Immigration, Belonging, and Changing Conversations | Gary Seidler & Sheri Laine

In this episode of The Soul Mirror, host Shreya sits down with Gary Seidler and Sheri Laine, voices behind the podcast Immigrants Road. Together, they explore the deep questions of immigration, belonging, and identity, challenging us to see beyond borders and recognize our shared humanity.

From Gary’s lived experience as a citizen of the world—Shanghai to London, Toronto to the U.S.—to Sheri’s perspective on cultivating belonging wherever you are, this conversation reframes immigration not as struggle alone, but as resilience, community, and contribution. They dive into how conversations can heal divisions, build bridges, and transform belonging into a shared human space.

Listeners will discover how immigration shapes personal identity, why conversations matter, and how everyday acts of compassion can change narratives for individuals and entire families.

About the Guests:

Gary Seidler is a veteran publisher and storyteller who has lived across China, the UK, Canada, and the U.S. His work and upcoming book explore the tension between belonging everywhere yet nowhere, offering wisdom on global identity.

Sheri Laine is a wellness educator, author, and co-creator of Immigrants Road. A third-generation Californian, she brings insight into community, resilience, and creating belonging wherever life takes you.

Together, they co-host Immigrants Road, a podcast sharing powerful immigrant stories that highlight connection, courage, and the human journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Belonging can be created both internally and through the communities we choose.

• Conversations—personal and cultural—are vital in shaping immigrant identity and bridging divides.

• The U.S. and many countries are built on immigration; remembering this helps shift perspective.

• Immigration is not just about survival—it’s about resilience, thriving, and contributing to society.

• Small acts of kindness, like curiosity and compassion, can transform narratives about “the other.”

• Identity is not fixed; it evolves with experiences of movement, loss, and discovery.

• Building bridges through dialogue and empathy is key to healing polarization in society.

• Curiosity about one’s own family immigration story can open doors to meaningful human connection.

Connect with the Guests

• Podcast: Immigrants Road (available on major platforms)

• Website: https://balancedenerqi.com

• Instagram: @ImmigrantsRoad

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?

DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer

This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guests and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. No harm or discredit is intended toward any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media remains the property of its respective owners and is used under fair use.

About Healthy Mind By Avik™️

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and share stories of healing, growth, and mindful living.

👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

Contact 📧 www.healthymindbyavik.com

#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness #podcast #immigration #belonging #identity #community #humanconnection #soulmirror #StorytellingAsMedicine #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealthmatters #trending #youtube #linkedin