We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaafar Issa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaafar, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
One thing that I wholeheartedly agree with now is that people are more similar than not. Even when you think the person is so far removed from what you think on a personal level, the differences are not that significant. That shifts the way you deal with and look at people. Having these conversations helped me realize that people are inherently more good than bad and our perceptions of them are usually just misunderstandings.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I host a podcast called Not From Here. “

Not From Here” is a podcast that shines a light on the unique struggles faced by Western immigrants as they navigate life in a new country. Each episode features in-depth interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds who have firsthand experience with the challenges of preserving their culture, values, and fitting in to a new community.

From the difficulties of finding work and making friends, to the emotional toll of homesickness and isolation, “Not From Here” offers listeners a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience.

But this podcast is not just about highlighting the struggles, it also focuses on the resilience and determination of
these individuals as they strive to prosper and grow in their new home. You’ll hear inspiring stories of overcoming
obstacles, building a new life, and finding success against all odds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shoutout would go to Amad El-Zayat, the founder of The Amity Foundation. He was at the time, a stranger who helped me out in securing a studio which he paid rent for, for the first year of the podcast. That was crucial in me being able to sustain it and keep doing it. At that time, my financial situation wasn’t the best, and I couldn’t afford to rent out a studio. Amad had a place and was willing to pay for it, so I could get on my feet.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podnotfromhere/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaafar-issa-8046a419b/

Twitter: https://x.com/JaafarrIssa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@podnotfromhere

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