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Home » Podcast Episodes » Southeast Asian/Oceania Heritage

019 "We Were Not Leprosy" with Suwanee Lennon

Last Modified: Mar 8, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links

I had momentary misgivings when Suwanee Lennon, an Instagram friend but otherwise a stranger, invited me to a small gathering at her friend’s house. I arrived to tables full of Thai food and welcoming people who convinced me to eat spicy chicken feet!

But what was far more memorable about that day were the stories I heard. I soon learned that these friends, or sisters as they called themselves, who had so generously welcomed me into their midst, were all raised together in a leprosy camp.

I sat in awe of the gentleness, compassion, resilience, and most of all - the good humor - of these women.

Today, Suwanee has graciously agreed to share not just her stories, but also these qualities, with all of us.

Where many healthy people would distance themselves from the physical suffering and social shame of lepers, Suwanee grew up proud of her family and devoted to their struggles.

I promise you, Suwanee's story will inspire you to greater love and loyalty - and to think of loyalty in a whole new way.

Highlights

  • Learning about Suwanee's 3 loving mothers
  • Her uncle's courage and dignity
  • What survivors eat
  • Why Suwanee was no longer safe in her community
  • The impact of world cuisine on Suwanee's cooking
  • A trip back to Thailand that took Suwanee full circle

Listen to Suwanee

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How To Contact Suwanee

Website: www.simplysuwanee.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplysuwanee/

Instagram: @simply.suwanee

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. simplysuwanee says

    August 15, 2023 at 10:55 am

    It was such an honor to be on your podcast! You're an amazing interviewer and a naturally gifted conversationalist!

    Reply
    • admin says

      August 15, 2023 at 11:31 am

      Suwanee, isn't it strange to think how sad it would be if our paths never crossed - but we wouldn't even know how sad it was? This conversation, but especially the friendship we've developed since, are a huge blessing to me!!!! Xoxoxoxo.

      Reply

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Welcome, Friend!

I’m Becky Hadeed, a mother to 4, curious home cook, lover of extraordinary light, and host of The Storied Recipe Podcast. I consider it a great honor that my guests entrust me with their stories and allow me photograph and share their most treasured family recipes.

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dark and moody photo of Becky Hadeed kneading arepas dough

Welcome, Friend!

I’m Becky Hadeed, a mother to 4, curious home cook, lover of extraordinary light, and host of The Storied Recipe Podcast. I consider it a great honor that my guests entrust me with their stories and allow me photograph and share their most treasured family recipes.

More About Me ->

Most Popular Recipes

  • two slices of chewy golden nian gao on pink plate
    Baked Nian Gao: Glutinous Rice Cake (with Sticky Rice Flour)
  • hand holds flaky spiraled roti paratha (aka roti canai in malaysia) above lush green foliage.
    How to Make Flaky Roti Paratha (Malaysian Roti Canai)
  • pollo frito puerto rican fried chicken with no flour in basket lined with red checked napkin
    Pollo Frito: Puerto Rican Fried Chicken (Without Flour)
  • delicate white dish holds fish cooked in tomato sauce, topped with gently caramelized onons, dill and parsley
    Ukrainian Red Fish in Tomato Sauce

Follow in Your Favorite Player

Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Listen to the Latest

Featured Episodes

  • 058 "I Wanted Something Different" with Juan Salazar of La Coop Coffee
  • 022 "I am Piotr's Granddaughter" with Lydia Cottrell
  • 019 "We Were Not Leprosy" with Suwanee Lennon
  • 077 Arabic Feasts with My Husband, John Hadeed
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