Hong Kong Confidential

I interviewed Kinny Au Barlow for International Podcast Day and we spoke about growing up in a Chinese family and some of the long standing traditions and values that Kinny feels are important to impart to her children. She explains how she balances her own Chinese culture and her husband’s Western culture when raising her children. She shares some stories from her childhood and explains how she was different to her peers and the unique way that he parents embraced and encouraged her to be different. We talk about traditional expectations in Chinese families ranging from gender roles, to caring for the elderly and fundamental practices that are a part of belonging to a Chinese family. We discuss helpers in Hong Kong, racism and how we can think about contributing to our families and the community. Kinny is one of the organizers of Clockenflap, one of Asia’s biggest music and arts festivals. She talks about how amazing it is to work on such a fabulous event and shares some of the exciting aspects of the festival. This is a wonderful interview that gives us an insight into the rich and vibrant Chinese culture of Hong Kong that is steeped in tradition and values. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Charles Stevens and his friend Will Hsu successfully cycled the Silk Road from Beijing to Tehran raising 33k pounds for A Child Unheard in Ghana. The lads won national awards and have inspired millions of people with their tenacity and determination. Charles shares the ups and downs of the incredible journey; the scariest moments, being awe inspired and the team work required along the way. Charles reveals that the greatest challenge on this 114 day adventure was the facing the natural elements; particularly the weather. He shares some personal stories about some of the highs and lows on the trip as well as meeting a couple of teenage boys who he shared a meal with, discovering that they had more in common than he thought. This is a story of courage, endurance and spirit, achieved by the youngest team to ever complete this 10,000 km journey. Charles and Will were still teenagers at the time, which is an incredible feat and one that will hopefully inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone. Learn more about their journey here: http://beijingtotehran.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Tiffany Huang began Spill Stories as a story telling platform for women of colour to share their experiences. She was unhappy with the superficial nature of social media, so she created content on Instagram that offers comfort to others in their personal struggles. The stories, written by a diverse group of people, evoke empathy, catharsis and healing through sharing more deep and meaningful aspects of life. “Social media can enhance our sense of isolation” and Spill Stories provides a platform for us to feel connected. Tiffany suggests that we should “screw the narratives that we are supposed to play into and be yourself!” Spill Stories have many different themes ranging from ‘Sex and Power’ to ‘Insecurities’. These stories promote creativity and provide a voice for women of colour. Writing can empower people and Tiffany hopes that her platform will connect people across the globe. Tiffany shares a story from a woman in the UK called ‘Am I too dark?’ and she also reads a story of her own. She shares how creating Spill Stories has given her courage to speak up and she relates a candid story about her Tinder dating escapades that is both entertaining and challenges some Asian stereotypes. Spill Stories has helped Tiffany take down her own shield. A Listener Note: We discuss some adult themed topics in this podcast so please be warned. Spill Stories: spillyourstories@gmail.com Instagram: @spill_stories Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Tash Jain suffers from a chronic illness called POTS- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. This is a syndrome where there is an imbalance between your blood pressure and your heart rate. Symptoms include fainting, memory loss and fatigue, all of which affected Tash. She was so ill that she has to quit her job and was on bed rest for months. There was no specific treatment for her illness, so it was a matter of trial and error as she experimented with different treatment methods. Being unwell took a toll on Tash’s mental health and she found herself feeling isolated, anxious and often in a very low mood. We discuss mental health in relation to living with chronic illness. Tash felt that being sick gave her the opportunity to reassess her priorities and really look at her core values. She is a changed person due to suffering from POTS and she shares how she has reevaluated her notion of success and what is most important now in her life. Tash is an inspiration and she provides many tips on self-care and how to cope with the struggles of a life living with chronic illness. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Siufung Law is a genderqueer bodybuilder who competes in both local and international competitions. He shares his gender and sexuality journey, and how his identity has evolved to where it is today. He is open and candid about being raised as a young girl in Chinese culture and the challenges he faced being at school where his dad was the Vice Principal. Siufung explains how he felt that he needed to suppress his sexuality and gender journey from his family and whilst at school, but he was lucky to find a group of friends where he could be truly himself. Siufung did research in Gender Studies at university and this helped him to learn more about the labels, genderqueer and gender non-binary and he felt that these terms described him more than the term transgender which was how he was identifying at that time. Siufung explains the meaning of generqueer and the pronouns that he is happy to use. We discuss the lack of sex education in local Chinese schools and how Siufung would have benefited from more open discussions about topics of gender, sex and sexuality. Siufung reminds us that ‘we are always in a continuous process of becoming’ and he is enjoying his own journey of discovering his identity. He talks about HK laws surrounding changing gender and the requirements for full gender reassignment surgery to be able to do this. He goes on to explain how he competes as a female bodybuilder, due to the fact that he is still recognized as female by birth and is therefore considered as female in the professional bodybuilding world. Suifung shared his training schedule and diet tips for being an elite athlete and the joy he experiences from being a successful body builder. Suifung is a beautiful soul both inside and out and this podcast will warm your heart. If you can’t find a group to fit into, Siufung suggests you should ‘walk your own path- create one!’ Siufung’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siufung_law/?hl=en A listener note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may distressing to some listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Sofie Jacobs is a midwife from Belgium who lives and works in Hong Kong. Sofie and I discuss all things related to pregnancy and birth. We discuss postpartum depression, home and hospital births, birth plans and parenting. We explore the pressure that women face to get their post baby body back and Sofie explains that this is impossible as our bodies change after giving birth. You need to prepare for the birth in all aspects of mind, body and soul and Sofie gives us tips on how to do this. Did you realise that men can also suffer from postpartum depression? There are several reasons why this can occur. Sofie advises us on parenting skills and how women can look after their health after the baby is born. Sofie has been a midwife for 20 years and runs antenatal, coaching and childcare education classes. Sofie has a company in Hong Kong called Urban Hatch. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Urban Hatch: https://www.urban-hatch.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Tegan Smyth is an Australian Lawyer working in Hong Kong who runs a program for refugees called Table of Two Cities. It is a community project where refugees tell their stories and share their culture through food. A shared meal can bring both sides of Hong Kong to one shared table. Two sides of the city, united by an idea, by acceptance, understanding and by food. Table of Two Cities enables refugees to give something of themselves to the local community and feel valued and appreciated. Tegan reminds us that ‘food is a universal medium to communicate your understanding of the world’. Tegan is a survivor of assault and she shares her experience with us and explains how helping others, is a way for her navigate her own trauma. She wants to hold space for people who do not have the spaced opened to them. Tegan feels that empathy is a gift and facing her trauma has inspired her to strive to create something worthwhile in the lives of others and helped her find a purpose in her own life. By sharing her story, she has realized that so many people have gone through similar experiences and she wants others to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and healing is an ongoing process. She reminds anyone who is suffering that they are never alone and there are resources out there that can help those who need support. Table of Two Cities: https://tableoftwocities.org/ A listener note: Some of the topics discussed in this podcast may distressing to some listeners. If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Kevin Wong, co-founder and chief executive of Origami Labs, says Orii is the world's first voice-powered smart ring. It is a private communication tool that uses voice assistance technology to communicate. The ring uses sound as a physical vibration which passes directly through your finger and into your ear. Kevin explains that screen free technology is his area of interest and this has been inspired by his dad who has been sight impaired from the age of thirteen. In fact, Kevin’s dad also works in technology and was one of the first blind programmers in Hong Kong, who helped build the world first voice activated computer in the 1990’s. Kevin’s main goal in his tech development work is to create products that are inclusive and meaningful, and this is what he and his team have done with the Orii ring. Kevin started programming at the age of 6 or 7 and was taught by his father. Working in the Start Up space as an entrepreneur has been a wonderful journey for Kevin and he discusses the qualities of person suited to this type of career. He gives advice for anyone who wants to work in the Start Up space. Kevin explains that “the screen free revolution is one of the hottest topics in Silicon Valley”. He is at the forefront of this revolution, is an award winner and will be someone to watch in the future as he is bound to create more ground-breaking technology that “contributes something to society”. The Orii ring: https://www.orii.io/ Origami Labs: https://www.whub.io/startups/origami-labs Pretend Radio: https://pretendradio.org/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Rebecca Hopkins shares her fertility journey with us and her ultimate choice to use egg donation to create her family. She went though IVF and this was not successful at all but she and her husband were both committed to having a family no matter what. After giving up on the idea of IVF, Rebecca fell pregnant naturally, but the baby had spina bifida and was terminated at 20 weeks. Losing their first daughter, Ruby was devastating for Rebecca and her husband. They left their jobs, went travelling to heal and eventually found themselves in the UK ready to try egg donation again. They decided on Spain where egg donation is anonymous, and Rebecca eventually had a child and then on her second attempt, twins. Rebecca shares with us how now she has three children, she regrets choosing an anonymous donor because of the potential impact that using an anonymous donor could have on her childrens’ sense of identity and why she thinks anonymous donation should be banned globally. Rebecca also talks about the importance of children knowing that they are donor conceived from a very young age and she recommends that parents stick to the facts and use all the correct terminology for the process with the children. Rebecca has made videos for all her children about how they were created, and they have been watching these creation stories from before they could talk. Rebecca talks us through her anonymous donor regret and the grief she has experienced with candor and honesty that will make you feel like you are close friend of hers. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Rebecca Hopkins: http://www.livebraveworkshops.com/rebecca-hopkins/ Rebecca’s Blog: http://alloutofeggs.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Rebecca Hopkins talks about how she found herself going through early menopause in her early 30’s and this affected many aspects of her life, including her ability to have children. She had her children using an egg donor and whilst she was raising her small children she found herself in the midst of quite intense menopausal symptoms. Her doctor put her on hormones to combat early osteoporosis. This meant that her sex drive shot through the roof and she became rather rampant. She was also super moody and explosive, so she tried different methods of administering the hormones until she found the one that was most conducive to her having minimal menopausal symptoms and less mood swings. Rebecca talks about bone density, ugly crying and egg donation. Stay tuned for All Out of Eggs: Part 2 where Rebecca goes into detail about egg donation, IVF and what she has learned throughout the whole process. A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local GP for support. Rebecca Hopkins: http://www.livebraveworkshops.com/rebecca-hopkins/ Rebecca’s Blog: http://alloutofeggs.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Amao Leota Lu is a proud Fa’afafine living in Melbourne, Australia. She was in Hong Kong for the Rainbow Families Forum and spoke to me about her life. She shares her struggles as a transgender woman and also explains the cultural acceptance that she has experienced from her friends and family in Samoa, where the culture is very inclusive. Amao explains how she has navigated a safe space for herself and how she works to support other LGBTQIA+ members of her local community. She shares her journey as she evolved into her true self over the years. “Everyone’s journey is different” and Amao helps us to understand this by sharing her story. The struggle that trans people can face include finding housing, jobs, health care and acceptance in the community. Amao hopes to give a ‘voice and visibility’ to trans people and reminds us that cultures are forever changing, and that we can all make a difference by treating everyone with respect and kindness. Amao shares the devastating story of her trans friend who was murdered and how her voice was only ‘heard’ after her passing. Amoa is an incredibly positive person with a beautiful soul, she is an inspiration and a wonderful role model for all of us. A listener note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Philip Howell-Williams is the Director of Pink Season, a five-week long festival which highlights and supports the LGBT+ community in Hong Kong. This is the 9th year that Pink Season has run, and Philip has put his own stamp on the celebration by including more educational and family events in the plethora of functions on offer. Pink Season offers many free activities with a focus on arts, theatre, family connections, sport, education and parties. There is even a Drag Queen workshop which will culminate in a parade and performance at the closing ceremony. Philip has endeavoured to make Pink Season more marketable to corporations and thus the funding for the event has increased significantly so the variety of events on offer are vast and there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is a global trend for corporations to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and Hong Kong is no exception. This is so important for the LGBT+ community as inclusivity and diversity provides visibility, confidence and support for the community who can often be marginalised or discriminated against in today's society. Pink Season is aimed at breaking down these barriers and bringing people together from all walks of life. Philip and his team at Pink Season are making a difference and part of the focus this year is on migrant workers and domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Philip also talks about his coming out journey and shares some of his own wisdom. Philip gives advice on ‘coming out’ and the importance of allyship, where we all support and embrace each other no matter what your gender, sexuality, race, religion or interests. There is so much that people can take away from this podcast about inclusion, diversity, education and being a global citizen. To find out more about Pink Season which begins on the 28th of September 2018 visit: http://www.pinkseason.hk/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Chris Geary is the CEO of BSD Education where he runs an innovative program called RefuGeek. This is a non-profit entity sponsored by the Fargo Foundation in Hong Kong, using academic curriculum to deliver technology education to refugees and asylum seekers in Asia. Chris believes that everyone should have the right to technology education and learn the skills needed to succeed in the world. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes due to conflicts and natural disasters. In many cases, these displaced people have missed out on their education, meaning that when they are finally relocated, they lack the necessary skills to survive in the modern world. An understanding of code and tech applications, however basic, will make an enormous difference to potential employers, or their ability to start their own businesses. At RefuGeek, they give refugees a chance to learn basic IT skills in the hope that this training will increase their chances of employment and opportunities in life. Chris shares details about the refugee population in Hong Kong and some personal anecdotes about people that have graduated from this awesome program. RefuGeek: http://refugeek.org/   BSD Education: www.bsd.education Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Nan talks about her life and what is was like growing up in the 1920’s and 30’s in Australia. She discusses her education, her career and her life married to farmer, Claude. She shares her secrets to longevity of life and explains many of the challenges she has faced. Nan talks proudly about the achievements of all her children, grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. Nan is an incredible woman who is still mentally sharp, even at the age of 100. However, she is frustrated that her body is starting to let her down, particularly her failing eyesight. Thus, she wishes she could check out of life and shuffle off this mortal coil. She shares her thoughts on life-long learning and how important it is to move with the times. Nan is the matriarch of our family and is loved by everyone. She is an inspiration to us all and it’s not often you can chat to someone who has lived for 100 years and is still as sharp as a tack. Love you, Nan! Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/

Film director Joanna Bowers shares her experiences making impactful films that shine a light on social issues, in particular the potential of women. She began working in film in the USA. In 2011, Joanna moved to Hong Kong where she is now based. Since relocating to Asia, projects have seen her filming throughout mainland China, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States. Having told several successful female-driven short-form stories, in 2015 she was inspired to explore the issues facing migrant workers in Hong Kong. The film ‘The Helper’, Joanna’s feature directorial debut, chronicles the diverse stories from Hong Kong’s migrant domestic ‘helpers’, exploring the immense contribution they make to society in the face of heart-breaking separation from their loved ones. Joanna explains how the domestic workers are the heroes and to see them feeling empowered through their work on the film was wonderful and it allowed them to become leaders and role models in the Hong Kong community. She talks about the challenges of directing a film and how she balances motherhood and work. She shares an insight into her new film project looking at sustainability in the textiles and fashion industry, with a focus on fast fashion. Joanna is passionate about telling inspiring, international stories featuring ethnically diverse casts including strong women and unique perspectives. Contact Joanna: http://cheekymonkeyprods.com/ Please visit my Patreon page if you would like to sponsor the production of Hong Kong Confidential Podcast. I have many great rewards to offer my supporters. Thanks for taking the time to check out the page https://www.patreon.com/hongkongconfidential?alert=2 Email: jules@hongkongconfidential.net Webpage: www.hongkongconfidential.net Network: https://www.auscastnetwork.com/home/hong-kong-confidential Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongconfidential/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/juleshannaford/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongkongconfidential/ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube and anywhere you find your podcasts. Sponsored by Teresa’s Turkish Towels https://hkturkish.com/