"Cyprus is the belly button of the world" Alex Christofi | S4E7
From Root To Vine
In this episode, I am joined by author and editor Alex Christofi. Alex's most recent book, is a vivid and expansive exploration of Cyprus’ long and complex history. There’s so much to love about Alex’s writing. Unlike many of the more distant or one-dimensional accounts of Cyprus, Cypria brings the island to life with warmth, nuance, and a real sense of connection. Alongside its historical depth, it’s also deeply personal, shaped by Alex’s own memories and relationship to Cyprus. In our conversation, we talk about why now was the right time for this book, how writing it transformed...
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"The history of Ancient Cyprus is forgotten" - Dr Ersin Hussein | S4E6
From Root To Vine
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ersin Hussein, an ancient historian specialising in the material culture of ancient Cyprus, mainly in the Roman period. My ancient historical knowledge is pretty none existent, so it was so cool learning more about the importance of ancient Cypriot heritage and how our ancient ancestors are still influencing Cypriot culture and identity today. We talk about the importance of celebrating Cyprus’s often overlooked ancient past, honest and transparent ways to engage with museums and institutions, and why ancient history shouldn’t be gatekept. This chat...
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"Trans people have always existed" - Sophia Vi | S4E5
From Root To Vine
In this episode, I am joined by actor, director and writer Sophia Vi. We deep dive into the state of trans rights, and Sophia shares the realities of what it's like living as a trans woman in the UK today. Sophia also reflects on how her journey of reclaiming her Cypriotness is rooted in her transness; and whilst sometimes conflicting, these identites can also exist in harmony. Sophia is also the CEO of Koupepia Films, a production company dedicated to creating roles for actors who are too often typecast, pigeonholed, or overlooked. Her work focuses on developing short-form LGBTQ+...
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"Poetry is what makes me human" - Maria-Sophia Christodoulou | S4E4
From Root To Vine
In this episode, I am joined by teacher and poet, Maria-Sophia Christodoulou. Her debut poetry collection, , was published in 2022 with Out-Spoken Press. It's a poignant exploration of grief and connection with the roots of the self. There's so much in Maria's work that can be resonated with, and her intrsopective approach to understanding heritage is both refreshing and human. Being Cypriot can sometimes be frustrating and difficult, something Maria isn't afraid to admit; but despite the internal battles, pride in her Cypriot identity is strong. As Maria says, the Cypriot people are what...
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“Cyprus is not divided, Cyprus is occupied" - Oz Karahan | S4E3
From Root To Vine
In this episode, I am joined by Oz Karahan, political activist and President of the Union of Cypriots - an anti-imperialist movement fighting for the complete independence of Cyprus. We discuss the myth of an ethnic divide on the island, the past and present realities of Turkish settler colonialism on the island; and why we should be working towards liberation, not unification. I always say that From Root To Vine isn't a political podcast, but time and time again, I'm shown that it is impossible to talk about Cyprus without talking politics. For better or worse, the island is heavily...
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“He might be the President, but I’m a national treasure!” - Sophia Hadjipanteli | S4E2
From Root To Vine
In this episode, I am joined by model Sophia Hadjipanteli. A lot of people will know Sophia from the #UnibrowMovement, that made waves almost a decade ago and has since kickstarted a beauty revolution movement online. Sophia is so much more than just a unibrow, in fact she's a total force to be reckoned with. In this chat, we discuss everything from pretty privilege, her hopes for a reunified Cyprus, and sliding into Nikos Christodoulides' DM's! As a constant advocate for her homeland, she might just be the most proud Cypriot I've met. Sophia is many things: passionate, unapolagetic,...
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The House - S4E1
From Root To Vine
Back in October, I took some friends to Cyprus for our annual holiday, and decided to document a visit to my family's house. It was really special sharing such a sentimental part of my life with everyone, and it allowed me to reflect on my relationship to the island, how it's changed, and why it's important to hold onto these special memories. Keep up to date with this season and all previous seasons over on Instagram @roottovinepod and don't forget to leave a rating/review wherever you're listening!
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"Hope is a practice" - Sage Stephanou and Cypriots for Palestine
From Root To Vine
TW: this episode discusses topics that some listeners may find distressing. For this very specical episode, I am joined by Sage Stephanou from Cypriots for Palestine. We discuss Cyprus' role in Palestinian solidarity, the importance of engaging with both islands' shared resilence, and the love that comes from the land. You'll also hear powerful Palestinian poetry readings from our community. A conversation about history, resistance and the power of collective action. Follow us on Instagram @roottovinepod.
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"I want to leave my mark" - Dean Atta
From Root To Vine
We are back!!! Season 4 is here and I am so excited to share more incredible and inspiring Cypriot stories! TW: this episode discusses sexual assualt which some listeners may find difficult. For the first episode of season 4, I welcome back Dean Atta to discuss his new memoir, Person Unlimited. Both candid and courageous, Person Unlimited explores Dean’s life across the many roles he’s played: from choirboy to drag act, grandson to mentor, poet to lover. It looks at what he has carried in his body – wins and losses, shame and pride, pain and joy – and investigates...
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"Cyprus is so gay!" - S3E10 live recording from Proud Voices at the Cyprus High Commission
From Root To Vine
For the last episode of the season, plase enjoy a live recording from the Proud Voices panel discussion at the Cyprus High Commission in London to celebrate Pride month. On the panel: Andreas Pavlou - co-founder of the LGBTQ+ UK Cypriot Diaspora Network Ali Orhan - public health executive specialising in cancer prevention, HIV and sexual health Bahriye Kemal - senior lecturer in Contemporary and Postcolonial Literature at Kent University Sophia Vi - actor, dancer, model, writer and Director of Koupepia Films Ltd. Thank you to the Cyprus High Commission for having us! Get involved in the...
info_outlineIn this episode, I am joined by Marios Psaras (@mariospsarras), film maker and former Cultural Counsellor at the Cyprus High Commission (@culturalchcuk). Marios tells me why culture is our most important capital, the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting a country and building relations and his journey of rediscivering and redefining his Cypriot roots whilst being away from the island. Having just finished an incredible 4 years as Cultural Counsellor, Marios also reflects on what this role has taught him, and his hope for the future of Cypriot art and culture.
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