A podcast of long-form interviews

Asian artists in their own words.

Conversations with filmmakers, actors, musicians, playwrights, dancers, photographers, chefs, architects and designers about their lives, their work and what it takes to build a life in the arts.

Listen, watch and follow

All episodes

What people are saying

So interesting

I'm glad Hong Kong cinema is being talked about again. They have some of the greatest filmmakers in the world.

A listener, on

A fascinating acting tale by my wonderful Yee cousin. An awesome journey among the Hollywood galaxy. An inspirational role model for the next generation of Asian American actors, Kudos to you!

A listener, on

Thank you for the great, intimate and mindful interview with Ms Judith Hill. This was a very interesting and in depth interview. Very good questions!

A listener, on

Thank you for this interview. I searched for Cindy Cheung interviews and this was the first result, but it didn't disappoint! I loved to learn about her life and career. Very personal.

A listener, on

About Asians in Art

We started Asians in Art out of a desire to put the stories of Asian and Asian diaspora artists on the record, particularly those whose contributions may never receive widespread recognition. We began with Szewah's father, filmmaker Po Chih Leong, a pioneer of Hong Kong cinema whose work also extended to Britain.

As we developed the project, we realized how many stories were missing from the cultural narratives about Asia and the Asian diaspora. These narratives can often be dominated by politics, economics and a handful of familiar names. We believe culture is also shaped by smaller creative acts, ideas and exchanges whose influence may only become apparent years later.

Through long-form interviews across many artistic disciplines, we give artists the time and space to reflect on their lives, work and creative journeys. We hope to preserve their experiences for future generations and contribute to a richer understanding of Asia and the Asian diaspora. And we want to show younger generations what it takes to build a life in the arts or related industries.

Asian creatives are driving global culture in film, theater, music, visual art, food, and design, and Asians in Art brings their voices together to tell the full story of that creative force.

Co-host

Karuna Shinsho

Born in Hawaii to Japanese parents, Karuna grew up surrounded by music. Her father, a classical music singer and DJ, regularly took her to concerts as a child. When she moved to Japan, Karuna fell in love with jazz after she saw the late Nancy Wilson sing at a club in Tokyo. She was blown away by the heart-wrenching interpretation of the master vocalist's signature song "Guess Who I Saw Today". Karuna also became obsessed with bossa nova after hearing the music of João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim.

Before her journey as a musical artist and lyricist, she was a recognized face in broadcast journalism, first on Japan's NHK Television, then on international networks including Asia Business News, CNN International, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. For fifteen years Karuna was seen by millions of viewers around the world, and she was highly commended at the Asian Television Awards as Best News Presenter.

After leaving journalism, and during a challenging period in her life, Karuna turned to singing as a source of comfort. Her passion for music led to "To Love Again", her debut album of bossa nova classics and jazz standards in three languages: English, Portuguese and Japanese. "To Love Again" was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the 2022 WAMMIE Awards in Washington, D.C.

Co-host

Szewah Chin

Born in Hong Kong, Szewah grew up surrounded by films, books and stories. Her father, film director Po Chih Leong, helped pave the way for Hong Kong's New Wave cinema, while her mother, Mary Leong, was Head Librarian of the University of Hong Kong's Medical Library. Szewah studied art and art history at school and immersed herself in Beijing's art scene during a year spent in the city as part of her undergraduate studies at SOAS. Her first experience behind a camera came when her father and sister, Sze Wing Leong, asked her to shoot footage for Riding the Tiger, their groundbreaking Channel 4 documentary series about Hong Kong's 1997 handover.

After graduating from SOAS with a degree in Chinese and Management, Szewah joined CNN International in London, later transferring to Hong Kong, where she produced the flagship evening news show seen by millions across Asia. Over the next decade she worked in broadcast journalism across Southeast Asia and South Asia. Eventually she returned to Hong Kong, swapping the newsroom and field producing for corporate communications.

A chance encounter with Karuna in New York City brought her back to her storytelling roots. Together, they founded Asians in Art, a podcast dedicated to giving Asian artists the time and space to tell their own stories.