In this episode, Andrew Jose speaks with investigative journalist and author Geri Spieler about her new book, Regina of Warsaw: Love, Loss and Liberation.

The immigrant experience is a vital part of American history, but it's often filled with hurdles. The U.S. is home to one-fifth of the world’s international migrants, with the foreign-born population hitting a record 46.1 million in 2022. Many immigrants face obstacles, such as navigating complex legal systems, overcoming language barriers, and dealing with discrimination. A recent survey highlighted how these challenges can extend to accessing healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Regina of Warsaw delves into these struggles by telling the story of Regina Anuszewicz, Geri's grandmother, who fled violent antisemitism in Poland with her infant before World War I, eventually finding her way to the United States. The narrative begins in 1906 Bialystok, Poland, with a brutal pogrom that changed Regina's life forever. This trauma fueled her determination to fight against antisemitism, guiding her journey across borders and through hardships.

Geri Spieler’s work not only honors her grandmother's legacy but also shines a light on the resilience and sacrifices of immigrants. This discussion brings to life the historical and personal dimensions of Regina’s story, connecting them with the contemporary struggles faced by many immigrants today.

Join us as we delve into history, family, and the immigrant experience with Geri Spieler. Tune in to hear a story of courage, survival, and the enduring human spirit. Without further ado, let's get into the interview.

In this episode, Andrew Jose speaks with former California State Assemblywoman Mary Chung Hayashi, about her latest book, Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation.

Women in the United States first gained their right to vote through the 1930 Women’s Enfranchisement Act.

Since then, women have not only participated in the electoral process as mere voters but have also gone on to break the glass ceiling in party leadership, local and state elections, and even become Vice President of the United States.

Should Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for the November 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections, win, the United States will also have its first female president, a milestone likely to spur women to run for the White House in the future, regardless of their affections for Harris.

Despite the progress accrued over the years by champions of women’s representation in all areas of society, particularly the workplace, major barriers still exist for young girls who seek to lead the country in politics.

What are these barriers? How can women overcome them? How have other female leaders overcome them?

Learn more through Andrew's interview with Mary Chung Hayashi.

The Andrew Jose Show is a culture, news, and entertainment podcast bringing in authors, activists, entrepreneurs, and others with uplifting, inspirational, and insightful stories and perspectives.

Join Andrew Jose, a Washington, DC-based news reporter, on thought-provoking deep-dives into culture, current affairs, entertainment, and more.