HomeGrown

On this final episode of the season,  Cruella Lou-ville and Double 0 Fo catch up on the end of the season and what to expect from season 5! We have thoroughly enjoyed making another season of the podcast and hope you have enjoyed listening and are looking forward to more after the break. In this episode we catch up on the  books were reading and some of our top pics,  Fo rants about the news which was very entraining , and   we get a chance to answer the quickfire questions ourselves. Hope you have a wonderful bank holiday (if that's a thing where you are) and see you soon! Fo and Lou. --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Alicia Beale, the 38 year old owner of The Aftermath and another example of someone coming to the city for a few months and staying for many years. Alicia shares her 16 year experience in Hong Kong after coming to the city at 23 from the US to visit her best friend. We get into how easy it is to get lost in the HK sauce initially, and how it takes some time to find the right balance and make it a sustainable but fulfilling home. We discuss how she didn't expect such a dynamic city at first and she shares some of the challenges she met, and the growth that comes with the transition from your 20s to 30s....AS WELL AS her experience starting and running businesses in Hong Kong over the last 3 crazy years. Enjoyyyy!--We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram :  @theafterm

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Celina Fairbairn, founder of CGDLondon who (eventually) moved to Hong Kong from London by way of Rotterdam.  Celina shares with us her experience moving to HK in the midst of the pandemic and Hong Kongs frequently changing travel restrictions.....the things we do for love ! We discuss the entrepreneurial culture in HK vs London, they differences Celina found in lifestyle, working and networking cultures and how she has been perceived as someone who could be described as "racially ambiguous" *. We also talk about the difficulties and dynamics of long distance relationships and the various different stages they progress through. A lovely chat for your Monday morning , Enjoy! * God I really hope no one has any issue with me using this term but if you do, let me know. --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram :  celina.cgdCGD London         :   cgdlondon

In this week's episode we speak to the wonderful Janelle Mimms who joins us again and shares her Hong Kong experience over the last 2 years.  Last week we re-released her first episode where we talked about all the excitement and newness of moving to Hong Kong, and this week we catch up on how the struggles of the last 2 years have affected that experience, our mental health, and our outlook.As you can tell straight away from her monologue, we get into some really tough topics, and Janelle's openness caused us to share some of our struggles as well. We absolutely loved this episode and Janelle, and we can't wait for you to hear it. Enjoy! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: @uhohjanellio

The Fantastic Fo is the Infirm Fo this week, so in a plot twist, we're bringing you one from the vault...In this episode, your hosts Louisa and The Fantastic Fo talk to Janelle Mims, a New Yorker living in Hong Kong since early 2019. Dive straight in to find out why people are throwing babies at her and what is so problematic about the word "chocolate".--We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: @uhohjanellioRecommended book: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Akinsola Jeje a 50 year old Teacher , amateur historian and poet who moved to Hong Kong 16 years ago from Canada. Akin brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to the podcast, taking us on a journey back in time and giving us his observations of culture in Hong Kong and Japan where he spent a few years before arriving in the city he now calls home. We thoroughly enjoyed this one and we hope you do too. Enjoy!  --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Facebook: Akinsola Jeje

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Alexander Woodburn, the 28 year old director of The Motiv Company and ex-professional rugby player. Alexander shares with us the harrowing story of how he went from signing his first professional contract to arriving in Hong Kong at 23 after an elite rugby upbringing and a life changing injury. We talk about so much in this action-packed episode, and the topics range from determination to creative expression, mindfulness, the pros and cons of discipline, and how Hong Kong is a great place to find a new rhythm. Enjoy!  --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: alexjwoodburn

In this week's episode, and our first video podcast, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo have a really good catch up, if we do say so ourselves. We talk about the current COVID situation in Hong Kong and what if any strategies we have for dealing with prolonged uncertainty.  This leads us to a great chat about the books, tv shows and podcast that help deal and distract. Louisa's love affair with Brené Brown continues and Fo tries his hardest to explain "now". One of our longer episodes, but that usually means we really enjoyed the episode so we hope you do too! Check out the video for this episode here.Enjoy. --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:What we're watching : Dopesick, Inventing AnnaWhat we're listening to : brené brownWhat we're reading : The power of now, Atomic habits (video summary)

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Gabriel Fagbenro, a 26 year old Nigerian NGO coordinator who moved to Hong Kong from London 6 years ago after a year studying in Hong Kong. Gabriel tells us about his sandwich year studying in HKU, going back to London, and then immediately feeling the urge to return to Hong Kong. We talk about what feeling like a foreigner even means...if that is a thing, and what it has been like working for an NGO  while being Nigerian #WherethemoneyatthoughWe were plagued with recording issues on this one but Gabriel's bright and upbeat insights really made this one of those fun episodes to record. Although we will admit to being slightly envious of the youthful energy lol. Additionally,  Lou's TedTalk is finally out!! So check that out here:How curiosity can address racial inequality | Louisa Awolaja | TedxTinHauWomenHave a great week! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: mrgabrielf

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Deji Odunlami, a Nigerian mathematics teacher who moved to Hong Kong via Shanghai from London 11 years ago.  Deji talks to us about how he moved to China for adventure, what it was like moving there , and how he found it to be a place of ample opportunities if you were interested. We talk about his move to Hong Kong, how feeling at home was central to the decision and how he has found Hong Kong vs Shanghai so far.We hear about this entrepreneurial foodie started a runaway sausage business and how Friend like me isn't on Spotify!? --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: Jedi_800Guest Youtube: NigerianKitchen

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Melanie Bell, a real expat OG who moved to Hong Kong 25 years ago for the most unique reason we've had on the podcast so far (no spoilers)....and I don't think we can top this one. Melanie tells us about how she came to the city just before handover, what HK and the black community was like at that time, and how she finds the city now as an older member of society. We had so many listeners request for guests from the older expat community and we now see why. Melanie takes us on an adventure  through time and across the globe, so this episode is dotted with a few gems for your start of the week.  We intend on featuring more guests like this so if you are, or know someone that has years and years of experience in the city, do the right thing,  hit us up!Enjoy! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Facebook: Thesewingloungehk.fbGuest Instagram: ThesewingloungehkGuest Recommendations: The Silver Pearl Society

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Ebele Onyeabo a Lawyer and Legal research who moved to Hong Kong to pursue a PhD at Chinese University Hong Kong (CUHK). We talk about the highs and lows of doing a PhD in Hong Kong, and what that was like during the protests. We also touch on what it's like living far from central and how that plays in to socialising and dating. A hilarious episode to start off your week, Ebele had us laughing non stop. Enjoy ! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: @ebele_onyeaboGuest Recommendations: Uncanny Valley

In the first interview of the new season, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Fo's favourite guest ever!  There were some bold claims about this guest in the last episode and so far we're keeping that same energy. We kick off the new season with a fresh perspective on Hong Kong and a guest that has come to the city for love of all things.Can't think of what else to say without giving too much away, but there's a pretty good rant in this one. Enjoy! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us.  If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Website | Instagram | Email  Notes and links from this episode:

In this first episode of of the new season, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo  catch up on the Christmas break, and how weird it has become in the COVID era. We also go through some New Years resolutions for the two co-hosts as well as some resolutions for the podcast.We have our first guests starting next week and in the meantime if you haven't already, please checkout or super quick questionnaire if you want to share some feedback on the podcast or just show some lurrvee. Enjoy!  --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email

In this final episode of Season 3, Louisa and The Fantastic Fo have a heart to heart on what has been going on over the last few months. We talk about Lou's return to the city to be a TEDx Speaker, how it feels being back in Hong Kong, and Fo shares his experience with burnout and mindless productivity. We also share when to expect us back! In the meantime, we'd really appreciate it if you took 2 minutes to fill out our end of season questionnaire. This will help us plan out the next season and keep doing more of what you've loved so far. We hope you have a great holiday season and can't wait to be back with season 4! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Dr Keisha A Brown, Assistant Professor of History at Tennessee State. Keisha gives us a unique insight into the life of one of the first Black expats to China and a general idea of what being black in China meant on 1955.A strong penultimate episode to the season, in this episode Keisha fields our sprawling (and sometimes basic) questions about what early events formed the perceptions of blackness in China, and also how African Americans looked East for civil rights support. Really hope you enjoy this one because we sure as hell did ! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Email : keishab241@gmail.comGuest profile : Keisha Brown Guest Twitter : Keisha A Brown

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Oliver Christopher Kaigwa Haas, a 32 year old designer, engineer and entrepreneur. Ollie moved to Hong Kong 7 years ago from Vienna to take on a dream job with Cathay Pacific after sending a personal letter to their then CTO. A huge aviation and sustainability advocate, Ollie shares his passion for aviation and technology, how he balances his time in the city with many of the sports that Hong Kong is great for, and the fact that he is probably the only guest we've had that cooks more than eats out in this the restaurant capital of the world. Of course we also discuss what it has been like being black in Hong Kong,  Ollie's mixed Austrian and Ugandan heritage, and how that has made him much more "buoyant" when travelling around the world.Another great episode for your Monday morning and definitely check out Ollie's TedTalk here. As always, If you enjoyed this episode be sure to scroll down and leave us a review. Enjoy! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: @oliverckhaasGuest Recommendations: Hip Hop Evolution on Netflix J Dilla's Donuts Erykah Badu - Soul Train Awards 2018James Brown - It's a Man's World (feat Michael Jackson)"Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieBecoming by Michelle Obama  "As much as I love Barack, it's Michelle's story that really brought out the human story of the family's journey"The Book of Hope by Jane GoodallSapiens by Yuval Nohal HarariWill Smith's biography "It drops on Tuesday, but I already know it's going to be good!"

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Mareika Chirikure, the African Literatures and editorial manager at the Africa Center in Hong Kong.  Mareika is here in Hong Kong for a year before going back to Germany for a Masters, and she talks to us about her experiences here in Hong Kong as well as her mixed heritage upbringing. Unfortunately Louisa was recovering from a cold so she had lost her voice in this recording..but fortunately the Fantastic Fo was there to make fun of her appropriately!  An exceptionally fun episode hence the longer length, we talk about race, and culture, and books, and of course Hong Kong. A perfect way to start off you're week this week and Mareika comes with a stack of great book recommendations just ahead of the holiday season. Enjoy, and if you do, send us a message, like, subscribe ...you know the drill--We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Literature page : Mkay and some booksSpecific book recommendations: The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin Things I have forgotten before by Tanatsei Gambura (collection of poems)   The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste Augustown by Kei Miller

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to Keril  Victor a 28 year old singer , songwriter, producer and finalist of one of Taiwan’s most popular TV singing competitions, Jungle Voice. Keril takes us on a journey from sunny St Lucia, to a stage in Taiwan performing for an audience of over 20 million people across Asia. We of course talk about music, fame and what is next for the young star, but also get down to the grit of living, studying and working in Taiwan. As Keril spent his first years studying Mandarin and then Economics, we hear about what studying in a foreign language was like and how the black experience in Taiwan can be so...paradoxical. A fantastic episode to start of your week and perhaps some new music to listen to throughout the week. Enjoy and let us know what you think,  send us an email or comment on our instagram, we love hearing from you! --We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram: @kerilmusicGuest Facebook:KerilmusicGuest Youtube: Keril韋喆

In this week's episode, Louisa and the Fantastic Fo speak to the wonderful Chrissy Zemura, a 31 year old Hair stylist who is working in Hong Kong on an international TV show. Chrissy moved to Hong Kong from Sydney where she  juggles being a mother with running her salon, and working on tv and film sets. An epic story about chasing your dreams and putting in the work, Chrissy tells us the story of how she went from studying accounting and finance in the UK, to becoming a hair stylist to the stars, a business owner , a mother, and an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the national curriculum for hair and beauty. A fun and inspirational episode for your Monday morning and don't miss all the gossip about Nicole Kidman in Hong Kong. Enjoy!--We love putting the show together for you, and we hope you love it too! If you do, a great way to help us grow is to subscribe to the show and rate/review us on your podcast app so more people find us. If you have any questions, comments or potential guests for us, you can reach us on social media or drop us an  email:  Twitter | Instagram | Email Notes and links from this episode:Guest Instagram : @chrissyzemurahairGuest Twitter : @ChrissyZemuraGuest's Salon : @zemurasalon