Podcasts about turkish towels

It's the first ever Favorite Things episode and we believe it could rival Oprah's list. But, don't be expecting any gifts to be hanging out under your seat. LeeAnn and Matt share some of their favorite things - everything from Turkish Towels, to our favorite podcasts, to cooking gadgets and seasonings!

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Canan Dilek, the designer and owner of Pera Company. We talk about how she started her Turkish towel company and how she made the leap from doing the farmers market circuit to opening her own store in the Shops at Mallory Square. More on Pera Company Website: https://www.peracompany.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/peracompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peracompanyllc An inspiring journey through beautiful, serene villages of the Turkish countryside truly moved me to share my passion for artisan Turkish Towels with you! On my trip the selfless and humble people left a lasting impression. The incredibly refreshing warmth and care experienced while meeting with families of weavers during my road trip mirror the craft of the pieces exactly. It was amazing to see the talent within those skilled, loving hands – the authenticity is unmatched! It was easy to fall in love with such soft and rich towels. They are made with Aegean cotton/linen blend and an intricate hand weaving process solidify the design. Their premium quality showcases itself in absorbency, durability, and versatility. Graced with Mediterranean motifs and colors, you feel transported to a calm, airy place. With roots in Turkey myself, the style is innate and speaks to the culture of the land. Lovingly, I gift you with the Pera Company- offers a collection that encapsulates the simplicity, light, and uniqueness of the Turkish experience. A deep appreciation goes to my beloved friend Madeleine Hugo who started me on this journey.

REPLAYED CONTENT: Aaron Stadlin-Robbie suffers from panic attacks and anxiety. He talks about when he first realised that he was suffering from panic attacks after experiencing the most frightening event of his whole life. Eventually, he saw a psychiatrist and got to the bottom of what he was going through and began to receive treatment and support. He recognised that he experienced several red flags that he initially ignored which led to his panic attacks taking hold. He feels that dealing with anxiety is a battle and without the support of friends, family and professionals, he felt very alone. He acknowledges that it can be more difficult for men to discuss more personal issues with each other and he wants people to understand that every time he discussed his anxiety, it was a weight off his mind. Aaron is a rugby player and he found that when he opened up to his mates about his anxiety, they were very supportive and did not judge him. Aaron decided to start his own podcast ‘Talking Mental' which will be released on Apple Podcasts on the 22nd of January. He began this podcast to start conversations about anxiety and mental health issues in general in a bid to help improve his own mental health and also to benefit his listeners who may also be struggling with similar issues. Aaron explains that ‘anxiety is like a wet blanket on top of you that you're trying to get off.' He hopes that by sharing his story, that he will inspire others to open up and seek support. Talking Mental: https://www.talkingmental.com/ A Listener Note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast raise some issues for listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP or crisis line for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa's Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SuChin and Kulap are in the in-between: In between the ocean and the bathroom, in between menopause and their 30s, in between bikinis and unshapely one pieces (or catsuits). This week, they run the gamut of topics, from where it's appropriate to pee to hot new anniversary ideas to what boxes are best for moving and not attracting rats. Plus, listener voicemails!    Please note, Add To Cart contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners.    To see all products mentioned in this episode, head to @addtocartpod on Instagram. To purchase any of the products, see below.   Blueland Cleaning Products: https://bit.ly/bluelandcleaning Su's Turkish Towels: http://bit.ly/riveriaturkishtowel Su's Kaftans: http://bit.ly/riveriakaftan Su's Really Useful Boxes: http://bit.ly/reallyusefulbox Sturdy Boxes: http://bit.ly/sturdybins The trailer for Memories of Murder: http://bit.ly/memsofmurder Ku's Sculpting Swimsuit: http://bit.ly/ta3plungy TukTuk Box: http://bit.ly/tuktukbox (20% off with code ADDTOCART) Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REPLAYED CONTENT FOR PRIDE MONTH: Dennis Philipse talks to us about Hong Kong's successful bid to win the Gay Games in 2022. This is the first time that the Gay Games will be hosted in Asia and it is a very exciting milestone in the history of the games and also for Hong Kong. Dennis walks us through the bidding process and the excitement the team felt when they won then bid. We explore how this wonderful event will “build lighthouses of hope” in the LGBTQ community, and the positive impact that the Gay Games will have on both Hong Kong and Asia. Everyone is welcome to participate in the games regardless of your age, race, culture, religion, gender or sexuality. Dennis shares some heartwarming and inspirational personal stories of love and hope. He reminds us that the goal of the Gay Games is to not only be inclusive but to “celebrate diversity and to connect people in the spirit of sport.” The Gay Games webpage: https://www.gaygameshk2022.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa's Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.c Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REPLAYED CONTENT FOR PRIDE MONTH: Jason Masters was a married father of two children who discovered later in life that he was gay. Jason discusses his journey of understanding his sexual identity and how he had to come to terms with this and aligned his Christian faith with his acceptance of himself. Jason shares the experience of seeking therapy and then having to come out to his wife and how they worked through this significant event as a family. Jason talks about how there is a gap in the support available for teens who discover that they have a gay father and he feels his kids would have benefited from this kind of support in the early days when he told them he was gay. Jason reveals that he was bullied as a child and had an explosive father, and this coupled with his suppression of his sexuality, led to some mental health issues. He praises the support that he had from medical professionals and also from his church community. Jason has become an accidental activist in the Uniting Church and wants to add value to the community. He is a youth worker in his church and is also working to elevate social justice issues in both the executive world and the local community. He is a wonderful role model for any LGBTQ+  people in the Christian community and his story is inspirational and thought provoking. A listener note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa's Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REPURPOSED CONTENT for the Christmas break- Valentina Tudose joins me to talk about sex with a focus on educating young people so they have more positive relationships. She explains why it is important to educate teens about respect and consent by teaching them about values and the need to have high self worth. We live in a hyper-sexualised society, where sexting and pornography are prevalent. Valentina advises parents’ ways in which they can discuss these issues with their children and educate them on how to develop their relationships skills.  We talk about sexual pressure and how important it is to set boundaries. Managing emotions is an important part of sexual relationships and Valentina gives us tips on how to do this. Valentina discuses sex positive resources with us and is full of wonderful advice on topic of sex and relationships. “Awareness is the foundation of becoming well adjusted people who can function successfully in relationships.” Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.asia/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Ziggy Makant is a young mum and fitness trainer who has combined her love of babies and fitness to create a new niche in Hong Kong working with pre and post-natal mothers as a coach helping them with their fitness, nutrition and well-being. Ziggy opens up about her struggles with post-natal depression and how she was able to overcome this significant obstacle. Ziggy also shares her experience with breastfeeding and weaning her child. None of this was easy for the young 23-year-old mother. One of the key coping mechanisms that she discovered was exercising with her baby and connecting with other young mothers. We discuss the pressure to regain the pre-baby body and how this is not realistic as the body will never be what is was before because it has become so much more. Ziggy feels that the early postpartum period is rarely talked about, and she believes that this time can often be much more demanding than childbirth. Ziggy creates spaces for young mothers with her ‘Mum Fit’ classes where they can come and work out with their babies and have other mums to connect with and glean support and advice. Ziggy offers pre and post-natal support for mothers and refers them on to professionals in the areas that they require expert advice. Ziggy also has a nutritional program called ‘Milky Mumma’ nutrition and this provides lactation support products for new mothers. Ziggy is an inspiration and role model as an entrepreneur and mother making a difference in Hong Kong. Contact Ziggy:  https://www.zigfitmama.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Neelam Harjarni was working in the corporate world and she was facing stress and work pressure that was taking a toll on her body and mind. She decided to move into the well-being space and created her own company Inspire Yoga. Neelam mission is to teach an authentic and holistic framework to ease the stress of Hong Kong lifestyles, to bring balance to both body and mind. She has created her own niche in Hong Kong developing bespoke personal yoga programs for individuals, families and corporate clients. She works in her client’s home or office and creates an intimate well-being program designed for the unique needs of her clients. Inspire yoga is all about finding the need and creating a solution. Neelam explains the many advantages to doing yoga in the face paced world of today and the links between the mind and body when it comes to healing and well-being. Yoga is a journey inwards and she inspires her clients to go from doing to being. It is interesting to note that 70% of her clients are men who need a stress outlet in their daily lives. Neelam works on personal growth and encourages a healthy lifestyle. She reminds us that we could all benefit from a digital detox and some of the things we can do to ensure that we overcome anxiety, chronic tension and stress related illnesses using personalized yoga sequences and meditation techniques. We explore the benefits of meditation and breathing to get to a place of peace and gratitude. Inspire Yoga: https://inspire-yoga.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Temmy Maclean and her 63-year-old mother were caught in the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand. This is the first time that Temmy has shared her story publicly. Temmy talks about the fear she felt and how she came to terms with the fact that she was going to die. She and 64 other people were stranded on Bamboo Island after being caught in the Tsunami during a day trip to Phi Phi Island. She and her mother went into self-preservation mode whilst being in a heightened state of sheer terror. Temmy explains the impact that this near-death experience had on both her and her mother and how she dealt with the trauma at the time and when she returned to her life in Hong Kong. This is a powerful example of human strength in the face of a devastating natural disaster. Temmy’s story will have you on the edge of your seat. A Listener Note: This podcast explores some distressing themes- listener discretion is advised. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Susanne Schutz is a Chinese Metaphysics consultant who specialises in Feng Shui, auspicious date selection and Chinese astrology. Susanne has trained with a Grand Master and practices in Asia, Dubai and Moscow. She explains the difference between contemporary Feng Shui and classical Feng Shui and gives us an insight into the rich history of the practice. Susanne explains how Feng Shui, auspicious date selection and astrology are all intrinsically linked, and she delves deeper into each of the practices with us. Susanne shares how Feng Shui looks at your environment and the interaction between the mountains and the water with a focus on the energy that this creates. Feng Shui can be used to improve your career, sleep, health issues, academic success, children’s behaviour and increase your opportunities for love and money; just to name a few. Susanne mentions several remedies that she may recommend in a Feng Shui consultation but reminds us that it is not about object placement but about specific remedies for individuals as the energy is being generated by natural land-forms. This is a fascinating insight into Chinese metaphysics and the work that Susanne does as one of Hong Kong’s most respected consultants. Suzhong Consulting: http://suzhongconsulting.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Carmen Yau is a storyteller at the Jockey Club Storytelling Hub where she shares her story of being sex call worker. Carmen was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is now an advocate for people with disabilities, particularly when it comes to sexuality and embracing diversity. Carmen has a Psychology degree, yet she found it very hard to get a job because of her disability. Luckily, she found a job at the sex call centre where people would share their intimate stories and personal secrets with her. Carmen went on to write her own sex stories and published them as 'Sugar XXX' for the Chinese disabled community. Carmen reminds us that we need to embrace our bodies and our sexuality as our bodies are a canvas where we can truly express who we are. We discuss masturbation and how this can help with both self-love and knowing your own body. Carmen also shares how social media helped with her transformation after her 14-year relationship ended. She has found a wonderful community of other disabled people who are sharing their ‘sexy selfies’ and being proud of both their disabilities and their sexuality. This has inspired Carmen to help more people get to this place of self-acceptance and self-love. Carmen talks about the benefits of keeping a sex dairy and recommends that we all have a sex bucket list. Carmen explains to us how we can all be our own sex coach and turn on our own sex engines. A Listener Note: This podcast explores adult themes- listener discretion is advised. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Dating and Relationships Coach Valentina Tudose talks to us about open relationships and polyamory. We explore the boundaries and rules that can make open relationships work and some of the challenges that people in open relationships may face. Valentina explains all the wonderful benefits of being in an open relationship and how our attitudes towards sex are linked to our values.  She shares her personal experience being in a 10-year open relationship with her long-term partner who sadly passed away this year. Topics such as swinging, consent, safe sex, and comperson are discussed. When Valentina coaches people wanting to embark on an open relationship, she starts with discussing their values, the vision for their relationship and their deal breakers. The Five Languages of Love are explained to us and the different types of relationships that we can have. Valentina believes that sex is the glue of a relationship and being open and vulnerable can increase intimacy levels. An open relationship can be an opportunity for growth. Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.asia A Listener Note: This podcast explores adult themes- listener discretion is advised. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Kate Bridle is a polysomnographer, more commonly known as a sleep specialist. She talks to us about all aspects of sleeping well. Kate shares her knowledge on sleep hygiene, chronic insomnia and habits that can help us to sleep better. We discuss many things that impact our sleep such as diet, exercise, light, alcohol and many more factors. It is important that we have an anchor time that we wake up at each day if we want to develop good sleeping habits. Teenagers should not stay up cramming at night and Kate explains how vital sleep is for retaining information in the brain and doing well in exams. Kate gives us tips to stop snoring and how this can also be linked to sleep apnea. She discusses diet and the gut/brain connection as this can have a huge impact on our sleep. We also explore sleep walking along with REM behavior disorders. Kate shares some of her experiences when researching sleep disorders while she was at university. We learn ways that we can turn our minds off so that we can get to sleep and tips for getting babies to sleep. This podcast is a must for anyone who struggles with their sleep. Sleep HQ: https://www.sleep-hq.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Debbie Mannas grew up in Bangalore, India and moved to Hong Kong in 1991. Her love of music began early in life and she has been singing from a very young age. Her deep interest in human behaviour helps her to write meaningful songs in many different styles and genres. She performs often and her singing touches the hearts of many. Debbie and I talk about her work in Human Resources in the corporate world and how she balances work, motherhood and music.  Debbie is a mentor to women through the Women’s Foundation with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Debbie believes that her greatest qualities are her resilience, calm and patience. She is great at maintaining a balance and welcomes a challenge. She shares some of her parenting tips and inspires us with her wise words of wisdom. Debbie Mannas Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-mannas-7572625/?originalSubdomain=hk Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/       Support the show.

Allie Rooke discovered the benefits of clean cosmetics and living a clean lifestyle when she was going through her fertility journey. She found a natural fertility clinic in Australia and that was the turning point in her journey to become a mother and she re-evaluated how she was living her life and the products that she was using. Allie explains how mainstream cosmetics can disrupt the endocrine system on our bodies and the effects that this can have on our health and wellbeing. She began with a clean cosmetics blog and eventually launched her own clean cosmetics consultancy business ‘My Clean Cosmetics’ to help expand the Asian market. We have such an interesting discussion about the K and J Beauty trends, zero waste, the effect on the planet and animal testing. We also explore the free gift trend and how many brands are beginning to move into the natural space. Allie gives us some top tips on clean cosmetics and recommends some great products and companies in the clean cosmetic world. https://mycleancosmetics.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Paula Miquelis is the organiser of the Green is the New Black Conscious Festival in Hong Kong. We discuss many sustainable living topics. We explore issues such as climate change, plastic use, zero waste, veganism and mindful eating. Paula shares some of the highlights of the Green is the New Black Festival including the conscious brands featured in the Market Place and the Talks where industry experts encourage us to live more consciously. Paula talks about best practices that corporations can adopt to improve their sustainability and the changes that we can all make as individuals. Hong Kong people can join the Green is the New Black Conscious Festival at the Kerry Hotel on April 13th and 14th. More information is in the link below. https://greenisthenewblack.com/festival/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Professor Dan Lloyd is the Deputy Head of School of Biosciences at the University of Kent. We discuss his research into DNA damage, and how this relates to cancer and its treatment. We chat about targeted therapy in cancer research and how treatment can vary for different types of cancer. We explore the cultural and social issues that effect the diagnostic element in the treatment process and how some cancers fare better than others when it comes to funding and awareness raising campaigns. This is a fascinating conversation about science, creativity, values and ethics. Professor Dan explain some of the ethics related to studies in other scientific fields like mitochondrial donation, animal testing, medical marijuana and some of the social and ethical values surrounding this work. Professor Dan shares what he would like to see in the future when it comes to cancer research, including better diagnostics, increased targeted therapies and addressing the resistance to drugs that the sneaky cancer cells often build up. This is an inspirational interview with a man who is making a difference in the cancer research world. What an honour it was to interview him! Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Virginia Chan used to work in HR in banking, then one day she decided that she wanted to do something different with her life and she started her unique and quirky food tours in Hong Kong. Her tour company is called ‘Humid with a Chance if Fishballs’ and she runs the most incredible cultural food tours around the city that really take her guest into the heart of Hong Kong’s amazing cuisine and culture.  Virginia talks about how she started with a blog about Hong Kong and it morphed into her food tour company. She does small public tours, private tours and corporate tours with a focus on grassroots experiences that explore the old Hong Kong and its kindness and feeling. She aims to bridge East and West despite the language barrier. Her company is different, if that wasn’t obvious enough from their name. They don’t do cookie-cutter, run of the mill tours so what you can expect from Virginia and her team are fun, off-the-beaten path and informative not-tour like tours. Virginia speaks about the highs and lows of running a business and what it is like to be a ‘girl boss’. We explore female empowerment and the lessons she has learned along the way. We discuss imposter syndrome and why we should all give ourselves more credit. Humid with a Chance of Fishballs tours are so interesting and unique- I know that I want to sign up for a tour as soon as possible. Humid with a Chance of Fishballs: https://www.humidwithachanceoffishballs.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Hin Chun Chui is an accomplished body builder who is a member of the Hong Kong team. He is a vegan and he shares his secrets to building muscle mass as a vegan bodybuilder. Hin Chun talks about how he watched a video with animals being slaughtered for food and then he was haunted by nightmares about chickens for two weeks after watching this film. He also suffered from skin allergies, so these two factors inspired him to become vegan. Hin Chun struggled to find other body builders who were vegan in the beginning but now he explains that it’s RT becoming more common to find vegan athletes as they learn the health benefits of a vegan diet. He is a vegan coach and helps others to change their diet and lifestyle. He demonstrates that you don’t need to eat meet to be a success in the sporting world. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Angela Hancock grew up in the U.K. and had a lovely early childhood with her single mother. One day, when she was 13, she returned home to find a man living in her house with her mother. This man went on to sexually abuse Angela and she now found herself living in a house full of violence and misery. She also did not fit in at school and felt like she was ‘on the outside looking in’. Angela was kicked out of home at 16 and developed bulimia which was eventually replaced with an addiction to exercise. Angela moved to Hong Kong and ended up marrying a violent and abusive man whom she could not escape from. She was given a reprieve when he died by accident. This is when Angela turned her life around. She read a lot of self-help books and did come visualisation work- focusing on achieving the life that she truly wanted and deserved. Angela met a gorgeous man and went on to become a health coach, where she coaches people in a wonderful nutritional program called Isagenix. Angela reminds us that everybody deserves to feel great and you can’t help but be inspired by Angela enthusiasm for her healthy lifestyle and her positive mindset. A Listener Note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast raise some issues for listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP or crisis line for support. Angela Hancock: https://www.bustarut.net/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Vincy Chan is a non-binary trans-activist who is passionate about music, art, culture and making a difference in the world. Vincy talks about gender, sexuality, labels and preferred pronouns whilst explaining their journey of self-discovery and finding their identity. Vincy wishes that they had access to the information that is available to young people today about these issues and they wished they could have made connections with other queer or trans folks when they were younger. Going to an all girls’ Christian school when they were younger meant that they did not have many avenues for discussions about sexuality and gender. Vincy talks about finding their place back in Hong Kong after living in Australia and the USA, and how that impacted their journey. Vincy shares their coming out story and the reaction of their Chinese parents. Vincy shares their experience with issues surrounding body image and how they rationalize these thoughts and fight any negative self-talk. We discuss cultural constructs, leftist discourse, social justice and so much more. This is a very interesting discussion on many levels. A Listener Note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may be a trigger for your own gender and sexuality concerns. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP or crisis line for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

This is Sonya Yeung’s adoption story. She shares her and her husband’s journey of adopting a child in Hong Kong. She talks about the procedure for adopting a child and the highs and lows of the entire process. Sonya talks about her fears and concern and some of the cultural sensitivities that they faced surrounding adoption. Sonya and her husband had an open dialogue with friends and family and felt overwhelming love and support. Sonya shares the excitement and nerves associated with meeting their son for the first time. Then the visits for the next two weeks and the day that their son moved to live with them. Sonya discusses the unpredictability of parenthood and how they valued the advice and routine shared with them by the foster family. Sonya also reveals their philosophy when it comes to telling their son that he is adopted and how it is not his only story and is just one part of his identity. Adoptive Families of Hong Kong:  https://afhk.org.hk/considering_adoption_in_HK Mothers Choice: https://www.motherschoice.org/en/what-we-do/for-families/adopt-a-child/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Dr. Michael Eason is a psychologist who specialises in many different areas; one being affirmative therapy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Michael explains the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. We focus our conversation on transgender support and explore many of the challenges that trans youth and their families face.  Michael emphasises how important family support is for any LGBTQ+ youth who are in the process of exploring their identity. Families face many changes when a child expresses that they are transgender, and Michael gives tips on how to approach this new chapter in a child’s life. We also discuss how schools should develop diversity and inclusion policies and create a culture of acceptance and support for all LGBTQ+ teens. Michael shares his own coming out story as a gay teen growing up in the USA in a religious family. This experience enables Michael to really connect with the LGBTQ+ people that he works with today.  We talk about the unethical practices of gay conversion therapy and the impact that being excommunicated from Church can have on someone already feeling alone in their search for inclusion and support. There are LGBTQ+ friendly church communities and we encourage people to find them if they are religious and are being shunned. Michael reminds us that all humans need love and a sense of belonging and loneliness can lead to mental health issues and self-harm. Michael leaves us with some excellent resources for LGBTQ+ people to access. This is a podcast that will hopefully open your heart and your mind. Dr Micheal Eason: https://www.mindnlife.com/hong-kong-therapists/ Glaad: https://www.glaad.org/ It Gets Better: https://itgetsbetter.org/ Transgender support for Students: http://www.transstudent.org/         Promo: Latter Day Lesbian Podcast:  https://latterdaylesbian.org/index.html A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you are a student, you can talk to a teacher that you feel will support you. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. You can also seek out LGBTQ+ support groups in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/       Support the show.

Mel Patching used to suffer from binge eating disorder and she shares how she coped with this life changing ordeal and the steps that she took to overcome her disorder. Mel shares the desperate behaviours that she used to resort to, to be able to eat copious amounts of food. Mel suffered from guilt and isolation during these years and unfortunately, she could not afford therapy. Thankfully, Mel discovered some amazing self-help books that she was able to use on her path to self-discovery and recovery. Mel went through some dark days during her disorder and she is now able to reflect on why she became so ill and how her desire for love and acceptance fueled her disordered eating. Mel’s parents were missionaries in Zambia and Mel was sent to boarding school at the age of six. This changed her way of seeing herself, particularly throughout high school, where she felt that she did not fit in and her school days were a painful wrenching of her heart. She feels that she has spent her adult life healing from the trauma of boarding school where she did not have a consistent adult caregiver to show her love and affection. This is a gripping story of overcoming a deep dark past to be triumphant in her adult years through her journey of self-discovery.  Mel learned that love is the most powerful thing in the world and without self-love we cannot be whole. A Listener Note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may be distressing. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP or crisis line for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Darius Kokou Agbeko Dzaduwas an asylum seeker and refugee in Hong Kong for many years, he is now married to his lovely wife and has residency and is finally able to work. He is an activist helping raise awareness of the plight of refugees in Hong Kong who struggle with equality and justice. He hopes to improve the living and working conditions of those living in marginalised communities, especially refugees and ethnic minorities, many of whom are his friends. Darius has done a TEDx talk and speaks at many conferences and events globally. Darius is from Togo and he did not speak Chinese or English when he arrived. He landed in China and then moved Hong Kong as an asylum seeker and applied for refugee status. He explains how the government support refugees in Hong Kong, but it is unfortunately not enough financial support for people to survive and they must rely on NGO’s to help them. Darius shares what it was like to feel like he had nothing to offer to people he met and how he was often sidelined when people discovered that he was a refugee. He volunteered his time to try and make his life more meaningful and make a difference, given that he was not able to work in Hong Kong. He helps lead Global Youth Connect, a group that brings together ethnic minorities and mainland youth, he plays football, music and joined a local theatre group. He wants to do what he can to help his friends who are struggling as refugees and he reminds us that taking the time to connect with people by providing friendship is one of the most meaningful gestures that anyone can do for a refuge or asylum seeker. Darius’ email: dariusdario11@gmail.com TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIP2rNFO1kM Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Joy Tsien Koo speaks to us about life as a 50 something expat woman living in Hong Kong. She gives us an insight into some of the highs and lows of expat living. She discusses parenting, educating her children and helping them through dealing with mental health issues as teenagers. We discuss some of the pressures that couples can face when living the fast paced, glamorous Hong Kong lifestyle. She explores how it feels to have her children fly the nest and then having to reevaluate her own purpose and direction in life. We discuss many interesting topics, including affairs, aging and what’s most important as we gain more life experience. Joy shares her wisdom about how important it is to be happy in our own skin. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Mehek Gidwani talks to us about her journey with drug addiction and recovery as a teenager. She shares how she was bullied as a child in primary school and her self-esteem and self-worth were low. Mehek’s drug taking began at the early age of 13 to enable her to fit in and feel a sense of belonging. Her struggles with her sexuality added to her feelings of inadequacy and sense of displacement and she emphasises that her ‘mind was a painful place to be’. Mehek talks about spiraling out of control when she was at university and how her family tricked her in to going to rehab. After over 7 months in treatment, Mehek has been sober ever since. She has recently trained as a Recovery Coach and yoga therapist and has started her own addiction recovery program in Hong Kong where she uses a holistic approach, nurturing the mind, body and soul employing both Eastern and Western practices. Mehek has found her purpose in life, has hope again and is in a wonderful place. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. You can also seek out addiction support groups in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/     Support the show.

Divya Samtani shares her wisdom related to parenting skills, being a teenager and how to live a life filled with compassion and gratitude. She has a company called Savvy Sapiens where she runs programs for creative, resourceful teens to help them become global citizens and entrepreneurs of the future. She also delivers parenting workshops to help parents hold space for their teens without judgement enabling them to build relationships and improve the family dynamic. Divya talks about her own personal journey and shares her experience participating in the Tony Robbins course “Unleash the Power Within”. This gave her the foundation to be able to impart all sorts of incredible wisdom to her clients and her people skills are phenomenal. This podcast will inspire you to make changes in your relationships with others and to work on your own personal development. It will be especially informative for parents and teenagers but there are wonderful, insightful takeaways for everyone in this podcast. Savvy Sapiens: http://savvysapien.com/ email Divya: diyvyasamtani@gmail.com Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Aaron Stadlin-Robbie suffers from panic attacks and anxiety. He talks about when he first realised that he was suffering from panic attacks after experiencing the most frightening event of his whole life. Eventually, he saw a psychiatrist and got to the bottom of what he was going through and began to receive treatment and support. He recognised that he experienced several red flags that he initially ignored which led to his panic attacks taking hold. He feels that dealing with anxiety is a battle and without the support of friends, family and professionals, he felt very alone. He acknowledges that it can be more difficult for men to discuss more personal issues with each other and he wants people to understand that every time he discussed his anxiety, it was a weight off his mind. Aaron is a rugby player and he found that when he opened up to his mates about his anxiety, they were very supportive and did not judge him. Aaron decided to start his own podcast ‘Talking Mental’ which will be released on Apple Podcasts on the 22nd of January. He began this podcast to start conversations about anxiety and mental health issues in general in a bid to help improve his own mental health and also to benefit his listeners who may also be struggling with similar issues. Aaron explains that ‘anxiety is like a wet blanket on top of you that you’re trying to get off.’ He hopes that by sharing his story, that he will inspire others to open up and seek support. Talking Mental: https://www.talkingmental.com/ A Listener Note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast raise some issues for listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP or crisis line for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Susan Lavender shares her life story with us. She is half Italian and half British and she moved to Canada and trained to be a lawyer in her 20’s. She moved to Hong Kong in 1990 to work as an advocate for refugees for UNHCR. She would interview Vietnamese asylum seekers and make recommendations to the Hong Kong Immigration Department as to whether they were deserving of being granted asylum. She visited detention camps on boats and on islands off Hong Kong and she shares some of the shocking stories that she heard from the refugees. After the handover in 1996, she had to reinvent herself so she re-trained as a lawyer and learned Mandarin and moved to Beijing where she worked for an Italian law firm. She moved back to Hong Kong and practiced law and also became a radio host for RTHK and eventually a news reader. Shares the story of how her mother met her father during the war and became a war bride. She talks about aging and the fears she has surrounding this given the fact that she does not have any family members to support her. She shares her experience of her mother’s passing and talks about the grief surrounding this sad event. Her priorities have definitely changed since she her mother passed away and as she herself is ageing. Susan explains that she combats loneliness with creativity and is still acting and writing poems to this day. This is a fascinating and moving interview that will capture your heart. A Listener Note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may be distressing. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP or crisis line for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Emily Lola Tan has Leukemia. She shares her story whilst also raising awareness of the importance of bone marrow donations for Leukemia suffers- especially Asian people as they don’t seem to register as bone marrow donors as much as people in other countries. Finding a bone marrow match will significantly increase Emily’s chances of survival and she is on a mission to raise awareness for all Leukemia patients. We discuss why it is better for her to stay in Hong Kong to find a bone marrow match and we explore the lack of public awareness surrounding blood cancers as opposed to other more publicised cancers. Emily explains how she first discovered that she has Leukemia when she was travelling in Europe and how the diagnosis has changed her outlook on life. She shares her deepest secrets from her past where, as a teen, she was raped by her boyfriend and later, unable to cope with the shame and the guilt, attempted suicide. This is a heart wrenching disclosure that will impact all who listen. Emily goes on to explain how these dark times helped her to become the resilient fighter that she is today as she faces the greatest battle of her life with courage, resilience and determination. At times, Emily loses hope but for the most part she is hopeful, positive and good humoured throughout this life changing journey. She explains how it takes strength to expose her vulnerabilities and how she has developed some psychological hardiness along the way. She wants to educate young people about healthy relationships and consent as well as exploring notions of masculinity. However, her main goal is to raise awareness of blood cancer and bone marrow donations. She wants to make a positive impact on the world and she already is doing just that. If you would like to donate to Emily’s funding page- a support group run by her friends for Emily Lola Tan's quest to 100% recover from cancer. Please click this link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaringForEmilyLolaTan/?ref=br_rs If you want to donate bone marrow in Hong Kong- Please click on this link https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/enarticle.asp?bid=56&MenuID=6#.XBXZtjG-m7Q or please find the bone marrow donation registry in your area. Warning: Some of the issues covered in this podcast may be distressing to some listeners. Topics discussed are cancer, rape, suicide and death. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

I interviewed Kinny Au Barlow for International Podcast Day and we spoke about growing up in a Chinese family and some of the long standing traditions and values that Kinny feels are important to impart to her children. She explains how she balances her own Chinese culture and her husband’s Western culture when raising her children. She shares some stories from her childhood and explains how she was different to her peers and the unique way that he parents embraced and encouraged her to be different. We talk about traditional expectations in Chinese families ranging from gender roles, to caring for the elderly and fundamental practices that are a part of belonging to a Chinese family. We discuss helpers in Hong Kong, racism and how we can think about contributing to our families and the community. Kinny is one of the organizers of Clockenflap, one of Asia’s biggest music and arts festivals. She talks about how amazing it is to work on such a fabulous event and shares some of the exciting aspects  of the festival.  This is a wonderful interview that gives us an insight into the rich and vibrant Chinese culture of Hong Kong that is steeped in tradition and values. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Charles Stevens and his friend Will Hsu successfully cycled the Silk Road from Beijing to Tehran raising 33k pounds for A Child Unheard in Ghana. The lads won national awards and have inspired millions of people with their tenacity and determination. Charles shares the ups and downs of the incredible journey; the scariest moments, being awe inspired and the team work required along the way. Charles reveals that the greatest challenge on this 114 day adventure was the facing the natural elements; particularly the weather. He shares some personal stories about some of the highs and lows on the trip as well as meeting a couple of teenage boys who he shared a meal with, discovering that they had more in common than he thought. This is a story of courage, endurance and spirit, achieved by the youngest team to ever complete this 10,000 km journey. Charles and Will were still teenagers at the time, which is an incredible feat and one that will hopefully inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone. Learn more about their journey here: http://beijingtotehran.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Tiffany Huang began Spill Stories as a story telling platform for women of colour to share their experiences. She was unhappy with the superficial nature of social media, so she created content on Instagram that offers comfort to others in their personal struggles. The stories, written by a diverse group of people, evoke empathy, catharsis and healing through sharing more deep and meaningful aspects of life. “Social media can enhance our sense of isolation” and Spill Stories provides a platform for us to feel connected. Tiffany suggests that we should “screw the narratives that we are supposed to play into and be yourself!” Spill Stories have many different themes ranging from ‘Sex and Power’ to ‘Insecurities’. These stories promote creativity and provide a voice for women of colour. Writing can empower people and Tiffany hopes that her platform will connect people across the globe. Tiffany shares a story from a woman in the UK called ‘Am I too dark?’ and she also reads a story of her own. She shares how creating Spill Stories has given her courage to speak up and she relates a candid story about her Tinder dating escapades that is both entertaining and challenges some Asian stereotypes. Spill Stories has helped Tiffany take down her own shield. A Listener Note: We discuss some adult themed topics in this podcast so please be warned. Spill Stories: spillyourstories@gmail.com Instagram: @spill_stories Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Tash Jain suffers from a chronic illness called POTS- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. This is a syndrome where there is an imbalance between your blood pressure and your heart rate. Symptoms include fainting, memory loss and fatigue, all of which affected Tash. She was so ill that she has to quit her job and was on bed rest for months. There was no specific treatment for her illness, so it was a matter of trial and error as she experimented with different treatment methods. Being unwell took a toll on Tash’s mental health and she found herself feeling isolated, anxious and often in a very low mood. We discuss mental health in relation to living with chronic illness.  Tash felt that being sick gave her the opportunity to reassess her priorities and really look at her core values. She is a changed person due to suffering from POTS and she shares how she has reevaluated her notion of success and what is most important now in her life. Tash is an inspiration and she provides many tips on self-care and how to cope with the struggles of a life living with chronic illness. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Siufung Law is a genderqueer bodybuilder who competes in both local and international competitions.  He shares his gender and sexuality journey, and how his identity has evolved to where it is today. He is open and candid about being raised as a young girl in Chinese culture and the challenges he faced being at school where his dad was the Vice Principal. Siufung explains how he felt that he needed to suppress his sexuality and gender journey from his family whilst at school, but he was lucky to find a group of friends where he could be truly himself. Siufung did research in Gender Studies at university and this helped him to learn more about the labels, genderqueer and gender non-binary and he felt that these terms described him more than the term transgender which was how he was identifying at that time. Siufung explains the meaning of generqueer and the pronouns that he is happy to use. We discuss the lack of sex education in local Chinese schools and how Siufung would have benefited from more open discussions about topics of gender, sex and sexuality. Siufung reminds us that ‘we are always in a continuous process of becoming’ and he is enjoying his own journey of discovering his identity. He talks about HK laws surrounding changing gender and the requirements for full gender reassignment surgery to be able to do this. He goes on to explain how he competes as a female bodybuilder, due to the fact that he is still recognised as female by birth and is therefore considered as female in the professional bodybuilding world. Suifung shares his training schedule and diet tips for being an elite athlete and the joy he experiences from being a successful body builder. Suifung is a beautiful soul both inside and out and this podcast will warm your heart. If you can’t find a group to fit into, Siufung suggests you should ‘walk your own path and create one!’ Siufung’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siufung_law/?hl=en A listener note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may be confronting to some listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Sofie Jacobs is a midwife from Belgium who lives and works in Hong Kong. Sofie and I discuss all things related to pregnancy and birth. We discuss postpartum depression, home and hospital births, birth plans and parenting. We explore the pressure that women face to get their post baby body back and Sofie explains that this is impossible as our bodies change after giving birth. You need to prepare for the birth in all aspects of mind, body and soul and Sofie gives us tips on how to do this. Did you realise that men can also suffer from postpartum depression? There are several reasons why this can occur. Sofie advises us on parenting skills and how women can look after their health after the baby is born. Sofie has been a midwife for 20 years and runs antenatal, coaching and childcare education classes. Sofie has a company in Hong Kong called Urban Hatch. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Urban Hatch: https://www.urban-hatch.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Tegan Smyth is an Australian Lawyer working in Hong Kong who runs a program for refugees called Table of Two Cities. It is a community project where refugees tell their stories and share their culture through food. A shared meal can bring both sides of Hong Kong to one shared table.  Two sides of the city, united by an idea, by acceptance, understanding and by food. Table of Two Cities enables refugees to give something of themselves to the local community and feel valued and appreciated. Tegan reminds us that ‘food is a universal medium to communicate your understanding of the world’. Tegan is a survivor of assault and she shares her experience with us and explains how helping others, is a way for her navigate her own trauma. She wants to hold space for people who do not have the spaced opened to them. Tegan feels that empathy is a gift and facing her trauma has inspired her to strive to create something worthwhile in the lives of others and helped her find a purpose in her own life. By sharing her story, she has realized that so many people have gone through similar experiences and she wants others to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and healing is an ongoing process. She reminds anyone who is suffering that they are never alone and there are resources out there that can help those who need support. Table of Two Cities: https://tableoftwocities.org/ A listener note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may distressing to some listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Kevin Wong, co-founder and chief executive of Origami Labs, says Orii is the world's first voice-powered smart ring. It is a private communication tool that uses voice assistance technology to communicate. The ring uses sound as a physical vibration which passes directly through your finger and into your ear. Kevin explains that screen free technology is his area of interest and this has been inspired by his dad who has been sight impaired from the age of thirteen. In fact, Kevin’s dad also works in technology and was one of the first blind programmers in Hong Kong, who helped build the world first voice activated computer in the 1990’s. Kevin’s main goal in his tech development work is to create products that are inclusive and meaningful, and this is what he and his team have done with the Orii ring. Kevin started programming at the age of 6 or 7 and was taught by his father. Working in the Start Up space as an entrepreneur has been a wonderful journey for Kevin and he discusses the qualities of person suited to this type of career. He gives advice for anyone who wants to work in the Start Up space. Kevin explains that “the screen free revolution is one of the hottest topics in Silicon Valley”. He is at the forefront of this revolution, is an award winner and will be someone to watch in the future as he is bound to create more ground-breaking technology that “contributes something to society”. The Orii ring: https://www.orii.io/ Origami Labs: https://www.whub.io/startups/origami-labs Pretend Radio: https://pretendradio.org/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Rebecca Hopkins shares her fertility journey with us and her ultimate choice to use egg donation to create her family. She went though IVF and this was not successful at all but she and her husband were both committed to having a family no matter what. After giving up on the idea of IVF, Rebecca fell pregnant naturally, but the baby had spina bifida and was terminated at 20 weeks. Losing their first daughter, Ruby was devastating for Rebecca and her husband. They left their jobs, went travelling to heal and eventually found themselves in the UK ready to try egg donation again. They decided on Spain where egg donation is anonymous, and Rebecca eventually had a child and then on her second attempt, twins. Rebecca shares with us how now she has three children, she regrets choosing an anonymous donor because of the potential impact that using an anonymous donor could have on her childrens’ sense of identity and why she thinks anonymous donation should be banned globally.  Rebecca also talks about the importance of children knowing that they are donor conceived from a very young age and she recommends that parents stick to the facts and use all the correct terminology for the process with the children. Rebecca has made videos for all her children about how they were created, and they have been watching these creation stories from before they could talk. Rebecca talks us through her anonymous donor regret and the grief she has experienced with candor and honesty that will make you feel like you are close friend of hers. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Rebecca Hopkins: http://www.livebraveworkshops.com/rebecca-hopkins/ Rebecca’s Blog: http://alloutofeggs.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Rebecca Hopkins talks about how she found herself going through early menopause in her early 30’s and this affected many aspects of her life, including her ability to have children. She had her children using an egg donor and whilst she was raising her small children she found herself in the midst of quite intense menopausal symptoms. Her doctor put her on hormones to combat early osteoporosis. This meant that her sex drive shot through the roof and she became rather rampant. She was also super moody and explosive, so she tried different methods of administering the hormones until she found the one that was most conducive to her having minimal menopausal symptoms and less mood swings.  Rebecca talks about bone density, ugly crying and egg donation. Stay tuned for All Out of Eggs: Part 2 where Rebecca goes into detail about egg donation, IVF and what she has learned throughout the whole process. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Rebecca Hopkins: http://www.livebraveworkshops.com/rebecca-hopkins/ Rebecca’s Blog: http://alloutofeggs.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Amao Leota Lu is a proud Fa’afafine living in Melbourne, Australia. She was in Hong Kong for the Rainbow Families Forum and spoke to me about her life. She shares her struggles as a transgender woman and also explains the cultural acceptance that she has experienced from her friends and family in Samoa, where the culture is very inclusive. Amao explains how she has navigated a safe space for herself and how she works to support other LGBTQIA+ members of her local community. She shares her journey as she evolved into her true self over the years. “Everyone’s journey is different” and Amao helps us to understand this by sharing her story.  The struggle that trans people can face include finding housing, jobs, health care and acceptance in the community. Amao hopes to give a ‘voice and visibility’ to trans people and reminds us that cultures are forever changing, and that we can all make a difference by treating everyone with respect and kindness. Amao shares the devastating story of her trans friend who was murdered and how her voice was only ‘heard’ after her passing. Amoa is an incredibly positive person with a beautiful soul, she is an inspiration and a wonderful role model for all of us. A listener note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Philip Howell-Williams is the Director of Pink Season, a five-week long festival which highlights and supports the LGBT+ community in Hong Kong. This is the 9th year that Pink Season has run, and Philip has put his own stamp on the celebration by including more educational and family events in the plethora of functions on offer. Pink Season offers many free activities with a focus on arts, theatre, family connections, sport, education and parties. There is even a Drag Queen workshop which will culminate in a parade and performance at the closing ceremony. Philip has endeavoured to make Pink Season more marketable to corporations and thus the funding for the event has increased significantly so the variety of events on offer are vast and there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is a global trend for corporations to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and Hong Kong is no exception. This is so important for the LGBT+ community as inclusivity and diversity provides visibility, confidence and support for the community who can often be marginalised or discriminated against in today's society. Pink Season is aimed at breaking down these barriers and bringing people together from all walks of life.  Philip and his team at Pink Season are making a difference and part of the focus this year is on migrant workers and domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Philip also talks about his coming out journey and shares some of his own wisdom. Philip gives advice on ‘coming out’ and the importance of allyship, where we all support and embrace each other no matter what your gender, sexuality, race, religion or interests. There is so much that people can take away from this podcast about inclusion, diversity, education and being a global citizen. To find out more about Pink Season which begins on the 28th of September 2018 visit: http://www.pinkseason.hk/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Chris Geary is the CEO of BSD Education where he runs an innovative program called RefuGeek. This is a non-profit entity sponsored by the Fargo Foundation in Hong Kong, using academic curriculum to deliver technology education to refugees and asylum seekers in Asia. Chris believes that everyone should have the right to technology education and learn the skills needed to succeed in the world. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes due to conflicts and natural disasters. In many cases, these displaced people have missed out on their education, meaning that when they are finally relocated, they lack the necessary skills to survive in the modern world. An understanding of code and tech applications, however basic, will make an enormous difference to potential employers, or their ability to start their own businesses. At RefuGeek, they give refugees a chance to learn basic IT skills in the hope that this training will increase their chances of employment and opportunities in life. Chris shares details about the refugee population in Hong Kong and some personal anecdotes about people that have graduated from this awesome program. RefuGeek: http://refugeek.org/   BSD Education: www.bsd.education Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Nan talks about her life and what is was like growing up in the 1920’s and 30’s in Australia. She discusses her education, her career and her life living on the farm, married to Claude. She shares her secrets to longevity of life and explains many of the challenges she has faced. Nan talks proudly about the achievements of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nan is an incredible woman who is still mentally sharp, even at the age of 100. However, she is frustrated that her body is starting to let her down, particularly her failing eyesight. She shares her thoughts on life-long learning and how important it is to move with the times. Nan is the matriarch of our family and is loved by everyone. She is an inspiration to us all and it’s not often you can chat to someone who has lived for 100 years and is still as sharp as a tack. We all love you, Nan! Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Film director, Joanna Bowers shares her experiences making impactful films that shine a light on social issues, in particular the potential of women. She began working in film in the USA. In 2011, Joanna moved to Hong Kong where she is now based. Since relocating to Asia, projects have seen her filming throughout mainland China, Nepal Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States. Having told several successful female-driven short-form stories, in 2015 she was inspired to explore the issues facing migrant workers in Hong Kong. The film ‘The Helper’, Joanna’s feature directorial debut, chronicles the diverse stories from Hong Kong’s migrant domestic ‘helpers’, exploring the immense contribution they make to society in the face of heart-breaking separation from their loved ones. Joanna explains how the domestic workers are the heroes and to see them feeling empowered through their work on the film was wonderful and it allowed them to become leaders and role models in the Hong Kong community. She talks about the challenges of directing a film and how she balances motherhood and work. She shares an insight into her new film project looking at sustainability in the textiles and fashion industry, with a focus on fast fashion. Joanna is passionate about telling inspiring, international stories featuring ethnically diverse casts including strong women and unique perspectives. Contact Joanna: http://cheekymonkeyprods.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.

Ken Wong used to work in finance in the USA but when he saw a need for improving aged care systems in his home town of Hong Kong, he created Evercare, a service that helps the elderly age with comfort and dignity. Evercare is an aged care service that provides people with an alternative way of aging in the home surrounded by family. Evercare developed a platform that marries technology and people by informing families about the health and wellbeing of their loved one. Evercare puts together a team of professional and creates an individual care program for the elderly so that they can be taken care of in the home and have their medical and emotional needs met. Ken discussed aging and the things that matter to the elderly like family, social connections and friends. He explains how as family members, we need to understand how important it is to communicate with the elderly and find out what they need and to ensure that we look at all the care options available. There is a stigma in Chinese culture when it comes to sending family members to aged care homes, so that’s where Evercare can be a huge support and provide an alternative to hospital care which can be quite crowded and stressful in Hong Kong. This is an eye-opening discussion about aging, health care, technology, family priorities and the alternative care options for the elderly. Contact Evercare in Hong Kong: https://www.yourevercare.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Jason Masters was a married father of two children who discovered later in life that he was gay. Jason discusses his journey of understanding his sexual identity and how he had to come to terms with this and aligned his Christian faith with his acceptance of himself. Jason shares the experience of seeking therapy and then having to come out to his wife and how they worked through this significant event as a family. Jason talks about how there is a gap in the support available for teens who discover that they have a gay father and he feels his kids would have benefited from this kind of support in the early days when he told them he was gay. Jason reveals that he was bullied as a child and had an explosive father, and this coupled with his suppression of his sexuality, led to some mental health issues. He praises the support that he had from medical professionals and also from his church community. Jason has become an accidental activist in the Uniting Church and wants to add value to the community. He is a youth worker in his church and is also working to elevate social justice issues in both the executive world and the local community. He is a wonderful role model for any LGBTQ+  people in the Christian community and his story is inspirational and thought provoking. A listener note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/ Support the show.

Scilla Andreen is the CEO & Co-Founder of IndieFlix Group Inc a global screening and streaming service that promotes and supports social impact films to create positive change in the world. IndieFlix screening service books offline community screenings in schools, corporations and communities around the world while IndieFlix streaming offers a monthly subscription based service to access thousands of high-quality shorts, features, documentaries, and series.https://www.indieflix.com/ Scilla and her team share powerful stories in the medium of film, in the hope of creating global change. Scilla was in Hong Kong screening her latest film ‘Angst’ in schools, to parents and members of the community. Scilla shares her life journey with us giving us a glimpse into how she began her career in the film industry, eventually starting her own company IndieFlix. Scilla was bullied as a child and that was the inspiration for her getting on board to help distribute ‘Finding Kind’ where Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson who made this film explore the bullying epidemic amongst girls in particular. These women started a ‘Kind Campaign’ to spread kindness around the globe and Scilla was thrilled to be part of growing this movement. Scilla was also one of the producers of a film called ‘Screenagers’ and she shares why she is so passionate about the topic of teens and their use of technology. The film helps parents and teenagers navigate the digital age. Scilla discusses her most recent film ‘Angst’ and shares her deeply personal story that was the catalyst for her embarking on this film project about anxiety. This moving and inspirational film provides us with tools to manage anxiety whilst opening up the dialogue about this uncomfortable issue that affects so many of us. Scilla and her producing partner Karin Gornick have made it “kind of cool to talk about anxiety” and this film ‘Angst’ is helping so many people who are lucky enough to view it. This film gives permission to people to talk about their vulnerabilities and their fears. Scilla also shares details about her next project ‘LIKE’ which is about the addictive nature of social media and the dopamine that is released when we receive likes on our social media pages. Her hope is that anyone who watches ‘LIKE’ will be inspired to self-regulate their use of technology" says Scilla. IndieFlix: https://www.indieflix.com/ IndieFlix Foundation: https://www.indieflixfoundation.org/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/   Support the show.