Two Worlds, One Me

In this episode of Two Worlds, One Me, I speak with Corina Goetz, founder of Star-CaT, a consultancy helping Western executives and companies understand how business really works across the Gulf region.

Originally from East Germany and now based in London, Corina’s story is one of curiosity, courage and worlds opening up. She grew up in a country where travel was restricted, where even oranges, bananas and Western music felt like glimpses of another life. Books, television and her father’s stories became her first passports to the wider world.

At 22, Corina moved to London with two suitcases, a job at The Dorchester and no fixed plan,  only a strong feeling that there was more to discover. Her career in luxury hospitality introduced her to people from across the Gulf, and what began as genuine curiosity, grew into deep cultural understanding, trusted relationships and eventually her life’s work.

We talk about East Germany, London, the Gulf, identity, belonging, stereotypes, hospitality, trust, motherhood and what it really means to become a bridge between cultures.

This is a conversation about not accepting the limits of the world you were born into and staying open enough to let new worlds change you.

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

Today’s conversation is powerful, moving, and deeply human.

My guest is Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania — the 798th Mayor of Bath — and a leading expert in communicable disease control. Many of you will recognise him as one of the calm, trusted medical voices who helped the public make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But this episode goes far beyond titles.

Bharat shares his journey from a childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, to arriving in the UK at fourteen — a sudden departure, a new life, and experiences that left lasting scars. He speaks honestly about racism, belonging and what it means to keep going when the world feels hostile.

And running through everything is one clear message: education is empowerment — a lifeline, a doorway, a way forward. We also talk about his love of nature and gardening, his passion for cooking vegetarian Gujarati food for charity and his determination to help make the UK a fairer, kinder place for everyone.

It’s an episode about resilience, identity and hope. I really hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed talking to Bharat.

Right… on with the show.

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this moving and memorable episode of Two Worlds, One Me, I sit down with British-Ghanaian artist Joshua Donkor, whose award-winning portraits explore diasporic identity, ancestral memory and the stories that shape who we are.

Joshua's work is deeply personal, filled with image transfers, textures and fragments of family photographs, but it speaks to all of us who have ever wondered where we belong. We talk about growing up mixed-race in the UK, about finally visiting Ghana and meeting his grandmother, and dancing together when words weren’t possible. We also explore his time living in Italy, how that experience helped him grow, and how painting became a way to both discover and document his identity.

We reflect on the joy of family, the power of archiving our stories, and why memory, like colour and scent, can carry so much meaning.

This episode is for anyone who has lived between cultures, carries more than one soul within them, or simply wants to understand the beauty and complexity of identity through the eyes of an artist.

Featuring:

• The story behind Joshua’s most powerful paintings
• His English mother’s letters from Ghana
• What “home” means when you belong to more than one place
• The smell of groundnut soup and the colour of belonging
• And why dancing can sometimes say more than words ever could

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Joshua’s exhibition title was inspired by the poet Fernando Pessoa: "I have more souls than one..."  By the end of this episode, you might find yourself feeling the same.

Music featured in this episode - Kofi Sammy - Akoko Batan (Ghana highlife), Joshua's uncle

Joshua's website - https://www.joshuadonkorart.co.uk/

Groundnut soup receipe - https://www.seriouseats.com/ghana-west-african-peanut-stew-chicken-groundnut-soup

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Got a story to share? Write to me: [email protected]

Subscribe, share and join us again soon for another episode of Two Worlds, One Me.

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this deeply moving and deliciously evocative episode, I talk to Irina Janakievska – a North-Macedonian-British writer, recipe developer and author of the acclaimed The Balkan Kitchen. Born in Skopje, raised in Kuwait, and now based in London, Irina shares her remarkable journey across continents, cultures and careers – from corporate law to culinary storytelling.

We talk about her vibrant multicultural upbringing, the legacy of former Yugoslavia, finding home in more than one place and how food can carry memory, history and identity across generations and borders. Irina tells the powerful story behind her cookbook, her mother’s bravery and the flavours that shaped her sense of self.

Expect warm reflections, laughter, and a shared love for quince trees, ajvar, and the language of food.

This episode is your invitation to sit at the table and listen in.

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Instagram @balkankitchen

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this episode, I speak with the incredible Noya Paulin – Vietnamese-born chef, entrepreneur, and the heart behind Noya’s Kitchen, one of Bath’s most celebrated restaurants. Noya shares her powerful journey, beginning in a coastal village in Vietnam, escaping the aftermath of war as a child refugee, and eventually building a new life in the UK.

We talk about the resilience of her family, the challenges of growing up between two cultures, and how food became a beautiful way to stay connected to her roots. From sewing clothes out of curtains to running a restaurant from scratch, Noya’s story is full of warmth, humour, and determination.

She reminds us of the importance of community, of following your instincts, and of embracing the blend of two worlds. Her journey is as inspiring as the meals she creates – full of flavour, soul, and heart.

Have a listen – this one’s truly special.

You can find more information about Noya's Kitchen following this website. Noya's Kitchen

Instagram: noyaskitchen

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this episode, I speak with the incredible Noya Paulin – Vietnamese-born chef, entrepreneur, and the heart behind Noya’s Kitchen, one of Bath’s most celebrated restaurants. Noya shares her powerful journey, beginning in a coastal village in Vietnam, escaping the aftermath of war as a child refugee, and eventually building a new life in the UK.

We talk about the resilience of her family, the challenges of growing up between two cultures, and how food became a beautiful way to stay connected to her roots. From sewing clothes out of curtains to running a restaurant from scratch, Noya’s story is full of warmth, humour, and determination.

She reminds us of the importance of community, of following your instincts, and of embracing the blend of two worlds. Her journey is as inspiring as the meals she creates – full of flavour, soul, and heart.

Have a listen – this one’s truly special.

You can find more information about Noya's Kitchen following this website. Noya's Kitchen

Instagram: noyaskitchen

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this captivating episode of Two Worlds, One Me, I welcome the remarkable Biljana Lipic, affectionately known as Bee. Born in Sarajevo, in the former Yugoslavia—a country that no longer exists—Biljana’s journey is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and resilience.

Now living on a houseboat in Cornwall, Biljana is a dance artist, Argentine tango teacher, and choreographer. Her story unfolds as a tapestry of creativity and reinvention, from her beginnings as a graphic designer to building thriving tango communities across Britain. Her latest endeavors in writing and filmmaking delve into profound themes of migration and human connection.

Join us as Biljana shares how tango became her third "world," a place of emotional grounding and freedom, and how her move to Cornwall helped her confront and heal deep personal struggles. She reflects on her childhood in Sarajevo, the challenges of leaving home amidst war, and the insights she’s gained from living at the edges of the land and sea.

Biljana’s inspiring journey between cultures, disciplines, and self-discovery will leave you moved and thoughtful. Whether you’re intrigued by the art of tango, fascinated by stories of migration, or simply love a tale of courage and transformation, this episode is for you.


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Biljana Lipic's website

Tango music featured - Astor Piazzola - Oblivion and Tango del Angel

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

Welcome back to "Two Worlds, One Me"  I’m thrilled to introduce you to a truly inspiring guest - Silvia Leal.

Silvia, originally from vibrant Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now calls Copenhagen, Denmark, her home. For the past six and half years, with many challenges on the way, Silvia has been building a remarkable life in this Nordic city, balancing her career, family, and passions. With a background in engineering and an extraordinary knack for communication, Silvia thrives in her role at Ørsted, a leading Danish energy company.

Beyond her professional life, Silvia is a talented musician who plays both the piano and guitar and loves to sing – a true creative at heart.  Her journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and finding joy amidst challenges.

In this episode, Silvia shares her experiences of growing up in Brazil, the cultural adjustments of life in Denmark, and how she’s carved a path of her own while raising a blended family of seven. Her story is heartwarming, thought-provoking, and filled with lessons we can all learn from.

So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and join us for a captivating conversation with Sylvia Leo.

Let’s get started!

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

Today, we're diving into the extraordinary journey of Susan Fang, a leading figure in East Asia's education sector.  With over two decades of expertise, Susan has been pivotal in linking East Asian students with UK higher education and independent schools.

But Susan's story is more than just professional success. She's a passionate advocate for British education, bridging the gap between East and West. 

Despite juggling parenting and a busy schedule, Susan finds solace in the great outdoors, often tackling marathons. Fun fact: she completed her hundredth lifetime half marathon in August 2021—an incredible feat!

In our chat, we delve into Susan's incredible journey, touching on everything from childhood bullies turned friends, to re-learning Mandarin, and even how she incorporated her wedding day with a World Cup celebration. Join us for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with this remarkable woman who continues to break barriers and inspire others.

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Music thanks to John Bartmann

The Moon represents my heart Teresa Teng

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Instagram  fangsusan

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanfang-ukeducationchina

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this new episode of our podcast, we are thrilled to introduce the incredibly talented Laura Marin, a 19-year-old Galician-Portuguese Philology student from the University of Coruña in Spain. Laura has garnered widespread attention on social media, charming audiences with her acoustic covers of Balkan songs—a passion that ignited when she was just a nine-year-old. Her self-taught mastery of Serbian and Croatian showcases her deep love for the music of the former Yugoslavia, steering her towards her dream of becoming a celebrated singer in the Balkan region.

Join us as Laura shares her fascinating journey, delving into her initial fascination with the Balkans, a place with which she had no prior connection. She recounts the early days of her musical venture, her profound connection with her beautiful homeland of Galicia, and her inexplicable affinity for the music and people of the Balkans. Laura's tales of her visit to Sarajevo, including a memorable concert with Halid Beslic, offer a glimpse into the realisation of her dreams.

This episode is a real treat, featuring Laura's mesmerising vocal performances as she samples a variety of covers from different Balkan authors and countries. Don't miss this extraordinary insight into the life of a young artist fiercely pursuing her dreams, driven by a unique and passionate love for a culture not her own. Tune in to be inspired by Laura Marin's remarkable story and enchanting music.

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Music thanks to John Bartmann

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Instagram  @zovemselaura

TikTok

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9X-px40CnE

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann