Sharing Plate Podcast for Review

Welcome to Sharing Plate

"The secret about this podcast is that every guest is either a refugee or started their life in the UK as a refugee.

Through the common theme of food we hope that listeners will come to realise that refugees are just like you and me, with their own hopes and dreams.

We are using the subject of food to reach an audience who wouldn't normally choose to listen to a podcast featuring refugees.

Our hope is that this Sharing Plate podcast will humanise the story of refugees at a time when they're being portrayed as people to fear."
Lara Bishop, Host & Laura Watts, Producer.


Shelly's Sizzling Odyssey
Foodie Shelly cooks up a storm in his East London kitchen, treating Lara to dishes from India, Turkey, the Caribbean and Nepal. The stories that accompany his Sharing Plate are as diverse as the dishes themselves. Shelly, we thank you for launching the series, for your openness, vulnerability and for trusting us.

Special thanks to Mummy Pat for her contribution, to both the podcast and for being Shelly's second mum.

This is the first Sharing Plate podcast we recorded. Until Shelly opened his door to us, it was just an idea, based on a belief that food connects us to memories, to people and places. Following an afternoon in Shell's kitchen, that belief is an absolute certainty.

Please be advised, there are references to domestic violence in this podcast.



Mehrv's Turmeric Tongue Twister
Join Mehraveh and Lara in this turmeric-tastic episode. Turmeric is a staple ingredient of Iranian food and is deeply rooted in Merhv's memories of family. It's no surprise then, that it features in every one of her dishes in this Sharing Plate.

This podcast was recorded when Mehrv was 17 years old, a year after she moved to London.



Saoud's Hot Tomatoes
It's as much a surprise to Saoud that he's preparing a meal, as it is to Lara. He's not a natural in the kitchen, but his Mum is always on hand to remotely guide him through the tricky world of recipes and cooking.

Whilst Saoud genuinely needs his mum's help, he also uses his ineptitude in the kitchen to stay connected to his loved ones via daily cooking classes/calls for help.

Saoud is still waiting...



Helen + Venita Spice It Up
There is a lot of laughter in this podcast, sometimes at the most inappropriate moments. Aside from their chosen dishes, Lara learns a lot from her guests, mother Helen and daughter Venita, including where to find the tastiest football sized avocados in London, the perfect dish for encouraging children to eat spices and how long it really takes to cook a meal in Africa. Clue: "slowly, slowly, slowly".

This Sharing Plate is inspired by our guests' experiences in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, the USA and the UK.

You're invited