Banana Lab

In this episode of Banana Lab, we are joined by Alwyn Tan — a photographer, videographer, drone pilot, and marathon runner based in Auckland.

Alwyn reflects on growing up between Malaysia and New Zealand, adapting between cultures, and how New Zealand eventually became home.

We also talk about the creative industry, commercial photography, marathon training, and the differences in work-life culture between Malaysia and New Zealand.

A relaxed and thoughtful conversation about creativity, identity, and balance.

In this episode of Banana Lab, we are joined by Sophie Kim.

Sophie shares her experience working in hospitality for over a decade, and the decision to transition into a career in marketing.

We discuss burnout, work-life balance, and the challenges of prioritising yourself.

Sophie also reflects on her move from Korea to New Zealand, learning English through lived experience, and adapting to a new environment.

A thoughtful conversation about career change, identity, and building a new path.

In this episode of Banana Lab, Romy Lee steps into the guest seat to share her personal story.

Romy reflects on growing up as a Korean New Zealander, navigating identity, sexuality, and significant mental health challenges from a young age.

She shares her experience with addiction, spending 18 months in rehabilitation, and the journey towards recovery.

Now working as a mental health and addiction practitioner, Romy discusses representation, cultural stigma, and the importance of compassion in supporting others.

A powerful and honest conversation about identity, recovery, and purpose.

In this episode of Banana Lab, we speak with Sophie Miya-Smith, a photographer and creative based in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sophie shares her experience growing up half Japanese and half Pākehā, and the challenges of navigating identity between cultures.

We explore belonging, language, family dynamics, and the feeling of being “in between.”

She also reflects on therapy, boundaries, and personal growth, as well as her journey into photography and building a creative career.

A thoughtful conversation about identity, growth, and finding your place between worlds.

In this episode of Banana Lab, we speak with Dr Janet Lee, an emergency physician working in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Janet shares her experience growing up as a 1.5 generation Korean New Zealander and how that shaped her sense of identity and belonging.

We discuss the realities of working in emergency medicine, the emotional challenges of facing life-and-death situations, and the importance of compassion in healthcare.

This conversation explores culture, identity, and the human side of medicine.

In this episode, Lola shares what it’s like growing up adopted by Pākehā parents in Aotearoa, and the cultural tension of not feeling fully white or fully Asian.

We explore adoption, identity, assimilation, and the emotional impact of being perceived through appearance. Lola also reflects on social media, insecurity, and the boundaries she’s had to build to protect her mental health.

A thoughtful conversation about belonging, blurred lines, and learning to define identity on your own terms.

In this episode of Banana Lab, we’re joined by Nancy Lu, Member of Parliament, finance leader, and migrant New Zealander.

Nancy reflects on arriving in Aotearoa as a child with only a few English words, learning to adapt to a new culture, and discovering strength in being different.  

She shares the story of her parents’ sacrifices, the experiences that shaped her resilience, and the unconventional path that led her from finance to Harvard — and ultimately into politics.

We explore identity, representation, family, public service, and what it means to help build a country where diverse communities feel seen and connected.

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about leadership, belonging, and creating pathways for others.

In this episode of Banana Lab, Romy sits down with Maria Mo — classical pianist and broadcaster for RNZ Concert.  

Maria shares her path into music (later than most people expect), how she’s navigated identity as a 1.5 generation Korean in Aotearoa, and what it feels like to grow up being told you’re “Korean” while not fully feeling at home anywhere.  

Along the way, we get plenty of laughs — from early culture shocks and Kiwi food first impressions to rapid-fire favourites (including a hard no to making her own kimchi 😅).  

A warm, funny, and honest conversation about music, belonging, and making space for who you are.

In this episode, Romy interviews Alex Kim — producer, creative, and the other half of the Banana Lab Podcast.

Alex shares his journey growing up Asian in Aotearoa, navigating identity and expectations, and discovering creativity as both refuge and purpose.

The conversation dives into childhood stories, school experiences, the pressure to perform, finding belonging, and the quiet realities behind building creative work.

Together, Romy and Alex explore the unique mix of humour, chaos, emotion, and reflection that shapes the Asian New Zealand experience.

This is one of the most personal episodes yet — warm, funny, and incredibly relatable.

In Episode 3 of Banana Lab, Romy sits down with Sam Yang for a warm, funny, and reflective conversation about growing up Asian in Aotearoa.

Together they explore:

• childhood stories and chaotic teenage moments

• identity, belonging, and living between cultures

• the Asian New Zealand experience

• millennial hobbies (yes, including tennis)

• confidence, community, and finding your voice

• and the now-legendary line: “We don’t have a boat… but we’ll find one.”

This episode blends humour with honesty — perfect for anyone navigating identity, bicultural life, or the Asian Kiwi experience.

Follow along for more stories, reflections, and chaotic good energy from the Banana Lab community.