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.
Dispatches: Media Censorship and America’s Motherhood Crisis
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
05/01/25 • 31 min
Hollie and Dennis peel back the curtain on corporate media, exposing the tangled web of ego, pressure, and politics that shape the stories we see—and the ones that quietly disappear.
From firsthand experiences of censorship while reporting on ISIS to reflections on the vanishing independence of modern journalism, Hollie offers an unfiltered take on what it really means to tell the truth in today’s media landscape.
The conversation then shifts to motherhood in America: from soaring childcare costs to the cultural blind spots holding families back. With insights shaped by her own experiences as a journalist and new mom, Hollie digs into the systemic failures impacting birth rates, parenting, and gender roles. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about the forces shaping both our headlines and our homes.
Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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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Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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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Balancing Business and Babies: From Ireland to China to Sri Lanka to Vietnam
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
12/10/24 • 78 min
Join me in an illuminating conversation with Anna McMahon, an international educator, coaching psychologist, and founder of Enhanced Wellbeing. Anna shares her journey from growing up in Ireland to living in London, China, Sri Lanka, and now Vietnam, offering deep insights into international education, Asian family values, and the beauty of cross-cultural connection. In this episode, Anna takes us through her unique experiences of motherhood in Asia, from giving birth in Sri Lanka to her current pregnancy in Vietnam, and shares invaluable wisdom on pre- and postnatal care, healthcare systems, and balancing the demands of business and family. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of career and parenthood on a global scale.
Follow Anna: https://www.instagram.com/enhanced.wellbeing
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Subscribe to My Dispatches Substack
Get Links to the show across all podcast platforms
Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
Fatherhood, Conflict, and Mental Health in Crisis inside Cameroon
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay
12/03/24 • 57 min
In this eye-opening episode, I speak with Cameroonian father of four NCHE Sam Tako, a mental health advocate and founder of FOMCAM who sheds light on the harsh realities of raising a family in a country torn apart by violence over French and English language divisions. Sam opens up about the impact of postpartum depression and poverty on mental health, the tireless effort to reduce the stigma, and the immense challenges of giving birth and raising children in an active conflict zone. We also explore Sam's passion for entrepreneurship, the importance of starting work young, and his ongoing fight for accessible education for all.
This is a candid look at resilience, hope, and the power of community amidst chaos.
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Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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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Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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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Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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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Watch on YouTube
Subscribe to My Dispatches Substack
Get Links to the show across all podcast platforms
Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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.
Support the show
Watch on YouTube
Subscribe to My Dispatches Substack
Get Links to the show across all podcast platforms
Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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
Support the show
Watch on YouTube
Subscribe to My Dispatches Substack
Get Links to the show across all podcast platforms
Visit holliesmckay.substack.com
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FAQ
How many episodes does DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay have?
DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay currently has 18 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 53 minutes.
How often are episodes of DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay released?
Episodes of DISPATCHES with Hollie McKay are typically released every 7 days, 1 hour.
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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