text: I'm an Assistant Producer (Temporary) at NPR's Morning Edition & radio journalist passionate about telling stories related to race, class, and identity. When I'm not telling stories, I'm hitting the gym or spending quality time with my friends.
  I live in Detroit, MI. But home is always Jakarta, Indonesia.
  You can email me at npbrao [at] Gmail [dot] com (npbrao@gmail.com).
  NPR.org • 28th November 2022
  China Protests, Congress' Lame Duck Agenda, Georgia Senate Runoff : Up First
  Chinese people protest government's COVID lockdown. Democrats rush to pass bills before Republicans take over the House. Voting starts in Georgia in runoff for final unresolved Senate seat.
  NPR.org • 3rd October 2022
  The Nord Stream leaks are a wake-up call for countries with vulnerable pipelines
  The Nord Stream leaks are a wake-up call for countries with vulnerable pipelines A week after several suspicious ruptures were discovered along the undersea Nord Stream pipeline, gas has reportedly stopped leaking but the questions keep flowing. Namely: What — and who — caused the damage? And how can countries try to prevent similar incidents going forward? Scientists say the two leaks were likely caused by powerful underwater explosions, based on seismic data from Sweden and Denmark. And Euro
  Flatland • 21st September 2021
  The Filter, Season 2
  Served as producer and editor of Flatland KC's The Filter podcast for its second season. The Filter is a women-led podcast amplifying unheard voices with honest conversations, focusing on national issues affecting Kansas City's local communities.
  Feet in 2 Worlds • 21st October 2021
  I Want to Stay Here, Just Not Forever: “A Better Life?” Podcast
  Mohammed Ahsanul is an international student at the University of Wyoming about to complete his Ph.D. in applied mathematics. Once he finishes his degree, he expects to return home to Dhaka, Bangladesh—but not before his family reunites with him for the first time since the pandemic began. In the latest episode of A Better Life?, Producer Naina Rao joins Mohammed and his family for a trip to see America as she examines the ways a better life in the U.S. doesn’t always mean a permanent stay.
  NPR • 10th February 2021
  A Look Into How The Pandemic Will Change Lunar New Year Celebrations
  Lunar New Year begins February 12. The two-week festival is expected to be much more subdued this year due to the pandemic, but Chinese international students are still trying to make the most of it.
  NPR • 14th November 2020
  How Hindus In Wyoming Are Celebrating Diwali, the 'Festival Of Lights,' Amid Pandemic
  Every year, the Hindu festival of Diwali commemorates a new year and a fresh start. But that celebration will look very different during a pandemic.. I shared what that looked like in this story for NPR. Aired on Weekend Edition.
  AAJA Voices • 26th August 2021
  Asian-Americans demand: ‘Call me by my name'
  ‘Why did you give me this name?’ Divy Mente is Indian and an incoming freshman at Cal State University, Northridge, whose real name is Divyasri. Her parents gave her the nickname ‘Divy’ when she was born. Divy gets anxiety when introducing herself because every school year her teachers stumble over her name. But she still feels her nickname Divy is conforming to make other people’s lives easier.
  AAJA Voices • 26th August 2021
  The Great Resignation: Why journalists of color left the industry
  It’s no secret that the demographic makeup of U.S. newsrooms seldom reflect the diversity of the communities they cover. In fact, a 2018 Pew Research Center analysis found that 77% of newsroom employees in the U.S. are white.
  Wyoming Public Media • 6th November 2020
  An Audio Postcard: The Journey To Get Basic Cultural Amenities
  For people of color and immigrants living in Wyoming, getting a haircut, shopping for groceries, or celebrating holidays can be difficult. I shared how it's been, making trips between Laramie, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado to get the basic cultural amenities I need for my lifestyle through this audio postcard.
  Wyoming Public Media • 19th May 2021
  Returning To 'Normal' Is A Different Reality For Many Immigrants
  As more people across the U.S. are getting vaccinated for COVID-19, talks of 'returning to normal' are growing. This can look like attending concerts with friends to gatherings with family for holidays and traditional events. But this depiction of normalcy isn't the same for everybody.
  Wyoming Public Media • 12th April 2021
  What Anti-Asian Sentiment Looks Like In Smaller, Rural Areas, And Why It Matters
  The past year has shown evidence of an increase in Anti-Asian violence in major cities. All of that escalated when six Asian women were murdered in the March Atlanta spa shooting. But has that anti-Asian sentiment permeated into smaller, rural areas in the U.S.? And what does it look like?
  ONA On Air • 17th September 2019
  S2E7 – Can Immigrants Cover Immigration Objectively?
  Reported and produced my story for the Online News Association's podcast "ONA On Air", on how immigrant reporters decide a story they should cover or advocate for.
  1A • 21st November 2019
  Democratic Debate: Atlanta Edition
  The candidates spent more time criticizing the president than they did each other. What were the night’s big takeaways? How will this affect the Democratic primary going forward?
  Wyoming Public Media • 8th June 2020
  How Did Wyoming's Suffrage Movement Affect Women Of Color?
  Even though women in Wyoming were allowed to vote, run for office and get involved in politics back in 1870, it took much longer after that for women of color to get elected.
  Wyoming Public Media • 5th March 2021
  Late Japanese Artist's Legacy Reflects Hope Over Dark Times
  The pandemic has put uncertainty at the forefront of many people's lives. It's forced many to believe and hope for better days, even if there's no end in sight. In the town of Superior, Wyoming, near Rock Springs, there's a mural that reflects this resilient spirit.
  Wyoming Public Media • 23rd April 2021
  New Mothers Discuss Becoming A Parent During A Pandemic
  Without a guidebook, millions of women who were expecting and had to give birth during this pandemic had to navigate foreign territories on their own, some with their loved ones.
  Wyoming Public Media • 4th November 2020
  Award-Winning Poet And Writer, Camille T. Dungy, Shares Her Story
  The University of Wyoming Libraries hosted award-winning poet and writer, Camille T. Dungy, for a virtual reading of her work on October 24, 2020. Wyoming Public Radio's Naina Rao spoke with her about how she got started with poetry, and what she thinks about the state of society today.
  1A • 21st November 2019
  Gordon Sondland Sounds Off
  The E.U. ambassador gave public testimony in the impeachment inquiry regarding the president’s orders, quid pro quo, A$AP Rocky, and beyond. We recap his testimony and answer your questions about how it might affect the impeachment inquiry.
  Wyoming Public Media • 3rd April 2020
  International Students Navigate Life Under COVID-19
  Anna Royo and Maria Oreshkina were playing a tennis match in Denver when they found out that their whole athletic season came crashing to an end. "Everything was shocking 'cause like, overnight, it was—everything was cancelled," Anna Royo said.
  Interlochen Public Radio • 9th September 2018
  Voices of the Boardman River: Hank Bailey
  Reported a three-part podcast series on Northern Michigan's controversial Boardman River, with Transom instructor Rob Rosenthal.