Dr Shani Dhanda on the Vaisakhi festival, fighting for the rights of disabled people and how Nadiya taughter her to cook

In this episode, host Samuel Goldsmith is joined by Dr Shani Dhanda, a prominent disability activist and broadcaster. Shani shares her journey, from her roots in a devout Sikh household to her career in events management and her inspiring activism. Additionally, she highlights the significance of the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi, shares delicious cooking tips, and talks about her love for traditional and modern cuisines. Plus, how Nadiya Hussain taught her how to cook. This episode offers a blend of social advocacy, cultural education, and culinary delight. Dr Shani Dhanda is a multi-award-winning disability inclusion specialist, thought leader, and social entrepreneur. She founded Diversability, the Asian Woman Festival, and the Asian Disability Network to combat global social inequality. Over the past year, she has worked with 100+ clients as a keynote speaker and inclusion consultant. Recognized among the most influential women in leadership, she was a BBC 100 Women Laureate and a Changemaker to Watch by CEO Magazine. Shani has featured on LinkedIn’s first TV advert, Nadiya Hussain’s Time to Eat (BBC) and EastEnders. A prominent broadcaster, she’s contributed to Rip Off Britain, This Morning, and major news outlets. She advocates for disability rights, influencing policies and launching an internship program for disabled people. With seven executive roles and five ambassadorships, Shani is a catalyst for change in disability inclusion. Subscribers to the Good Food app via App Store get access to the show ad-free, and with regular bonus content such as interviews recorded at the good food show. To get started, download the Good Food app today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Join host Samuel Goldsmith every Tuesday as he chats with cooks, chefs, and food lovers. In each episode, Samuel dives into a sparkling conversation about the guest's life, their journey in the food and drink world, and, of course, their passion for food. Expect plenty of laughs, life lessons, and unforgettable stories from the people behind the plates. The fun doesn't stop there! Tune in for sections like My Favourite Dish, where the guest discusses their favourite dishes and how they've made them their own, Cookery Confessions, where guests share their funniest kitchen mishaps and culinary secrets, and Quick Fire Questions, a rapid round of surprises that reveal more about their tastes and quirks.  Plus, on Thursdays, get a taste of new recipes in our bonus episodes—easy-to-follow cook-alongs to bring the flavours of the conversation to your kitchen.  Do scroll back in the feed to our archive including special episodes hosted by Tom Kerridge, Orlando Murrin and Mallika Basu. The Good Food podcast has featured guests such as: Jamie Oliver, Nadiya Hussain, Michel Roux, Ainsley Harriot, Gennaro Contaldo, Claire Richards, Fred Sirieix, Big Zuu, Tess Daly, Liz Bonnin, Becky Excell, Professor Tim Spector, Rukmini Iyer, Riyadh Khalaf, John Whaite, Crystelle Pereira, Paul Ainsworth, The Hairy Bikers, Marcus Wareing, Sabrina Ghayour, Jane Dunn and Atul Kochhar.  Discussing topics such as BBQ, fermenting, brunch, spices, Eurovision, Caribbean flavours, sustainability, chocolate, Spanish cuisine, vegan cooking, Bake Off, airfryers, health, wellbeing, nutrition, slow cookers, cocktails, pancakes, pressure cookers, seasonal food and cocktails.