In this episode of Chai & Chat, Sundari and Ranjit are joined by Ian Henery, a solicitor, poet, writer, broadcaster and community advocate whose work brings together heritage, social justice, creativity and community storytelling.

We begin with a Song dynasty poem, One Plum Blossom, before exploring the Chinese idea of red threads: the invisible connections that link people, stories and communities across time. From there, Ian reflects on his childhood in Walsall, his experiences of dyslexia and dyspraxia, and the youth exchange to Mumbai that opened up a lifelong connection with wider Asian cultures.

The conversation moves through poetry, law, migration, mental health, creative practice and Ian’s work with Birmingham’s Chinese community. We hear about his trilogy on Chinese migration to Birmingham, the challenges of funding community arts projects, and why forgotten stories need to be remembered and shared.

Ian also reflects on his own poetry journey, from early romantic writing to political work, spoken word and published collections, including Double Act. A rich and thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, struggle, creativity and the red threads that connect us to one another.

#ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #ianhenery #chineseculture #britishchinese

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:14 One Plum Blossom

02:18 Red threads and destiny

03:52 Introducing Ian Henery

04:21 Law, poetry and community

06:17 What shaped Ian Henery

07:29 Dyslexia, dyspraxia and school

09:21 Mumbai at 16

10:57 Sikh teachings and connection

13:11 Chinese migration stories

14:38 Street theatre and storytelling

15:36 Grants and performances

16:05 Remembering hidden histories

17:52 Migration, truth and resilience

18:49 Sellout shows and wider reach

21:57 Fear, routine and wellbeing

25:54 First-flight memories

28:22 Ian’s poetry journey

31:01 Nine books and Double Act

32:26 Rethinking poetry and festivals

35:39 Why red threads matter

36:20 Final words on self-worth

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Ranjit and Sundari are joined by writer, community organiser and LGBTQ+ advocate Khakan Qureshi for a powerful conversation about memory, queerness, family, faith and finding your voice in the Black Country.

Khakan reflects on growing up in a working-class South Asian Muslim family, the moments that shaped his understanding of difference, and the memories that stayed with him from childhood, including a vivid trip to Lahore in 1980 and his first encounter with the Hijra community at a family wedding.

The conversation moves between memoir, activism and place, from Birmingham, Wednesbury and Bilston to the wider search for belonging. Khakan shares the challenges of coming out, navigating family conflict, surviving silence and shame, and building a long-term relationship rooted in love, commitment and resilience.

We also hear about the creation of Finding a Voice, the need for South Asian and Muslim LGBTQ+ spaces, and the personal cost of public advocacy, including burnout, backlash and the pressure of being visible. A moving and thoughtful episode about survival, community, cultural identity and how speaking your truth can become a form of service.

#ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #Podcast #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #southasianlgbt #southasianqueer #hijra #section28 #comingout #MuslimLGBTQ

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:32 Introducing Khakan Qureshi

05:08 Four Weddings and a Ban

06:06 Pakistan, food and belonging

08:33 The Hijra at the wedding

09:56 Gender, identity and recognition

11:23 The shock of being seen

13:39 Sundari reflects on the extract

18:35 Birmingham and early difference

23:23 School and being “different”

26:17 Section 28 and silence

28:28 College and faith questions

30:38 Coming out to family

33:31 Conflict and leaving home

36:24 A 34-year relationship

39:52 Love, culture and commitment

41:47 Parents and acceptance

45:21 Founding Finding a Voice

48:43 Burnout, backlash and activism

50:41 Queer Asian spaces in the Midlands

53:12 Bilston, Wednesbury and belonging

58:08 Honesty, happiness and final reflections

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Sundari and Ranjit have one of those wonderfully free-flowing conversations that starts in one place and somehow travels everywhere.

We begin with ideas, confidence, ADHD and the challenge of actually acting on the things that come into your head. From there, the conversation moves into the fifth UK heatwave of 2026, staying cool, watering the garden, and the small everyday rituals that help us cope when the weather gets too much.

Along the way, we talk about butterflies, bees, bats, canals, temples, caves, King’s Heath community life, train cancellations, unexpected conversations and memories of the 1999 solar eclipse. We also reflect on how AI can be used for creative ideas, garden design and making sense of the many thoughts we carry around.

A wide-ranging episode about heat, nature, memory, community and a reminder that sometimes the best conversations are the ones that are not too tightly planned.

#Heatwave #Gardening #AI #SolarEclipse #Bats #Butterflies #ADHD #KingsHeath #HumayunsTomb #ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #Podcast #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #southeastasianheritage  

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:40 ADHD, ideas and action

01:16 Confidence and criticism

02:48 Testing ideas out loud

03:24 The UK heatwave

04:07 Brown people and heat

04:49 Tanning and fake tan

06:35 Air con and energy use

07:06 Watering cans in times of drought

08:23 Watering the garden

09:02 Humidity and dragonflies

10:36 Butterflies and bees

12:03 Bats, canals and caves

13:53 Why bats feel gothic

14:52 Life in King’s Heath

16:45 Train cancellations

17:32 The partial eclipse

18:59 The 1999 eclipse

20:21 Eclipse viewing confusion

22:11 AI garden ideas

25:40 What this episode became

26:59 Why free-flowing works

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Ranjit and Sundari take a nostalgic and very funny look at summer holiday road trips, family car journeys and all the chaos that happens before anyone has even left the house.

From last-minute packing and forgotten essentials to food bags, overfilled cars, pets, children and the familiar debate about who is best at organising the boot, the conversation explores the small rituals that make family travel both stressful and memorable. We reflect on the mental checklists people carry with them, the things that always get left behind, and why setting off on a journey can feel like an event in itself.

The episode also travels back through memories of childhood car rides in the UK, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka, including roadside toilet stops, packed lunches, sardine sandwiches, pakoras, parathas, paper maps, A to Z books, early sat navs and service stations that became part of the adventure. Along the way, we talk about how road trips reveal family habits, cultural food traditions and the funny mishaps that become stories retold for years.

A warm, relatable episode about travel, memory, family routines and the way ordinary journeys can become some of the most lasting parts of a holiday. Whether you are a careful planner, a last-minute packer or someone who just hopes everyone remembered the keys, this conversation celebrates the shared time, stories and small disasters that make road trips unforgettable.

#ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #Podcast #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #southeastasianheritage #FamilyRoadTrips #SummerHolidayMemories #TravelChaos #RoadTripStories

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:50 Freecycle and old files

03:01 Summer holiday road trips

05:06 Packing cars and dishwashers

07:06 Bags, food, pets, chaos

09:18 Passport, money and knickers

10:58 Forgotten items and turning back

12:29 Family car trips in Malaysia

14:00 Toilet stops on long journeys

16:56 Picnic food and travel memories

18:07 Sardine sandwiches and family traditions

21:40 Route planning before sat nav

23:09 First sat nav disaster

25:23 Punctures, breakdowns and safety

26:39 Service stations as travel experiences

28:31 Coach trips and wedding stops

29:24 Travel sickness and front seats

31:34 Road trips versus flights

32:23 Creating memories on the road

33:40 What3words 

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Sundari and Ranjit are joined by multidisciplinary artist Daya Bhatti for a rich conversation about art, fashion, storytelling and cultural identity.

Daya shares her journey from her Punjabi roots and childhood influences to developing a creative practice shaped by South Asian heritage, symbolism and personal expression. We explore how her work brings together immersive art, fashion, layered patterns and storytelling to create pieces that invite conversation and connection.

The discussion also looks at fashion and wearable art as powerful forms of cultural expression, particularly in how they can challenge perceptions, celebrate adornment and honour heritage. Daya reflects on the importance of authenticity, respectful representation and the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation.

We also hear about her community-based rickshaw project in Manchester, which explores migration, shared histories and the stories that connect people across generations and places. Looking ahead, Daya shares her interest in technology, immersive experiences and creating interactive work that brings audiences even closer to the art.

A thoughtful and inspiring episode about creativity, culture, identity and the importance of staying true to yourself, dreaming big and making work that speaks from the heart.

#ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #Podcast #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #sahm2026 #femaleartist #asianfashion #punjabiwomen

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:50 Meet artist Daya Bhatti

02:30 Fashion, art and wearable stories

03:42 Sari symbolism and layered design

05:07 Film, dreams and journeys

07:19 Punjabi roots and creative identity

09:13 Malaysia, India and cultural influence

11:25 Appropriation, appreciation and respect

13:50 Bindis, scarves and sacred symbols

16:16 Reframing South Asian culture

18:26 Art, politics and hidden stories

20:21 The Manchester rickshaw project

22:04 Tech, immersion and future ideas

24:14 Strong women in the work

26:52 Audiences, memories and personal stories

28:04 Making art interactive

31:18 Dream big and stay authentic

Join us in this episode of Chai and Chat as we delve into the multifaceted life and work of Mya Badhan, a passionate social justice activist and community leader based in the Black Country. We discuss her journey through diaspora experiences, her role as the joint West Midlands region coordinator for South Asian Heritage Month and her advocacy for inclusive and decolonial practices. This conversation sheds light on the power dynamics within communities, the importance of heritage storytelling, and the ongoing fight for equity and representation.

This episode encapsulates crucial themes of identity, social justice, and the role of arts in societal change. Mya’s insights highlight the importance of storytelling, history, and activism in shaping inclusive communities. Whether you're interested in heritage initiatives, decolonial work, or social empowerment, this conversation offers valuable perspectives to inspire ongoing engagement.

#ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #Podcast #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #sahm2026 #Decolonialism #Othering #Racism #blackcountry #punjabiwomen

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:20 Mya Badhan: Social Justice Activist

00:45 Youth Empowerment, Governance & Community Work

02:46 Porphyria’s Lover Poem Reading

05:22 Misogyny, Power & Possession in Poetry

05:53 Why Mya Chose Robert Browning’s Poem

08:03 Identity, Heritage & Activism

08:34 Black Country Punjabi Identity

10:23 South Asian Migration to the UK

11:30 Racism, Community & Resilience

14:11 Working-Class Identity and Belonging

15:22 Decolonialism, Othering & Racism

16:26 Power Sharing and Social Change

17:35 Education, Class and Cultural Identity

20:03 How to Avoid Tokenism

23:00 What Is South Asian Heritage Month?

24:34 Celebrating South Asian Heritage in the UK

26:20 South Asian Heritage Month Events in the West Midlands

30:53 Careers in Social Impact and Community Work

31:58 Jewellery Making, Embroidery & Hobbycraft Bentley Bridge

33:05 Community-Led Regeneration

34:38 Personal Growth, Values & Integrity

36:23 Advice for Young South Asians

37:41 Bell Hooks on Art, Activism & Possibility

39:12 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Sundari and Ranjit explore decluttering through the lens of heritage, memory and identity.

We reflect on childhood experiences shaped by parents and grandparents who lived with a strong “make do and mend” mindset, where keeping, repairing and reusing things was not just practical, but part of everyday life. From migration stories to family habits, we discuss how our relationship with objects is often shaped by where we come from and what previous generations had to hold onto.

The conversation turns to the emotional side of clutter, from clothes, books and kitchen items to keepsakes that carry memories. We ask why some things are so hard to let go of, why buying more storage is sometimes just another way of hiding the clutter, and whether regret is part of the process when something meaningful has been given away.

With humour and honesty, we talk about the difference between things that are replaceable and things that hold irreplaceable memories. A warm and relatable episode about homes, habits, family, guilt and why decluttering is not just about clearing space, but understanding what we are really holding onto.

#ChaiAndChat #SouthAsianVoices #Diaspora #Culture #Podcast #ArtsAndHealth #BritishAsian #SouthAsianHeritage #ikea #deluttering #tips

00:00 Intro

02:06 Introducing decluttering

05:23 Childhood, culture, and the urge to keep things

11:39 Memory, identity, and sentimental clutter

13:52 Why letting go can be difficult

16:41 Experiences versus possessions

18:56 What’s worth keeping: collections, CDs, and vintage finds

22:08 Clothes, keepsakes, and family memorabilia

24:20 Practical ways to get organised

27:00 Decluttering habits and common pitfalls

29:40 Finding a healthier balance with possessions

33:23 Final thoughts: be kind to yourself and declutter at your pace

37:17 Closing goodbye

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Sundari begins with the classic film Casablanca as a starting point for a wider conversation about love, duty, sacrifice and marriage.

Sundari introduces the film’s iconic lines, characters and story, before we explore how its themes connect to different ideas of romance and responsibility. We reflect on Western ideas of romantic choice alongside South Asian diasporic experiences of family, community, expectation and duty.

The conversation then becomes more personal, as we share our own reflections on arranged marriage, love marriage, gay marriage, mixed-culture relationships and the ways family expectations can shape who we love, how we choose, and how relationships are understood by others.

We also look at modern relationship culture, from dating shows like Love Island to Indian Matchmaking and Auntie Sima, who we love, of course. Through humour, memory and honest reflection, we ask what makes a relationship work, how much influence family should have, and whether love is ever just about two people.

A warm and thoughtful episode about romance, sacrifice, culture and the choices people make in building lives that work for them, while still navigating family, tradition and community.

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Sundari and Ranjit explore the humble chapati, and ask what happens when traditional foods are repackaged as the latest social media food trend.

From chapatis, rotis and dosas to Middle Eastern and South Indian flatbreads, we reflect on how food travels across borders, changes names, and becomes part of global food culture. But when a chapati is simply called a “flatbread”, or a traditional recipe is presented as something newly invented, do we lose some of the culture, history and meaning behind it?

Sundari shares memories of food, family and cooking with her grandmother, bringing in her South Indian and Malaysian influences, while Ranjit reflects on how familiar foods can be made to feel unfamiliar when they are rebranded online. Together, we discuss authenticity, appropriation, appreciation and whether changing the name of a dish makes it more accessible, or risks erasing its roots.

We also look at the richness of traditional foods, including fermented rice dishes, dosas, puttu and other staples that are naturally gluten-free, vegan, practical and full of history. A warm, funny and thoughtful conversation about food, identity, memory and why the story behind what we eat matters just as much as the taste.

Big shout out to Dosa Hut in Wolverhampton, Chennai Dosa chain, as well as Shana parathas and Huma parathas, which you could purchase from Asda, Texo. Ocado, Sainsburys…everywhere. 

In this episode of Chai & Chat, Ranjit and Sundari take a light-hearted look at the joys, chaos and little rituals of airline travel.

We begin with Rita Dove’s poem Vacation, using it as a springboard into a conversation about anticipation, people-watching and the journey before the destination. From airport lounges and boarding gate nerves to luggage tags, delays, in-flight food and the strange excitement of simply being at the airport, we share funny personal stories and the travel habits we have picked up along the way.

Together, we reflect on how flying has changed over the years, the things that still make us anxious or excited, and why some of the most memorable parts of a trip happen before you even arrive.