In this episode, we sit down with Kim, a Korean-born American adoptee, for a deeply honest conversation about identity, belonging, and what it means to feel at home across cultures.

Kim shares her lived experience of navigating adoption, migration, and cross-cultural life, reflecting on how identity evolves through personal history, environment, and relationships. Together, we explore the difference between identities we live, learn, carry, and choose to love—and how these layers shape our sense of belonging over time.

The conversation examines how cultural expectations influence self-understanding, why curiosity is essential for genuine connection, and how inclusive environments can reduce the need for code-switching. Kim also speaks to the importance of safety—emotional, cultural, and relational—as a foundation for human flourishing.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own belonging journey and consider how we can intentionally create spaces that honor individual identity while fostering deeper community.

Key Takeaways

• Belonging begins with understanding and honoring individual identity
• Identity is not static; it evolves across life stages and environments
• Home can be fluid, relational, and deeply personal
• Curiosity opens the door to authentic connection
• Adoption adds unique and lasting layers to identity formation
• Inclusive spaces reduce the need for code-switching
• Safety—emotional and cultural—is essential for growth and belonging
• Creating cultures of belonging requires intention and effort

Sound Bites

• “Identity is a journey.”
• “What does home mean to you?”
• “Home is where my family is.”

About Kim Dabbs

Kim Dabbs is a global leader in belonging and purpose, and the Global Vice President of ESG and Social Innovation at Steelcase. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she partners with organizations worldwide to build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and able to thrive as their authentic selves.

She is the best-selling author of You Belong Here: The Power of Being Seen, Heard, and Valued on Your Own Terms (Berrett-Koehler, 2024), named a top book to read by the Financial Times. Her work offers practical frameworks for individuals and leaders to create belonging in workplaces, communities, and everyday life. Kim is also the founder of To Belonging, a global community exploring the intersection of identity and purpose.

https://tobelonging.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimdabbs/

---

Join our growing community by following the podcast, subscribing for new episodes, and leaving a rating or review. Every share and comment helps us build spaces for deeper conversation and belonging. Follow us on social @nhnt.podcast

In this episode, Karen Chong joins Neither Here Nor Here to share her global journey living across Hong Kong, San Francisco, Japan, and London—and how each place shaped her identity. Karen opens up about the realities of being a cultural outsider, particularly during her time in Japan, and the emotional and social adjustments that come with starting over in new countries.

Through personal stories and reflections, Karen explores how adapting to local customs while staying true to yourself is a delicate but essential balance. She discusses meaningful cultural lessons, including a memorable misunderstanding in Japan, the concept of “face” in Chinese culture, and how social expectations vary widely across regions.

The conversation also dives into relationships—how to maintain deep friendships across time zones, why quality matters more than quantity, and how genuine curiosity keeps connections alive. Drawing from her upbringing with educator parents and her own international experiences, Karen offers thoughtful advice for third-culture kids and anyone navigating life between cultures.

Listeners who enjoy thoughtful conversations on identity, belonging, and cross-cultural growth will find this episode both relatable and grounding.

You can also check out Karen’s podcast, Mind Blend, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow her on Instagram @mindblendpodcast for more insights and conversations.

• Living in multiple countries can shape entirely different versions of yourself
• Feeling like an outsider is challenging but deeply formative
• Cultural adaptation does not require losing your identity
• Social norms and unspoken rules vary widely across cultures
• Deep friendships require intentional effort, especially across distance
• Quality over quantity leads to more meaningful relationships
• Embracing discomfort often leads to the most growth

• “I felt like an outsider the most in Japan.”
• “Adapting to local cultures is key.”
• “Quality matters more than quantity in friendships.”
• “Embrace cultural differences and learn from them.”
• “Living in multiple countries shaped who I am.”

In this episode of Neither Here Nor There, host Nick sits down with Romani authors and storytellers Jazmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens, co-hosts of the Romanistan podcast, which celebrates rebels, roots, and Romani culture. They share intimate stories of growing up in Romani families, explore the spiritual and cultural significance of fortune telling, and discuss what it’s like to navigate identity, community, and expectations in a world that often misunderstands them. Along the way, they challenge stereotypes tied to the word “gypsy,” highlight the resilience and creativity of their communities, and reveal how storytelling can serve as both a shield and a bridge.

Follow their work and continue learning at Instagram: @romanistanpodcast, @jezmina.vonthiele, and @romaniholistic

Takeaways

• Growing up in a Romani community involves a rich tapestry of culture and spirituality.
• The term 'gypsy' carries a heavy historical burden and is often misunderstood.
• Community provides both safety and restrictions, shaping individual identities.
• Education is often deprioritized in traditional Romani communities due to survival needs.
• Fortune telling is a form of empowerment and cultural expression, not just a stereotype.
• Misconceptions about Romani people often overshadow their resilience and creativity.
• Belonging is a complex experience, often felt in the in-between spaces of culture.
• Traditions evolve over time, and appreciation for them can grow with age.
• The importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity and history.
• Romani culture is diverse, with many individuals pursuing various professions beyond stereotypes.
  
  Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or drop a comment, your feedback helps the podcast grow and keeps the conversation going. You can follow us on Instagram as well @NHNT.podcast

Neither Here Nor There is a podcast about the emotional side of living between cultures — the identity shifts, the moments of belonging and not belonging, and the stories we carry when life takes us across borders.

Hosted by someone who has lived this experience firsthand, the show dives into honest conversations and personal stories from immigrants, expats, third-culture kids, and global souls. It’s not about logistics or checklists — it’s about the human journey: identity, memory, culture, and the quiet work of rebuilding yourself in a new place.

If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds, if your story doesn’t fit neatly into one box, or if you’re still learning how to belong in more than one home, this podcast is for you.