Photo from Flickr/ronholpic

Today I came across a podcast portraying musician Soweto Kinch talking about growing up in Birmingham, the city's cultural identity, his influences and his album 'A life in the Day of B19' featuring narration by Moira Stuart (you know?... of BBC 6 O'clock news fame).  If you haven't heard Soweto Kinch's album or music then this podcast will give you a few snippets as well as let you appreciate the collage of attributes that make up a multi-cultural city like Birmingham.

The Grass Roots Channel from Podnosh, based in Birmingham, aims to bring you audio stories and inspiration from people who have taken action towards building stronger communities and contributed positively to their own neighbourhoods.  In this particular episode Soweto may challenge many people's perceptions of Birmingham and its' associated musical or cultural scene.

Go on, take 12 minutes out, have a listen and broaden your horizons...

Link to Podcast:
Podnosh: Soweto Kinch on Life in Birmingham

Related Links:
Soweto Kinch
Jazz Nation interview with Soweto Kinch
Wikipedia on Birmingham
Moira Stuart

Photo by Flickr/Loz Flowers

By now you may have noticed from my blog postings that I'm usually in near reach of a tasty beverage or snack whilst writing, so you may have also guessed I have a slight food fetish... I'll come clean and tell you that it's more of an obsession!!

Today I've been listening to Hidden Kitchens, an NPR series, produced by The Kitchen Sisters who bring inspiring food stories to your ears from the unexpected yet enigmatic underground kitchens across America.  This particualr episode, Sugar in the Milk: A Parsi Kitchen Story, was recorded during Parsi New Year in 2008 and features Nilafour Ichapouria King, a Parsi who now lives in San Francisco.  Nilafour with her demure measured accent speaks on her Parsi traditions, food and more food, giving a glimpse into this endangered culture.  

The mere mention of Falooda has got my mouth watering and I for one will be nipping into the indian supermarket on my way home, to make this nostalgic drink from my childhood (which I now know the origin of).  If you like to explore and try food from all over the world then Hidden Kitchens is great for bringing you insights into real food from people's experiences, taking you beyond the usual food fads or conventional hoity-toity food scene.

Link to Podcast:

Hidden Kitchens: Sugar in the Milk: A Parsi Story

Related Links:

Hidden Kitchens

Kitchen Sisters

Wikipedia on Parsi

Falooda Recipe

My Bombay Kitchen Cook Book