The ‘Oh, But Where Are You Really From?’ show was a new program on the Woroni Radio schedule in 2017. The presenters, Hana, Jharna, Manaswini, Sumithri and Yashi reflect on their experiences. 

It was a little scary initially, tackling something controversial head on. When it comes to more contentious topics, I prefer the backseat or the middle ground. Being a part of this radio show meant that I would be actively starting uncomfortable discussions – and to some, unnecessary discussions. As the show progressed and I got used to speaking into a microphone and immortalising my thoughts on Mixlr rather than on Echo360 (ya Asian nerd), there was this sort of transition from, ‘I’m afraid of the backlash,’ to ‘what can we tackle that will bring about some sort of thought-provoking discourse?’ Right now I’m earnestly interested in learning even more from our guests and so proud of the team for the work we’ve put in so far.

Hana Yabuki

Choosing to join the team and be a part of ‘Oh But Where Are You Really From’ has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve grown a lot I’m at the point where I’ll be hosting an episode by myself (a little intimidating I’ll admit). I think the best thing about doing OBWAYRF is the team and knowing we are producing content that facilitates important discussions. Mostly, I like that I can go on air, just to rant about things that have happened to me and I really hope that the people who listen to our show can feel a little more confident speaking up, knowing that they’re not alone.

Jharna Chamlagai

Choosing to join the team and be a part of ‘Oh But Where Are You Really From’ is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve grown a lot I’m at the point where I’ll be hosting an episode by myself (a little intimidating I’ll admit). I think the best thing about doing OBWAYRF is the team and knowing we are producing content that facilitates important discussions. Mostly, I like that I can go on air, just to rant about things that have happened to me and I really hope that the people who listen to our show can feel a little more confident speaking up, knowing that they’re not alone.

Manaswini Iyengar

We’re over halfway through the season, and I can feel how much I’ve grown and learnt in the process. Throwing myself into this process, into a medium I’d never explored before, with nothing but an idea and an incredible team. I’d had no idea how it would be received, or whether we’d have anybody even listening to us. We were bringing something so explicitly challenging to the student body, and that was such an exciting thought. We never boasted 100 unique listeners per episode – something to work towards I guess! – but I think the most important thing about our work is that we’re creating content, a resource people can come to and think about, and starting conversations. There are lots to come, and I wanted to thank my team for challenging me and all I took as known in my world. We’re getting more comfortable on air with each week, and every long e-mail, every frantic ‘ahhh where’s the Facebook event for this week’s episode’ and every shameless plug of OBWAYRF is totally worth it.

Sumithri Venketasubramanian

I joined the OBWAYRF team after seeing an expression of interest post that Sumi made on the Ethnocultural page. I remember frantically sending her a message because I’d missed the deadline and thankfully one crazy long, life story-esque email later, I was introducing myself to the rest of the team at Gods (RIP). The highlight of this experience has been to watch entire episodes come together from what might have started as a conversation had months ago to something read in an obscure crevice of the internet. Personally, my lowest point was my first moments on air. I was asked ‘how was your day?’ and my reply was ‘no’. I’ve learnt to form whole sentences since, and can’t wait to work with OBWAYRF to produce more engaging and thought-provoking content!

Yashi Kotnala