Kunyit Squared

It's our first repeat guest on Kunyit Squared! We chat with social cause activist Ben on his latest self-funded project LEV8 (pronounced all-e-vi-ate) and how it's a race against time with the increasing rate of HIV transmission and drugs that appear to be a mainstay in the local gay scene unless we do something about it together. Check us out on Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/KunyitSquared⁠ Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/KunyitSquared⁠ Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: ⁠tragikomedi 

Guess what, Kunyits? We're in love! Tune into this episode to listen to us express our praise and adoration for the latest boys' love movie to take our hearts by storm - Red, White and Royal Blue. Spoilers ahead, so we hope you've seen the movie! We also talk to Mikael to know more about the challenges of being in an interracial relationship and believe us when we say it's not without its own set of tests. (This episode was recorded in October 2021) Check us out on Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/KunyitSquared⁠ Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/KunyitSquared⁠ Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: ⁠tragikomedi 

Season 4 booms full steam ahead with the multi-faceted Nickey Ross aka Miss Boom! We have a laidback chat with the multi-hyphenate creator to understand their two personas better and pose some questions on tarot reading, making music, and performing in drag. (This interview was recorded in November 2021) Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

Happy Pride Kunyits!!! We're stepping out from our domestic bliss to celebrate this special month by returning for a very padam padam Season 4! We kick off with a very special juicy inside scoop of the XXO Party Cruise 2023 - The Magical Sea, aka the "Southeast Asian Gay Fyre Festival on Water" as we call it. Touted The Largest Diversity Festival at Sea, the party left queer revellers confused, frustrated, and disappointed, but bonded through the low-key trauma experienced on board. Listen now and continue your pride merriments with us! But if you're looking to know what we've been up to while we've been away, stay tuned for the next episode of Kunyit Squared! Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/kunyitsquared Twitter: twitter.com/kunyitsquared Intro: Shine a Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi

How is everyone holding up during this indefinite quarantine? We've been navigating the chaos that is Malaysia in the best way that we could, and we hope you have too. We're back with another #QuarantineSpecial in between our Season 3 break for you to get to know self-made Indian pornstar Charan Bangaram (@charanbangaram4). We speak about getting started in making explicit content for the Internet, the hookup culture in India, and the future of porn in the country. We also talk about what we're up to during our break!  Check us out on Patreon: patreon.com/kunyitsquared Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

It finally happened! V got local pop culture pundit Shaw (@thecathooman) to join in on an episode dedicated to the pop starlet Dua Lipa! However, as a compromise to J, the trio also talk about other artists, shows, and pop culture moments that have emerged in between the time of our lockdowns in Malaysia. Join us for laughs and reach out to us via our social channels to let us know your picks for the categories too! Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

Don’t be frightened by the voice – it’s just a voice modulator as discreet Malaysian-based singer-songwriter Frederik joins us to lay it all bare – the homophobia, sexual predation, and desolation in the local music industry, In keeping with the episode theme, we also play Guess the Artist; see if you can score better than the participants! Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

Here we go again with MC0 2.0! This interview was recorded back when the world was a better place with less cases. Listen in as Malaysian queer singer songwriter of the world, Kit Naga opens up on the thought process behind his personal and very vulnerable debut LP Son of the Dragon and how music has helped him with self-acceptance and expressing love. Also in this episode is the chance to find out if you know your Ryan Murphy works! Play along with the participants to find out: Who's the Bigger Ryan Murphy Fan? We also discuss dating during Covid-19, flings of holidays past, and Grindr Unwrapped 2020. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

It’s our longest episode yet for what has been the longest year! It’s a scientific one as we dissect the phenomenon that is boys’ love with thought leader (read: fanboy) Andrew. Join us on this academic journey as Andrew explains the origin of BL, the different approaches directors use on the series, and terms such as net idols and fan cams. We also give a little teaser of our recent appearance on We're In Too Deep Together podcast discussing 2gether The Series, chat about the Queen of Christmas, Ms. Mariah Carey’s Apple TV+ special (yes, of that iconic Mariah-Ariana double whistle) and briefly review Taiwan’s latest epic queer drama, Your Name Engraved Herein. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

We check in with Adam, a Malaysian transplant to the United States who’s stuck here right now due to Trump and Covid-19. Expect dissections of stereotypes, reality of reverse culture shock even with our shopping malls, and tips for a functional long-distance relationship. We also discuss more Dua Lipa (

Trigger Warning: This interview discusses instances of rape in a very candid manner. Listener discretion is advised. We sit down with Rahimie, who is most well-known for a Medium article detailing his chilling recollection of being sexually abused in a Malaysian boarding school, to find out more on sexual grooming, coping with sexual abuse, and experiencing sex as an adolescent. We also discuss Dua Lipa (again) and skincare for men, Lumin. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

It’s an honour: This week we are joined by the podcast’s first out and proud lesbian and poet Cat Brogan, who has played a significant part in the advancement of Malaysia’s queer scene since arriving in the country, right after seeing a shaman. Listen in as Cat takes us through her childhood growing up in a small rural town in Northern Ireland and her experience throwing parties in quarries and squatter settlements even before her shindigs above a curry house. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

It’s full steam ahead as we discuss the difficulties of living as a queer man in Malaysia with community organiser extraordinaire Numan Afifi, who sheds more light on the world of activism and the adversities posed by various insidious parties. He also gives us more information on the Selangor case currently going through the courts. Also, join us for a quick chat on life under CMCO! Don’t forget, if you need a friendly ear to listen to anything that may be troubling you, between us we have four so feel free to write in to us

We’re back, back, back again with Season 3 of Kunyit Squared! Look forward to more juicy insights on Malaysian queer life as well as lots of information that we hope would be helpful to you. On this first episode of the season, we’re joined by Nurul to enlighten us on the Malaysia's law pertaining to the queer community. The inspiration behind this discussion was the Federal Court's nod to proceed with challenge of Selangor's Shariah law criminalising unnatural sex, aka gay sex. We also catch up on our quarantine shenanigans for your entertainment. Hope you’re doing great and staying safe!  Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Shine A Light by Hooksounds Cover art by: tragikomedi 

How are you holding up during quarantine? We called up ground-breaking pornstar Yoshi Kawasaki to have a long chat on his significant role in the porn industry, the intriguing multi-faceted fetish world, and the difference between fetishizing Asian porn and Asian men. We also give a quick update on what we've been up to during our between-season break! Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

In the last episode of Season 2, the Kunyits check in with Daniel to find out more about everyday life, employment, and dating as a person living with HIV in Malaysia. TLDL: It does get better! For Pop Culture we discuss Rupaul’s Drag Race UK, streaming service WOW Presents Plus, and Facebook group Bad Dates of Melbourne, while Brain Teaser covers Dosa by Indonesian author Nuril Basri and the institution that is The New York Times. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

The Kunyits are awestruck this week as they are joined by artist, activist, and all-around good person Dhinesha Karthigesu to learn more about his multidisciplinary art projects, involvement in activism, and commitment to become a father. For Pop Culture we revisit sexy sci-fi series Sense8 and discuss The Morning Show on Apple TV+ and queer content streaming service Gagaoolala. Brain Teaser recommendations are lit: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, Captive Prince trilogy by C.S. Pacat, Normal People by Sally Rooney, and Bookalicious, the very interesting bookstore in Summit USJ. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

In this very important episode, the Kunyits check in with Ben of Take Charge Today, the exciting new outreach programme powered by PT Foundation on why it’s high time to take more assertive actions to raise awareness on sexual health and build a support system among the MSM community in Malaysia. For Pop Culture, everyone bonds over their love for grapevine mainstay Ms. Wendy Williams, with a quick mention of superhero dystopian Amazon Prime series The Boys. For Brain Teaser, the Modern Love podcast by WBUR and the New York Times. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

What is it about leather? The Kunyits invite leather aficionado and fetish photographer Intaglove (@intaglove_photography) to shed more light on the leather subculture and why it’s not all about sex and looking rough but also about a sense of community and belonging, even in Malaysia. For Pop Culture funny people Paul Rudd and Nicole Byer make their debut with their Netflix shows and a very quirky podcast (Why Won’t You Date Me with Nicole Byer) followed by a brief walk down memory lane thanks to the Dynasty reboot. The Today, Explained podcast by Vox is picked for Brain Teaser because of a peculiar reason surrounding nipples. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

Do gays and fag hags really have a mutually beneficial relationship or is it just propaganda? The Kunyits invite bona fide straight female best friend Emma to unpack this age-old symbiosis while discussing the differences between straight dating and gay dating. Also: dickpics – yay or nay? For Pop Culture we’ve got A Black Lady Sketch Show, rising musical star Kit Naga, and GTA (what you get when you have a straight guest), with The Secret History by Donna Tartt for Brain Teaser.Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

Boo Peaches! Halloween is around the corner and what better way to usher in the spooky season than with some juicy stories of hook ups (almost) gone wrong? Joining the Kunyits this week is master of Instagram thirst traps Hanboy (if you know him, you know him) who spills his guts on sexperiences harvested from around the world. Draw close your curtains, light a single candle, and turn up the volume for some wild yet relatable tales that may or may not keep you up at night. Of course, a Kunyit Squared episode is incomplete without mention of strong women. For Pop Culture, the almost-divine songstress Lana Del Rey is dissected, while Chrisjen Avasarala of The Expanse and the heavyweights of Big Little Lies round out the segment. Meanwhile, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph is chosen for Brain Teaser. Brains… Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds Spooky tune: After Hours by Hooksounds

It’s a dream come true this week for the Kunyits to be joined by the artist behind the satirical comic series Banana Gayllery (@thebananagayllery). The gay scene commentator doesn’t hold back as he divulges some interesting insider stories, including what goes on in some Japanese gay bars after hours and Instagram celebrity sex parties. He even has a message for the haters and naysayers. Sensational series Sex and the City is revisited to unpack more deeds of the TV show during its time.  Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

In the first ever Merdeka special, The Kunyits check in with Natalie, the co-creator of KL nightlife phenomenon Berlin Is Burning amidst preparations for the inaugural Mad Gala to know more about the birth of the much-anticipated party and the journey to providing a safe space where anybody could feel free to be themselves while dancing the night away. As for Pop Culture and Brain Teaser, we’re served play/movie The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer, memoir/movie Holding the Man by Timothy Conigrave, novel/miniseries Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin, and Indian thriller Pihu – all but one now available on Netflix. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

Resident Malaysian wildlife advocate Sunflower Aidil pays a visit to the studio for the Kunyits to ask questions on the dating habits of young queer Generation Z as well his journey in publicly coming out as a proud gay man. Sex and the City and Will and Grace leave the trio with a sour aftertaste while a surprising revelation is made about mythical Greek hero Achilles. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

Former chemfun participant and writer of “Why So Chill” Dom opens up about the highs and lows of party and play as well as the importance of making an informed decision when engaging in sexual activities under the influence of substances. The Kunyits also team up with Dom to come up with a dream all-stars cast for a Real Housewives spinoff. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

Erotic model and adult performer Jason aka J-Yau (@jyaumodel) joins the Kunyits to share behind-the-scenes of nude modelling and other tricks of the trade. Also answered is the age old question: Is Taylor Swift really an ally? Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

The Kunyits close out a month of Raya this week with Shafik, a red-blooded Malaysian man who is also gay, Malay, and Muslim to find out how he navigates the convergence of the manifold identities. Also discussed are the return of Alpantuni as Butohwa, Dear Ex on Netflix, and LGBTQ&A by The Advocate. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

The Kunyits get serious with part-time activist Nisshant to outline the differences between preference and prejudice when hooking up. For Pop Culture we’ve got Singaporean webseries People Like Us and revolutionary TV show Made In Heaven from India while for Brain Teaser Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Gold Rain and Hailstones by Malaysian playwright Jit Murad are discussed. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

What better time than Pride month to learn more about our transmen brothers! In this episode, the Kunyits sit down with Miles who sheds more light on transmen issues in Malaysia, from daily frustrations to continuous follies within our LGBT+ community. We also get serious about Asian representation in Hollywood as well as geography. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

Saintraja, Malaysia’s first out Malay Muslim queer crooner on Spotify and Youtube sits down with the Kunyits to talk about the pains of being an independent queer artist and how backlash against a music video made him momentarily renounce music. Also discussed are very important topics such as queerbaiting, strong female characters, and pornography for Pop Culture and Brain Teaser. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

They're baaaack! In this first episode of season 2, the Kunyits kiki with Carmen Rose and Kumela Kumslut, 2 leading performers of the local drag scene. The queens spill the tea on their experiences and challenges performing in the Malaysian drag circuit and discuss the future of drag in a conservative society. For Pop Culture you’ve got Party Monster and Pose, with Ted Radio Hour and Shameless Sex rounding out Brain Teaser. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared Intro: Future Bass Logo by Hooksounds

How are gay men affected by mental health issues and what are the available coping strategies? In the season finale, the Kunyits discuss how some circumstances lead to increased risk of mental health and addiction problems. They also talk about the Ellen DeGeneres special Relatable, and talk about the link between being late and an interesting positive trait. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

What different labels are there for sexual roles, and how does stereotyping affect the perceptions of what it means to be associated with a certain role? By drawing on surveys and articles the Kunyits navigate the intricacies of gay sex life. They also talk about the Wendy Williams Show, and shed some light on the inappropriate appeal of serial killers. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

What other types of sex acts are enjoyed out there? In this continuation of last week’s sex talk, the Kunyits get into the nitty gritty details of orgies, kinks, and chemsex, all while sharing first-hand recollections of their own. They also shine a light on witty gay Youtuber Michael Henry and the startling BBC Three Documentary called Sex Map of Britain. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

Why do gay men cruise, and how does promiscuity and saunas fit into gay hookup culture? The Kunyits unpack the significance of sex to gay men and the different avenues formed to explore ever-evolving sexual desires. They also highlight the importance of being informed about one's own sexual health, and the impactful British television series Cucumber and Banana. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

How can a gay person come out in a conservative society? The Kunyits share their own (non-) coming out experiences and discuss acknowledging their sexuality to themselves, family and friends, as well as to their bosses. They also put a spotlight on bold, queer Singaporean YouTubers Hirzi Zulkiflie and Dee Kosh, and chat briefly on the tale that is the Billion Dollar Whale. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

Is monogamy really the only form of relationship? What are throuples? The Kunyits share details of their experiences with unconventional relationships (including holidays with exes) and discuss cheating on partners. They also talk about (yet another) Netflix phenomenon Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and NPR's Hidden Brain podcast. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

Why is it so difficult to have lasting gay relationships and what role does Grindr play in all of this? The Kunyits share some light hearted tales of their past relationships and attempt to uncover the secret to finding a boyfriend. In addition, they take a walk down memory lane and discuss the pivotal Malaysian queer anthology Body2Body. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

What forms of bullying are gay men subjected to and why do they exist? The Kunyits share some insights on the bullying of gay men in Malaysia including recent cases of assaults and hate crimes, and discuss avenues for seeking help. Also revealed is the meaning of the term "kunyit" and the reason behind using it for the podcast. Other topics talked about are Spillin' the Tea web series and Unobscured podcast. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

What does MTV have to do with the birth of a modern scam? By drawing on their personal experiences the Kunyits have a chat about the motivations behind this act of deception. And what episode on duplicity would be complete without a discussion on Netflix favourites Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Elite? Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared

Is Grindr addiction real or merely a queer myth? The Kunyits dissect the issues plaguing the "dating" application and how it contributed to the failure of a certain No Nut November pledge. Also discussed are Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody and the salacious paperback Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East by Benjamin Law. Check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/KunyitSquared Twitter: twitter.com/KunyitSquared