Hilke Flebbe was just starting her law degree at Cambridge when she received the sudden and terrible news that her mother had died. At age 22, Hilke was left alone in the world - and with an unfinished old hotel that her mother had been restoring in Lubeck, Germany. Not only that, but she was faced with inheriting her mother’s debts which ran to mi…

The second part of the conversation with Reka Gawa focuses on exploring Tibetan cuisine beyond momos. Reka Gawa is an established Tibetan food entrepreneur and the founder of Himalaya Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland. Through her cafe, she promotes Tibetan culture and Buddhist principles of compassion and kindness. She also initiated the "pay it forward…

Do you love exploring different cuisines? Do you want to explore Tibetan cuisine? If yes, then this episode is for you. Tibetan food doesn’t start and end with momos. There is so much variety! In this episode, Tenzin is in conversation with Reka Gawa, an established Tibetan food entrepreneur who is the founder of Himalaya Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotlan…

Mental health issues are one of the leading challenges in the world today. We live in an age where hustle culture is touted and mental well-being is severely ignored. It is imperative for us to take care of our body and mind. To gain more insights on how we can master our mind for happiness, Tenzin is in conversation with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damd…

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of mental health. In today's world, mental well-being is often overlooked amidst the constant pressure of hustle culture. It is essential to prioritize our mind and body's health to lead a happy and fulfilling life.To help us gain a deeper understanding of how we can achieve this, Tenzin is in conve…

This is part 2 of our conversation with the renowned Tibetan singer/songwriter Techung.The music of Tibet is as serene and beautiful as its picturesque landscape. If you thought that there is only one kind of music in Tibet, you are absolutely mistaken. Each province in the region has its own style of music. To dwell deeper into this and truly unde…

Playwright Joanne Lau started out as a neuroscientist and came to writing for the theatre via stand up comedy and TV screenwriting. Now her first play Worth is being produced by New Earth Theatre and premieres at the Arcola Theatre in London this month April 2023. Joanne joins Yang-May Ooi to talk about her journey from science to making a living w…

The music of Tibet is as serene and beautiful as its picturesque landscape. If you thought that there is only one kind of music in Tibet, you are absolutely mistaken. Each province in the region has its own style of music. To dwell deeper into this and truly understand the beauty of traditional Tibetan music, Tenzin is in conversation with the awar…

A young livestock herder walks across the mountains without a map travelling from Tibet to a new life in India. A young British woman takes a photo of wildlife in Dharamsala. So begins an amazing love story that crosses cultures and continents. It is also the beginning of the story of Taste Tibet, an award-winning restaurant in Oxford, England. Joi…

“When I am conducting live translations of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s speeches, I always try making the audience feel that they are hearing directly from His Holiness” - says Geshe Thupten Jinpa in this episode with Tenzin Chodon on Waking Up Closer To Tibet. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator for His Holiness the…

Are you multilingual or a polyglot? Does the study of language intrigue you? Do you want to learn more about the Tibetan language? Then this episode is for you. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 1985. He is a celebrated Tibetan Buddhist scholar, leader and author who has transla…

How do you reconcile the dark and painful contradictory histories within your own family? On one side of Marcus Ferrar’s family, his Jewish mother escaped Hitler’s Germany. On the other side of his family, Marcus’s warm, jovial uncle worked for the Nazis. These complexities wove the golden thread in Marcus’s career as a Reuters correspondent and th…

Despite tumultuous situations, His Holiness has always practised and preached the message of love, forgiveness, compassion and secular ethics. For his dedication towards peace, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1989. In an age where tolerance and acceptance are at their lowest, how can we build resilience? What role hav…

How old is the relationship between India and Tibet? How did Buddhism spread from India to Tibet? What role has ancient India's Nalanda University played in this regard? If you are intrigued to know the answers to these questions, then this episode is for you. The quest for unique narratives about Tibet continues in Season 2. In this episode, Tenzi…

For most of us, when we have experienced a break up, we often don’t know what to do to heal our sadness. For a singer-songwriter like Louise Golbey, part of her healing process is to write a song and then to build an album around it. She talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about her album Renaissance and takes us through the step by…

Did you know that there are approximately 39 Tibetan settlements in different states of India? Many Tibetans have been living in exile for over 60 years. Their settlements are often known as “Little Tibet'' due to the vast population of Tibetans living and the reflection of its rich culture in these settlements. From Buddhist monasteries to temples…

Did you know that consuming certain Tibetan precious pills on auspicious days based on the lunar calendar enhances the efficacy of these pills? What is the relationship between the planetary system and the consumption of the precious pills/Rilbus? Tune in now to know it all, as Tenzin continues her conversation with Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar and Jal…

Did you know traditional Tibetan physicians diagnose diseases and illnesses with pulse reading? The art of pulse reading comes from the system of Tibetan medicine/Sowa Rigpa. Sowa-Rigpa in Tibetan translates to Science of Healing. It is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world. Want to learn how we can heal ourselves holistically and impro…

Who is Milarepa and why is his story an integral part of Tibetan folklore? This is the story of an ordinary man in Tibet whose life was filled with misery and challenges but with his grit, he was able to attain enlightenment. Because of hardships in his life, Milarepa resorted to black magic in his early days. Realizing his misdoings, he sought out…

How can films help us understand Tibetans, their culture and life as refugees in exile? Cinema is not only known to be influential in shaping our perspectives, but is often also a reflection of our culture. Tibetans have their own distinct narrative and culture. Tibetan filmmakers act as a catalyst in bringing unheard Tibetan stories from the lens …

Tibetan music is the music of Tibet and is a reflection of its culture. The music can transport you imaginatively to the Himalayas. The tradition of singing Buddhist parables among Tibetans is over centuries old. Because of the high altitude, singing was a more convenient and entertaining form of communication for nomads and farmers. The most inter…

Apart from the scenic Himalayan landscape and the rich flora and fauna, what makes Tibet truly special is its people - the Tibetan people. There is an intriguing folklore in the culture that Tibetans originated from the union of an ascetic monkey and Goddess Tara who was disguised as a demon. Sounds intriguing? If you have been fascinated by Tibeta…

Tibetans don't eat momos every day. Tibetan cuisine doesn't end at momos! In fact, it consists of a wide variety of dishes. Tibetan food reflects the beautiful Himalayan culture. The staple food is Tsampa - barley flour made with butter, sugar, and tea that is consumed in either a ball form or in a porridge-like consistency which is rich, creamy, a…

Ever seen beautiful scroll paintings with striking images of Buddhist deities and mandalas telling stories? That is the Thangka Art. The tradition of Thangka in Tibet is over centuries old. Buddhist deities or figures are either painted or sewn on specific fabrics like cotton and silk. Many Buddhist narratives are told through this form of art and …

The Tibetan New Year is around the corner. And it is called – Losar in Tibetan. Losar is the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar/luni-solar calendar. This year, in 2022, Losar is on March 3rd. How do Tibetans celebrate their new year? Why is it celebrated for over 15 days? What significance does it hold? What are the vibrant tradition…

On 27th May 2021 His Excellency, Penpa Tsering became the democratically elected President/Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, the Tibetan government in exile was established in Dharamshala, India. A Sikyong plays a pivotal role as the political and administrative head of the Tibetan adminis…

Tibetan Spiritual Leader and Nobel Laureate, H.H The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is globally known for his message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. He is believed to be the reincarnation of The 13th Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso. Dalai Lamas are believed to be the manifestations of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion who vows to be…

The Tibetan culture is known to be deeply influenced by Buddhism. But, how did Buddhism reach Tibet? What is Tibetan Buddhism? In this episode, Tenzin asks the renowned Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Master and Scholar H.H. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche these questions. Tune in to know what makes Tibetan Buddhism so unique.…

Often known as the roof of the world, Tibet and its people have a very distinct culture and way of life. What is the story of Tibet and who are Tibetans? Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks on the same.By HT Smartcast

Tenzin is so many things; an entrepreneur, public speaker and translator but at her very core she is a Tibetan. A Tibetan who has never been to Tibet.And so, she aims to piece together an image of her homeland by exploring its unique culture, language, history, food, music and mysticism by talking to experts and listening to the lived experience of…

How do you fit in to a new country with a different culture from your own? How can we develop a sense of belonging while celebrating our differences especially when we are migrants or expats trying to make a home in a new place? On today’s Creative Conversations podcast, host Yang-May Ooi is joined by cross cultural consultant and expatriate coach,…

How has the pandemic and restrictions on travel affected place-based tourism? What is a destination city like Oxford doing to face the post-pandemic challenge of bringing people back to the city centre - both tourists and local residents alike? Our guest on Creative Conversations today is Oxford City Councillor Mary Clarkson who is the Council Labo…

Actor Janet Behan and writer Damian Le Bas join Creative Conversation host, Yang-May Ooi, in today’s show to talk about Telling Family Stories in the context of their respective Irish, Gypsy and Chinese backgrounds. Along the way they explore language, stereotyping and identity. Damian Le Bas is a writer of Gypsy and Irish descent. His book The Sto…

In a world dominated by Youtube videos and Instagram images that can take you anywhere in the world, is there still a place for travel writing? How can the different types of writing about travel tell us about where we come from and who we are? Travel writer and Oxford resident Callum Ruddock joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi in a wide…

Theatre is not limited, says Hillary May, founder of The Michael Knight Theatre Company. It is open to everyone to take part, it is part of the community, theatre gives a voice to those who would not normally have a chance to tell their story. In today’s episode, Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi talks with Hillary May and some of the member…

When we think of Oxford, we tend to think of the city created by the University, with its dreaming spires and architecture of learning. But there is a whole lot more to explore. Oxford is also the Hollywood of Stories and a melting pot of cultural diversity - says author Sylvia Vetta, talking to writer Yang-May Ooi on the Creative Conversations pod…

What do ABBA, Hadrian’s Wall and Grecian Urns have in common? They are all part of the world’s heritage. Steve Slack, writer and heritage interpretation consultant joins Creative Conversations host, Yang-May Ooi in this first episode of 2021 to talk about creativity and collaboration behind the scenes in the museum world For photos, links and music…

Ultrarunner and personal trainer Kristian Morgan talks to Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about the natural high that comes from physical activity and running – and also shares his adventures running two of the most challenging endurance races in the world, the Marathon des Sables and the Tour of Giants. For photos, links and music credits…

Savile Row tailor, Carol Alayne, talks to Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about the art of creating unique clothing tailored exactly for each individual client - where each piece shows off the personality as well as the best features of the wearer. She also shares how she evolved this very personal service during lockdown and social distan…

Dulwich based author Stevie Henden talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about his family’s multi-generational connection to South London and his London-inspired “spiritual fantasy” novels. Stevie also shares with us his fascination with the architecture and buildings of South London – and how World War Two and the Blitz impacted on t…

In this special edition of Creative Conversations recorded on location in Fowey, host Yang-May Ooi speaks to Lynn Goold, Chair of the Fowey Festival. We learn about the history of this beautiful Cornish coastal town and its association with Daphne du Maurier, author of Rebecca, The Birds and Frenchman’s Creek. Lynn also talks passionately about the…

Ann Lewis, an amateur photographer based on the Isle of Wight, talks to Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi, about how her passion for nature photography showed her a new way of looking at the world and also made her more confident out and about on her own. For photos, links and music credits, go to the shownotes page at bit.ly/ccv-naturephoto…

Yang-May Ooi’s acclaimed solo theatre show Bound Feet Blues was inspired by the oral stories told in her family, passed down through the generations. In this podcast, we have a unique opportunity to go back in time and hear her grandfather telling the story of their family - and how the act of recording this interview at the age of 13, laid the fou…

How can we maintain our creativity during Covid lockdown? Could this crisis be an opportunity for creative renewal for creative organisations as well as individuals? Cultural commentator Joanne Ooi joins Yang-May Ooi on Creative Conversations to talk about Covid and Creativity. For photos, links and music credits, go to the shownotes page at bit.ly…

Many of us live in big cities like London. We are surrounded by noise, crowds – and a lot of pollution. Is that lifestyle seriously damaging us? And can re-connecting with nature save our health? Ex-lawyer and creative consultant Tony Dillon joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to tell us how re-connecting with nature re-invigorated his l…

Why is it so difficult to talk about sex? Fran Bushe, comedian and creator of The Diary of My Broken Vagina and Ad Libido, joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to talk about talking about sex - and how we can all be more empowered by being honest about what we like or don't like when we make love. Trigger warning: Fran and Yang-May talk f…

Our modern daily lives can be stressful. Worry and anxiety can feel overwhelming. How can we develop greater resilience and bounce back with vigour from difficulties and setbacks? Resilience coach Simon Pimenta shares some tips and advice with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi on how to build resilience in life and at work. For photos, links…

In this episode of the Creative Conversations podcast, host Yang-May Ooi drops in on actress and playwright Janet Behan and theatre director Jessica Higgs during rehearsals for Janet’s new one woman play Why Shouldn’t I Go?. They take a break to talk about their experiences of working in the theatre and also go in depth on creating the characters a…

In this episode of Creative Conversations, we try something different. Host Yang-May Ooi meets author Anna Sayburn Lane at Tate Britain to record their views and impressions as they visit the William Blake exhibition. We also hear from one of the curators of the exhibition, Martin Myrone, offering his personal reflections on his work putting togeth…

Cheryl Robson, founder and managing editor of Aurora Books, joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to talk about her three decades steering a successful independent publisher of non-fiction, fiction and plays by diverse authors and playwrights - and shares tips for emerging writers on developing stand out work. For photos, links and music c…