Rasmus Munk, the visionary chef and co-owner of Alchemist in Copenhagen, sits down with Pearl Lam for a conversation that goes far beyond food. In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Rasmus opens up about his journey from traditional kitchens to creating one of the most radical and immersive dining experiences in the world. At Alchemist, meals unfold across multiple acts, combining theatrical presentation, visual art, science, and social commentary into a singular experience. Guided by his philosophy of “holistic cuisine,” Rasmus uses food as a platform to provoke thought and spark dialogue around global issues. From climate change and sustainability to inequality and ethics in food systems. The conversation touches on the experimental process behind Alchemist’s boundary-pushing creations, the emotional responses they aim to evoke, and how art and activism inform Rasmus’s approach to storytelling through cuisine. Pearl and Rasmus also delve into the deeper questions driving his work: What role can chefs play in shaping cultural narratives? How can dining become a catalyst for change? And where does gastronomy end and performance art begin?
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The Pearl Lam Podcast | With William Louey Lai Kuen
In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl sits down with her longtime friend William Louey Lai Kuen at his residence in Hong Kong for a wide-ranging and personal conversation. Together, they reflect on William’s life as a third-generation member of one of Hong Kong’s most prominent business families and as a Non-Executive Director of Kowloon Motor Bus, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic transportation companies. William speaks candidly about the legacy of his family’s business, the values that have shaped his leadership style, and how he balances heritage with the demands of modern governance. The discussion also reveals a lesser-known side of William, his lifelong passion for wellness, photography, and the arts. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of tradition, creativity, and social change through the lens of one of Hong Kong’s quietest yet most thoughtful voices.
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The Pearl Lam Podcast | With Ekow Eshun
On this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam engages in an insightful conversation with British writer, curator, and cultural commentator Ekow Eshun. Eshun, renowned for his compelling work on Black identity, futurism, and the politics of representation, shares his reflections on the pivotal role of art in shaping narratives around race, memory, and belonging. Throughout the episode, Eshun delves into his curatorial practice, discussing the thought-provoking exhibitions he has curated that have left a lasting impact on the art world. He provides a detailed account of his landmark exhibitions, highlighting how they have challenged conventional perspectives and sparked important conversations about representation and identity. Eshun also offers his perspectives on how artists from the African diaspora are currently redefining global contemporary art. He explores the innovative ways in which these artists are contributing to the art world, bringing new voices and perspectives that enrich the global cultural landscape. This episode is a comprehensive exploration of culture, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling through art. It offers listeners a deep dive into the complexities of art as a medium for cultural expression and its potential to influence societal narratives.
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The Pearl Lam Podcast | With Scott Stover
In this episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl is joined by her longtime friend, Scott Stover, for an insightful discussion about his remarkable journey from the finance sector to the art world. Scott reflects on his early years in Paris, which significantly influenced his career trajectory, his start in banking, and his transition from managing Special Situations in Europe to founding the American Friends of the Centre Pompidou. They explore the business strategies Scott implemented in nonprofit ventures, the role of sustainability in cultural institutions, and the personal and professional values that continue to guide his work. Scott shares his experience in building a lasting connection between American philanthropists and one of France’s most esteemed museums, highlighting both the achievements and challenges along the way.
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The Pearl Lam Podcast | With Anne-Louise Sommer
Anne-Louise Sommer, director of Designmuseum Danmark since 2011, joins Pearl Lam for a conversation on the transformative role of design in society. Under her leadership, the museum has grown into an internationally recognized institution, championing the idea that "Design must be shared."In this episode, Anne-Louise discusses the intersection of design, history, and culture, her work in academia, and how museums shape public understanding of creativity. From her tenure at the Danish Design School to her influence on contemporary design discourse, she shares insights on the evolving landscape of design education and curation.Subscribe for more episodes!
The Pearl Lam Podcast takes followers on a journey of raw and intimate conversations to inspire, educate and disrupt conventional ways of thinking alongside some of the world’s brightest talents who have proven themselves as unafraid to challenge convention - no matter what.The Pearl Lam Podcast was launched by Pearl Lam (林明珠) in 2023 with a mission to inspire, educate and disrupt conventional ways of thinking alongside some of the world’s brightest and emerging voices. The Pearl Lam Podcast is filmed on location all over the world in a reflection of Pearl’s longstanding advocacy for building cross-cultural understanding. The Pearl Lam Podcast has been filmed in London, Paris, New York, LA, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong.The Pearl Lam Podcast host, Pearl Lam, is a cultural commentator, an international gallerist and a leading global authority on contemporary art. Her galleries in Hong Kong and Shanghai are well known globally for their intellectual impact and ambition and for helping to break down outmoded precepts. Pearl Lam founded the China Art Foundation in 2008 because she believes that art has the power to transcend cultural boundaries and to foster mutual understanding. Pearl Lam's most popular mantra, which she repeatedly uses in The Pearl Lam Podcast, is that “art is not about passport”.Pearl Lam is recognised as an influential figure within both the contemporary art and business worlds. She has been an expert panel speaker at major global business events, including for Credit Suisse, JP Morgan and The Financial Times. The Financial Times calls Pearl Lam “a powerhouse of the contemporary art world”. The New York Times calls her “a tour de force of the art world”. Forbes names Pearl Lam as “one of Asia’s most powerful women”.The Pearl Lam Podcast can be subscribed to for free on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
South Africa