mango masala

by GVRNZ & Halima

News Commentary Society & Culture

Season 1

Academic burn out & BAME representation in Physiotherapy

GVRNZ and Simran discuss academic burn out, and whether such is glorified in South Asian cultures. They also cover the recent events in Glasgow, whereby a protest successfully prevented the removal of two residents by immigration enforcement. The episode culminates with a segment of our recent webinar which covered BAME representation in Physiotherapy. The panel was made up of Chandni-Sabrina Shah BSc MCSP, a physiotherapist and masseuse based in West London, Arnie Putnis (Regional AHP Clinical Fellow HEE), and Indeveer Sanghera, a Physiotherapy student from Vancouver who has studied at the University of Brighton.

Israel-Palestine explained, Olympics Bans BLM & Chunkz Quits Music

GVRNZ, Halima and Simran delve into a number of new topics, starting with the UK local council/mayoral election results. They then discuss the most recent happenings in regards to the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the Tokyo Olympics' recent decision to ban BLM apparel. They finish the show by talking about YouTuber Chunkz' recent decision to quit music as it's haram.

Asian Timing, Ramadan, Boris Johnson & Unhygienic Men

On this week's episode, GVRNZ and Halima delve into a multitude of topics, including Asian Timing, fasting during Ramadan, allegations against PM Boris Johnson, and some men's poor hygiene. We finish with a 00s backwards song challenge.

Super League controversy / Rebelyous on moving to Manchester

GVRNZ, Simran and Halima discuss their most recent experiences during the pandemic, including fasting for Ramadan and completing a university degree. They then discuss the controversy surrounding the Super League, and protesting priorities. For the second half of the show, they’re joined by Luton’s Rebelyous, who tells all about his recent move to Manchester and what new music we can expect.

Gun Violence in America / Talking Strong Roots with Karenjeet Kaur Bains

GVRNZ and Simran discuss the most recent shootings that have occurred in America, both by police and members of the public. They agree that such is enough to convince them that they would never opt to live there. The two then discuss a comment made by Bolton boxer Amir Khan whilst appearing on his new reality TV show, 'Meet The Khans', regarding cheating and age. The episode finishes with an interview Simran conducted with Karenjeet Kaur Bains, the first Sikh Woman to represent Britain in heavy lifting.

H33RA on his VIRGO EP

Alone in the studio, GVRNZ delves into recent controversial topics, including Prince Phillip's death, Andrew Marr's "Indian bride" comment, and the French hijab ban. The second half of the episode is a bit more upbeat, as he's joined by H33RA who tells all on his new 6-track EP 'VIRGO'. The "pleasure-centre" record has spawned hits such as 'IN THIS ROOM', 'COMPLICATED' and 'SAY'.

Discussing the Sewell Report, Electric Bazaar & Raf-Saperra

To start off the episode, GVRNZ and Simran discuss the recently published Sewell Report, which suggests that institutional racism does not exist in the UK. GVRNZ and Simran are later joined by Alicya Mamo, co-founder of Electric Bazaar - a modest ethical fashion social enterprise based in the North West of England. Alicya tells GVRNZ and Simran about the origins of the organisation, how it all works, why it's both important and unique, and what we can expect to see from them in the future. The episode finishes with an interview with Raf-Saperra, in light of his new hit Punjabi single, 'Milli-1'.

Celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh

As we celebrate 50 years of Bangladeshi independence, we look back at the country's history, in particular its "bloody birth". Halima educates us on the realities of how Bangladesh came to gain independence through the 1971 Liberation War, and addresses the denial that many still have regarding the atrocities that were committed by "West" Pakistan against Bengalis. She also delves into how many individuals played a key part in the war effort, and are not recognised adequately for their contributions, e.g. women, Hindus and indigenous peoples. We then discuss what it means to be British-Bengali today, and the various socio-demographics at play in relation to their place in British society. The episode finishes with a snippet from Sakshi's most recent interview with Chandé, who tells us of what it's like being a South Asian DJ in Manchester, and the importance of his work with Daytimers.

Manchester Punjabi Indian Drag Queen Lucky Roy Singh tells their story

This week, GVRNZ and Simran are joined by Manchester’s own Punjabi Indian Drag Queen, Lucky Roy Singh. As well as their drag work, they’re also an award winning activist, charity ambassador, philanthropist, public speaker, influencer, campaigner and author. Lucky opens up about their past, growing up in Manchester and feeling closeted about their sexuality and identity. At a young age they became engaged to their boyfriend (now ex-husband). Their partner’s family was accepting on one condition, they would have to pretend to be a woman. Once married, Lucky’s situation began to deteriorate. They were subject to honour abuse, leaving them destitute and with extremely poor mental health. Lucky now uses their story and platform to help raise awareness of honour abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, and representation. The group then discuss discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ representation, intersectionality, performative activism and more, before finishing the episode with a recap of Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Misogyny & gendered violence in British society / HB on 'The Consistency' EP

GVRNZ, Halima & Ben discuss how the past week hasn't been great for women, especially considering it's bookended by International Women's Day and Mother's Day. Meghan Markle's Oprah interview is discussed, as well as Piers Morgan's reaction and Good Morning Britain exit. The focus then moves to the murder of Sarah Everard and the horrific statistics regarding the prevalence of gendered violence against women throughout the UK. We finish the episode on a lighter note, with an interview with Burton upon Trent-bred rapper HB. He tells us about his new EP, 'The Consistency', his musical influences, what he has planned for the future and more.

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