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 . Asian in Aotearoa Instagram Asian in Aotearoa Substack Hosted by Jenna Wee & Produced by Marc C...
Apr 08, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 59
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), leadership and connection to his ancestors. Keep up to date with Swap on IG: @swapgomez @chaiimusic @...
Mar 18, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 58
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's exciting! Keep up to date with Zed’s mahi: @zedsishun @zishun_studios Find @zedxufilm on YouTube and TikTo...
Feb 25, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 57
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): Korean-born artist handcrafting functional objects and clothing under the label, 6x4. Mariadelle ‘Abbey’ ...
Feb 11, 2025•48 min
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 Aotearoa Instagram Asian in Aotearoa Substack Hosted by Jenna Wee & Produced by Marc Conaco. Record...
Feb 04, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 56
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 Instagram: @iennygao → Register to attend the live podcast and panel recording happening at Auckland ...
Jan 14, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 55
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. It released globally on the streaming platform MUBI in May 2024. As a screenwriter, he led develop...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 54
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. Enjoy! Listen to the album, Soft Power . fazerdaze.com Fazerdaze Instagram Asian in Aotearoa Instag...
Nov 26, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 53
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 personal growth, anger, arts and more! Rat World’s Instagram Jennifer’s Instagram Book: Everything ...
Nov 05, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 52
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 about where Sung Hwan is at as he prepares for international residencies in Los Angeles and Korea. ...
Oct 15, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 51
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, Julie reflects on the last few years and discusses the challenges of promoting one’s work, the balan...
Sep 24, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 50
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: asianinaotearoa.substack.com FOLLOW the pod on Instagram: @asianinaotearoa asianinaotearoa....
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 49
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 other creative pursuits. https://ankitasingh.co.nz/ https://www.instagram.com/artkita/ SUBSCRIBE to...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this episode, Jenna sits down with 이혜지 Hye Ji (Erica) Lee - a Korean-born sociologist and writer, who opens up about her journey and the ideas that shape her world. This episode delves into relationships, personal growth, decoloniality, academia, and Erica's own candid reflections relating to aspirations, self-compassion and spirituality. https://instagram.com/ehyeji.ig SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: asianinaotearoa.substack.com SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa: https://ko-fi.com/asianinaotearoa ...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 47
Recorded at the recent Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year & Pride month event, Jenna sits down with four brilliant Asian, queer creatives. Covering themes from success and courage to reinvention and self-expression, the panelists reflect on their journeys and look to the future. The panel shares insights on how embracing their heritage and ancestry has enriched their sense of identity and fuelled their artistic expression. Panelists: Marc Conaco: Bisaya artist, graphic designer and zine-maker...
Mar 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Tāmaki Makaurau-based, award-winning comedian, David Correos, talks to Jenna about the lengths of his creativity, being a Taskmaster favourite, and leadership in the comedy world. He also opens up a bit about his love life, risk-taking, fame, friendships and heaps more. Catch David on tour, HERE . Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidpostoffice TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidpostoffice SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: asianinaotearoa.substack.com SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa:...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Abbey a.k.a DJ RNG+SUS joins Jenna to talk about everything from exciting things happening this month for Pride, co-creating and fostering safe spaces with All My Friends, and navigating Queer and POC identity through their creative practice. Abbey also provides Jenna event-producing advice, as well as insight into why it might be time to take a step back from their intense schedule to prioritise growth. Check out more of Abbey and their mahi at: www.mariadellegamit.com , www.amf.nz , soundcloud...
Feb 06, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Hailing from Manawatū and based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Jess Hong sits down with Jenna and talks about her growth and the whirlwind of filming Netflix’s upcoming show, 3 Body Problem, and grounding herself in finding community and being at home in Aotearoa. They both delve into defining what purpose means to them and where their pursuits have spontaneously taken them. Follow @jessthehong on Instagram Listen to Jess on the Dumplings & Dragons podcast online now ___ SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: as...
Jan 16, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Kiwi-Malaysian-Chinese filmmaker Jack Woon joins Jenna for our last episode of the year. In this episode, he shares his acute perfectionist tendencies, some of which we may or may not relate to, and how collaboration actually helps fight those tendencies. He delves into his screen practice and the changes for Asian representation in the industry, his favourite collaborations, creative (see: coffee) rituals, and pursuing dream projects. Jack's work 👉 www.unkofilms.com SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter...
Dec 12, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this episode, Jenna sits down with music producer Edward Liu, also known as EDY. They discuss his experiences in Aotearoa’s music scene, the importance of creating a safe space in the recording studio, and his family's understanding of his work. Beyond being a producer, EDY talks about his work as a teacher, his initiative Schools 2 Studio, and the practice of self-love. Listen to EDY’s music here . SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: asianinaotearoa.substack.com SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa: https://...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 42
In this episode, Jenna talks to Wellington-based artist, Ali Pang. The conversation goes deep and not only touches on Ali’s career as an artist and jewellery maker, but also delves into her experiences being diagnosed with ADHD, spirituality, and struggles with guilt and self-love. Check out Ali's work: PANGjewellery.com Instagram: pang.jewellery and AAPPA.PAPPA SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: asianinaotearoa.substack.com SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa: https://ko-fi.com/asianinaotearoa FOLLOW @asian...
Nov 01, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 41
New Zealand Poet Laureate, Chris Tse, talks to Jenna Wee about his role and advocacy as New Zealand Poet Laureate all while juggling his creative practice with maintaining a day job. Chris also reflects on sustainability in the arts, the challenges of writing funding applications, and supporting fellow Asian creatives. The conversation dives into Chris’ thoughts on leadership, creativity, collaboration, and self-love. SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter: asianinaotearoa.substack.com SUPPORT Asian in Aot...
Oct 10, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Writer and Metro magazine food editor, Jean Teng, talks to Jenna about her unexpected journey into food writing, starting with a complaint email to Metro itself. Jean reflects on the evolving food media landscape in Auckland and the challenges it presents. This conversation delves into cultural appropriation, diversity in food writing, Jean’s evolving leadership style, personal growth, and her writing process. Read Metro Eats: https://www.metromag.co.nz/food/metro-eats ___ SUBSCRIBE to the newsl...
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Award-winning writer, director and actor Bala Murali Shingade joins Jenna on the podcast to talk about his play Boom Shankar, art and identity, funding applications AND he answers questions on themes of Leadership, Collaboration, Creativity, (Self)Love. Buy tickets to see Boom Shankar this September at Q Theatre, HERE . 💌 Subscribe to the newsletter: asianinaotearoa.substack.com 👉 Follow @asianinaotearoa on Instagram ✨ Follow asianinaotearoa.com ____ Hosted by Jenna Wee, Asian i...
Aug 29, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Writer and software developer Rose Lu talks with Jenna about her first book All Who Live on Islands, writers festivals, racism plus the novel she’s currently trying to work on. Rose migrated from China as a child and currently lives in Pōneke, Wellington. Buy Rose's book HERE ___ SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa: https://ko-fi.com/asianinaotearoa FOLLOW @asianinaotearoa on Instagram VISIT asianinaotearoa.com ABOUT THE PODCAST Hosted by Jenna Wee, Asian in Aotearoa (New Zealand) explor...
Jun 13, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Maggie is a Chinese-New Zealander, a multimedia journalist at Re: News, a documentary maker and an aspiring lady of leisure. Here, we talk about the new series that Maggie directed called Dating While Asian and her own dating experiences. What also comes up is some stuff around being fetishised, pleasure or lack thereof for women in straight partnerships, breakups, burnout and more. Watch Dating While Asian on YouTube HERE Maggie on Re:News 👉 https://www.renews.co.nz/topics/profile/maggie-shui ...
Mar 09, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 36
To mark two years of Asian in Aotearoa , Jenna is joined by Elina Ashimbayeva (episode 22 guest, Storyo founder & friend) and answers questions sent in from various past guests about the podcast, life, relationships, vulnerability and more! Thank you for your great questions: Cindy Leong Marwin Silerio Geoff Ong Alyssa Medel Amanda Grace Leo Grace Ko Steven Junil Park Nathan Joe Hazel Zishun Sam Low Marc Conaco Jenna is Aotearoa-born and raised, Malaysian-Chinese, Japanese, Pākehā...
Dec 20, 2022•1 hr 11 min
Jess is an Aotearoa-born Chinese DJ, music journo, and host of the web series Amplified (which you should totally watch). In this episode, we talk about the series and Jess’ background - from being terrible at singing to playing sets at some epic NZ festivals. Follow Jess on IG @fu.f.u Watch Amplified HERE Listen to Jess’ Daylight Ravings mix HERE ___ SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa: https://ko-fi.com/asianinaotearoa FOLLOW @asianinaotearoa on Instagram VISIT asianinaotearoa.com ABOUT THE PODCAST Host...
Dec 11, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Rhohil Kishore AKA K’SHORE is an artist, songwriter, producer, performer, educator and overthinker (his words, not mine) - and he’s of Fijian-Indian descent, born and raised in Aotearoa. We talk about identity, the creative arts industry, general life stuff and music. Check out these links for Rhohil: Instagram @rhohilkishore Spotify / Linktree 👉 Get Tickets to Asian Diaspora Dialogues HERE SUPPORT Asian in Aotearoa: https://ko-fi.com/asianinaotearoa FOLLOW @asianinaotearoa on Instagram VISIT a...
Nov 22, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Asian in Aotearoa is officially two years old! To celebrate, I’m going to be recording a special AMA episode - where I answer the questions instead of asking them. So, dear listener here is your opportunity to ASK ME ANYTHING. Email your question to asianinaotearoa@gmail.com or send me a DM or voice note on Instagram by mid-November. This episode is with Chyna-Lily Rawlinson. She is Chinese-Samoan-Pākehā, a multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Tāmaki Makaurau, and recently released a book with...
Nov 04, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 33
