Two Worlds, One Me – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I speak with the incredible Noya Paulin – Vietnamese-born chef, entrepreneur, and the heart behind Noya’s Kitchen, one of Bath’s most celebrated restaurants. Noya shares her powerful journey, beginning in a coastal village in Vietnam, escaping the aftermath of war as a child refugee, and eventually building a new life in the UK.

We talk about the resilience of her family, the challenges of growing up between two cultures, and how food became a beautiful way to stay connected to her roots. From sewing clothes out of curtains to running a restaurant from scratch, Noya’s story is full of warmth, humour, and determination.

She reminds us of the importance of community, of following your instincts, and of embracing the blend of two worlds. Her journey is as inspiring as the meals she creates – full of flavour, soul, and heart.

Have a listen – this one’s truly special.

You can find more information about Noya's Kitchen following this website. Noya's Kitchen

Instagram: noyaskitchen

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this captivating episode of Two Worlds, One Me, I welcome the remarkable Biljana Lipic, affectionately known as Bee. Born in Sarajevo, in the former Yugoslavia—a country that no longer exists—Biljana’s journey is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and resilience.

Now living on a houseboat in Cornwall, Biljana is a dance artist, Argentine tango teacher, and choreographer. Her story unfolds as a tapestry of creativity and reinvention, from her beginnings as a graphic designer to building thriving tango communities across Britain. Her latest endeavors in writing and filmmaking delve into profound themes of migration and human connection.

Join us as Biljana shares how tango became her third "world," a place of emotional grounding and freedom, and how her move to Cornwall helped her confront and heal deep personal struggles. She reflects on her childhood in Sarajevo, the challenges of leaving home amidst war, and the insights she’s gained from living at the edges of the land and sea.

Biljana’s inspiring journey between cultures, disciplines, and self-discovery will leave you moved and thoughtful. Whether you’re intrigued by the art of tango, fascinated by stories of migration, or simply love a tale of courage and transformation, this episode is for you.


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Biljana Lipic's website

Tango music featured - Astor Piazzola - Oblivion and Tango del Angel

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

Welcome to today's podcast episode featuring an incredible guest, Arlyn Kostelac. Arlyn has lived in three different worlds throughout her life - the Philippines where she was born, Japan where she spent seven years, and the US where she currently resides.

In this episode, we have a delightful chat with Arlyn about her experiences navigating these diverse cultures and how they've influenced her identity. We delve into the challenges Arlyn faced during her childhood, her perseverance in fighting for a better life, her love for adventure and exploring new places, countries and meeting new people. We also talk about Arlyn's passions for writing and running, which have played significant roles in her life.

Arlyn shares her unique insights with us in a chatty and engaging conversation that's sure to captivate your attention. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an episode that promises to broaden your horizons.


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If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

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Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this podcast episode, you'll meet Margo D'Heygere. Margo's two worlds are Belgium and Denmark, and she loves to explore new cultures.

In Denmark, Margo runs a buddy program that helps newcomers settle in easily. When she's not working, Margo likes to hang out with friends, try different food, and exercise. 

Margo is a very brave and curious person who enjoys learning and experiencing other cultures. During our chat, we talk about how important family and friends are in Denmark, the concept of hygge (which is about feeling cozy and content), and some tips on adapting to new cultures.

It's an excellent conversation that you won't want to miss!

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To find out more about Margo D'Heygere, please find her on LinkedIn

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If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

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Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

Today I have the pleasure of featuring an amazing and inspirational businesswoman, Moonie Zhu. Moonie comes from two cultural worlds, China and Germany, and in this episode, she takes us on a journey through her childhood in Nanjing and shares with us her experiences and insights from her life.

Moonie also talks about her decision to study in Germany and her first impressions of the country. She shares how her fearless attitude during her youth helped her navigate through unfamiliar territories. Additionally, we delve into her love for her own culture, language, and how being far away from it has made her appreciate it even more.

Moonie is grateful to have both worlds and loves them equally. Her story is one of positivity and inspiration, and we can't wait for you to tune in and enjoy this episode!

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You can find Moonie Zhu on LinkedIn.


If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

My guest today is Ian Foster. His two worlds are England and Austria.
Ian started his career with a degree in Southeast Asian studies from the University of Hull. Being very linguistically able, he studied quite a few different languages,  with German being one of them.   In 2015, he did an MBA in sustainable management and runs two companies. 
He has been married to a wonderful Austrian wife for 32 years now, and he has two grown up children.
In our conversation we talk about his life, his travel adventures, about how he met his Austrian wife. We talk about his two worlds and how they define who he is.

I am sure that you will enjoy listening to Ian's story - tune in and have a listen!

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You can find Ian Foster on LinkedIn.

If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

Today,  I would like to introduce you to my wonderful guest - Shoko Doherty.  Her two worlds are Japan and Wales.
Shoko is a CEO of Celtic English Academy, a British council accredited English language school in Cardiff.

She is originally from Omuta, Fukuoka coal mining region of Japan.
Shoko is educated in both Japan and Wales and has a music degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. She has a great interest in music, heritage, and culture of Wales and a strong passion for strengthening the links between these two countries.

Shoko is deeply committed to advocating for a sustainable future for the next generations by championing diversity, wellbeing, fairness, inclusivity and flexibility.
She is a mum and has three children aged 12, 10, and two. 

Along the way we talk about her journey, how it all started, about culture shock,  both for her while settling in in Wales and  for her Welsh husband on his visits to Japan. We discuss languages, food, children and talk about identity. 

This is such a delightful conversation which I enjoyed so much. If a conversation could taste of anything, this one tastes of the most comforting Japanese miso soup, which I also LOVE!

I am sure that you will enjoy tuning in to this beautiful and open-hearted conversation!

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You can find Shoko Doherty on LinkedIn.

If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

My amazing guest today is Soumaya Khalifa. Her two worlds are Egypt and the US.
Soumaya specializes in intercultural communication, leadership development, religion in the workplace, corporate diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging.

In our conversation,  she tells us the story of her family's  journey from Egypt to the States  and how it all started. Along the way we talk about  what it has been like living as an American Muslim and  how she decided to start wearing a headscarf. We talk about islamophobia in the States and in the world in general.  We discuss Soumaya's love of both of her worlds, her love of food, particularly Egyptian food, which has a special place in her heart.

Soumaya is a very powerful business woman, a lovely and kind person,  a loving wife and a mother. This is such a wonderful, open-hearted conversation and I am very grateful to Soumaya for sharing her beautiful life story with me.
I am sure that you will enjoy listening to this story.

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You can find Soumaya on LinkedIn.


If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

In this episode, I bring you Leah Merete Robb - a strong, resilient woman, painter and activist.  Leah grew up in Scotland. Her father is Scottish and her mother is Danish.  She studied art in Dundee in Scotland from 1996 to 2000, graduating with an honors degree in drawing and painting. Leah moved to the country of her mother's origin first in 2000.

Along the way we talk about her childhood, her paintings. Leah's paintings speak volumes. They are very revolutionary, always inspiring the observer to change the world.  We talk about Leah's in depth understanding of human nature and understanding of addiction. We discuss dumpster diving, the life in Freetown Christiania and much more.

Leah admires strength and is always testing her limits - you will love hearing her story, just as much I enjoyed speaking to her. Enjoy it!

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Leah's website
http://leahrobb.com/

If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann

My guest today is Mieko Zukerman.
She was born and grew up in a very traditional family in Tokyo, Japan, in the fifties. She did a degree in music at a music college in Tokyo, followed by a diploma in Japanese as a foreign language.

Mieko's career started as a teacher of Japanese language, piano and swimming, in Tokyo. After some years, she met the love of her life, an Englishman, she got married, had two children, a daughter, and a son and when the children were 13 and nine years old, they moved to England in 1996. 

Mieko joins me to talk about her childhood, about her family's traditional ways, about her move to the UK and how she and the family adjusted to the British culture, about what Japan means to her and her children.
Finally we discuss lessons that she has learnt and that she would like to pass on to people who move away from the country of their birth to settle and live in another country.

Mieko is such a lovely, kind person. It is such a privilege  to have her as their Japanese teacher.
Enjoy listening!

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If you would like to talk to me about your two worlds, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me.  My address is hello@twoworlds.oneme.cafe

Music thanks to John Bartmann

Thanks for listening!


Music thanks to John Bartmann