Banana Lab

Romy Lee, Alex Kim
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

🎙️ Banana Lab is where Kiwi-Asians unpack identity, mental health, and life’s weird in-betweens. Hosted by Romy Lee, a mental health professional & advocate, this podcast blends real talk, humor, and deep convos with guests who have lived it. 🍌 🔊 Listen for unfiltered stories, cultural struggles, and conversations that hit home.

Episodes

  1. Ep.6 — Nancy Lu: Migration, Identity, and Becoming a Voice in Parliament

    FEB 9

    Ep.6 — Nancy Lu: Migration, Identity, and Becoming a Voice in Parliament

    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.

    41 min
  2. Ep.5 — Maria Mo: Music, Identity, and Growing Up Korean in Aotearoa

    JAN 26

    Ep.5 — Maria Mo: Music, Identity, and Growing Up Korean in Aotearoa

    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.

    37 min
  3. Ep.4 — Alex Kim: Creativity, Identity, and the Asian New Zealand Experience

    12/02/2025

    Ep.4 — Alex Kim: Creativity, Identity, and the Asian New Zealand Experience

    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.

    37 min
  4. Ep.3 — Growing Up Asian in Aotearoa with Sam Yang

    11/18/2025

    Ep.3 — Growing Up Asian in Aotearoa with Sam Yang

    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.

    44 min
  5. Ep.2 — Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan: On Identity, Culture & Representation in Aotearoa

    11/04/2025

    Ep.2 — Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan: On Identity, Culture & Representation in Aotearoa

    In this episode of Banana Lab, Romy Lee sits down with Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan — Green Party MP, Egyptologist, and proud Kiwi-Asian trailblazer — to talk about growing up in Pakuranga, navigating identity, and breaking stereotypes in Aotearoa’s political and cultural landscape.They reflect on representation, mental health, and why being your authentic self still matters — from gaming memories and manga to neurodiversity and the power of visibility.🎧 Listen if you’ve ever wondered what it means to grow up Asian in New Zealand — and how our stories can shape a more inclusive future.Hosted by Romy Lee · Produced by Alex Kim · Banana Lab Podcast (Season 1 Episode 2)

    40 min

  6. 09/06/2025

    Banana Lab Podcast - What the heck is this all about?

    Meet your host Romy Lee. Join us as we start this journey of sharing the unique experiences of Asian New Zealanders.  We'll talk about all things mental health, personal development, cultural identity, intersectionality and changing the world!

    13 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

🎙️ Banana Lab is where Kiwi-Asians unpack identity, mental health, and life’s weird in-betweens. Hosted by Romy Lee, a mental health professional & advocate, this podcast blends real talk, humor, and deep convos with guests who have lived it. 🍌 🔊 Listen for unfiltered stories, cultural struggles, and conversations that hit home.

Information

  • Creator
    Romy Lee, Alex Kim
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Content Box