Asian in Aotearoa

Rounding out this run of episodes, writer Xue Li Zhang and filmmaker/community builder Kiran Patel talk through the messy, generous work of showing up for each other and the everyday act of building spaces where people can feel seen. About Xue Li: Xue Li Zhang is a writer born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, working across poetry, theatre, prose and journalism, with family roots in Fujian, China. S...

Visual artist Sahana Rahman and artist-producer Sananda Chatterjee catch up for a conversation rooted in South Asian craft, community and storytelling. They discuss embroidery traditions passed down generations through to the doing-word that real community actually is. About Sahana: Sahana Rahman is a visual artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau whose practice incorporates embroidery, painting, drawing...

Two multidisciplinary artists who do amazing things on stage, come together - actor, producer and writer Márianne Infante, and dance artist and choreographer Xin Ji. Their conversation moves between new motherhood, migration, making a lifetime of art without burning out, creativity and spirituality. About Márianne: Márianne Infante is a multidisciplinary creative of Kapampángan heritage — a traine...

This episode brings choreographer Cindy Yunha Jang and visual artist Tarika Sabherwal together. They chat about Cindy's work building belonging through movement and Tarika's exploration of inherited South Asian mythology and more. About Cindy: Cindy is a 1.5-generation Korean choreographer and community arts advocate based in Aotearoa, creating immersive, multidisciplinary works that centr...

Weimin and J.Y discuss friendship, community and why the most meaningful creative work often begins with making space for others. About Weimin: Weimin Li is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based tattoo artist and founder of NiceGoblins, an artist platform he launched in 2018 to create community and opportunities for emerging creatives in Auckland. Born in China and raised in Aotearoa from the age of eight, Weim...

In this episode, Shamin Yazdani and Jefferson Chen chat creativity, community, artistic integrity, and personal growth. They reflect on belonging, the spaces between disciplines, what inspires their work, how they're navigating wellbeing, purpose, spirituality and more! About Shamin:Shamin Yazdani is an Iranian-born creative producer, filmmaker and multidisciplinary creator whose work centres...

Nathan Joe returns to the podcast in conversation with Nahyeon Lee. They’ve been described as “filmmakers, theatre-makers and sometimes collaborators” and here they catch up on where they’re at creatively, their hot-takes on community, what they’re dreaming of next, spirituality and more. About Nahyeon: Nahyeon is a writer, director and theatre producer of Korean descent based in Tāmaki Makaurau,...

Tanya Barlow and Jenna Wee first had a chat on Asian in Aotearoa way back in 2020. Now, they’re reunited to kick off the new (and filmed) Season 4 of the podcast. They reflect on where they’re at in terms of creativity, community and a bunch more. About Tanya: Tanya is a nail artist, voiceover artist, former make up artist, podcaster, content creator, and all round creative and multi-disciplinary...

Elina Ashimbayeva (Storyo) joins Jenna from Joshua Tree for a catch-up about politics. Asian in Aotearoa: After Hours with Storyo is a limited mini-series where two creator friends talk about love, desire, money, class, politics and power — the things we message friends about, joke about, avoid and obsess over. Anti-polished/pro-discomfort etc. Expect oversharing (not advice).  Thank you to our fr...

⚠️ Money triggers ahead! Jenna is joined by Elina Ashimbayeva (Storyo) to answer questions, discuss topics and share hot-takes all about MONEY. Asian in Aotearoa: After Hours with Storyo is a limited mini-series where two creator friends talk about love, desire, money, class, politics and power — the things we message friends about, joke about, avoid and obsess over. Anti-polished/pro-discomfort e...

⚠️ This episode gets spicy, with discussions about love, desire, sex, body stuff and other sensitive topics. Listen with care and/or headphones.  Jenna is joined by Elina Ashimbayeva (Storyo) to answer questions, discuss topics and share hot-takes surrounding love, desire, dating and more. ❤️‍🔥 Asian in Aotearoa: After Hours with Storyo is a limited mini-series where two creator friends talk abou...

Amanda (梁宿娴) from Episode 1 is back! Here, Jenna and Amanda are reflecting, manifesting, laughing and celebrating five years of Asian in Aotearoa and their friendship. Follow Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/amandagraceleo  https://www.instagram.com/graceandtarot We mention Tanya Barlow from Episode 2 and her podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@hellotanyapod  Asian in Aotearoa is hosted by Jenna...

This episode wraps up season three! Marc Conaco is a Bisaya illustrator, designer, curator and producer of Asian in Aotearoa. Here, we dive into the six-month rollercoaster ride of podcast production, handling the guest lineup, schedule conflicts, and general chaos while also answering some questions sent in from past guests. Follow @marcconaco Fill out the season three feedback survey, HERE . ⁠As...

Swap Gomez is a multi-faceted creative - a professional drummer, director, producer, editor and events coordinator. He has toured and recorded around the world with international artists, he runs and curates the annual Drummers Day Out and currently performs with CHAII, Yoko Zuna and The Delivery Boyz. In this episode we hear about Swap’s creative projects, his birth chart (very heavy on Aries), l...

Zed Xu 榛子瞬 is a multidisciplinary artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, originally from China. Zed's artistic practice spans painting, performance art, and filmmaking, driven by their experience as a non-binary, queer, neurodivergent Asian migrant. Zed is yet another guest with a vipassana experience to share (!!) and we also delve into where they’re at in their creative evolution. Spoiler: it&#...

In celebration of Lunar New Year and Pride month,  Asian in Aotearoa  returns to the stage for a special Year of the Snake panel and podcast recording. Recorded at Auckland Art Gallery, host Jenna Wee sits down with an all-Queer panel reflecting on their creative process, inspiration, growth – and what Year of the Snake might look like for them. Meet the Panel: Steven Junil Park 박준일  (he/they):...

A former dancer with the prestigious Royal New Zealand Ballet during the 2010s, William started making stage costumes and today he’s currently at Whitecliffe studying Sustainable Fashion. Here, William opens up about his creative journey, including having dreams fall apart, ghosting friends and finding his way back to dance. Keep an eye out for his own label Jung-Ying: @__jungying ⁠Asian in Aotear...

Jenny Gao is a documentary maker and writer, deeply immersed in human relationships and spirituality. Here she shares where she's at creatively, along with Vipassana insights, psychic insights, and working outside conventional creative fields to nurture inspiration. We pull some cards, have a laugh and discuss spontaneity, adventure, and playfulness in life and creative pursuits. Follow Jenny on I...

Pulkit Arora is a writer-director of Indian origin, now based in Tāmaki Makaurau. His debut short Milk Toffee premiered at Tribeca and travelled through 8 other international festivals in 2021. His follow-up film Anu won the Audience Award at Whānau Mārama: NZIFF 2023, followed by screening in competition at Melbourne International Film Festival and winning at IFFLA, Cornwall and Film Bazaar India...

Fazerdaze, otherwise known as Amelia Murray, is an Indonesian-Pākehā artist, musician, and creative force - currently based in Ōtautahi. Her new album ‘Soft Power’ marks an evolution in her artistry and here we touch on Amelia’s creative process, spirituality, courage and so much more. This episode gives listeners insight into how Amelia sees the world, and the way she chooses to move through it....

Jennifer Cheuk is a mixed Hong Kong Chinese / Welsh indie publisher, researcher and curator. She’s the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Rat World Magazine - an independent print magazine and collective that’s all about showcasing underground and underrepresented voices from all over the world. In this episode, Jennifer reflects on the last 12 months including her landmark anthology (see below!) plus...

Originally from Korea, Sung Hwan moved to Aotearoa at the age of ten. His artistic journey explores themes of identity, protection, and queer identity. In this episode, he reflects on the courage needed to create amidst uncertainty and how serving in Korea's military has influenced his life and art. From navigating challenges and critiques to resilience and insights on self-compassion - learn more...

Julie Zhu is an award-winning director, producer, and storyteller born in Xian, China, and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. Committed to championing marginalised voices and stories, Julie co-directed the podcast and docu-series Conversations With My Immigrant Parents for RNZ. She also directed observational documentary series Takeout Kids for The Spinoff, winning Best Director at NZ WebFest 2022. Here,...

In our final episode of this season, Jenna is joined by creative community champion, returning guest and founder of Aunty’s House, Amita Kala. An episode of introspection, Jenna and Amita reflect on season 2, answer questions from recent guests and discuss creative processes, grind culture and the importance of rest. Instagram: @amitakala Check out @auntysh0use ___ SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: ⁠ a...

Ankita Singh अंकिता सिंह shares her journey from producing to writing and having the courage to create. This episode delves into Ankita's experience writing “Basmati Bitch”, the ever-looming ‘burden of representation’, and the state of the creative community today. Ankita also shares her recent quest exploring her family history in India, digging up inspiration for her next play, and exploring oth...