We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miki Garcia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miki below.

Hi Miki, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

All of my books are like my children! Each holds a special meaning – born of love, commitment, and countless hours of work. But my latest book, The Irish Freedom/Irish Democrat: An Irish Immigrant Newspaper in London, has a particularly special place in my heart.

It took many years to bring this book to life. The journey was full of complications—archival challenges, COVID, Brexit, shifting political contexts, and the emotional weight of telling a story that demanded historical truth and contemporary relevance. But I knew I had to finish it. This newspaper was not just a publication; it was the voice of a movement, rooted in activist journalism and people power. It connected the Irish diaspora in Britain, built bridges with the wider working-class movement, and showed how media can be used to organise, resist, and inspire.

I’m proud and relieved that the book is finally out. It feels more relevant than ever. In a world where truth-telling and grassroots organising are again under threat, this book reminds us of how powerful communities can be when they stand together with a common purpose. It’s a story about solidarity, struggle, and the enduring force of collective action through words. This book isn’t just about the past. It’s still relevant today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started writing with the instincts and integrity of a journalist, the heart of a traveller, and the purpose of a social historian. Writing books was a natural progression from my earlier career in journalism, as I reported on real-world issues, interviewed people on the margins, for example, Talibans wives and trafficked children. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to social justice. That calling shaped everything: my academic path, my professional choices, and ultimately, the kind of writer I’ve become.

My background is in international reporting and historical research. I hold a doctorate in Irish and British radical history, with a focus on exile, diaspora, and grassroots political movements. I’ve travelled to over 180 countries, and that global perspective deeply informs my writing. Whether I’m working on a book about immigrants’ stories in post-war London or a screenplay about wartime resistance, my commitment remains the same: to amplify voices that have been sidelined, and to help readers understand the power of people-led change.

What ties my writing work together is a deep belief in storytelling as a tool for transformation. I don’t just write for academics; I write for the everyday reader—people who want to learn, feel, and connect. My aim is to make complex histories accessible and emotionally resonant.

What sets me apart is that I’m not a distant observer of the issues I write about. I’ve been on the ground. I’ve been to conflict zones, walked protest lines, and spent years in archives tracking down forgotten stories. I aim to combine historical research with real-world experience. I also write with an international lens, constantly seeking connections between local struggles and global dynamics.

The Irish Freedom/Irish Democrat was the result of years of research, but it tells an essential story: how a small, immigrant newspaper in London helped build a grassroots movement through activist journalism. It’s a book about people power and about how we make change, not by waiting for permission, but by taking action through words, networks, and solidarity. Above all, I want my readers to walk away from my books feeling informed, inspired, and empowered. I want them to learn something new—not just intellectually, but emotionally as well, and to see the world differently, to ask more profound questions, and to feel a deeper connection to those whose stories I’ve worked to tell. Knowledge is power, but only if we act on it. My mission is to tell stories that move people to take action.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a non-fiction writer is witnessing the real-world impact my work has on others. I want to shed light on untold stories, challenge mainstream narratives, and empower readers through knowledge and understanding. When someone tells you, “I never knew that,” or “Your book helped me see things differently,” it’s a deeply affirming moment. I feel my life has a meaning. The reward lies in knowing that my research, voice, and storytelling can spark conversations, shift perspectives, and even influence how people engage with history, justice, and the world around them.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I believe doing your best is enough. It comes from a lifetime of pushing and showing up fully in every role, like journalist, researcher, academic, and activist. But I found that even when I poured myself into a project, recognition, support, or lasting results didn’t always follow. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, the system doesn’t respond the way I want it to. Sometimes, progress can be slow, and complications persist. There are moments I wonder if it will ever see the light of day. I realise that effort doesn’t always lead to immediate outcomes, especially in fields shaped by gatekeepers, timing, and external validation. So the lesson I had to unlearn is this: It’s not always about how hard or how perfectly you work—it’s about trusting the deeper why behind your work, and knowing that its value is intrinsic, whether or not the world responds right away. Trust the timing and believe in yourself. Instead of tying your worth to outcomes, you ground yourself in purpose. This is something I remind myself of every day!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micibeag/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566166535932
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-miki-garcia-5b477114/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mikigarcia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@garciamiki
• Other: https://amazon.com/author/mikigarcia