Our Nomadic Lives

This episode reflects on our journey of creating a personal and cultural podcast, exploring themes of identity, community, creativity, and the challenges of diaspora life. We share insights from their experiences, listener feedback, and future plans for the series. Email: nomadiclivespod (at) gmail.com Our Nomadic Lives https://www.instagram.com/ournomadiclives/ Özgecan https://www.instagram.com/o...

Our conversation delves into the rich tapestry of Kazakh culture, exploring the historical impacts of Soviet rule, personal stories of resilience, and the ongoing journey of identity and healing. We share insights on the importance of storytelling, the role of music in our lives, and the need for open discussions about inherited trauma and community experiences. The Music in Our Lives Playlist: ht...

Our conversation delves into the rich tapestry of Kazakh culture, focusing on the significance of music, traditional songs, and the impact of diaspora on identity. We explore how music serves as a storytelling medium, preserving folklore and connecting generations. We discuss the role of celebrations in community bonding, the historical context of migration, and the evolving perceptions of languag...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of Kazakh culture, focusing on the evolution of traditions, gift-giving practices, and the role of elders in cultural transmission. We discuss the challenges of maintaining cultural practices abroad and the significance of food in community celebrations. We emphasise the need for adaptation in modern life while advocating for the flourishing of the Kaza...

After reading "Beyond the Mother Tongue: The Postmonolingual Condition" by Yasemin Yıldız, we discuss what it entails for our experiences with the Kazakh language. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between language, identity, and culture, particularly in the context of Kazakh diaspora experiences. We discuss the evolution of language in relation to nationhood, the emotional conn...

Our conversation delves into the complexities of migration, intergenerational trauma, and the search for identity and belonging. We explore the burdens of being a cycle breaker, the impact of past traumas on present generations, and the journey of self-discovery and healing. We discuss cultural identity, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the importance of community in creatin...

In this episode, we discuss the renaissance of comedy in Kazakhstan, particularly focusing on female comedians and how they address cultural trauma through humour. The conversation delves into mental health awareness within Kazakh communities, the role of women, and the challenges faced by daughters-in-law in traditional settings. We emphasise the importance of breaking cycles of tradition and the...

In this episode, we talk about the intersection of creativity and parenthood. We explore how our cultural backgrounds influence artistic expression and the importance of community support. We reflect on our personal journeys, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the societal pressures that can stifle creativity. The discussion highlights the transformative power of parenthood in s...

Friends, the next two episodes will be lighter in tone and thought. We reflect on our summers as we turn towards the winter. We talk about how summers were the time to reconnect with our extended families and how our grandparents played a role in our childhoods, especially in the summers. We also touch upon the topic of changing parenting and grandparenting styles across generations, and how commu...

In our inaugural episode of Our Nomadic Lives podcast, we explore our Kazakh heritage and identity as we navigate life in Berlin. We discuss the importance of language in connecting with our culture and the role of community in preserving Kazakh traditions. Through our personal stories and reflections, we highlight the complexities of cultural layers and the significance of understanding our roots...

Changing homes and countries leads to movements and questions within ourselves. Does one home ever fully replace the other? Or do we remain fragmented between geographies, their psychologies and histories? These homes represent become echoes of our multilayered identities, in this world where movement and migration has forever existed. These are some of the questions we will ask as we embark on th...