“I remember I would sign surveys and when it would ask what nationality I was, I would put NZ/European. Because I didn’t have any association with my Māori or Fijian side.”

Comedian and social media star Joe Daymond on the identity struggles he faced moving back to New Zealand after living in Malaysia and India as a boy.

In this episode of Eating Fried Chicken in the Shower, Joe joins comedian James Nokise, to talk about never fitting in anywhere, his career in comedy and being true to himself. 

Eating Fried Chicken in the Shower is a podcast series where depressed alcoholic comedian James Nokise invites famous people into his mental health safe space, for a finger-licking chat about headspace and happiness.

“Through the magic of takeaways and running water, it turns out my mental health safe space is eating fried chicken in the shower,” says James. 

This season he talks to members of SWIDT and rapper Church, Creamerie creators Roseanne Liang and Perlina Lau, comedians Joe Daymond and The Fan Brigade and Coven House Mother Moe Laga as well as media personalities Tegan Yorwarth (Mai FM), Henry Hohenberger (Niu FM) and Oscar Kightley. Check back every week for a new episode. 

Eating Fried Chicken is made possible by the RNZ / NZ on Air Innovation Fund

More stories:

I’m 27 and Covid-19 gave me a heart and lung condition: Living with Long Covid

Manifesting summer from South Auckland's front yards in lockdown: in photos

NZ's secret 1970s queer scene: photos by Fiona Clark