Q&A: Heidy De La Cruz on Sharing Immigrant Stories & Embracing the American Dream
If you’ve ever listened to a podcast and thought, “Wow, that made me feel seen,” chances are, it was hosted by someone like Heidy De La Cruz.
Heidy is the creator and host of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants, an award-winning podcast that just celebrated its third anniversary. She’s also a member of WOC Podcasters, and once worked with us at Atabey & Co.—so getting to sit down with her for our first-ever video interview felt like a full-circle moment.
Her show centers deeply personal, often emotional stories of immigrants from around the world, told in their own words. It’s not about politics or policy. It’s about people. And Heidy’s warmth and intentionality come through in every episode.
Here’s our conversation on why these stories matter, how she builds trust with guests, and what the American Dream really means today.
What inspired you to start the podcast?
I’m a child of immigrants. My parents came from the Dominican Republic in the ’90s, and I grew up surrounded by stories from “back home.” My husband is also an immigrant—he came to the U.S. at age nine—so I’ve always been close to these narratives.
I love stories. Memoirs, documentaries—anything where I can learn about people. In 2022, while on maternity leave, I finally gave myself the time to start the podcast. After reading a powerful article about a Kenyan immigrant’s experience with culture shock, I had this moment of clarity. I didn’t want to focus on politics. I wanted to focus on stories—the kind that don’t often get told, but deserve to be heard.
How do you build trust with guests, especially when the stories are so personal?
I always schedule a pre-interview meeting. I want them to know who I am, where I’m coming from, and why this podcast means so much to me. I’m not trying to push an agenda—I’m here to honor their truth.
I also send questions ahead of time, and during the interview, I’ll check in: “Are you comfortable going deeper?” If not, we move on. It’s all about respect. Many guests have experienced trauma, so I treat every story with care. And if someone overshares and wants something edited out after the fact? No problem. This is their story, not mine.
What do you hope listeners take away from each episode?
At least one thing. A cultural insight, a clearer understanding of the immigration process, or simply an appreciation for how resilient immigrants are.
A lot of my guests are business owners. They're not just working jobs—they’re creating them. And despite all the misconceptions out there, coming to the U.S. isn’t easy. If someone walks away from an episode with more empathy and less assumption, I’ve done my job.
You recently won an award for the show—congrats! What was that moment like?
It was wild! I won the Women in Podcasting Award for Culture & Society. At first, I didn’t even think I’d be able to enter because most awards require a fee—and the one I first saw was $300. But then I came across this one, and it was $10 at the time. I thought, I can do that.
The day of the ceremony, they told us we were in the top three... and then they called my name. I was alone at home, texting my husband who was with our daughter, and I just screamed. That moment was huge. It made me feel like this work matters. And now? I say “award-winning podcast” with my whole chest. As we should.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to share their story, but feels like it doesn’t fit the typical podcast mold?
Share when you’re ready. Don’t rush it. But know this: your story matters.
You never know who needs to hear it to feel validated, seen, or less alone. I’ve found the more I’ve shared, the more I’ve realized how many people have gone through similar things.
And if you want to start a podcast—get connected. Find a community. Work with a coach. Don’t go it alone. Time is too precious to waste on avoidable mistakes. You can always make money back, but you can’t get time back.
Rapid Fire with Heidy
What’s a podcast you’re loving right now?
Honestly, I haven’t been listening to many—mine takes up most of my time! But I’m loving audiobooks lately.
Go-to coffee or tea order?
Green tea with honey. (Yes, I’m Dominican. No, I don’t drink coffee. Yes, my family is appalled.)
A book or movie that always makes you cry?
The Last Song with Miley Cyrus. Also, The Pursuit of Happyness—but I can never watch that again. Once was enough.
One word to describe your podcasting journey?
Rollercoaster.
Finish this sentence: The American Dream is...
Whatever you want it to be.
What Heidy is doing with The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants is powerful. She’s preserving personal histories, creating space for vulnerable storytelling, and changing the narrative—one episode at a time.
You can listen to her podcast wherever you get your shows, and follow her at here
on Substack.Got questions or thoughts about this interview? Drop them in the comments!
"It’s not about politics or policy. It’s about people." 🔥
This was so fun to record! Thank you so much Sasha!!