Eastern Hunnies

Eastern Hunnies
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Welcome to Eastern Hunnies, a podcast that celebrates East and Southeast Asian community, culture and perspectives in Britain and beyond.  Hosted by British-Filipinos Melissa Legarda, a writer and content producer, and Isabelle Landicho, a director and creative. Eastern Hunnies is our love letter to the ESEA diaspora, and is for anyone dedicated to a more empathetic world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/22/2025

    Phil Wang on The Traitors, Comedy & Being Asian in British Media - “I lean in and straddle the line!”

    “Chinese school left me with a deep fear of authority and a catastrophising mind.” In this very special Christmas episode, we sit down with none other than Phil Wang, Chinese-Malaysian-English comedian, writer and actor. Together we discuss TV, turkey, traditions and childhood trauma. What are the holidays for, eh!? Phil Wang – the newest judge on BBC’s Great British Menu – has starred in two eponymous Netflix stand-up specials: Philly Philly Wang Wang and Wang in There Baby! He shot to fame on Taskmaster and regularly appears on Have I Got News for You. His debut part-memoir, ‘Sidesplitter: How to Be from Two Worlds At Once’, received critical acclaim. Phil joins Mel and Iz in breaking down the latest ‘Celebrity Traitors’ chaos - laughing at random vote-offs and how quickly the pack mentality develops. As Phil puts it, those throwaway comments are where people’s biases really start to show. Tune in for a conversation about Christmas traditions across cultures, Phil Wang’s journey from Cambridge Footlights to being one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, navigating mixed-heritage identity, and why he’s brutally honest about New Year’s resolutions. If you want to L-O-L irl, book tickets to see Phil Wang’s UK tour in 2026! https://www.philwang.co.uk/ Find Phil Wang on Instagram @wangpix Share, subscribe, and watch with your lovingly dysfunctional family over the festive season!  Find us on Instagram @easternhunnies Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Marie Baverstock & Nicolee Tsui Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot (Melissa Legarda and Isabelle Landicho) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  2. 11/03/2025

    Queer, Hot, Asian: Duane Nasis on healing through movement & subverting stereotypes

    “Enjoy your body. Celebrate it. And don’t worry what anyone else thinks about it.” Mel and Iz sit down with Duane Nasis, Filipino-British multidisciplinary movement artist based in London; and one fifth of Dragon BoiZ, a queer Asian dance troupe that’s here to ‘ruin the family hotpot’. Duane explores a diverse range of practices from physical theatre, clowning and cabaret, to contemporary dance, gymnastics, and even lucha libre wrestling. They have worked with the prestigious Sadlers Wells, mother Rina Sawayama, Marvel Studios and played an Orc in the series Rings of Power. In this ep, we delve into Duane's journey as a queer Asian artist, discussing the joy of cabaret, the power of queer joy, and their visual approach to dismantling cultural stereotypes through movement and performance. We also ponder the question, 'Why are Filipinos so performance ready as a culture?’ We also get into the juicy details of Duane’s upcoming directorial debut, ‘Mssrs. Sweet and Sour’, a romance/tragedy cabaret featuring two Yakuza protagonists that flips the script and truly re-sexualises and celebrates the nude, Asian, male body.  Tune in as Duane shares their love of performing, their emotional connection to theatre and freedom, and how they’re pushing forward for sexier, diverse, representation in the theatre scene.  Find us on Instagram, TikTok & Youtube: @easternhunnies Follow Duane Nasis: https://www.instagram.com/duanenasis/ https://www.instagram.com/dragon_boiz/ https://www.instagram.com/bittenpeachuk/ Share, subscribe, and remember not to over-intellectualise a striptease! 🎭💛   Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Yijia Fu   Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m

  3. 10/06/2025

    “Being mixed race is messy, complex and wonderful” Mixed Up on stereotypes, dating, and solidarity

    It’s Eastern Hunnies Monday and this week, we’re sitting down with the award-winning Mixed Up podcast duo, Emma and Nicole, to spill the tea on dating as a mixed person, fetishisation, stereotypes and bias. We unpack microaggressions, explore Black and Asian allyship, and laugh (a LOT) while talking about the messy, beautiful complexities of mixed-race identity. Self-interrogation is the theme of the day – because the only way to grow, heal, and show up as a compassionate human is to really look at yourself. Expect hot takes, belly laughs, and some real talk about yellowface, appropriation, and dating as a mixed person (yes, we went there!). Whether you’re navigating dating apps, exploring your own mixed heritage, or just love unapologetic conversations about race and culture, this episode is for you. Emma and Nicole also drop insights from their book The Half Of It: Exploring the Mixed-Race Experience, which is now out in paperback edition. 📚✨ So grab your headphones, pour a drink (or three), and get ready to banter, reflect, and celebrate the full spectrum of mixed identity with us. Check out @mixedup.podcast for more stories about race, identity, and belonging. Find us at @easternhunnies - and remember to subscribe, share, and follow along. We appreciate you! 💛  Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Yijia Fu   Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 31m

  4. 09/01/2025

    "I'm over my mango diaspora phase!" Indonesian food, self-exoticisation & the Western media gaze with Rahel Stephanie

    Happy ESEA Heritage Month! In this special episode, we sit down with Rahel Stephanie, the Indonesian supper club chef, Sunday Brunch regular, Wagamama collaborator, and food creative, for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about food, diaspora, and the complexity of identity. Rahel opens up about her journey into the culinary world, why Indonesian food is criminally underrated, and how she uses her work to challenge stereotypes in food media. Together we explore diaspora privilege, self-exoticisation, and the constant balancing act between authenticity and commercialisation – especially when it comes to being a brown Southeast Asian woman. We also dive into how Western perceptions shape the narratives around Asian food, the nostalgic ‘auntie’ trope that food media loves to use, what it means to cook for community vs the “Western gaze,” and why emotional honesty matters as much as flavour. And, in an exclusive reveal when the cameras weren’t rolling, Rahel discovers a surprising ancestral link that connects her even more deeply to Southeast Asia. Scoop of the season! From mango diaspora jokes to redefining Indonesian food, Rahel brings her sharp wit, warmth, and conviction to the conversation. Let's dive in! Eat with Sp00ns: https://www.instagram.com/eatwithsp00ns/ Rahel Stephanie (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/linda_from_accounting/ Eastern Hunnies: https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies  Remember to subscribe, share, and celebrate cultural heritage - we appreciate you! 💛  Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Yijia Fu   Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  5. 08/04/2025

    “We build for each other” Darren Tsang on creativity, football & community

    “Football is the excuse. Community is the goal.” In this summer sports special, we chat with Darren Tsang to explore how community, identity, and creativity collide on and off the pitch. Darren, known as Humothy, is a creative thinker, community builder, documentary photographer, and is founder of Rise United and 1314FamilyStyle. Born in Hong Kong, raised in London, and driven by purpose, Darren shares how his lived experiences shape his visual storytelling, his approach to leadership, and his dedication to building safe, joyful spaces for Asian diaspora communities through sport and culture. We talk about why community football matters, what it means to be a tastemaker in a world of lazy AI content, and how his projects are redefining belonging – whether that’s through photography, streetwear, or a weekly Sunday match.  Darren also opens up about the realities of burnout, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how collaboration, failure, and joy are central to the legacy he wants to leave behind. He’s also single – so ladies, get in the DMs! Tune in for a candid conversation on creativity, leadership, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Remember to subscribe and share - we appreciate you! 💛  Darren Tsang: https://www.instagram.com/humothy Rise United: https://www.instagram.com/rise_utd/ Eastern Hunnies: https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies  Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Yijia Fu   Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min

  6. 06/30/2025

    “It’s not just mochi!” Vivien Wong on family legacy, flavour and advocating for yourself

    Chewy, squishy, and suddenly everywhere: Little Moons has rocketed from a two‑person kitchen hustle to a global frozen‑mochi phenomenon. In this episode, Mel and Iz sit down with Little Moons co‑founder Vivien Wong to unpack the 15‑year “overnight success” of the brand: leaving a corporate career and switching stilettos for Uggs, bootstrapping for 12 straight years, and turning a family bakery legacy into an international brand stocked in Tesco, Target, and Tokyo alike.  We dive into the art (and science) of perfect mochi, surviving a TikTok tidal wave of demand, building systems that don’t break, and why Asian representation in food still matters. Vivien also opens up about sibling co‑founders, therapy‑fuelled confidence, the beauty of spending time with your family, and the moon‑rabbit fable behind the name that changed the ice‑cream aisle forever. Tune in for a masterclass in resilient entrepreneurship, and a love letter to the diaspora that proves chewy Asian snacks have always been cool. Grab a cuppa and this insight-packed episode! (Also share, subscribe, and honour your ancestors 🌶️💛) Little Moons: @littlemoonsofficial Eastern Hunnies: @easternhunnies **** Credits: Edited by Gabby Lauren Directed by Yijia Fu Music by Muri & Lustbass Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  7. 06/02/2025

    "You feel seen, finally!" Why Asian stories matter & ESEA representation in publishing with Maria Garbutt-Lucero

    Maria Garbutt-Lucero is in the house! We sit down with the trailblazing Filipino-Japanese-English-Irish voice in UK publishing to discuss her inspiring journey from corporate publishing, to running Florence Welch’s online book club, "Between Two Books", to co-founding the ESEA Publishing Network. Named The Bookseller Shooting Star in 2023, Maria dives into how her mixed heritage shapes her work - championing East and Southeast Asian voices in publishing, celebrating Filipino cuisine through her supper club Baboy Club, and leading initiatives like #FilipinoFood4NHS. She also breaks down the world of publishing PR, advocating for transparency, and pushing for diversity and representation in the industry. We get real on topics like the evolution of diversity in publishing, running ESEA Lit Fest, and how food, identity, and literature intersect. She also shares her experiences building community, championing Filipino food culture, and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re into books, food, or celebrating cultural identity, tune in for an episode packed with insights, inspiration, and identity chats! 📚✨  ESEA Lit Fest: https://www.instagram.com/esealitfest/ Maria Garbutt-Lucero: https://www.instagram.com/mariagluc Eastern Hunnies: https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies  Remember to subscribe, share, and celebrate cultural heritage - we appreciate you! 💛  Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Yijia Fu   Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  8. 04/14/2025

    “It's OK to be vulnerable” The Politics of Hollywood and Asian Representation with Jason Wong

    Hollywood is in the building! Mel and Iz sit down with British-Chinese actor Jason Wong to discuss his journey from London’s West End to Hollywood, starring in hits like ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Gentlemen’.   Jason opens up about challenging Asian male stereotypes on screen, navigating representation in the industry, and how martial arts shaped his career and identity. They dive into themes of masculinity, self-discipline, and vulnerability, reflecting on Jason’s relationship with his father and the foundations of being a man.   The conversation also covers the power of food in Jason’s life (spoiler: food beats sexiness!), his thoughts on taking authentic roles, and the responsibility of representation for underrepresented communities like East Asians in film.   Tune in as Jason shares his love for action, his emotional connection to Bruce Lee’s legacy, and how he’s pushing forward for better representation in Hollywood.   Jason Wong: https://www.instagram.com/officially_wong   Eastern Hunnies: https://www.instagram.com/easternhunnies   Remember to share, subscribe, and honour your ancestors—we appreciate you! 🥋💛   Credits:   Edited by Gabby Lauren   Directed by Yijia Fu   Music by Muri & Lustbass   Mixing by Ross Ramsay-Golding   Produced by Hunniepot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
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About

Welcome to Eastern Hunnies, a podcast that celebrates East and Southeast Asian community, culture and perspectives in Britain and beyond.  Hosted by British-Filipinos Melissa Legarda, a writer and content producer, and Isabelle Landicho, a director and creative. Eastern Hunnies is our love letter to the ESEA diaspora, and is for anyone dedicated to a more empathetic world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Eastern Hunnies
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Eastern Hunnies
  • Show Website
    Eastern Hunnies