Welcome to Mixed Up, a podcast for mixed race people everywhere and for anyone looking into a deeper insight on race and identity. Hosted by sustainability consultant and creative director Emma Slade Edmondson, and Nicole Ocran, writer and co-founder of The Creator Union. The show is about straddling two worlds and multiple identities. Now more than ever, it feels like people of mixed heritage are seeking out their space to talk about their lived experiences. But despite searching, we could find very little to relate to. We decided to make something we would have appreciated hearing. Music by: Hagan
Emma Slade Edmondson/Nicole Ocran
The Mixed Up podcast is a true gem that I am grateful to have stumbled upon. From the moment I started listening, I immediately felt connected and immersed in the discussions held by Emma and Nicole. This podcast tackles important topics related to mixed race identity that are often overlooked or under-discussed. As someone who falls into this category, it is refreshing to hear conversations that feel authentic and relatable.
One of the best aspects of The Mixed Up podcast is the genuine connection between Emma and Nicole. Their chemistry shines through in each episode, making it easy for listeners to feel like they are part of their conversation. Their friendship brings a sense of comfort and ease, allowing for open and honest discussions about their experiences as mixed race individuals. It is evident that they have put thought and care into curating each episode, as the topics are diverse yet always relevant.
Another strong aspect of this podcast is its inclusion of various perspectives within the mixed race community. Emma and Nicole make an effort to bring on guests with different backgrounds, allowing for a broader understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by mixed race individuals. This adds depth to the conversations and provides listeners with a more comprehensive view of the topic at hand.
While it may be difficult to find any faults with The Mixed Up podcast, one minor drawback could be its length. At times, episodes can feel slightly too short, leaving listeners wanting more. However, this can also be seen as a positive aspect as it leaves room for anticipation for future episodes.
In conclusion, The Mixed Up podcast is an incredible platform that sheds light on the often overlooked experiences of mixed race individuals. Emma and Nicole's authenticity and camaraderie make it a joy to listen to each episode, while their commitment to diversity ensures a well-rounded discussion. This podcast fills a much-needed gap in mainstream media representation and serves as a source of validation for those who identify as mixed race. I highly recommend giving The Mixed Up podcast a listen – you won't be disappointed.
The one where sit down with South London's worst kept secret
The one with the mutual fan girling and a Land Rover to North Yorkshire. This week Emma and Nicole sit down with singer songwriter and beautiful soul Beka Prance. She is a master of the art of blending heart wrenching words and melodies and recently wrote the soundtrack for Apple TV show Trying. They talk about weaving life experiences of being mixed into the music, adoption, having two mixed parents and what it's like to be on a set where no one quite knows quite what to do with your hair. There is a lot of laughter! Order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC BEKA: https://www.instagram.com/bekaontoast Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we talk about the book. Emma and Nicole are joined by Isabella Silvers, journalist and founder of Mixed Messages to discuss the release of their book, The Half of It. This time, Izzy interviews Emma and Nicole on how they got started, the book writing process, and themes from the book - history of mixed people from across the globe, understanding the root of mixed race stereotypes, childhood and forming identity, interracial relationships and dating, fetishisation, adoption, hair, beauty standards, and why we need to examine the phrase ‘white passing'. Buy our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Isabella Silvers: https://www.instagram.com/izzymks/ Mixed Messages: https://www.instagram.com/mixedmessagesnewsletter/ Mixed Messages Newsletter: https://mixedmessages.substack.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we collect markers to flag our identities. Nicole is solo this week speaking with Becky White, creator and co-host of The Halfie Project, a platform and community that explores mixed Korean subcultures and identity. The Halfie Project kindly contributed to our book, The Half of It. They discuss their relationship with language, the history of mixed Koreans and the diaspora, how we are seen differently depending on our location, and how attitudes towards mixed Koreans have changed over time. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC The Halfie Project: https://www.instagram.com/thehalfieproject/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we find the language to talk about our experience. Emma and Nicole speak to Farzana Nayani, author of Raising Multiracial Children: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World. Farzana is Filipina-Pakistani and is a diversity, equity and inclusion specialist in race, unconscious bias, culture and identity. She has been working with schools and within corporate environments for many years. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0up https://www.instagram.com/farzananayani https://www.instagram.com/multiracialmatters Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we talk about tackling the climate crisis with an awareness of social injustice Emma and Nicole speak to Mikaela Loach, climate justice activist, campaigner and author about coming from two cultures that have a very different responsibility around the climate crisis. They discuss atmospheric colonialism, the moment she took the government to court and how we can look to our ancestors for the fortitude to keep pushing for a better world. Her book, It's Not That Radical, is available now. This episode is brought to you by Uncommon Wines. Thank you to the Groovy House for hosting us! Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0up Mikaela Loach: https://www.instagram.com/mikaelaloach Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where the cream rises to the top Emma and Nicole speak to Michael Caines, is a two-Michelin star awarded chefs and one of six Black Michelin star chefs in the world. Born in Exeter, Michael was adopted into a white family at a young age and his love of cooking lead him to apprentice under Raymond Blanc, and at the age of 25 a car accident lead to him losing his right arm. He discusses growing up in a white family and predominantely white environments, working in fast-paced and highly competitive environments, relearning his skills after losing an arm, and how food connects us to culture. Michael is featured in Lucas Fothergill's Everyone Everywhere: Mixed Race Family Stories, looking into a hundred years of mixed British history, published by Unbounders. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Michael Caines: https://www.instagram.com/macaines/ Lucas Fothgergill: https://twitter.com/lucasfothergill Everyone Everywhere: https://unbound.com/books/everyone-everywhere Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where they expect you to play Britney Spears because they think you're a white girl Emma and Nicole speak to Becca Dudley, a DJ and TV presenter who has been in the music industry for over a decade. Becca has Jamaican, British and German heritage, and set up the platform Deadly to showcase the best of reggae, dancehall and grime, and to shine a light up-and-coming artists. They discuss being misidentified, having your authenticity questioned, imposter syndrome, coming out online to different communities and the fear of being labelled a 'culture vulture'. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Becca D: https://www.instagram.com/beccadudley/ Deadly Official: https://www.instagram.com/deadlyofficial/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
Emma and Nicole speak to Hanako Footman, actor and author of her debut novel, Mongrel, following the lives of three women, Mei, Yuki and Haruka "revealing a tangled web of desire, isolation, belonging and ultimately, hope." Hanako is British-Japanese and has appeared in ITV's The Town, BBC Two's Defending the Guilty, and Netflix's The Crown. They discuss growing up in predominantly white environments, what it means to be mixed Asian, the casting couch as a mixed person, how we hold on to our identity when we lose a parent and why we hate the phrase 'white passing'. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Hanako Footman: https://www.instagram.com/hanakofootman/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we trace pepper across the globe In this week's live episode, Emma and Nicole speak to writer, journalist, poet and academic, Dr Anna Sulan Masing. Her work centres around identity, race and gender and looks to decolonise the cultural spaces we live in, particularly within food. They discuss the relationship between food and searching for 'home', how identity changes when location changes, and how perceptions and stereotypes around East and Southeast Asians have changed over time. Many thanks to Spiritland for hosting us for the evening! Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Dr Anna Sulan Masing: https://www.instagram.com/annasulan Ana de Costa: https://www.instagram.com/_lotsofbutter/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we finally sit down as Black and mixed race women to talk about our hair This week Emma and Nicole sit down with Paige Lewin (host of Texture Talks) and multihyphanete creative, Oneness Sankara, to decide if it's time to scrap the hair texture chart. They find out how we can talk to each other properly as Black and mixed women about our hair knowing that the struggles are different, but they're there. They also dig into expectations about "who has it worse" and dissect the myth on how "difficult" it is to have Black hair. This episode is in collaboration with Texture Talks hosted by Paige Lewin, head there for part 2! Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Texture Talks: https://www.instagram.com/texturetalksuk/ Oneness: https://www.instagram.com/thequantumcreative/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where Hinge needs to drop their location Emma and Nicole speak to Apryl Williams, an assistant professor of communication and digital studies at the University of Michigan, senior fellow in Trustworthy AI at the Mozilla Foundation, and faculty associate at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. She's the author of Not My Type: Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating. They discuss Apryl's research into about dating app inequality and sexual racism in online dating and how prejudice and bias gets baked into modern day dating culture through algorithms and AI. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Apryl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AprylW Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where we meet an actual Spice Girl Emma and Nicole are joined by Mel B to discuss her deeply open and vulnerable memoir, Brutally Honest. She shares with how emotional abuse is something that we are all closely linked to as women. She speaks candidly on motherhood, surviving abuse and PTSD, and recovery through to finding joy. Thank you to art'otel London Battersea Power Station for hosting us! https://artotellondonbattersea.com/ Mel B's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmelb Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com
The one where people need to accept that if Tyla says she's coloured, it is what it is Emma and Nicole speak to authors of Coloured: How Classification Became Culture, Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Chutel, as well as digital creator Zeena Edwards and presenter Carissa Cupido. They discuss South Africa's history of apartheid and classifcation, its impact on the country, language and its evolution, and the forging of a proud and vibrant culture. Pre-order our book The Half Of It: https://lnkfi.re/nf0upC Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Substack: https://mixeduppod.substack.com/
The one where we talk weird food rules Emma and Nicole sit down at a live recording at Soho House with chef, best-selling author and sustainability champion Melissa Hemlsey to discuss how the industry shapes how our attitudes towards certain foods, food and cookery trends, her feel good food philosophy. Melissa is the author of five best-selling cookbooks including Feel Good, Eat Happy and Eat Green. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Melissa Hemsley: https://www.instagram.com/melissa.hemsley/ Feel Good: http://bit.ly/48a4hHp
The one where 'our judgment of other women is a reflection of the harshness with which we treat ourselves' Emma and Nicole speak with Sunday Times best-selling author, academic and broadcaster Emma Dabiri on her new book, Disobedient Bodies: Reclaim Your Unruly Beauty. They discuss the history of beauty, convention and beauty constructs and its links to control, patriarchy and capitalism. Emma Dabiri is also the author of Don't Touch My Hair and What White People Can Do Next. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Emma Dabiri: https://www.instagram.com/emmadabiri/ Disobedient Bodies: https://shorturl.at/kpuyT
The one where *Note: this episode was recorded in June before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes were announced* Emma and Nicole speak to Tom Verica, the director of Queen Charlotte, one of the most popular Netflix shows to date. He is currently the head of creative production for Shondaland and has an extensive career on stage and screen as actor, director and executive producer. We dive into the secrets of the Bridgerton universe's success, "The Great Experiment," the importance of collaboration, and the portrayal of interracial relationships on screen. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Tom's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomverica
The one where there is a fundamental need for a Black Curriculum The theme for this year's Black History Month is Saluting Your Sisters, and this week Emma and Nicole are joined Lavinya Stennett is a writer, author, educator and CEO of The Black Curriculum, which is a social enterprise whose mission is to deliver Black British history in schools throughout the UK and empower young Black students through education. Her first book, Omitted: The Untold Black History Lessons We Need to Change the Future is out next year. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Lavinya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottabelavin_ya The Black Curriculum: https://theblackcurriculum.com/ Omitted: https://www.waterstones.com/book/omitted/lavinya-stennett/9780008508166
The one where you put the key in the door and you're home The theme for this year's Black History Month is Salute Your Sisters, and this week Emma and Nicole are joined by the highly celebrated Kit de Waal for Mixed Up Book Club. Kit's critically acclaimed novel, My Name is Leon, about a mixed-race, nine-year-old boy who ends up in care in the 1980s was recently adapted for screen. Her memoir, Without Warning and Only Sometimes is about growing up poor in between three worlds, Irish, Caribbean and British in 1960s Birmingham. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Kit de Waal's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitdewaal Kit de Wall's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kitdewaal
The one where it looks like everybody has 'Allychip' fatigue The theme for this year's Black History Month is Salute Your Sisters, and this week Emma and Nicole can't help but salute the original babygirl, Kelechi Okafor - author, actress and public speaker. Her debut book Edge of Here aims to bring Black women a sense of hope and permission to yearn. We discuss the themes in the book including ‘allyship' as a cautionary tale and unconventional love. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Kelechi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelechnekoff Edge of Here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/edge-of-here/kelechi-okafor/9781398712997
The one where we talk to a Black British icon born of a Black British icon REPLAY: This Black History Month, Emma and Nicole speak to actress Lenora Crichlow - a Black British icon herself and daughter of Black British icon Frank Crichlow, owner of the Mangrove and one of the Mangrove 9. You may have recently connected with Frank's story via Steve McQueen Small Axe series. Lenora spoke about growing up Mixed and Black in the UK, about acting and activism, about the love story of her mum and dad and about finally being able to stop asking the world - ‘Black or white - am I ok? Am I enough? It's not their responsibility anymore.' Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Culture Mix: #AZNxBLM: https://www.kuow.org/stories/black-and-asian-solidarity-how-20-artists-explored-america-s-complicated-relationship-with-race Naija Love Stories by Ola Awonubi
The one where you're descendant from escaped enslaved Africans who joined forces with the Seminoles in the 1700s Emma and Nicole speak to Caitlin Bellah, a photographer and artist who shares the story of her linage and how she was inspired to investigate it by this very podcast. She is a descendant of the Freedmen who are mostly blood descendants of the Seminole people, free Africans, and escaped former enslaved people who allied with Seminole groups in Spanish Florida in the 1700s. Many have Seminole lineage, but due to the stigma of having mixed origin, they have often been categorised as former slaves or freedmen in the past. Cailtin shares the investigation into her past and how this drives her art and sense of self, but also the challenges personally and professionally. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Caitlin's IG: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinbellah Caitlin's website: http://caitlinbellah.squarespace.com/
The one where we have to trust we know our bodies best Proudly supporting Coppafeel and Black Women Rising and their campaign ‘The Checklist' which focuses on raising awareness around Black women and breast cancer - an underserved demographic within medicine when it comes to cancer. Emma and Nicole speak to Nina Lopes, a menswear designer, dancer, and mother behind the account @frodayss. Just before she turned 37, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer - an aggressive type of cancer which spreads quickly. She is currently at stage four. We spoke to Nina about her mixed heritage, being ignored by medical professionals, her diagnosis, parenting, and living her life to the fullest as she documents daily life with terminal cancer. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcastNina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frodayss/ CoppaFeel: https://coppafeel.org/ Culture mix: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/frodayss https://www.blackwomenrisinguk.org/
The one where you've never met another Asian Jew before Emma speaks to Maryam Chishti and Jenni Rudolph who are the co-executive directors of LUNAR Collective, which originally began as a film series highlighting the lived experiences Jewish Asians, but has now evolved into a cross-country collective to cultivate connection, belonging and visibility for Asian American Jews through intersectional community programming and digital storytelling. Maryam is NYC-based and is Ashkenazi Jewish and Indian, practicing both Judaism and Islam. Jenni is Cantonese, Russian Ashkenazi Jewish and secular, living in Los Angeles. LUNAR offers events and retreats across the United States that allow a space for learning, healing, expression, solidarity, and joy. In celebration of ESEA Heritage Month Preorder our book, The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast LUNAR Collective: https://www.weareasianjews.org/ LUNAR's IG: https://www.instagram.com/asian.jews Maryam's IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryamlchishti Jenni's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenni.rudolph/
The one where we talk about who the Good Mixed Person™ is Emma and Nicole reflect on the last three seasons of the podcast: why we started it, how we've grown, if the discourse around mixed race identity has changed (if at all), finding the language to talk about ourselves, who the Good Mixed Person™ is, and cultivating a space where people feel like they can be open as their whole selves. Preorder our book, The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emsladedmondson/ Nicole: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleocran/
The one where you've never seen an Asian that looks like him Ryan Alexander Holmes is an actor, content creator, influencer and public speaker based in Los Angeles, California. He has appeared in TV shows including The Morning Show, Dear White People and For The People. He was recently awarded the Changemaker of the Year award by Act To Change in 2023 to highlight the impact of his work in the AAPI community. Ryan is Chinese and African American and has been creating content online and performing comedy exploring his mixed heritage for several years. He spoke to us about how he created community online in search of people like him, using comedy to educate, language, using curiosity as a tool in work but also in finding yourself, and the longstanding support of his family. Preorder our book, The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Ryan Alexander Holmes: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalexh/
The one where the labour movement hits Hollywood Kale Futterman is a TV and screenwriter who has worked on hit shows including Netflix's Ginny and Georgia, and films including Lifetime's Black Girl Missing starring Garcelle Beauvais. Kale joins Nicole solo this week to speak about the Writer's Guild of America strike. Writers are fighting for fairer residuals from streaming platforms, and the confirmation of AI being used as useful tools and not replacements, among other things. At the time of release, the WGA has been on strike for over 100 days. Actors under the SAG-AFTRA union joined the writers on strike on July 13th. They also talk about the importance of Black women on every level when it comes to writing Black stories, diverse storytelling, and how writing takes place on all stages of a show. Preorder our book, The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Kale's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kalefutterman/ Kale's Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaleFutterman WGA Strike information: https://www.wgacontract2023.org/ SAG-AFTRA Strike information: https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/ Entertainment Community Fund: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/
The one where they chant “oyinbo” when you score Emma and Nicole talk to women's World Cup star Ashleigh Plumptre about her experience playing in the 2023 women's World Cup and her decision to play for Nigeria's Super Falcons. She took her opportunity to experience the Nigerian side of her culture and heritage while coming face to face with the girls she grew up with playing with back in the UK in the opposing team - the Lionesses. They discuss learning Yoruba phrases on the coach, the crowd chanting “oyinbo” when she scores, and how young people are the bearers of the knowledge and insight we all need. Preorder our book, The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Ashleigh Plumptre: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighhplumptre/
Emma and Nicole speak to Afua Hirsch, award-winning journalist and media stalwart on the fight for collective liberation, why the struggle is an undeniable part of us and how we need to lean into it to find home. Afua discusses the diasporic phenomenon of feeling the link to your culture is precarious, finding your mission, liberating us from our ideas of imperfection because we are mixed, and that discomfort leads to insight and energy to tackle the systems of oppression we live under. Preorder our book, The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcastAfua Hirsch: https://www.instagram.com/afuahirsch/ Brit(ish): https://amzn.to/3gLuIOF
Emma and Nicole speak to bestselling author, TV presenter, agony aunt, and style guru Candice Brathwaite. She is considered one of our modern day icons and has recently released her first YA fiction book, Cuts Both Ways. Candice gets honest about growth in marriage, beauty standards, financial stability equating to freedom, and identity beyond parenthood. We discuss her new book, Cuts Both Ways, and its themes of Black love, friendship and growing up as a Black British teen. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcastCandice Brathwaite: https://www.instagram.com/candicebrathwaite/ Cuts Both Ways: https://amzn.to/3fOHYRQ With thanks to room2 hometels Chiswick for our recording space: https://www.instagram.com/room2hometels/
Emma and Nicole speak to bestselling author, TV presenter, agony aunt, and style guru Candice Brathwaite. She is considered one of our modern day icons and has recently released her first YA fiction book, Cuts Both Ways. Candice spills the tea on the aftermath of being bullied publicly online, being relegated to the sidelines of conversations she began, gives advice on boundary setting and protecting your peace. We discuss her new book, Cuts Both Ways, and its themes of Black love, friendship and growing up as a Black British teen. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Candice Brathwaite: https://www.instagram.com/candicebrathwaite/ Cuts Both Ways: https://amzn.to/3fOHYRQ With thanks to room2 hometels Chiswick for our recording space: https://www.instagram.com/room2hometels/
The one where we see how the racism against mixed race people is part of our history In honour of Black History Month, Emma and Nicole speak to Rosemary Adaser, the founder and former CEO of the Association of Mixed-Race Irish. Rosemary was a member of the Collaborative Forum on Mother and Baby Homes, and campaigned to ensure the commission examined the experiences of children who had Irish mothers and fathers of colour, highlighting to the world the damning evidence of abuse that took place in Irish mother and baby institutions when these children were abandoned and handed over to the state. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Rosemary Adaser: https://twitter.com/mixedraceirish The Association of Mixed-Race Irish: https://www.mixedraceirish.ie/ Culture mix: Searching For Our Other Mam: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001bn33
The one where everything is intersectional Emma and Nicole speak to Tori Tsui, a Bristol-based climate activist, speaker and consultant from Hong Kong. She is the co-founder of the space Bad Activist Collective and a member of the climate coalition Unite For Climate Action. She sailed across the Atlantic with the thinktank Sail to the COP25 and work is centered around climate justice and making sure that climate policy, action and organising is intersectional, inclusive and transformative. Her debut book 'It's Not Just You', exploring the intersections between mental health and the climate crisis will be out in summer 2023. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Tori's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toritsui_/ Preorder It's Not Just You: https://bit.ly/3y0W20V Culture mix: https://shado-mag.com/ https://www.besean.co.uk/
The one where we are Black flamingos Nicole is solo this week speaking to Dean Atta, an author, writer and poet from London who is of Greek Cypriot and Caribbean heritage. His award-winning YA book, The Black Flamingo, is a moving coming of age story published in 2019 with inspiration drawn from Dean's life and experiences coming of age as a mixed-race teenage boy. His latest YA book is called Only On The Weekend following the love story of Mack and Karim and Finlay and his new poetry collection, There is (still) love here, is out in September 2022. We spoke about being solid in our identities, telling Black queer stories and the importance of collecting stories from our elders Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcastDean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanatta/ The Black Flamingo: https://amzn.to/3BxmmAS Only On The Weekends: https://amzn.to/3dwPQXm Culture mix: Jordan Stephens and Beth Suzanna's The Missing Piece: https://amzn.to/3qSC98r
The one where we are both not half Emma and Nicole speak to British-Punjabi actor, writer and filmmaker, Jassa Ahluwalia. He created the hashtag and online movement, #BothNotHalf, which he uses to explore mixed identity and his own British-Indian heritage, and is currently developing into a book. We spoke about the casting process and how that has changed for mixed actors and specific roles for mixed people, drawing on your heritage as a performer, how language shapes identity, and the history of national identity. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcastJassa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjassa/ Culture mix: The Tartan Turban: In Search of Alexander Gardner by John Keay Alero Art: https://www.instagram.com/aleroart_/ Chasing Hares at The Young Vic
The one where we have to trust we know our bodies best Emma and Nicole speak to Nina Lopes, a menswear designer, dancer, and mother behind the account @frodayss. Just before she turned 37, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer - an aggressive type of cancer which spreads quickly. She is currently at stage four. We spoke to Nina about her mixed heritage, being ignored by medical professionals, her diagnosis, parenting, and living her life to the fullest as she documents daily life with terminal cancer. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Nina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frodayss/ Culture mix: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/frodayss https://www.blackwomenrisinguk.org/
The one where we push back against our bodies not being our own Emma and Nicole speak to content creator, speaker and author Natalie Lee for Mixed Up Book Club on her new book, Feeling Myself: How I Shed My Shame to Find Sexual Freedom and You Can Too. Natalie walks us through her early journey from fashion and blogging about motherhood, her adult ADHD diagnosis, divorce and uncovering sexual freedom and liberation, and how mixed race women are the most overrepresented group in statistics on rape and sexual violence. Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Natalie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylemesunday/ Feeling Myself: https://amzn.to/3crWXQE Culture mix: National Network of Abortion Funds: https://abortionfunds.org/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T-aDTsZXnKhMcrDmtcD35aWs00gw5piocDhaFy5LKDY/mobilebasic
The one where it's borne upon you to take yourself home Emma and Nicole speak to Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushel, a British-Kenyan swimmer turned filmmaker. Rebecca was the first black woman to swim for Team GB, but she retired from the sport and moved into documentary filmmaking. Her documentary, Breakfast In Kisumu follows an interview with her father, Rok Ajulu, a leading Kenyan academic and revolutionary, who died in 2017, chronicling his role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. We speak about what it means mentally and physically to succeed in an elite sport, your performance becoming your identity, pivoting careers, and what it means to return to the homeland. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Rebecca's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raajulubushell/ Culture mix: Breakfast In Kisumu: https://www.idfa.nl/en/film/6b024baa-bc44-4ee0-a805-784c8d838757/breakfast-in-kisumu Black Swimming Association: https://thebsa.co.uk/
The one where trans is always punk Emma and Nicole speak with Travis Alabanza - fashion icon, award-winning performance artist, and author of None of the Above: Life Beyond the Binary. Travis is one of the most prominent voices in the LGBTQIA+ space in the UK and their work has garnered international recognition over the years. They spoke about the freedom in being trans, the state's consistent control over our bodies, growing up in a large mixed and multicultural family and how passing is always conditional. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Travis' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisalabanza/ None Of The Above: https://amzn.to/3zYawyR Culture mix: Home Grown article: https://homegrown.co.in/article/802031/a-look-at-indias-drag-culture-6-flawless-queens-tell-us-their-stories Kim Saira: https://www.instagram.com/kimsaira/
The one where it wasn't #everyonesgame but we speak to a man who's on a mission to make it so. Emma and Nicole chat with former professional footballer Anton Ferdinand on racism in football, THAT John Terry Incident, activism and advocacy in the sport, growing up in Peckham and losing his mum to cancer. He also talks about how opening up about mental health - especially for men - can be lifesaving. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Anton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anton_ferdinand5/ Culture mix: https://www.instagram.com/dapsdraws/?hl=en https://livingpaintings.org/ https://www.instagram.com/knowyourcaribbean/
The one where it's suddenly safer to inhabit your Black identity than your white one Emma and Nicole speak to Florence Kollie Raja, founder of Ethical Era and former professional ballerina to talk about her life and experience as refugee having lived through two civil wars and living across the cultural divide of the Russo-Ukraine war of 2022. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Florence's IG: https://www.instagram.com/buqalife/ Culture Mix: Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black: https://www.instagram.com/originalballetblack
The one where we find out if passing really is a choice Emma and Nicole speak to Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga on their new film for Netflix, Passing, an adaptation of Nella Larsen's novel, first published in the late 20s. Set in Harlem the film explores the reunion of two childhood friends, Clare and Irene, who as an adult, Irene finds Clare has been passing as white and living with her white husband. They discuss the issues that come from the phrase ‘passing', whether this could actually be a choice and about mixed people being stereotyped to be ‘destabilising' and ‘devious.' Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Passing: https://www.instagram.com/passingmovie/ Tessa Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/tessamaethompson/ Ruth Negga: https://www.instagram.com/negga.ruth/
The one where we talk to a Black British icon born of a Black British icon This Black History Month, Emma and Nicole speak to actress Lenora Crichlow - a Black British icon herself and daughter of Black British icon Frank Crichlow, owner of the Mangrove and one of the Mangrove 9. You may have recently connected with Frank's story via Steve McQueen Small Axe series. Lenora spoke about growing up Mixed and Black in the UK, about acting and activism, about the love story of her mum and dad and about finally being able to stop asking the world - ‘Black or white - am I ok? Am I enough? It's not their responsibility anymore.' Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Culture Mix: #AZNxBLM: https://www.kuow.org/stories/black-and-asian-solidarity-how-20-artists-explored-america-s-complicated-relationship-with-race Naija Love Stories by Ola Awonubi
The one where we humbly request that parents to talk to their children about race and difference Emma and Nicole continue the discussion with white mums about their worries around fetishisation, whitesplaining to your children and holding yourself accountable, fetishisation, white fragility, privilege and accepting your own racism even as a parent of mixed children. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Books That Inspire Young Minds: https://www.instagram.com/books_that_inspire_young_minds (showcasing a diverse and inclusive collection of children's books amplifying voices from a wide range of backgrounds) Families Like Ours: https://www.instagram.com/familieslikeours (A UK based community for mixed heritage families) Mixed Bloom Room: https://www.instagram.com/mixedbloomroom (Featuring a course for monoracial parents of mixed kids Multiracial Matters: https://www.instagram.com/multiracialmatters (Raising Multiracial Children)
The one where we learn that modern day mums have a plan for raising mixed kids Emma and Nicole speak to white mums about raising mixed kids. In part one of this two part conversation, the mothers discuss having a different experience from your children as a white parent, when to bring up race and othering, and having a plan or strategy in raising mixed kids according to their lived experiences. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Books That Inspire Young Minds: https://www.instagram.com/books_that_inspire_young_minds (showcasing a diverse and inclusive collection of children's books amplifying voices from a wide range of backgrounds) Families Like Ours: https://www.instagram.com/familieslikeours (A UK based community for mixed heritage families) Mixed Bloom Room: https://www.instagram.com/mixedbloomroom (Featuring a course for monoracial parents of mixed kids Multiracial Matters: https://www.instagram.com/multiracialmatters (Raising Multiracial Children)
CW: Domestic abuse Emma and Nicole speak with Paula Rhone-Adrien, an award-winning family law barrister with over two decades of experience as a domestic violence lawyer. Knowing that COVID has meant restrictions on leaving the home during the pandemic, they felt moved to share this conversation. Paula Rhone-Adrien is an award-winning family law barrister with over two decades of experience as a domestic violence lawyer. She recently launched a petition to create a national register of offenders who commit crimes against women. If you have been affected by anything that you have heard listening to this episode you can contact The National Domestic Abuse Helpline by dialling: 0800 2000 247. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Paula's Twitter: https://twitter.com/familylawguruuk Paula's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familylawguruuk/
The one where its ALL just a metaphor for being mixed Emma and Nicole have an incredibly candid conversation Ben Bailey Smith aka Doc Brown. They discuss football as a unifier, class, identity politics, being fetishised as a mixed man, and how the Britain he grew up in bears little resemblance to the one today. Ben is a multitalented creative - a comedian, rapper, actor, writer, presenter, all-around artist with a way with words and who can make you laugh by tapping into the truth. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docbreezy88 Ben's book, Something I Said: https://www.waterstones.com/book/something-i-said/ben-bailey-smith/9781526645050 Culture Mix: The Cutting Room Floor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-10-the-tanning-of-america-feat-leandra-medine/id1546454450?i=1000528662065 Wonder Boy on NetflixLayla Andrews: https://www.instagram.com/laylandrews Harper's Bazaar article: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/a36873719/meet-layla-andrews-artist-interview/ Original Flava: https://www.instagram.com/originalflava/ Season Di Ting podcast: https://www.instagram.com/seasonditingpod/ Gal-dem article “Athletics is waging a war of transphobia and misogynoir”: https://gal-dem.com/athletics-war-of-transphobia-and-misogynoir-black-african-women-losing/
The one where we're typecast as ‘Bengali Girl' Emma talks to Sarah Kameela Impey of We Are Lady Parts, discussing her role as frontwoman Saira and how growing up she didn't see many people who looked like her in stories. They discuss how groundbreaking the show is in terms of modern representation of Muslim women, multifaceted Muslim women - a beautiful portrayal of fun, female friendship, and our innate humanness. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahkameelaimpey/ Culture Mix: Black.Punk IG: https://www.instagram.com/punk.black/ Betty on HBO Max Nyjah Huston: https://www.instagram.com/nyjah/ Margielyn Didal https://www.instagram.com/margielyndidal/
The one where your friends are like family Emma and Nicole speak to Lizzy Kirk, who was adopted at a young age to a white family and grew up in small village in Nottinghamshire. Feeling like the ‘odd one out' most of her life, she discovered at 40-years-old that her close friends she had for years are actually her sisters. They discuss growing up in majority white spaces, what happens when you don't feel knowledgeable enough about Black culture, and how often mixed people worry about how other people will feel about their identities. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Lizzy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlygirlsdiary/ Culture Mix: Naomi Osaka Time essay: https://time.com/6077128/naomi-osaka-essay-tokyo-olympics/ In Our Mothers' Gardens on Netflix: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQwf_Bjspc6
The one with the Asian Appreciation club (recorded during Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage month) Emma and Nicole speak to Chinese Canadian Actress Alexa Loo about her mixed heritage and how her latest show adapted her role in order to better represent mixed race people. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Alexa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexaaloo/ Culture Mix: https://asianamericangirlclub.com/ Netflix's Highly Hyphenated series: https://www.instagram.com/tv/COVoQflr6pp/ Jessie Mei Lei https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIhH6tQsgvc/ Midori Francis Iwama https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHENiUQFrUO/ Amalia Yoo
The one where we explain how you can be wearing Tudor clothing while Black Emma and Nicole deliver another Pop Culture episode where they catch up on a bunch of things that happened a while back - the Meghan and Harry x Oprah Interview and Bridgerton for example. They give us their thoughts on Malcom and Marie and discuss people thinking being ‘light skinned' is synonymous with being Mixed Race. Preorder our book The Half Of It: https://amzn.to/3rDq1qo Our website: https://www.mixedup.co.uk/ Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mixeduppodcast Our Instagram: https://instagram.com/mixedup.podcast Culture Mix: The Before Sunrise trilogy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_trilogy Malcom and Marie Emma's Grazia Article: https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/jodie-turner-smith-anne-boleyn-history/
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