Banana Lab

Youjin Choi joins us on Banana Lab to share her journey from moving to New Zealand from Korea at the age of nine to building a career in hospitality marketing, leaving home for a working holiday in Germany, and eventually returning with a different perspective on family, identity and what it means to be content. Youjin reflects on arriving in New Zealand without speaking English, learning the lang...

Jin Kim joins us on Banana Lab to share his journey from moving to New Zealand as a child to becoming a pharmacist, content creator and traveller. We talk about growing up Korean in New Zealand, arriving without speaking English, boarding school life, and how a conversation with a maths tutor led him into pharmacy. Jin also reflects on discovering YouTube during COVID, documenting life through vlo...

Ashley joins us on Banana Lab to share her experience growing up Filipino in New Zealand and finding her own identity between cultures. Born in the Philippines and raised in Hamilton, Ashley reflects on moving to Auckland for university, transitioning into full-time work, and navigating the pressures of hustle culture and adulthood. We talk about reconnecting with her Filipino roots, the challenge...

In this episode of Banana Lab, we’re joined by Inna Goodwin. Inna shares her journey from the Philippines to New Zealand, reflecting on immigration challenges, identity, career pivots and finding belonging. We also discuss life as a Filipino woman in construction, queer identity, travel, and the realities of building a life in a new country. A warm and honest conversation about resilience, communi...

In this episode of Banana Lab, we are joined by Alwyn Tan — a photographer, videographer, drone pilot, and marathon runner based in Auckland. Alwyn reflects on growing up between Malaysia and New Zealand, adapting between cultures, and how New Zealand eventually became home. We also talk about the creative industry, commercial photography, marathon training, and the differences in work-life cultur...

In this episode of Banana Lab, we are joined by Sophie Kim. Sophie shares her experience working in hospitality for over a decade, and the decision to transition into a career in marketing. We discuss burnout, work-life balance, and the challenges of prioritising yourself. Sophie also reflects on her move from Korea to New Zealand, learning English through lived experience, and adapting to a new e...

In this episode of Banana Lab, Romy Lee steps into the guest seat to share her personal story. Romy reflects on growing up as a Korean New Zealander, navigating identity, sexuality, and significant mental health challenges from a young age. She shares her experience with addiction, spending 18 months in rehabilitation, and the journey towards recovery. Now working as a mental health and addiction...

In this episode of Banana Lab, we speak with Sophie Miya-Smith , a photographer and creative based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Sophie shares her experience growing up half Japanese and half Pākehā, and the challenges of navigating identity between cultures. We explore belonging, language, family dynamics, and the feeling of being “in between.” She also reflects on therapy, boundaries, and personal gr...

In this episode of Banana Lab, we speak with Dr Janet Lee , an emergency physician working in Aotearoa New Zealand. Janet shares her experience growing up as a 1.5 generation Korean New Zealander and how that shaped her sense of identity and belonging. We discuss the realities of working in emergency medicine, the emotional challenges of facing life-and-death situations, and the importance of comp...

In this episode, Lola shares what it’s like growing up adopted by Pākehā parents in Aotearoa, and the cultural tension of not feeling fully white or fully Asian. We explore adoption, identity, assimilation, and the emotional impact of being perceived through appearance. Lola also reflects on social media, insecurity, and the boundaries she’s had to build to protect her mental health. A thoughtful...

In this episode of Banana Lab , we’re joined by Nancy Lu , Member of Parliament, finance leader, and migrant New Zealander. Nancy reflects on arriving in Aotearoa as a child with only a few English words, learning to adapt to a new culture, and discovering strength in being different.   She shares the story of her parents’ sacrifices, the experiences that shaped her resilience, and the unconventio...

In this episode of Banana Lab , Romy sits down with Maria Mo — classical pianist and broadcaster for RNZ Concert .   Maria shares her path into music (later than most people expect), how she’s navigated identity as a 1.5 generation Korean in Aotearoa, and what it feels like to grow up being told you’re “Korean” while not fully feeling at home anywhere.   Along the way, we get plenty of laughs — fr...

In this episode, Romy interviews Alex Kim — producer, creative, and the other half of the Banana Lab Podcast. Alex shares his journey growing up Asian in Aotearoa, navigating identity and expectations, and discovering creativity as both refuge and purpose. The conversation dives into childhood stories, school experiences, the pressure to perform, finding belonging, and the quiet realities behind b...

In Episode 3 of Banana Lab , Romy sits down with Sam Yang for a warm, funny, and reflective conversation about growing up Asian in Aotearoa. Together they explore: • childhood stories and chaotic teenage moments • identity, belonging, and living between cultures • the Asian New Zealand experience • millennial hobbies (yes, including tennis) • confidence, community, and finding your voice • and the...

In this episode of Banana Lab , Romy Lee sits down with Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan — Green Party MP, Egyptologist, and proud Kiwi-Asian trailblazer — to talk about growing up in Pakuranga, navigating identity, and breaking stereotypes in Aotearoa’s political and cultural landscape. They reflect on representation, mental health, and why being your authentic self still matters — from gaming memories and man...

Meet your host Romy Lee. Join us as we start this journey of sharing the unique experiences of Asian New Zealanders.  We'll talk about all things mental health, personal development, cultural identity, intersectionality and changing the world!