Chai with Rai

An Epic: as told by my grandma’s photo album by Yasmine Dankwah

Continuing on with the series Symphonies of Beaded Threads and releasing an episode daily. This is the second episode titled "An Epic: as told by my grandma’s photo album" written and performed by Yasmine Dankwah. 
About Yasmine: 
Yasmine Dankwah is a British-Ghanaian spoken word artist and writer based in South London. She is interested in exploring how resistance in the form of identity-based discrimination can act as a springboard for joy in live performance by using music, spoken word poetry and lyricism. She is currently an artist on Boundless Theatre’s Accelerator programme and is working with Chronic Insanity Theatre to develop new writing for theatre. She is an alumnus of the Soho Writers’ Lab 2021/2, VAULT New Writers Programme in 2020, a Roundhouse Poetry Slam Finalist '22 and was a recent recipient of the Francis Chagrin Award this year.
The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.  
If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE. 
To subscribe to Patreon  (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/yasminedankwah/ & https://twitter.com/yasmined77?lang=en 
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

Brainfreeze by Carmina Bernhardt

Today's episode marks the launch of a NEW series I am doing on Chai with Rai called Symphonies of Beaded Threads.
This 8 episode short audio series, which I will dropping daily for the next 8 days !  Takes shape in different formats from poetry to spoken word to theatrical pieces, monologues  and more by 8 different writers/ creatives.  I will also be releasing interviews with each writer of the pieces soon so keep an eye out for that.
However! Without further Adieu let's dive into the first story called "Brainfreeze" by Carmina Bernhardt.  
The Transcript of the piece can be found HERE.  
If you would like to Donate to this project and a live event which I will be holding soon for the public in a very well known space in Central London CLICK HERE. 
To subscribe to Patreon  (listen to the audio version of without ads or intro/outro ) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/carminabernhardt/ & https://twitter.com/dasbernhardt?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6486835/ & https://app.spotlight.com/9179-0197-9303 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

”I’m Straight” w/ Vinay Jobanputra

The title says it all- I'm just saying 👀☕️. 
Part 2 with Facilitator, Choreographer, Speaker, Cabaret Artist and Founder of Bollyqueer (Bollywood dance space celebrating the LGBTQ+ community)  Vinay Jobanputra. 
From discussing Queerness- in specific within the South Asian Community to art influencing life to milky tea and more. 
In the episode we talk about: 
Dance Journey- Thoughts on the South Asian dance scene in the UK? How did they get involved ? Bollywood dancing at large? 
Queerness, Identity & Sexuality- Biggest Hurdles and joy? Dating? Identity- where or when were those big conversations for you and what did you learn from having them ? 
South Asian Culture-  The most difficult and joyful things about Queerness within those spaces? 
3 tips on monetising and starting a queer business?
Words to your mirror self?
3 things the LGBTQ scene could do with or without?
A thing South asians or the culture could do with or without ?
A great thing about being brown and queer and a challenging thing about it? 
A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time?
Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on?
A thing you would like to impart somebody but you never got told?
3 artists in dance you really admire their journey or would suggest in checking out their work ?
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/ , https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/ & https://www.tiktok.com/@gayavaneesh_?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: http://www.bollyqueer.com/about & https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k4mw 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

”BollyQueer” w/ Vinay Jobanputra

This had to be a 2-parter because we couldn't stop the gup shup. So, grab a cuppa as we discuss things  such as;  gender identity, social norms around sexuality, Bollywood and how it's impacted the South Asian experience, Bollywood Dance (in specific UK) and it's constructs on gender/ sexuality, how choreography can be challenged with stereotyping, their BBC documentary and so much more!
Joined in the chai room by Facilitator, Choreographer, Speaker, Cabaret Artist and Founder of Bollyqueer (Bollywood dance space celebrating the LGBTQ+ community)  Vinay Jobanputra. 
In the episode we talk about: 
Documentary- Bend it Like Bollywood. How was the experience? How did it come about? How has it been after- been a while now. Things that didn’t make the cut and what would ya want to add if you did a part 2 today? 
Bollyqueer- First class to now ( what has changed the most), What would you like for people to understand about Bollyqueer? Biggest Challenge and joy about it you have come across? What have you learn about yourself through all of this? What would you like to happen in the future? 
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/vinayjobanputraa/ , https://www.instagram.com/bollyqueer/ & https://www.tiktok.com/@gayavaneesh_?lang=en
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: http://www.bollyqueer.com/about & https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k4mw 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

”Unethical Media” w/ Elias Jahshan

Firstly, I am so flabbergasted to have Elias Jahshan on here. I remember reading his articles in Gaytimes and then his book This Arab is Queer .  Then for him to say YES to coming on the podcast and discuss journalism, today's climate around politics, sensitivity, identity and then querrness, the book and so much more. 
I am as the video goes "VOW"! 
So ermmm thank you Elias!
In the episode we talk about: 
His relationship with his husband- who said I Love you first? How did they meet? Who is the better cook? Who is the better singer? Their wedding day?
How he got into Journalism?
Tips for upcoming journalists. 
How do you balance the stories you are writing about that might spark on a conscious or unconscious bias? 
How did the pitch happen for This Arab is Queer? Did you know the distributers? Did you just write a couple of emails with the idea and some of the names? Technical process?
Since the book has come out and through the process, what conversations perhaps sparked your own journey or outlook on identity, religion and sexuality ? 
Is being Queer political / activism ? And should people of LGBTQ  + community educate  ourselves on the politics surrounding our being?
Pinkwashing.
How do we celebrate Queerness?
Notes: 
The Journalists mentioned in the podcast are: 
Bison Owda , Plestia alAqad , Motaz Azaiza & Mohammed el Kurd 
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/elias_jahshan/?hl=en-gb , https://twitter.com/Elias_Jahshan & https://www.tiktok.com/@eliasjahshan2 
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: https://saqibooks.com/books/saqi/this-arab-is-queer/ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

”Your Ancestors Are Angry” w/ the cast & crew of Woman.Life. Freedom

From discussing negotiating skills with a zombie during a zombiepocalypse to creating a South Asian Theatre company in the UK to Fringe culture. A banterful episode with the cast and crew of Nalini Theatre's  show Woman. Life. Freedom. 
A Massive thank you to Alicia Fernandes, Dhanush Giridhar, Bushra Baig, Adi Roy Bhattacharya and T’arah Inam-McDermott. 
In the episode we talk about: 
The need to launch a theatre company that is South Asian Led.
Woman. Life. Freedon- The process of getting involved in it, a challenge/ joy about it and if you did the show today, what would you bring to it today?
Why that specific story and why now? 
Sensitivity around political/ social charged work. 
The boxing of South Asian creatives and work. 
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/nalinitheatreco/ , https://www.instagram.com/adi.one/ , https://www.instagram.com/aliciafernandes_actor/ , https://www.instagram.com/bushra_baig_/ , https://www.instagram.com/dhan_vg/ & https://www.instagram.com/tarahimc/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 
 

”If you don’t want to kill someone, are you even in Love?” w/ Aamir Hassan and Amir Dean

From Love to finding yourself and your alignment to comedy and writing. This episode is jam packed with writer/ poet Aamir Hassan and Cabaret/ Drag Artist Amir Dean (Lady Bushra). Was so lovely to welcome them into the chai room and talking about their podcast "You Don't Love Me Boys" and certain things like what they have learn about themselves through finding love and each other and how that has transferred into their being/ work. 
In the episode we talk about:
Inclination of becoming public personas and the boundaries of how much to share?  
Joyfulness, comfort in self, this passion for thriving and being your best comes from? 
Lessons learnt from being in love/ most challenging moments and how they have transferred into your worlds of creativity. 
Cabaret/ Drag style for Lady Bushra- where that comes from? What is something you haven't explored but would like to?
Writing- Works in the future. 
3 things the LGBTQ scene could do with or without.
3 things the South Asian community could do with or without.
Your Favourite thing about yourself either as a creative or person and something you feel is a challenge and are working on.
A thing you would like someone to take away with them having met you for a brief second or known you for a long time.
Words to your mirror self.
Notes: 
Books mentioned in this podcast are Aamir's new book " Can I escape my Mind" and "Toxic Parents, Overcoming their hurtful legacy and reclaiming your life by Dr. Susan Forward"
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/youdontlovemeboys/ , https://www.instagram.com/___shehzada_aamir_/ & https://www.instagram.com/lady.bushra/ 
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: https://linktr.ee/ladybushra & https://linktr.ee/shehzada_aamir_ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

”Trauma Bonding” w/ cast & creatives of Asian Girls in Therapy

Sat down with the cast and creatives of Asian Girls in Therapy to talk all things playwriting, food and how trauma bonding can lead to creative juices flowing. 
Thank you to Gurjot Dhaliwal, Megan Soho and Racks Nieto. 
In the episode we talk about: 
Process of playwriting for fringe. 
Marketing, Culture and fundraising surrounding fringe.
How sensitivity or care was handled in the room and in the playwriting process when discussing topics such as "Therapy".
Dramaturgy support. 
Diving into characters and the world of the play. 
Tips on self-taping and diving into the world of a project.
3 things the industry could do with or without.
A thing that you have experienced that is a pro and con from leaving Drama School or being in it.
Strength and challenge as a creative.
The future of Asian Girls in Therapy.  
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/megxxsoh/ , https://www.instagram.com/racksnb/ & https://www.instagram.com/_gurjottt/
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: https://www.thehopetheatre.com/productions/asian-girls-in-theray/ & https://www.gofundme.com/f/asian-girls-in-therapy-play?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

”Question Everything” w/ Dhruv Dhody

I have looked at Dhruv's profile at least a hundred times and have gotten so much inspiration about not only embracing and diving into fashion but also how to live my life more authentically. 
Super excited for you all to listen to this episode as we talk ethics on tech, identity through saree's and what would one do if you were stuck in a Rickshaw with Rekha and Pretty Zinta? 
A massive thank you to the talent that is Dhruv Dhody. 
In the episode we talk about: 
Dhruv's feature in the Offbeat Sari Exhibition at The Design Museum in London. 
Their growth and understanding of identity and sexuality- how that came to be and where they are with it today?
Their upbringing and how that led to a path in the tech world as a Principal Engineer at Huawei. 
Ethics and the future of Tech. 
Expression and voice as an artist through fashion and how does that define you?
Finding your path.
Social Media- the balance of it with their work. Their tagline " I don't mind straight people as long as they act gay" where that came from? And will they change it for the future.
P.S the film mention in this podcast is: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15416106/ 
To subscribe to Patreon  (watch the full unedited video version of this) and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/curryngin/ 
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: https://dhruvdhody.com/ 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
 

”Liberated Queer” w/ Muz & Alia

The artwork alone of this episode should be sellable is all I am saying. 
I had such a wonderful time carrying on my chat with Muz & Alia Founders of Asianpurrsuasion, members of The Iconic Royal House of Milan and Welsh Ballroom Community. We get into it from dating to dipping. 
p.s- we did have a dance section to the games which I will edit and release soon on YouTube so keep an eye out for that. 
In the episode we talk about: 
Queer Trauma it shaping the outlook we have.
Being connected to culture and heritage. 
Relationship to identity and sexuality.
Pivotal points in life that shaped our future. 
Sexuality and Relationships. 
Gender Politics. 
 
To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. 
Social:
Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai
Guest: https://www.instagram.com/suprememilandarling/ , https://www.instagram.com/alia_aila_milan/  , https://www.instagram.com/houseofmilanuk/  , https://www.instagram.com/welshballroomcommunity/  & https://www.instagram.com/asianpurrrrrsuasion/ 
Links:
Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &
https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ 
Guest: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-pakistani-trans-woman-survive?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer 
Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.