Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice

About Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice

Eleanor Lisney (Thoe Chooi Wah) writer and cultural leader, embarks on a journey exploring identity. Her own, and with guests who share her East and South-East Asian Identity. Diving deeper, and exploring the intersections of being disabled, a woman and LGBTQ+. Being from the East, by heritage and adopted by Western Cultures. How do we adapt and negotiate? We get packaged together, but like an onion we can get to the different layers. eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Culture Connect

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Feb 2025

Latest episode

15 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Aug 2026

   The Sound of Belonging

   In this week’s episode of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice, Eleanor sits down with London-based singer, actor, and photographer Matt Tam, who moved from Hong Kong to the UK as a teenager. They explore the intersections of music, heritage, belonging, and identity. They discus what Matt misses about Hong Kong, from family and food to hiking and the sea, while also celebrating the freedoms, creative opportunities, and strong queer community he has found in London After growing up immersed in Western pop culture performing Cantonese pop music helped Matt reconnect with his cultural roots, particularly through the music of the late Hong Kong icon Leslie Cheung and in particular his song, Chase. Matt reflects on how the Stop Asian Hate movement prompted him to seek a deeper connection with Asian artists and his own heritage. Having spent half his life in the UK and half in Hong Kong, They also the growing East and Southeast Asian cultural scene in London, the importance of community-led events, and the role that music and culture play in helping people stay connected to their heritage and each other. Follow Matt on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/mr.matt.tam?igsh=MXFnbDRkcmVmeWpiYw==) and see his photography and find out about his upcoming gigs here (https://linktr.ee/matt.tam). Catch up with all episodes of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5vTZWg67JCtX43sQjQZhiq?si=IsRtHTfzQ4mBs3w16OwAYg), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/ge/podcast/between-nasi-goreng-and-fried-rice/id1794013905) and YouTube (https://youtube.com/@betweennasigorengandfriedrice?si=wchSwz74XwZRJ58G) As always you can keep up with my work and news here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). Please get in touch with me at eleanor.samanthaa@gmail.com if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   4 Jun 2026

   More Than Migration

   After a short hiatus Eleanor is back and this week she spoke with Will Pham (http://www.willpham.co.uk/), a British Vietnamese artist and community organiser, about identity, migration, and the role of art in storytelling. This episode reveals how identity is shaped across generations—and how art can bridge personal history with collective memory, especially within diasporic communities navigating change. Will reflects on his parents’ migration stories, his early aspirations, and his eventual path into art as a means of exploring identity, belonging, and self-expression. Their conversation highlights how class, access to education, and cultural background shaped his choices. Will is a London-based artist and community practitioner whose work focuses on British Vietnamese identity, storytelling, and collective memory. His practice blends art, activism, and participatory projects, exploring the Vietnamese refugee resettlement experience and intergenerational memory within diaspora communities. Working in painting, moving image, text, and socially engaged art, he reuses and transforms family and community archives to reveal alternative narratives of survival and resilience. Follow Will on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/willpham_?igsh=MW94bGtvcDhsbG1jdw==) and visit his website http://www.willpham.co.uk/ Catch up with all episodes of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5vTZWg67JCtX43sQjQZhiq?si=IsRtHTfzQ4mBs3w16OwAYg), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/ge/podcast/between-nasi-goreng-and-fried-rice/id1794013905) and YouTube (https://youtube.com/@betweennasigorengandfriedrice?si=wchSwz74XwZRJ58G) Apply to the Sisters of Frida Mentorship Programme This two-year mentorship programme supports Disabled women and gender-diverse people who are engaged in, or beginning, organising and activism. The programme combines collective learning, practical skills-building, and one-to-one mentorship, with a focus on disability justice. Deadline 22nd June. Further information and apply here (https://www.sisofrida.org/sisters-of-frida-mentorship-programme-application-form/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcASKoqRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAadwDhHqpLv31Cv83skqfa51xzv9-Lm5fPfgmPhWf67KTFIy6Nfew0VnsQe_Cw_aem_3ltaAfNUFeKqqaS-Nr0WVw). Event Thursday 18 June, 6 pm - 9 pm | Building Co-Created Community Practices with Will Pham and Dr. Lili Ly How can we embed ethical practice, and lead with care and co-creation in socially-engaged art? How can we talk to difficult histories, conversations, or topics and bring these into moments of reclamation? Drawing from their combined backgrounds in visual mediums and psychology, Will Pham and Dr Lili Ly will be sharing more about the methodologies that have informed their collaborative process, and how personal narratives can contribute to collective change. Book your the ticket here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-lab-30-tickets-1987603864664?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile) As always you can keep up with my work and news here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). Please get in touch with me at eleanor.samanthaa@gmail.com if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   1 Jan 2026

   Leaving Mainland China

   On Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice this week I spent some time with Shan, a friend from Coventry who came to keep me company over Christmas. Shan came to the UK from China over 20 years ago. We discussed the unique journeys of mainland Chinese immigrants compared to those from Hong Kong and other regions. We explored the diverse cultural landscape of Coventry, language barriers and cultural adjustments. Plus the voluntary work she does helping Chinese immigrants with employment, and interpreting for a law firm. We touched on the cultural richness of China and the limitations of accessibility in certain regions. We also talked about the Confucius Institute and its impact on cultural exchange despite controversies. There is an increased openness of China to the world, making it easier for people to travel and study abroad. The impact of technology has made the world smaller and more accessible and financial and educational opportunities have attracted younger generations to study in the UK. Catch up with all episodes of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5vTZWg67JCtX43sQjQZhiq?si=IsRtHTfzQ4mBs3w16OwAYg), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/ge/podcast/between-nasi-goreng-and-fried-rice/id1794013905) and YouTube (https://youtube.com/@betweennasigorengandfriedrice?si=wchSwz74XwZRJ58G) Subscribe to the Sisters Of Frida newsletter (https://www.sisofrida.org/ezine-we-are-sisters-of-frida-9/), bringing disabled women together, mobilising and sharing through lived experiences. Also consider giving a friend a subscription to New Tide Media (https://newtidenetwork.substack.com/), a UK-based network that aims to strengthen ESEA voices and perspectives in journalism. Their mission is to bring nuance into anglophone reporting on ESEA and push back on western-centric storytelling that flattens this rich and diverse region. Happy New Year to everyone and wishing you all the best for 2026! As always you can keep up with my work and news here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). Please get in touch with me at eleanor.samanthaa@gmail.com if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   2 Nov 2025

   The "Model Minority" and Cultural Identity

   Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice this week is James Lee. You can also listen to this episode on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Nl80DAztxW3LlP6BPFPYc?si=RiZ3NTVhQf6UcY6zLKPXDA), YouTube (https://youtu.be/lqycwKt1ABk?si=j03427h1xxxlr6Cf) and Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-model-minority-and-cultural-identity/id1794013905?i=1000734872165) James and I first met at the House of Commons during a campaign to ratify the Istanbul Convention. Since then James' career has taken him from being a trustee at Muscular Dystrophy UK, City Bridge Trust to his current role as director at Publica, an urban design practice. We delved into the intersectionality of race and disability, noting the rise in violence against East and Southeast Asians during COVID-19. We discussed the complexities of addressing racism, disablism, and economic inequality in London and other cities. James shared his experiences as a parent discussing racism with his children and the challenges of accessibility within his community. We also reflected on the privileges and challenges of living in London, highlighting economic disparities and the impact of classism. The recent announcement that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering scrapping tax breaks for Motability scheme users as part of a £1 billion budget cut is a move that could severely impact the lives of many disabled individuals in the UK. This scheme is not just about cars; it's about providing independence and accessibility to those who need it most. Sign the petition here (https://c.org/YKJ7VSkcxW) As always you can keep up with my work and news here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). Please get in touch with me at eleanor.samanthaa@gmail.com if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   12 Oct 2025

   What stories are silenced when history paints over the living?

   In today's episode of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice I was delighted to talk to the multi-hyphenate and award winning artist and author Khairani Barokka. We discussed how she first came to the UK, her book, Annah, Infinite (https://www.tiltedaxispress.com/annah-infinite) published by Tilted Axis Press in September and why she wrote it. Okka's new book is an experimental work of creative non-fiction that challenges art history, confronts colonial ableism, and reclaims a stolen spirit Catch up with the latest episodes of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice on Spotify here (https://open.spotify.com/show/5vTZWg67JCtX43sQjQZhiq?si=njEl6wOTQKezu8buLSJvgA) or on Apple Podcasts below. Okka is a writer, artist, arts consultant, translator and editor from Jakarta. Her work has been presented widely internationally, and centres disability justice as anticolonial praxis, environmental justice, and access as translation. She regularly teaches, mentors, and consults for arts organisations, and has a PhD by Practice in Visual Cultures from Goldsmiths, University of London. Among her many honours, she has been a UNFPA Indonesian Young Leader Driving Social Change, a Delfina Foundation Associate Artist, an Artforum Must-See, and Associate Artist at the UK’s National Centre for Writing. She was the first Poet-in-Residence at Modern Poetry in Translation, and later became the magazine’s first non-British Editor. In 2023, Okka was shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in the Arts and Culture Category. Her books include Indigenous Species (Tilted Axis), Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Back (Nine Arches, as co-editor), Rope (Nine Arches),Ultimatum Orangutan (Nine Arches), shortlisted for the 2022 Barbellion Prize, and 2024’s amuk (Nine Arches), longlisted for the Jhalak Prize. ‘Annah, Infinite is a luminous act of reclamation. It’s a text that dares to ask what lies behind a portrait, what stories are silenced when history paints over the living. Disability activist and author Alice Wong calls it “a fascinating exploration” of how pain is written on Annah’s body and how Barokka refuses to look away. Bhanu Kapil sees it as a work staged “at the limit of portraiture,” metabolising the body into presence and absence. Anton Hur describes it as “so precise and empathetic that the reader aches with phantom pain.” And Daisy Rockwell reminds us that it heralds “the birth of a new, yet-to-be-named genre.” ‘A profoundly disturbing, intriguing, and illuminating work—Khairani Barokka is so precise and empathetic that the reader aches with phantom pain.’ — Anton Hur, author of Toward Eternity and 2025 International Booker Prize judge. ‘Through this study of a single canvas and its subject, Barokka presents a brilliant book that defies classification, one that delves into linguistics, colonial history, queer theory and memoir, and is by turns lyrical, angry, tender and pained, harking back to the pioneering work of Linda Nochlin and John Berger, but blazing a new trail that is as unexpected as it is enthralling.’ — Frank Wynne, The Irish Times As always you can keep up with my work and news here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). Please get in touch with me at eleanor.samanthaa@gmail.com if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   31 Aug 2025

   Filipinos on the Frontlines

   This week I sat down with the brilliant James Olabre. James is the Operations and Development Manager at Transport for London. We were both directors at EVR (End Violence and Racism Against ESEA Communities) now rebranded as Sesame (https://sesameorganisation.com/).Over the years we have met at events but never quite managed to have a proper chat. I wanted to know more about him as a friend, and his life as a Filipino in the UK. In this episode we spoke about food, Filipino karaoke and how we navigate living in London as part of the ESEA community. This week our conversation felt even more poignant because of Apple, an NHS worker who was assaulted and racially abused in Manor Heath Park, Halifax. Apple is a NHS nurse from the Philippines with 15 years of service. She was racially abused and assaulted while walking with her family on 28th August. In a social media post, she shared her feelings after the attack stating, “After what happened, it only validated my decision [to leave]. I love what I do, but some people aren’t worth my time or my care.” She added, “Justice must be served.” West Yorkshire Police reported that a white man and woman, both in their 60s, targeted Apple’s family with racist abuse. A bystander who intervened and Apple’s mother were also assaulted. The couple demanded to know if the nurse, who has worked for the NHS for 12 years, 'came here on a rubber boat' and hurled water and grabbed her hair during the assault The police have made two arrests. Catch up with all episodes of Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5vTZWg67JCtX43sQjQZhiq?si=IsRtHTfzQ4mBs3w16OwAYg), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/ge/podcast/between-nasi-goreng-and-fried-rice/id1794013905) and YouTube (https://youtube.com/@betweennasigorengandfriedrice?si=wchSwz74XwZRJ58G) Recently I went to the launch of New Tide Media (https://newtidenetwork.substack.com/), a UK-based network that aims to strengthen ESEA voices and perspectives in journalism. Their mission is to bring nuance into anglophone reporting on ESEA and push back on western-centric storytelling that flattens this rich and diverse region. According to a 2025 (https://newtidenetwork.substack.com/p/new-tide-whats-on-in-esea-heritage?utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true) report by the Reuters Institute, Asian and Asian British people make up 9 per cent of the United Kingdom’s population, but only three per cent are journalists (90 per cent of journalists are White). In the past ten years, there’s been no significant change in the percentage of journalists from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds working in the UK’s journalism industry, the report says. Journalists of Asian heritage are also underrepresented in American newsrooms. But in the US, there are established networks such as the Asian American Journalist’s Association, that support community members working in the industry and advocate for their interests. Find New Tide Media on Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/newtidenetwork?igsh=MnF6aGJ6azIyeW1v) Keep up with my work and news here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). Please get in touch with me at eleanor.samanthaa@gmail.com if you think I should be highlighting your ESEA organisation on Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   1 Jul 2025

   Staying Authentic in the Arts

   Host Eleanor Lisney interviews Jasmine Thien, a blind actor and writer, about her intersectional experiences in performing arts as a disabled migrant and her upcoming play, exploring themes of authenticity and culture.

8. 

   24 May 2025

   The Personal is Political

   Journalist Pierre Tran discusses defense, weapons, and disability benefits with Eleanor Lisney, highlighting concerns about cuts to disability benefits and assisted suicide for terminally-ill people in an interview.

9. 

   21 Apr 2025

   In Conversation with Anthony Leung

   I first met Anthony Leung when I was hotdesking at the Design district. Anthony is the founder of Mean Write Hook (https://meanwritehook.video/), a media and marketing company with vision. He moved from Hong Kong to Canada and then to London. In our conversation, he talks about the impact living in such different places has had on him - he feels as much Canadian as he does being from Hong Kong. We also talked about cultural influences from food to music to sport. We talked about his work, what he does and future plans. ICYMI catch up on my conversation with Dr. Ahneez Abdul Hameed last week here (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com/p/in-conversation-with-dr-ahneez-abdul) This month in Disability News A petition has been launched to protect disabled people who cannot work from planned cuts to benefits. The pandemic widened the gap between current financial support and the extra cost of living for Disabled people; the government’s proposed cuts will worsen this. Forcing people to work will strain the fragile NHS. Disabled people should not be punished for being unable to work. Sign the petition here (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/721547). The government must respond to all petitions that get more than 10,000 signatures. At 100,000 signatures, Parliament should debate their proposed changes. David*, from Salisbury, was found dead in his home in February, just weeks after his personal independence payment (PIP) had been stopped when he failed to return a review form. Conservative councillors responsible for housing, social care, public health and safeguarding have all refused to comment on *David's death after he was found in distressing conditions after the wrongful removal of his disability benefits. Full story here (https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/tory-councillors-silent-over-death-of-disabled-man-whose-pip-was-stopped-as-council-refers-case-for-possible-review/). Leading disabled people’s organisations (DPO) have written to work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall to express “serious concerns” about the human rights implications of her “incredibly dangerous” plans to cut spending on disability benefits. They say in the letter that her consultation on the Pathways to Work green paper, launched officially this week after the long-awaited publication of accessible versions of the document, is a “sham”. And they have called on her to withdraw the consultation, postpone imminent legislation – due within weeks – until all the proposed measures can be subjected to proper and accessible consultation, and provide accessible versions of all documents relating to the proposals. Read more at Disability News Service (https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/disabled-peoples-organisations-tell-kendall-benefit-cuts-are-incredibly-dangerous-and-consultation-is-a-sham/) Keep up with my work and news on my linktr.ee here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    6 Apr 2025

    In Conversation with Dr. Ahneez Abdul Hameed

    Dr. Ahneez Abdul Hameed is a Malaysian medical doctor specialising in clinical microbiology. She's also my friend and classmates' daughter from back home in Malaysia. I met her as a child when her mother, Begum came to the UK to do her postgraduate studies. We caught up recently when Ahneez came here to do some exchange work. I asked her to make some time to do a podcast with me, and she graciously agreed. By day, Ahneez is unraveling the mysteries of microbes, and by evening—or on her days outside the hospital—she is a cafe-hopping, globe-trotting foodie with a love for pretty skies, lush gardens, vibrant flowers, Michael Jackson’s timeless beats, the magic of musicals, and the purr-fect company of cats. It was wonderful to hear about her professional life in Malaysia as a medical doctor since I had no idea of the work she does there. In 2022 I did an interview for the Royal Society of Arts about the social model of disability. Here's an excerpt (https://www.thersa.org/articles/blog/social-model-of-disability/). Social model of disability: five decades on (https://www.thersa.org/articles/blog/social-model-of-disability/): I was not in the UK half a century ago. I was born and bred in Malaysia, so I did not learn about the social model until I came back to the UK in the early 2000s. What changed for me is the realisation that I can demand reasonable adjustments and access was not my individual responsibility. I became part of Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) (https://dpac.uk.net/) and protested disability and benefit cuts and demanded disabled people’s rights and independent living. It started me and others on the route to what is now disability justice. The social model has also included an international understanding of intersectionality. We are not isolated in what oppresses us, be it discrimination and oppression due to being disabled, poor, working class, lack of status, citizenship, qualifications, age, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. We can have mixed identities. In our fight for human rights for disabled people, we cannot ignore those compounded oppressions are also in structural inequalities. What about rights for refugees or BIPOC (black, indigenous and other people of colour)– many of whom are also disabled? Or women? Sisters of Frida (https://www.sisofrida.org/) was formed with the understanding that disabled women’s struggles were not included in mainstream disability discussions. But we also pick up voices from the disabled community with an intersectional perspective. It is good that the disabled community seems to be also picking up on this need to include different identities against dis/ableism. Stay connected with my social media and work here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    30 Mar 2025

    In Conversation with Naziaty Mohd Yaacob

    Naziaty Mohd Yaacob is an architectural educator, entrepreneur and artist. She is a former associate professor and architectural design practitioner. Naziaty (Naz) and I first met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when I was there on a family visit. I’ve always admired her work as a disabled activist and her work as a lecturer. She fights for accessibility and access. In this podcast we talk about her work, her passion and her life. We also discuss the intersection of being disabled and Malaysian and her work with inclusive and universal design and accessibility. We discussed the difference in access and legislation in London and Kuala Lumpur. Plus disabled activism in Malaysia and the importance of mental health when getting older. Go here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/naziaty-mohd-yaacob-092a4358/?originalSubdomain=my) to learn more about Naziaty’s work and listen to her podcast Talk Architecture (https://naziaty.buzzsprout.com/1042819/about). On Wednesday I joined thousands of others as we protested against the cuts that have been proposed by the government. Here's some coverage of the Welfare Not Warfare (https://x.com/Dis_PPL_Protest?t=uZcxT9l2Dh6WlXJn7ZspmA&s=09) demos in the Disability News Service: DPAC says ‘this is just the start’, after protest over ‘vile and cruel’ benefit cuts outside Downing Street Disabled people have spoken of their anger, frustration and fear – and sense of betrayal by the Labour government – over plans to cut billions of pounds from disability benefits, as they protested outside Downing Street on Wednesday. Estimates suggest more than 1,000 disabled people and allies chanted outside the Downing Street gates or listened to speeches across the road, on the other side of Whitehall. They later marched down Whitehall and past the Houses of Parliament, just as chancellor Rachel Reeves was delivering a spring statement that confirmed more than £4.5 billion in cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) and £3 billion in cuts to the health element of universal credit. Read more here (https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/dpac-says-this-is-just-the-start-after-protest-over-vile-and-cruel-benefit-cuts-outside-downing-street/) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    22 Mar 2025

    In Conversation with Daniel York Loh

    Daniel York Loh is a phenomenon in the cultural scene - as an actor, writer, playwright and director. Forgotten 遗忘, 2018 He is also an activist. In this podcast we discussed his works and his philosophy and our interest in Wuxia (Chinese martial) films. But most of all I appreciated the opportunity to chat about novelist and co-founder of Ming Pao, Jin Yong's work. Daniel’s reading of A Hero Born: Legends of the Condor Heroes, Volume I is available to listen to on Audible (https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/A-Hero-Born-Audiobook/1529403472). We also talked about being ESEA and mixed race, intersectionality and representation. How do those work in film and media? Being disabled and being represented. Do successful actors such as Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheong represent us? We also talked about the films, A Touch of Zen, Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger and Chinese dramas, including Nirvana in Fire1m. Daniel is a writer, filmmaker, actor and musician. His first stage-play, The Fu Manchu Complex (https://www.ovalhouse.com/whatson/detail/the-fu-manchu-complex) was produced at Ovalhouse. His second play, Forgotten 遗忘 (https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/forgotten/), (https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/forgotten/) was performed at Arcola and Plymouth Theatre Royal in 2018. He is one of 21 “writers of colour” featured in the best-selling award-winning essay collection The Good Immigrant (http://www.nikesh-shukla.com/the-good-immigrant). His most recent play was The Dao of Unrepresentative British Chinese Experience (https://sohotheatre.com/events/the-dao-of-unrepresentative-british-chinese-experience/) at Soho Thetare, London. You can find him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/danielyorkloh?igsh=bWNhbXozZG40eXl4) and Twitter/X (https://x.com/DanielYorkLoh?t=BNaP-dEvfHLnuGDIsbVlBQ&s=09). Here is an art piece that I created in 2024. It's part of Culture Access’ (https://www.instagram.com/cultureaccess/) Pan-Disability exhibition. The exhibition is open until the 31st March at Woolwich Centre Library. Please do come along! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    15 Mar 2025

    In Conversation with *Lin, a Trainee Acupuncturist

    I have known *Lin for a few years but never knew much about her life before she moved to the UK. Today's episode was an opportunity to delve into that - her leaving Vietnam as part of the boat people in her mother's stomach. Moving from Hong Kong to the UK, and to the U.S. Coming back to London as a single mother. It was not easy. *Lin's decision to study acupuncture for the next stage of her life and her journey up until now highlights that there are many East and South East Asian disapora who have stories just like this. However we seldom get a chance to meet or encounter their stories. In Other News.. Many thanks to Woolwich Centre Library for hosting the launch of Culture Access’ (https://www.instagram.com/cultureaccess/) Pan-Disability exhibition on Friday. Thanks also to Tatayana D'Souza for her patience and support. She's in costume here for #WorldBookDay (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/worldbookday/) . One of the artists in the exhibition is @dimmodessa (https://www.instagram.com/dimmodessa/) who is working with a Deaf group in Bali. He sent these great photos to share with us with best wishes for the launch. The exhibition is open until the until 31st March. Please do come along. Episode 4 Show Notes Lin* recounts her story of when she was a baby in her mother's stomach as they left Vietnam as part of the 'boat people'. They settled in the UK in an area with no other people from the ESEA community. She left for the Mid West USA with her husband and baby daughter before returning back to London as a single mum. Part of the conversation is also about being a PA (personal assistant} and her future plans. *Not her real name This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    1 Mar 2025

    In Conversation with David Kam

    In this week’s episode I discuss the term 'balik kampung’ with David Kam. David and I are both from Malaysia. 'Balik kampung’, in Malay, signifies going back to your home town/village. Being in London and the barriers to going back because of Malaysia's inaccessibility as well as the non-acceptance of LGBTQ people are topics that are rarely discussed. However concepts of home and how we place that in our journeys are as important as identity. David helps others find home in their bodies through movement and embodied practices of connection from the lens of joy, wonder and liberation. We first met when he asked me to do an interview for besea.n (https://www.besean.co.uk/), Britain’s East and South East Asian network. besea.n is a community focused, volunteer-led organisation with a mission to empower, educate and embrace East and South East Asian people - and their allies! - in the UK. Episode show notes David and Eleanor discuss the concept of 'balik kampung' - 'returning home' as Malaysians. What does that mean and how does being queer or disabled affect that choice? Join Culture Access for our upcoming Pan-Disability exhibition launch on Friday 14th March 2025, from 4-5pm, at Woolwich Centre Library! I look forward to welcoming you, whether you’ve been to any of our events before or are totally new. Please direct RSVP & Inquiries to eleanor@cultureaccess.co.uk (mailto:eleanor@cultureaccess.co.uk). If you need BSL interpretation, please let us know by 7th March. Want to keep up to date with what’s going on? Follow the Culture Access Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/cultureaccess/) page for the latest information! Keep up with me, my interview and events on my linktr.ee page here (https://linktr.ee/eleanorlisney?subscribe). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

15. 

    15 Feb 2025

    Eleanor in conversation with Bonnie Chui

    This week in Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice I meet Bonnie Chui. Bonnie has impressed me since we first met and even more so since we became friends, agreeing on women's rights and discussing on accessibility and disability rights. She has been very helpful to me over the years. In today's podcast, we discuss being a mother in an intercultural and multicural context. I ve been in a similar position but I was a full time mum while she also runs a business. How does she balance the two roles? Considering she is also the Founder of Lensational, an award-winning social enterprise which provides storytelling and photography training to marginalised women and girls in 23 countries and provides platforms to sell their work. Whilst partnering with corporates including American Eagle Outfitters, Standard Chartered Bank and Colgate. Bonnie is a Forbes Senior Contributor writing on gender and diversity, and has been invited to speak in over 18 countries and by corporates about social entrepreneurship and social impact. Click here (https://www.tsiconsultancy.com/people/bonnie-chiu/) to learn more about Bonnie’s work and connect. Episode 2 Show Notes Eleanor meets Bonnie to discuss what it means to be mothers and maintaining a cultural heritage in a mixed marriage away from home. Catch up with Episode 1 featuring Eric Wu here (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com/p/eleanor-lisney-in-conversation-with). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

16. 

    2 Feb 2025

    Eleanor in conversation with Eric Wu

    Welcome to Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice. I’m Eleanor Lisney, originally from Malaysia having lived in the UK, France and the USA . Over the next few months I’ll be interviewing ESEA people about food, culture, disability and intersecting and shared identities. This week I meet Eric Wu who is a Master of Public Health student at Imperial College London. He is a registered dietitian and award-winning Community Organiser and Leader who takes pride in being able to help and support the wider community. He has worked with BAME communities across the UK. I first met Eric during the production of a performance we did at Moongate Mix (https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/moongate-mix/) in 2023. Moongate Mix is a regular salon series at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. Artists in Residence, Moongate Productions, who champion ESEA artists whilst challenging stereotypes produce and program the series. The ‘Angry Asian Anonymous’ salon was comprised of four people. We begun with a mock type list of “how to be the perfect Asian child”, making fun of the cultural expectations of what Asian cultures and the media envision the perfect Asian child to be. The second part of the piece is a telling of three different stories and backgrounds of how we deal with the outside world judging and making assumptions about us based on their expectations of our identities. For example, loyalty or putting our identities into neat boxes. The last part of the piece pulls together the first two pieces into a “Angry Asians Anonymous” help group. Essentially saying to us that the microaggressions which we face are still impactful to us, and that we are allowed to be angry, to be loud, to stand up for ourselves despite what they tell us about being the perfect Asian child. In short, the work plays with the themes of identity, anger, and stereotypes. It was a blast and this first podcast with Eric encapsulates a great deal of why I wanted to produce this podcast. It’s to have a conversation about our East and South East Asian identities. The influences that impact us by having this heritage. We come from a diaspora that spans the globe. In Eric's case, from the US to Singapore to London. Connect with Eric on Linkedin here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-cui-wu/) Episode 1 Show Notes Eric and Eleanor discus the differences and similarities about being in the East and South East Asian diaspora in London - from the perspective of being an Asian American as well. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eleanorlisney.substack.com (https://eleanorlisney.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

21

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

0

YouTube

63

Engagement

0

Contact Between Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.