What does it mean to find your identity across languages, cultures, and borders? In Episode 16 of the Performance Driven Living Podcast, Mark sits down with Dr. Ligia A. Mihut—a writing professor, author, and Romanian immigrant whose upcoming book, Immigrants, Brokers, and Literacy as Affinity, explores how storytelling shapes the immigrant experience and bridges human connection.

Dr. Mihut discusses the power of language to transform our understanding of self, her personal journey from Romania to the U.S., and why literacy is more than a skill—it’s a gateway to belonging. From academic insights to deeply personal reflections, this episode is a testament to empathy, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of the American Dream.

Whether you're a writer, educator, or someone navigating life between cultures, this conversation will move and inspire you.

00:04:17 — Ligia reflects on her early struggles with English and what literacy meant as an immigrant 00:09:05 — Why her students’ stories inspired her book and shaped her teaching philosophy 00:14:13 — “Storytelling is healing”—how shared experiences help bridge cultural divides 00:21:42 — The role of empathy in writing and why language can be an act of belonging 00:26:57 — On moving to Miami and what’s next in her academic and literary journey Connect with Dr. Ligia Mihut: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ligia-mihut/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/limihut/