Samuel Hall Stories

In this episode, join host Mwara Namelok and Samuel Hall co-founder Herve Nicolle as they step into the findings of the EU funded project PACES, a research project examining how migration and migration policy decisions are shaped amidst broader societal change.

In this episode, we head to Kakuma, Kenya, to explore the politics of localised research in the face of shrinking humanitarian funding. 

Our Storytelling Officer Devyani Nighoskar speaks with Franco Ohisa, a researcher and community leader, on what it really means to lead  and be heard  from within.

We discuss: 🔹How funding cuts impact trust in research

🔹 The risks of extractive studies and broken feedback loops

🔹 Practical ways to centre refugee voices and leadership

Whether you're a humanitarian worker, donor, or field researcher, this conversation asks the tough questions about equity, power, and representation.

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🌍 As the climate crisis intensifies, it’s not just temperatures rising — responsibilities are shifting. In many parts of the world, women are forced to carry the weight of climate adaptation when men migrate in search of better livelihoods.

This episode is part of our Lines of Inquiry series – a behind-the-scenes look at how Samuel Hall approaches research on migration and displacement.

🎙️ In this episode, host Mwara Namelok speaks with Wendy Indira, an Area Coordinator at Samuel Hall, about the intersections of climate change, gender, and migration. Drawing on fieldwork from Kenya, Somalia, and Nigeria, they explore:

✔️ The hidden labour women take on in climate-affected communities ✔️ Why adaptation often falls disproportionately on women ✔️ How women’s knowledge and networks are shaping grassroots climate solutions ✔️ What policy shifts are needed to better support women on the frontlines of climate change

From pastoralist communities to urban settlements, this episode dives into real-world stories that challenge our assumptions and amplify women's resilience.

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📊 What we measure shapes what we manage.  But do our metrics truly reflect the realities we aim to change?

 In this episode of the Samuel Hall Stories Podcast, host, Devyani Nighoskar goes Behind the Metrics with Marta Trigo Da Roza, senior Researcher at Samuel Hall to unpack how the metrics we choose shape the policies, programmes, and lived experiences of people in contexts of migration and displacement.

Together, they explore: ✔️ Why defining what we measure is crucial for effective policy ✔️ The hidden biases behind common metrics ✔️ How to ensure human stories aren’t lost in the numbers

With real-world examples from our research at Samuel Hall, this episode is for anyone curious about how data influences the way we understand the world—and how we can use it to drive real change.

Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound

Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound

Break Music: No More Reason/Farrell Wooten/Epidemic Sound

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Show notes:

In this special episode, we’re joined by Nhial Deng, a South Sudanese refugee and advocate, as he redefines localisation in the humanitarian sector. 

Nhial’s journey—from Kakuma refugee camp to winning the Global Student Prize—offers valuable insights on empowerment, local leadership, and meaningful refugee inclusion. Through Nhial’s story, we explore how humanitarian practices can evolve to genuinely work with the communities they aim to support.

Listen in to discover the steps needed for true localization, beyond consultations and into community-led action.

In Kenya, where over half a million refugees seek safety and opportunity, digital skills are emerging as a crucial pathway to self-sufficiency. But are these tech-driven solutions addressing deeper structural challenges—or just a quick fix?

In the latest episode of Samuel Hall Stories, host Mwara Namelok and Aol Jared, our Research Operations Manager, dive into years of Samuel Hall’s research on digital livelihoods to explore what’s working, what isn’t, and how barriers to access - including legal and infrastructural barriers continue to hold back progress.

We also tackle tough questions on exploitative work conditions in the digital economy, the promises of the new Refugee Act and the vital role of Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs) in driving real change.

Tune in to hear practical and durable solutions for a more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for refugees.

Show Notes: 

In this third episode, we understand the role of faith actors within the Humanitarian sector. 

Drawing from our research across Kenya, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, and Mozambique, with Islamic Relief Worldwide, this collaborative episode explores a vital question: How can faith actors effectively support local humanitarian and development efforts and strengthen localisation efforts?

Hosted by Devyani Nighoskar, our Storytelling and Communications Officer, the podcast features insights from our co-founder and principal researcher Dr. Nassim Majidi, and our research lead Juliette Samman.

In this second episode, we are unpacking the term ‘resilience’’.

What is the meaning of resilience and why is it such a popular word within the humanitarian space? Does resilience as an umbrella term absolve organisations of accountability? Does it put the burden of recovery on individuals rather than focus on systemic issues ? Or is it simply a term to celebrate those who have overcome extraordinary challenges.

Tune in and listen as we navigate these questions  in this thought-provoking episode, hosted by Communications Intern Mwara Namelok and Samuel Hall’s co-founder, Herve Nicolle. 

In our inaugural episode, we're diving into ‘Decolonising Migration and Displacement Research’ – a transformative approach that challenges deep-rooted biases and narratives. 

Join us as we unravel the layers of this movement, exploring its impact on policy, public perception, and the lives of those on the move.

Hosted by our Storytelling & Communications officer; Devyani Nighoshkar and our resident expert; Juliette Samman, a research lead at Samuel Hall, based in Lebanon; the episode delves into how researchers can dismantle enduring colonial structures in the field of migration research.

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Pre-into music: Daylight Soft - Music by Vladimir Sheshnev from Pixabay