Shifting Subjects

Shifting Subjects: Stories from Asian Australian life

Growing up, Lisa Divissi absorbed all sorts of messages about what being ‘Asian’ in Australia might entail from news media, popular culture and the larger zeitgeist. But in her new series, Shifting Subjects, she’s more interested in seeing things for herself. By documenting the Asian Australian stories around her, Lisa sets out to complicate our ideas of who we are, while carefully expanding on a clearer picture of us together.

From the football field to a tofu factory, season one brings you five rich audio narratives with a cast of charismatic characters that demonstrate the breadth of histories, voices and experiences within what it might mean to be Asian Australian.

Follow on Apple podcasts, Substack, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Shifting Subjects is written, hosted and cut by Lisa Divissi. Sound design and mixing by Jon Tjhia. Theme by Marcus Whale. Additional music by AnSo. Artwork and design by Annie Luo. Special thanks to Jane Lee, Rosa Ellen and the City of Melbourne Arts Grants.

Shifting Subjects is a Liminal podcast and a proud member of the Broadwave podcast network.

 
 

Episodes

Featured
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BTS: Shifting Subjects

A few weeks ago we rolled our jackets into pillows and gazed up at the MPavilion ceiling while Lisa Divissi and Jon Tjhia ushered Shifting Subjects into the world as part of LIMINAL LISTENS.

It's a real treat to listen to such deeply considered, rich and intimate audio. Work like this feels rare and precious, because it is.

4: All Aboard The Hát Xe Buýt (Singing Bus)
4: All Aboard The Hát Xe Buýt (Singing Bus)

Part bus ride, part performance event, Hát Xe Buýt is a kind of requiem for a years-long battle to keep a well-loved language program running. It’s also a convenient way to transport people between two art exhibitions that speak to themes of language and place - one in Footscray, the other in Collingwood.

3: Listening To Mama Pai
3: Listening To Mama Pai

In this episode, artist Angie Pai recounts the events leading up to the making of her short film ‘Listen to Mama’, while Alan Weedon describes the experience of seeing such a work for the first time and the resonance it’s had in his own life.

2: A Day at the Tofu Factory
2: A Day at the Tofu Factory

In this episode, we spend a day at the tofu factory she has built over time and learn the processes involved in making tofu - all of which is still made by hand.

1: Field Notes
1: Field Notes

In episode one of Shifting Subjects, Lisa explores her love/hate fascination with Aussie Rules footy by speaking with three Asian Australians that live and breathe it.

Trailer: Shifting Subjects
Trailer: Shifting Subjects

Shifting Subjects is a new podcast documenting stories from Asian Australian life, hosted by Lisa Divissi.

Launch: Shifting Subjects
Launch: Shifting Subjects

Join us in the gardens for a relaxed and informal listening event and settle in for a selection of narrative audio stories from around the continent that showcase rigorous soundcraft, unconventional storytelling and hidden knowledges.

 Produced by

 
 

Lisa Divissi and Jon Tjhia