DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
Hollie McKay
Dispatches with Hollie McKay is where on-the-ground reporting meets real talk, no fluff, no agenda—just raw, unfiltered stories from the far corners of the world. Every week, I dive into the headlines that should be making news, the hidden humanitarian crises, and the extraordinary resilience of people too often forgotten. Alongside risk analyst Dennis Santiago, we’ll unpack global events, challenge narratives, and throw in a few personal picks—because sometimes, after covering war zones, you just need a good book, a great song, or a killer recipe. Welcome to Dispatches—where empathy leads the conversation.
Follow Hollie on Instagram and X @holliesmckay
*This podcast is proudly brought to you by HumanizingGlobalPolicy.org
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Top 10 DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
An Afghan Father Raising Two Young Girls Under Taliban Rule
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
10/22/24 • 51 min
In this powerful episode, I sit down with my dear friend Naweed, a father of two young girls in Afghanistan to hear his extraordinary story, from being born and raised in a refugee camp in Pakistan to becoming the provider for his family in Kabul. We explore the unique responsibilities placed on sons to care for their extended families in Afghan culture, the strength found in large families despite widespread poverty, and how communities persevere. He shares eye-opening insights into how the Taliban is funded and paints a vivid picture of life in the streets of Kabul—details that go far beyond what the mainstream media reports.
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Iraqi-Christian Father on Surviving a Deadly Terrorist Attack on his Honeymoon and Raising a Son with Assyrian and American Values
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
11/12/24 • 48 min
In this powerful and heart-wrenching episode, I sit down with my dear friend and war reporting buddy, Steven Nabil, an Iraqi Christian father who shares his harrowing journey of surviving war as a child and years later enduring a terrorist attack by ISIS at Istanbul airport while returning from his honeymoon. Steven opens up about the lasting trauma of these experiences and how it has shaped his family’s life. With resilience, he discusses his passion to preserve the ancient language of Jesus, and what fatherhood means to him in the face of death threats. Steven reflects on raising his son in a world shaped by Assyrian, Iraqi, and American values, all while striving to be the most present, loving, and selfless father he can be in the face of continued death threats as he exposes critical issues within the fabric of Iraqi society. This is a story of survival, faith, and the unbreakable bond of family with lots of wisdom along the way!
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From Rural Queensland to China, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia: Raising Daughters Across Cultures and Fostering Empathy
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
10/15/24 • 63 min
In this episode, I sit down with my god sister, Annalise Stephens, who was raised as an only child in rural Queensland, Australia, and developed a deep desire to explore the world. Now a mother of two, Annalise has lived in China, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, raising her daughters across diverse cultures. We dive into her experiences navigating language barriers, adapting to different education systems, and managing cultural expectations. From local cuisines to the lessons of empathy gained through seeing how most of the world lives, Annalise shares insights on parenting and personal growth in a globally connected world.
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Motherhood, Cancer, and Career with German New Yorker Nadja Atwal
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
12/17/24 • 66 min
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with New York-based, German publicist Nadja Atwal to discuss the challenges and triumphs of juggling motherhood and a thriving career. Nadja shares her unique insights on integrating children into daily work life, how the German parenting and disciplinary style compares to American approaches, and her personal experiences navigating the U.S. and German healthcare systems. She also opens up about the resilience required to mother through two cancer treatments and the realities of plane travel with toddlers. Nadja also offers her perspective on what the U.S. can do to become a more pro-family nation.
Follow Nadja on Instagram @nadjaatwal
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A Half-German, Half-Chinese Mom Raising Four Kids Across Europe, Almost Two Decades Apart
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
10/08/24 • 87 min
In this episode, I sit down with German-born actress Kami Manns, a remarkable mother of four, whose journey spans decades and countries. Born to a German mother and Haaka Chinese father, whom she met for the first time as an adult, Kami has raised her children in three different countries—Germany, France, and Switzerland—each offering unique experiences in postpartum care and child-rearing. With children aged 23, 18, and 4-year-old twin boys, she reflects on navigating the diverse landscapes of alternative schooling, government support, and the stigmas she faced as a young mom in the arts.
From giving birth across Europe to embracing a nature-focused, stress-free lifestyle for her children, this conversation delves into the challenges and beauty of raising a multicultural family with two decades between her eldest and youngest.
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The Daughter of a Child Bride in India
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
10/01/24 • 61 min
Rubby Singh, the daughter of a child bride in India, shares her family's harrowing experiences and the broader impact of child marriage in the region. India has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with an estimated 27% of girls married before the age of 18. Rubby's mother was forced into marriage at just 13, a fate shared by millions of young girls each year. Rubby discusses how this practice perpetuates cycles of poverty, limits educational opportunities, and contributes to health risks for young mothers. Her story highlights the urgent need for stronger legal enforcement and community education to protect vulnerable girls.
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Post-War Philippines to American Dream: A Father's Journey
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
09/20/24 • 60 min
Join us as we delve into the extraordinary life of my good friend Dennis Santiago, a man whose journey from the post-war streets of Manila to the suburbs of Southern California is as inspiring as it is heartwarming.
Growing up amidst the challenges of post-war Philippines, Dennis learned invaluable life lessons that have shaped him into the man he is today. From navigating the bustling streets of Manila to adjusting to a new culture in America, he'll share his unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of family.
As a father of two daughters, Dennis will also discuss how his experiences have influenced his approach to parenting. Discover the wisdom he's passed down to his children, and gain insights into the challenges and rewards of fatherhood in a rapidly changing world.
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Rebecca Deng's Harrowing and Hope-Filled Journey from Sudan
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
10/29/24 • 71 min
Join me for a powerful conversation with Rebecca Deng, a remarkable woman and mother who has defied all odds. Growing up in the midst of war in Sudan, Rebecca lost her father in the war and her mother and baby sibling died during childbirth. After evading a pending child marriage, at just 15, she gave birth to her first daughter, a heartbreaking consequence of wartime rape in a Kenyan refugee camp. Despite these trials, Rebecca's spirit remained unbroken. She immigrated to the United States, has had two more children, and is an incredible beacon of hope for survivors of trauma.
In this episode, Rebecca shares her extraordinary story, offering a glimpse into the Dinka tribe's birthing and child-rearing practices and the cultural differences she encountered in the United States. Discover the resilience and strength that have shaped her life, and learn how her journey can inspire others to overcome adversity.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Rebecca Deng, author of "What They Meant for Evil."
Learn More about Rebecca: www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadeng1
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From the Battlefield to Fatherhood: A Conversation with Kris "Tanto" Paronto
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
11/05/24 • 70 min
In this powerful episode, Kris "Tanto" Paronto, former Army Ranger and Benghazi survivor, opens up about the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood. From juggling overseas deployments to learning how to be a present father later in life and endeavoring to make up for lost time, Kris shares his journey of shunning ego, stepping back from the spotlight, divorcing and re-marrying his wife, and simplifying his once chaotic world to focus on his family. Hear his emotional account of coming back from the brink of suicide and the life-changing lessons he's learned along the way. This candid conversation offers deep insights into fatherhood, resilience, and the advice Kris would give his younger self.
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From U.S. Army Ranger to Emergency Room Doctor: All Things School Shootings to Maternal Mortality
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
11/19/24 • 46 min
In this compelling episode, I sit down with a U.S. Army Ranger veteran and ER doctor Matt Tipton who shares his extraordinary journey from rural East Tennessee to the U.S Army and emergency medicine. Matt opens up about raising three children post-divorce, the complexities of male mental health, and navigating the realities of school shootings in today’s America.
Our conversation delves into the pressing issues he encounters in the ER, including the leading causes for children’s visits, and his insights on the alarming rise in America’s maternal mortality rate. A thoughtful discussion on service, survival, and the health of a nation in crisis.
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FAQ
How many episodes does DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay have?
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay currently has 14 episodes available.
What topics does DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay cover?
The podcast is about News, Russia, International, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Middle East, Humanitarian, Conflict, Podcasts, War, China, Foreign Policy and Military.
What is the most popular episode on DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay?
The episode title 'An Afghan Father Raising Two Young Girls Under Taliban Rule' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay?
The average episode length on DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay is 60 minutes.
How often are episodes of DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay released?
Episodes of DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay?
The first episode of DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay was released on Sep 20, 2024.
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