Episode 4: Language, Justice, and Identity: From the Headlines to the Heart

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground—from injustice to celebration to community. I begin with the shocking story of an immigrant who was wrongfully detained and sent to a prison in El Salvador, a stark reminder of how dangerous bureaucratic failures can be for vulnerable communities. Then, I spotlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month, discussing its urgency and what real accountability looks like, followed by a recognition of APIDA Heritage Month and the need to uplift Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American voices in every space—from media to politics to campus life.

But it’s not all heavy. We end the news rundown with some good news: Senator Cory Booker’s latest legislative win and a major progressive victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court give us something to celebrate.

Later in the episode, I sit down with Dr. Giancaspro, a researcher and professor whose work on heritage bilingualism explores how second-generation Latinos navigate Spanish in an English-dominant world. We talk about the tensions between identity and language, the weight of expectations, and why being "not fluent enough" can carry real emotional and cultural consequences. Whether you’re a heritage speaker, a language nerd, or just someone trying to make sense of who you are—this conversation is for you.