Mending Lives

Join Jane Houng and Vanessa Chan as they close the first season of Mending Lives. In this heartfelt episode, they reflect on powerful moments, connections, and the wisdom shared by guests. Delve into stories of resilience, spirituality, and healing as Jane opens up about her journey and the lessons learned from 24 interviews. This episode wraps up the year with inspiring insights and hope for the...

Join Jane Houng in a compelling conversation with Marija Todorova about her multifaceted career. From interpreting in refugee camps to empowering asylum seekers in Hong Kong, discover how Marija’s work amplifies the voices of those often unheard and fosters a deeper understanding of cultural and linguistic barriers. Website: https://www.marijatodorova.com Twitter: https://x.com/MarijaTodorova Inst...

In this riveting episode of Mending Lives , Jane Houng shares the remarkable journey of Mansour Saliba, a young Lebanese scholar whose dedication to social change breathes new hope into challenging circumstances. Together, they illuminate the power of collaboration and the drive to uplift communities, especially amidst Lebanon’s current crisis. Mansour’s wisdom and actions resonate deeply, inspiri...

In this heartfelt episode, host Jane Houng sits down with Samira El Hussein, an inspiring English teacher and translator from Tripoli, Lebanon. They discuss Samira's decade-long journey teaching English, her role in translating Jane's memoir, and their collaborative work on Becky's Button. Jane shares this initiative's history, and her plans to work with university students to make this world safe...

In this episode of 'Mending Lives,' Jane Houng interviews Mike Lindup, a founder of the jazz-funk band Level 42. This episode moves from their shared history at a specialist music school to an exploration of music's transcendental power to 'express the inexpressible'. With thoughtful insights into the process of songwriting plus amusing anecdotes, this conversation resonates with the universal nee...

If you want to know something about these two charities that Jane Houng established in her deceased daughter's name, this episode is a must! Every journey starts with a single step, often alone, but Jane was fortunate to meet Stavros Mirogiannis midway in her six-year trek. As a director of Becky's Bathhouse in Greece, Stavros shared Jane's vision for Becky's Button making noises globally. Here yo...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jane Houng speaks with Vassilis Manoussakis, a remarkable educator and poet who challenges the stereotypes surrounding prisoners. Through his innovative creative writing programs, Vassilis empowers Greek inmates to explore their pasts, reframe memories, find their voices, and embrace a new narrative. Discover the impact of narrative therapy on mending lives and t...

In this fascinating episode of Mending Lives, host Jane Houng converses with Yuyutsu Sharma, a revered poet and translator based in Nepal. From accompanying his father on spiritual pilgrimages to dedicating his life capturing the essence of the Himalayas in verse, Yuyutsu shares his life’s journey and the solace he found in nature's grandeur after the death of his mother. Their discussion is an en...

Join Jane Houng for an engrossing dialogue with Ravi Shankar, the American poet whose life encapsulates the essence of resilience. Ravi takes us through his challenging cultural transitions between the U.S. and India, his pernicious experiences of incarceration and the press, and his subsequent mission to reform the criminal justice system through memoir writing and teaching. This episode, recorde...

How can you maintain your humanity in these challenging times? How can Tarot help you discover your better self? How can you turn pain into something graceful? Join Jane Houng as she chats with Tony Barnstone, a prolific poet, writer, teacher and translator. They share their perspectives on how to turn suffering into wisdom and how generosity can mend lives. This episode features a live Tarot read...

Join Jane Houng for a heartfelt conversation with Tim Tomlinson, a poet, fiction writer and educator whose life is a testament to the human capacity for self-mastery. From the seedy bars of New Orleans to the serene depths of the ocean, he shares his harrowing journey from addiction and penury to the transformative power of nature, the written word and human connections. Discover how the ocean, yo...

Join Jane Houng as she delves into the remarkable life of Neville Sarony, covering his challenges from being the first foreign lawyer in Nepal to his distinguished career in the UK and Hong Kong. Neville shares insights about his legal practices, his service in the 7th Gurkha Rifles, and his lifelong dedication to justice. Learn about his experiences living and working in Kathmandu, his authoring...

This episode is a powerful discussion on the role of writers as both artists and activists. From her roots in Mumbai and Goa to international acclaim, Rochelle Potkar shares her journey as a poet, fiction writer, and screenwriter with Jane. Delving into some controversial aspects of motherhood, patriarchy, marriage and gender fluidity, they take an in-depth look at how literature has the potential...

Join Jane Houng as she explores the world of Nigel Purkis, a shop owner in Chichester whose passion for colour has brightened the lives of many. With personal anecdotes, professional insights and surprising revelations, Nigel explains how his dedication to vibrant hues and customer satisfaction has created a kaleidoscope of happiness. In this episode, you will discover the art of living with depre...

Azra Rahim describes herself as a global wandering mystic. In this episode, she offers insightful perspectives on patriarchy, sexual harassment, gender fluidity and the liberating power of creative writing. This lively discussion also touches on multiculturalism, Sufi, Zika, Hindu scriptures, and why Jane felt so discomforted when presenting an opening address at the latest Rebecca Dykes Writers R...

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jess Rinker. Discover how Jess transformed her life through the power of writing, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and creativity. From her early days of struggling to find her path to becoming a successful author, Jess shares the pivotal moments and influences that shaped her career. This episode is a ce...

Join us for a lively and insightful discussion with Amy, one of the best YA writers working today. She delves into her unique creative process, personal journey through loss, and perspectives on gender identity. Recognized with prestigious American awards, she also discusses her latest works and her founding of Gracie’s House, a summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth.  This episode underscores the importanc...

In this episode, Jane Houng explores the multifaceted life of Vanessa Chan, a veteran woman executive in tech who found solace and strength in yoga, meditation, and outdoor adventures. Vanessa discusses the personal qualities essential for leadership, the importance of mental health, and how her meditative hikes bring tranquility to Hong Kong and Singapore urban dwellers while redefining the purpo...

Life throws us curveballs, but what if those challenges are opportunities to discover our own strength? In this episode, Sister Gemma Simmonds, a powerhouse of positivity, grapples with the big questions: Are we bound by forces beyond our control, or do we have the freedom to forge our own destiny? Sister Gemma shares profound insights gleaned from a remarkable life, challenging the idea of determ...

Are you feeling lost, or looking for a deeper purpose? In this week's episode, I have a powerful conversation with Father Will, a renowned pastor at St Stephen's Chapel and St John's Cathedral in Hong Kong. We explore the transformative power of faith and interfaith dialogue. We share personal stories of loss and paths to hope and meaning. This episode offers inspiration to anyone facing personal...