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: hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

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 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

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

Welcome to the latest episode of Two Worlds One Me! In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Cody McClain Brown, an Oklahoma native whose journey led him to Croatia after falling in love with a Croatian girl. Cody's captivating story unfolds in his bestselling book, "Chasing a Croatian Girl." Join us as we delve into Cody's roots in Oklahoma, his early passion for drawing, and the serendipitous encounter that changed his life forever. Discover the warmth of Croatian hospitality through Cody's lens, as he shares anecdotes about his wife and his mother-in-law's nurturing spirit. We also explore the cultural significance of "draft" in Croatia and its unexpected consequences. With Cody's sharp wit and engaging storytelling, this conversation is bound to leave you entertained and enlightened. Tune in for a delightful journey with Cody McClain Brown.

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If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me. My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

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Music thanks to John Bartmann

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To find out more about Cody McClain Brown's work - see below:

Instagram @codymcclainbrown

linkedin.com/in/cody-mcclain-brown-60993720

Website

zablogreb.blogspot.com/ (Blog)

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann