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Coming To America

Coming To America

By: Ed Halla
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About this listen

Welcome to "Coming to America," a podcast that explores the extraordinary journeys of individuals who left their homelands behind to chase the American dream. In a world where "America" symbolizes not just a nation but a profound idea and a beacon of hope, we delve into the personal narratives of immigrants who embarked on an incredible adventure. In this imperfect union known as the USA, people from diverse backgrounds and cultures find common ground, forge new identities, and contribute to the rich tapestry of American life. Through intimate conversations and heartfelt accounts, we bring you the experiences, challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of those who dared to dream beyond borders. Join us as we celebrate the resilience, diversity, and shared humanity that define the American story. From the pursuit of freedom to the pursuit of happiness, "Coming to America" reveals the universal essence of the American dream and the unique journeys that make it a reality. Career Success Economics Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • E29 - Australian in the USA
    Feb 5 2026

    GEOFF CRAIGHEAD is, in every sense, a global citizen. Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, he studied at the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, while also playing Australian rules football with the South Melbourne Football Club. His early career carried him to North Australia, where he worked among indigenous communities, and later to Hong Kong, where he lived alongside former triad members and recovering heroin addicts, while serving in the Hong Kong & Kowloon Wharf Police.

    Geoff eventually settled in the United States with his wife, Sarah, and went on to build a distinguished professional career. He directed field training for Allied Universal, North America’s largest security contractor; served as president of ASIS International, the world’s foremost organization for security management professionals; authored authoritative reference works on skyscraper security and the 19th-century gold rush; and addressed audiences worldwide as a professional speaker.

    https://www.geoffcraighead.com/

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    50 mins
  • E28 - Iranian in the USA
    Jan 13 2026

    Atousa Gorg, P.E. (she/her) is a Resident Engineer for consultant projects in ODOT - Oregon Department of Transportation. In her time at ODOT, Gorg's project management portfolio includes the Engineering Delivery of Interstate Bridge Replacement, I-5 Rose Quarter, I-205 Toll Project and Regional Mobility Pricing Project.

    Gorg has a Master's of Civil and Environmental Engineering from Portland State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Oregon. She is a multilingual Civil Engineer who immigrated to the US from the Middle East to practice her core values of freedom and equity. She serves as a board member, volunteer, and/or ambassador with several international and local nonprofit organizations, including WTS Portland which focuses on promoting the advancement of women in the transportation industry. In 2024, Gorg received the WTS Portland Member of Year Award and was a past recipient of the International Leadership Award for leading the Community Action Project.

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    39 mins
  • E27 - Colombian in the USA
    Dec 9 2025
    • David Hurtado was born and raised in Bogota, growing up during turbulent times in Colombian history.
    • He moved to the US in 2008 for graduate studies in public health at Harvard University.
    • He lived in the Boston, MA area until 2015, when he then moved to Portland, where he works as an associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University, researching occupational stress and workplace health and safety.
    • He is married to a Colombian educator, and they have two kids born in Portland in 2018 and 2022.
    • His immigrant story involves science, academia, and rock music.
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    48 mins
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.