May 19, 2025

Behind the Borders - What We Don’t Know

Show Notes

Immigration is a human story shaped by trauma, resilience and the fight to be seen beyond stereotypes.

Michael Desrosiers is joined by Kayra Martinez, the founder of Love Without Borders for Refugees in Need, for a conversation that moves beyond headlines to the lived experiences of those forced to leave everything behind. What do we really know about the people crossing borders in search of safety? And how much of that understanding is shaped by fear rather than fact?

Kayra shares what she’s seen firsthand in refugee camps. Families split apart, children struggling without access to school or medical care, and the quiet power of a paintbrush in helping them begin to heal. She explains how art has become a lifeline for many of the refugees she works with, offering not just expression but income, dignity and a sense of purpose.

This episode challenges the assumptions we make about who refugees are and why they leave. Michael and Kayra discuss the policies, the media narratives, and the human cost behind political rhetoric. They also talk about what it means to make a difference, even on a small scale.

If you’ve ever paused to consider what life looks like after displacement, or whether the stories we hear reflect the whole truth, Michael and Kayra’s conversation offers a deeper look that will challenge assumptions and invite greater empathy.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Framing the Immigration Debate

03:02 Kayra Martinez and Her Work with Refugees

06:07 Migrants vs. Refugees: Why Language Matters

07:48 Breaking Stereotypes and Misconceptions

12:01 Refugee Stories and the Human Cost

21:53 The Psychological Toll on Children

28:48 How Art Supports Healing and Survival

30:41 How to Help: Action Steps for Listeners

34:51 Love Without Borders: What’s Next

Links