Interviews with Tanya Shukla | Podcast on RSS.com

Interviews with Tanya Shukla

Interviews with Tanya Shukla

by Tanya Shukla

Music Society & Culture

A legacy in the making (Basjia)

Basjia is one of Eora’s most impactful, and important voices. As a creative director, choreographer, dancer and Ballroom community member (House of Silky and Gorgeous Gucci Oceania), she celebrates black and brown excellence, and champions their presence in spaces they’re often forgotten in. In this conversation, we explore her early life, and find the invisible string between her younger self and who she is today, mapping out key moments in her life… as she experienced them. I am grateful to Basjia for taking the time out of her day, to chat with me - to be so open & vulnerable, particularly towards the end of the conversation where we talk about her censorship on IG and explore whose voices are allowed to be heard and who must be silent. #BasjiaForever Support her work & stay connected <3

What has endured: The lessons and the joys (Amy Zhang)

The first time I spoke with Amy Zhang was back in 2024. Even then, what struck me wasn't just her creativity...it was her passion. The way she spoke about movement, people, and storytelling revealed someone who was constantly searching for deeper meaning in the work she creates and the life she leads. Since then, Amy has continued to carve out a remarkable path as a choreographer, movement director, and storyteller, shaping performances and experiences that communicate what words sometimes cannot. From growing up in Brisbane as the daughter of migrant Chinese parents to building a career that takes her across stages, cities, and creative disciplines, she's remained committed to one simple but powerful idea: to keep growing. On Tues Lunch (fbi), we revisted that conversation - not to look back at what has changed, but to explore what has endured. The passions, the lessons, the risks, the joy, and the vision that continues to guide her work. ~ Find her heels intensive classes here: Arch & Point ~

The dancefloor is political (Deens)

Dina is a Palestinian-British DJ, curator and producer whose "love for the community" is known across global bass, garage and Arabic/SWANA-influenced dancefloors. In this special conversation, we chat about identity, heritage and how music is a frequency for resistance and freedom. Stay connected for Dina's next event. Image credit: @amar.gera

The language of movement (Nicolás Mena)

Nicolás Mena is a dancer, choreographer, and the creator of Rhythm in Soul, a dance experience that centres community, creativity, and authentic self-expression. FEEL. BE SEEN. EXPRESS. His journey has taken him from local dance spaces to some of the world's biggest stages, shaping a practice grounded in connection and the belief that movement can tell stories beyond words.

Tradition, queerness and radical imagination (Govind Pillai)

Govind Pillai is someone whose work lives beautifully at the intersection of tradition, queerness, movement and radical imagination. Pillai is a dancer, choreographer, director and the Artistic Director of Karma Dance; a company celebrated for creating visually stunning and emotionally powerful performances that challenge the boundaries of contemporary dance. Through works like Temple of Desire, Pillai explores identity, sensuality, spirituality and belonging with extraordinary honesty and care - creating space for stories and bodies that have too often been unseen. Pillai's work is bold, tender, provocative and deeply human.

Absurd, heartfelt and unmistakably Australiana (Ruby Teys)

Ruby Teys is a comedian, performer and creative whose work blends camp-iness, Australian nostalgia and character comedy into something completely her own. From cult live shows to radio/podcasting, Ruby has built a reputation for humour that’s equal parts absurd, heartfelt and unmistakably Aussie. This is an Australiana cult classic at its best!

Life, comedy and everything in between (Elaine Crombie)

Elaine Crombie is an Aboriginal Australian actress, known for her work on stage and television. She is also a singer, songwriter, comedian, writer, and producer. Her works centre on the raw, the beautiful, and the funny - finding inspiration in all the corners of life.

From cassettes to clubs: It's her global takeover (Rasa)

So, where do I begin with my guest today? Maybe we can start with her phenomenal set at the last Dayshift? Maybe we spotlight her boiler room set? Well, today on Tuesday Lunch, we have a Bengaluru-based Punjabi DJ who has emerged during one of the most certain times for music and nightlife. Starting her journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s since carved out a bold, unapologetic sound that pulses with confidence and underground club spirit. Rasa isn’t just playing tracks - she’s building a world on the dance floor, one that’s raw, expressive, and impossible to ignore.

Summer's not over until JULAI says so (Christian Stewart)

Some artists find their voice - others grow into it, moment by moment, choice by choice. Born in Aotearoa and raised in Naarm’s south-east, Christian Stewart began his journey into music in shared spaces - family homes, school choirs, and a garage where connection turned into creation. What started as curiosity became something deeper: a calling shaped by community, culture, and self-belief. Through his work, Christian - who my listeners will know as JULAI, creates more than music - he creates space. This interview is about queer joy, Pasifika pride, and for people to feel seen, powerful, and unapologetically themselves.

The journey of a climate organiser (Grace Vegesana)

Grace Vegesana is part of a new generation of leaders who are reshaping how we think about climate, community, and justice. As a climate organiser and youth movement leader based originally on Dhurag land, Grace began advocating for climate action as a teenager and has since helped mobilise thousands of young people across so-called Australia. Through her work as the National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Grace is helping to ensure that the voices most affected by climate change are not just heard - but leading the solutions. Today, on Tuesday Lunch, we’re exploring Grace’s journey - from the early moments that shaped her worldview, to the purpose that continues to guide her work for a more just and sustainable future.

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