What Story Does Your Name Tell About Your Identity & Culture?

Welcome to Episode 3 of Reel Stories, Real Growth! In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of names—how they shape identity, carry cultural significance, and tell powerful stories about who we are and where we come from.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• The book that changed how I think about names: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.
• Why names are more than just labels—they’re legacies, stories, and symbols.
• How different cultures, from Hindu traditions to Liberian naming practices, connect names to identity and history.
• The universal struggle of balancing identity and belonging.

Highlights:

🌟 “Names aren’t just sounds we answer to—they’re stories, tied to our values, ancestors, and hopes for the future.”

🌟 Reflections on my own name and how learning its significance deepened my understanding of identity.

🌟 How literature, like The Namesake, opens a window into other cultures and teaches us empathy, curiosity, and respect.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

1. A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer – A story of survival and resilience that planted the seed for my love of storytelling.
2. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri – A poignant exploration of Indian American identity and the cultural weight of names.
3. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A powerful narrative about love, war, and heritage in Nigeria.
4. The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski – A Polish fantasy series rich with cultural depth and mythical storytelling.

Questions to Reflect On:

• What’s the story behind your name?
• How does your name connect you to your culture or family history?
• Have you ever read a book that challenged the way you think about identity?

Takeaway Message:

Names matter. They connect us to our roots, reflect our culture, and shape our identity. Books like The Namesake remind us of the power of storytelling to help us see the beauty in our differences and the strength in our shared humanity.

Join the Conversation:

What does your name mean to you? Share your story and tag me on Instagram: @reelgrowthpodcast! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

🎧 Tune in next week as we step into the vibrant world of K-dramas to explore what they teach us about relationships, resilience, and revenge. You won’t want to miss it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with friends. Let’s keep exploring the stories that shape us and the cultures that make them unforgettable. 🌍✨