From Root To Vine

Happy Pride Month! To honour this rainbow month, we're revisiting an episode from season 1 with the LGBTQ+ Cypriot Diaspora Group. Established in 2018, this multi-communal group was created to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ Cypriots and allies in the UK to come together and celebrate Cypriot and queer identity. Through events, socials and networking, the group is proving that you can still connect with your heritage without having to diminish your queerness.

Want to get involved? The group is now open for submissons and collabs - find more info on Instagram @lgbtq_cypriot_diaspora. I'll also be spotlighting other pride events to get involved in both in the UK and Cyprus!

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In this episode, I am joined by the lovely Leandros as we discuss how being separated from your heritage forces you to find out who you really are. Leandros tells me how his art is helping him affirm his Cypriot identity, why Haringey Cypriots are the most authentic, reimagining ancient history and mythology with queer Aphrodite, and how his very own Aphrodite is a nod to every iconic Cypriot woman through the ages. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode I am joined by Yas Necati (they/them); a writer, artist, activist and performer. Their work focusses on queer and trans rights, feminism, mental health and community building. Their performances combine poetry and drag to ask questions about gender, immigration, belonging and what it means to know home. Yas teaches me about the intersection between queer and Cypriot identity, the parallels between gender and the border, why community will always be at the heart of peace building, and how Turkish drag is helping them reimagine their heritage. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Check out Yas's monthly column about gender for gal-dem, "Against the binary."

POURGOURI MOU!!! This episode I'm joined by the brilliant Alexander Theo. Alex is an actor, comedian, writer and all round Cypriot legend who burst onto the social media scene with his sketches depicting a typical Cypriot family. We put down the wigs (mostly) to chat about Alex's life and journey so far, how is work is connecting all immigrant communities in the UK and why Cypriot women will always be his biggest source of inspiration. Also enjoy a brief interlude of us fangirl-ing over some Cypriot icons, and wait til the end to hear from North London's very own Cypriot goddess, Soulla! Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, I am joined by my friend and walking music encyclopedia, Cahit Asova. We discuss the characteristics that make traditional Cypriot music and how listening it can transport us back to the homeland, proving just how important music and identity is. Cahit also tells me how Cyprus' history and politics has transformed the music on the island, and despite efforts to erase it, how traditional music lives on through peace-building efforts. Cahit is on a mission to prove that traditional Cypriot music is for everyone and why we can't leave it in the past. Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, I'm joined by my lovely friend and one of the brightest minds, Georgio Konstandi. Georgio is the Founder and Editor of Politika New (@pol.it.ika.news), an online media resource platforming voices that matter. We sat down over a cup of kafe at Aroma Patisserie in North London to discuss the Cypriot community in the Midlands, why Georgio is reclaiming his identity and rejecting Hellenic discourse and what his work with Politika News is teaching him about his own Cypriot roots. Get involved with the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In loving memory of Stavros Zorlakkis 23/6/1936 - 27/2/2022

For the last episode of season 1, I interviewed my amazing grandad/bapou/dede, Stavros. In honour of his incredible life, here it is again.

Strap in for a lot of laughs and trips down memory lane for this episode! I'm joined by Cypriot comedy icon Eray (@eraybeyi) who is on a mission to spread love and celebrate his Cypriot roots one sketch at a time. We discuss his grandfather's incredible legacy, why laughter is the best way to bring peace, and how one random night at a bar in Kyrenia, Cyprus made Eray realise his passion and talent for exploring his Cypriot roots through comedy.

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In this episode, we're going down under (virtually)! I'm joined by Eleni aka @myfamilysfooddiary to celebrate #FEBulousCypriotFood, a campaign she created to educate the world about the beauty of Cypriot cooking. We discuss Eleni's Australian/Cypriot identity, how food is inherent to understanding Cypriot identity, how she is carrying on her mum's legacy and teaching her children about their Cypriot roots through food. Don't forget to like/subscribe and get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod.

We're on location! This episode was recorded in Lefkosia/Lefkosa, Cyprus, back in September 2021 where I finally got to meet my good friend Selay (aka @thecypriotstory) IRL for the first time! Over some delicious bourekia/koubes we discuss being Cypriot in Canada, bi-communal activism and why Selay finally feels like she's home. This conversation feels very poignant given the recent economic and social difficulties Turkish Cypriots are facing in the North and it was really special learning from Selay.

Don't forget to like/subscribe and get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod.