Sarkar opens up about reshaping how America understands Indian cuisine—one restaurant, one region, and one flavor profile at a time. From growing up near Kolkata dreaming of fashion school… To cooking in London’s elite kitchens… To moving to the U.S. on an extraordinary ability O visa and building restaurants across the country… Sujan’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, cultural pride, and the immigrant hustle. We talk about: 🇮🇳 Why he calls himself “an Indian chef cooking in America” — and not an “Indian-American chef” 🍽 The birth of “new Indian” cuisine and why diners embraced it 🌶 How food, like people, “immigrates” to the U.S. 🧑‍🍳 The immigrant roots of restaurant kitchens — and doing things legally & ethically 🌱 Vegan & vegetarian Indian cuisine and why it matters 🏆 Earning a Michelin star and redefining what Indian dining can be in America This episode is thoughtful, flavorful, and packed with cultural insight. Whether you’re a foodie, an immigrant, or someone who’s ever had to build a life from scratch—this one’s for you. 🎧 Also available to listen everywhere: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19YtPoXvb47f1M9aGpA6FJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interviews-with-immigrants/id1792940158?uo=4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/db753d20-2dff-4a26-87a6-7721e442d9ec ⏱ Episode Chapters: 02:02 Chef Sujan’s journey from West Bengal to London 07:55 Why America wasn’t the original plan 09:48 Culture shocks & the immigrant kitchen reality 11:40 Doing immigration & hiring the right way 13:58 “New Indian Cuisine” — familiar ingredients, traditional flavors 17:03 Introducing Americans to Indian food 20:21 Regional Indian flavors & vegan menus 24:18 Why he keeps his Indian identity strong 27:14 Indienne vs. Nadu — modern vs. regional Indian cuisine 31:17 Indian coffee culture & expanding the brand 33:01 Cooking across continents 34:07 Advice for immigrants coming to America 35:33 Assimilation vs. losing your roots 38:16 Who inspires Sujan 42:18 Why Indian food will explode in the U.S. 44:59 The taste test: khichdi & comfort food 48:11 Final thoughts & gratitude 📍 Visit Chef Sujan’s Restaurants: Indienne (Chicago) — https://www.indiennechicago.com/ Nadu (Chicago) — https://www.naduchicago.com/ Bar Bar (Los Angeles) — https://www.baarbaarla.com/ Sifir (Chicago) - https://www.sifrchicago.com/ 📲 Follow Sujan: @chefsujans 🎧 New to the show? Start here: Brazilian comedian Jade Catta-Preta 🇧🇷🎤 — https://youtu.be/m5rP4HL-FgA Mexican-American chef Aarón Sánchez 🇲🇽🔥 — https://youtu.be/iF2gwzmaQJ4 Hong Kong-native fashion creator Leo Chan 🇭🇰🗽 — https://youtu.be/X7UwahYAQtc Argentinian-born actor & restauranteur Guillermo Zapata 🇦🇷🍷 — https://youtu.be/cYFrMfsgL3I 📧 Need Immigration Help? Email: info@szewlaw.com ☎️ Call: (310) 477-0047 💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/YRQOCMEPEULUL1 📅 Schedule: https://szewlaw.com/contact/ DISCLAIMER: This video and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. The information in this video should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. the information presented in this video does not create an attorney/client relationship nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice. You should seek legal advice from Andrea Szew directly by contacting her through email or other means noted above, or from another attorney before taking any legal action. #ChefSujanSarkar #IndianCuisine #MichelinStar #IndienneChicago #NaduChicago #ImmigrantStories #ImmigrantJourney #AmericanDream #InterviewsWithImmigrantsPodcast #IndianFoodUSA #ModernIndianCuisine #ChicagoFoodScene #VeganIndianFood #FoodCulture #ImmigrantChef #FromIndiaToAmerica #RestaurantLife #FoodImmigration #ImmigrantHustle #GritAndGrace #IndianChef #CulturalCuisine #FusionFood #FoodiesOfYouTube #FineDining #MichelinChefs #IndiaToUSA #FoodStorytelling #ChefInterviews

Vanderpump Rules' Guillermo Zapata on Acting, SUR & Starting Over in America

What happens when you arrive in the U.S. with no English, no plan, and no safety net—but an unshakable dream? In this powerful episode of Interviews with Immigrants, Guillermo Zapata—actor, producer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of the legendary SUR Restaurant (yes, that SUR from Vanderpump Rules)—opens up about trading in comfort in Buenos Aires for the chaos and opportunity of Los Angeles. From washing dishes to welcoming celebrities at one of the most famous restaurants in Hollywood… From dreaming of acting on two continents to producing his own films... From being the son of a musical legend to carving out a legacy of his own… Guillermo’s story is one of grit, grace, and starting over—with nothing but heart and hustle. We talk about: 🎭 Acting in two languages and the power of reinvention 🍷 Building SUR from the ground up (literally!) 🎥 Producing films with international reach 🇦🇷 Leaving Buenos Aires to chase the unknown 🔥 What it really means to “start over” in America—and why he’s just getting started This episode is full of grit, charm, and immigrant hustle. Whether you’re a Vanderpump Rules fan, a dreamer, or someone who’s ever had to reinvent themselves far from home—this one’s for you. 🎧 Also available to listen everywhere, including: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19YtPoXvb47f1M9aGpA6FJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interviews-with-immigrants/id1792940158?uo=4 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/db753d20-2dff-4a26-87a6-7721e442d9ec — 02:12 Growing Up in Argentina with a Famous Father 04:57 Choosing Acting Over Music 07:12 Becoming a Working Actor in Argentina 08:32 A Trip to LA Changes Everything 10:12 Culture Shocks & Language Barriers 12:42 Never Looked Back: No Doubts, Only Drive 14:12 The Birth of SUR 17:52 Reinventing the Restaurant 20:12 The SUR Origin Story 21:42 Enter Lisa Vanderpump 23:42 Vanderpump Rules Begins 25:22 The Immigrant Roots of SUR & Vanderpump Rules 27:12 Returning to Acting 29:12 Becoming a Producer 30:32 Acting in Two Languages 32:12 Restaurant Is a Stage 33:42 Natalie: Love, Partnership, and the Balloon 35:12 Raising Trilingual Kids 38:12 Leading by Example in the Latin Community 41:12 Advice to His 22-Year-Old Self 42:57 Be Amazing Where You Are First 44:42 Why He Loves the U.S. 46:12 Alfajores & Dulce de Leche 50:42 Final Thoughts & Gratitude Missed Episode 1? Check out our hilarious and heartfelt interview with Brazilian-born comedian Jade Catta-Preta 🇧🇷🎤 🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/m5rP4HL-FgA Missed Episode 2? Don’t miss our delicious and deeply personal conversation with Mexican-American chef and TV personality Aarón Sánchez 🇲🇽🔥 — as we talk heritage, hustle, and take a surprise tequila break. 🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/iF2gwzmaQJ4 Missed Episode 3? Catch our powerful episode with Leo Chan 🇭🇰🗽 — the fashion influencer and former Wall Street analyst who shares what it’s like growing up as an immigrant in NYC, redefining Asian masculinity, and turning identity into impact. 🎧 Watch now: https://youtu.be/X7UwahYAQtc 📍 Visit SUR: https://surrestaurantandlounge.com 📲 Follow Guillermo: @guillermozapata ✅ Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@SzewLawGroupInc If you find this video informative and want to learn more please SUBSCRIBE and also 🔔CLICK THAT BELL🔔 to make sure you are notified next time there is a new video.  📧 Need Immigration Help? Email: info@szewlaw.com ☎️ Call: (310) 477-0047 💬 WhatsApp: Message Szew Law Group Inc. - https://wa.me/message/YRQOCMEPEULUL1 SCHEDULE CONSULTATION - https://szewlaw.com/contact/ Check out Szew Law Group and Andrea on social media 👉Twitter (X):  https://twitter.com/szewlaw?lang=en 👉Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/szewlaw/ 👉Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/szewlawgroup/ 👉Website: https://www.szewlaw.com/ DISCLAIMER: This video and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. The information in this video should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. the information presented in this video does not create an attorney/client relationship nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice. You should seek legal advice from Andrea Szew directly by contacting her through email or other means noted above, or from another attorney before taking any legal action. #VanderpumpRules #GuillermoZapata #SURRestaurant #BravoTV #hulu #VPR #BehindTheScenesSUR #VanderpumpCast #LatinoEntrepreneur #ImmigrantSuccess #ImmigrantStories #ImmigrantJourney #AmericanDream #InterviewsWithImmigrantspodcast #HollywoodDream #ArgentinaToLA #ActingInHollywood #LatinoActor #LatinoCreatives #FromDishwasherToOwner #DreamChaser #PodcastInterview #InspiringStories #StartingOver #BravoFanFavorites #HollywoodHustle #VPRFans #LisaVanderpump #BuildingSUR #LatinoSuccessStory

Hong Kong to the USA🇭🇰🇺🇸 - How a Hong Kong Kid Became a Style Icon in America - Leo Chan!

What happens when an immigrant story includes Wall Street spreadsheets, GQ features, and a side of chicken feet? 🧧👟🇭🇰 In this episode of Interviews with Immigrants, host Andrea Szew sits down with fashion creator and first-generation immigrant Leo Chan — who moved from Hong Kong to Queens at 10 years old, learned English through cartoons and basketball, and eventually traded a career in finance for full-time content creation. They talk about the power of immigrant hustle, redefining Asian masculinity in Western media, and what it means to grow up as a “third culture kid” straddling two very different worlds. Plus… Andrea tries chicken feet for the first time. Ever. 🐓👀 🧧 Topics covered in this episode: 👟 From Hong Kong to NYC: What Leo’s family risked — and why they came at the last possible moment 📚 ESL, Game Boys & Culture Shock: The surprising things that made assimilation easier 🏙️ Finance to Fashion: How Leo left Morgan Stanley for GQ — and brought his heritage with him 📸 Asian Representation: Why Leo is challenging old stereotypes through fashion, media & creativity 🥟 Dim Sum & Identity: The family rituals that keep his roots strong 🐓 Andrea tries chicken feet for the first time — and what food can teach us about culture 💬 Advice for first-generation kids: What Leo wishes he knew sooner, and why his story is just beginning Whether you're into fashion, culture, storytelling — or just want to see Andrea panic over a dumpling with claws — this episode is an honest and inspiring look at immigrant identity, reinvention, and pride. Check out more about Leo on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/levitatestyle/?hl=en 🎧 Also available to listen everywhere, including: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19YtPoXvb47f1M9aGpA6FJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interviews-with-immigrants/id1792940158?uo=4 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/db753d20-2dff-4a26-87a6-7721e442d9ec 02:11 – Growing up in Hong Kong and why his parents took the leap 06:45 – ESL, Pokémon, and the power of cartoons in learning English 09:58 – When fashion became a survival tool 15:22 – From accounting classes to the GQ feature 21:40 – How Leo defines success as an Asian man in America 25:00 – Chicken feet: the moment of truth 😬 30:17 – Dim sum and father-son traditions 34:33 – Advice for immigrant creatives trying to break out of the 9-to-5 38:19 – What Leo still carries from Hong Kong — and why it matters 🍽️ Missed Episode 1? Check out our hilarious and heartfelt interview with Brazilian-born comedian Jade Catta-Preta 🇧🇷🎤: https://youtu.be/m5rP4HL-FgA 🍽️ Missed Episode 2? Check out our delicious and deeply personal conversation with Mexican-American chef and TV personality Aarón Sánchez 🇲🇽🔥 — as we talk heritage, hustle, and take a surprise tequila break. https://youtu.be/iF2gwzmaQJ4 📧 Need Immigration Help? Email: info@szewlaw.com ☎️ Call: (310) 477-0047 💬 WhatsApp: Message Szew Law Group Inc. - https://wa.me/message/YRQOCMEPEULUL1 SCHEDULE CONSULTATION - https://szewlaw.com/contact/ Check out Szew Law Group and Andrea on social media 👉Twitter (X):  https://twitter.com/szewlaw?lang=en 👉Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/szewlaw/ 👉Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/szewlawgroup/ 👉Website: https://www.szewlaw.com/ DISCLAIMER: This video and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. The information in this video should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. the information presented in this video does not create an attorney/client relationship nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice. You should seek legal advice from Andrea Szew directly by contacting her through email or other means noted above, or from another attorney before taking any legal action. #InterviewsWithImmigrantspodcast #ImmigrantStories #HongKongToAmerica #ThirdCultureKid #ImmigrantJourney #FromFinanceToFashion #AsianRepresentation #FirstGenStories #LeoChanStory #DimSumAndDreams #StyleAndIdentity #ImmigrantPride #FashionJourney #CreativeCareerPivot #ContentCreatorLife #FromWallStreetToRunway #LevitateStyle #MensStyleInfluencer #AsianMenStyle #ChickenFeetChallenge #CulturalFusion #DimSumDiaries #EastMeetsWest #CantoneseRoots #AsianAmericanVoices #FoodIsCulture #ImmigrantHustle #PodcastEpisode #NewPodcastDrop #YouTubePodcast #ImmigrantExperience #DiversityInMedia #PodcastInterview #IdentityMatters