Ep.15 — Jin Kim: Pharmacy, YouTube and Finding Balance

Ep.15 — Jin Kim: Pharmacy, YouTube and Finding Balance

Jin Kim joins us on Banana Lab to share his journey from moving to New Zealand as a child to becoming a pharmacist, content creator and traveller. We talk about growing up Korean in New Zealand, arriving without speaking English, boarding school life, and how a conversation with a maths tutor led him into pharmacy. Jin also reflects on discovering YouTube during COVID, documenting life through vlogs, and why he decided to spend 14 months living in Korea to experience both the good and the bad sides of a country he still considers home. Along the way, we dive into solo travel across Asia and Europe, life in Seoul, cultural differences between Korea and New Zealand, and how the experience changed the way he approaches life. Topics include: • Growing up Korean in New Zealand  • Community pharmacy and healthcare  • Content creation and YouTube  • Living in Korea for 14 months  • Solo travel and bucket-list destinations  • Identity and belonging between two countries  • Korea vs New Zealand lifestyle and culture A warm and funny conversation about career, creativity, travel and what it means to feel connected to more than one place.

Ep.14 — Ashley Bautista: Growing Up Filipino in New Zealand

Ashley joins us on Banana Lab to share her experience growing up Filipino in New Zealand and finding her own identity between cultures. Born in the Philippines and raised in Hamilton, Ashley reflects on moving to Auckland for university, transitioning into full-time work, and navigating the pressures of hustle culture and adulthood. We talk about reconnecting with her Filipino roots, the challenges of balancing cultures, and how her family’s sacrifices and work ethic have shaped the way she approaches life today. The conversation also touches on community, faith, food, favourite spots around Auckland, and the importance of slowing down, resting well, and learning to embrace who you are. Warm, thoughtful, and full of relatable young adult moments, this episode is a conversation about identity, growth, belonging, and what it means to feel at home in yourself. Topics include: • Growing up Filipino in New Zealand  • Hamilton vs Auckland life  • Transitioning from university into the workforce  • Hustle culture and work-life balance  • Faith, family and community  • Reconnecting with Filipino identity  • Food, culture and finding belonging

Ep.13 — Inna Goodwin: Identity, Travel and Building a Life in New Zealand

In this episode of Banana Lab, we’re joined by Inna Goodwin. Inna shares her journey from the Philippines to New Zealand, reflecting on immigration challenges, identity, career pivots and finding belonging. We also discuss life as a Filipino woman in construction, queer identity, travel, and the realities of building a life in a new country. A warm and honest conversation about resilience, community and home.

Ep.12 — Alwin Tan: Running, Creativity and Life Between Malaysia & NZ

In this episode of Banana Lab, we are joined by Alwyn Tan — a photographer, videographer, drone pilot, and marathon runner based in Auckland. Alwyn reflects on growing up between Malaysia and New Zealand, adapting between cultures, and how New Zealand eventually became home. We also talk about the creative industry, commercial photography, marathon training, and the differences in work-life culture between Malaysia and New Zealand. A relaxed and thoughtful conversation about creativity, identity, and balance.

Ep.11 — Sophie Kim: Hospitality, Burnout and Career Change

In this episode of Banana Lab, we are joined by Sophie Kim. Sophie shares her experience working in hospitality for over a decade, and the decision to transition into a career in marketing. We discuss burnout, work-life balance, and the challenges of prioritising yourself. Sophie also reflects on her move from Korea to New Zealand, learning English through lived experience, and adapting to a new environment. A thoughtful conversation about career change, identity, and building a new path.