Lyca Xtra Podcast Launches in 2026 | British Asian Voices on Lyca Radio
The British Asian media landscape is set for a significant evolution as Lyca Radio Network officially announces the launch of Lyca Xtra, a brand-new weekly podcast dedicated to British Asian voices, perspectives, and lived experiences. Slated to debut in January 2026, the podcast aims to redefine speech-led content for UK Asian audiences by creating a space for deeper conversations around culture, identity, and contemporary issues.
Branded with the powerful strapline “The Sound of the British Asian Generation,” Lyca Xtra positions itself as more than just another podcast—it is a platform designed to reflect, challenge, and celebrate the diverse realities of British Asians today.
Lyca Radio Network has long been recognised as a dominant force in UK Asian broadcasting, with popular stations catering to South Asian audiences across music, entertainment, and community programming. However, the launch of Lyca Xtra signals a deliberate shift toward long-form, speech-driven storytelling, an area the company believes has been underserved within Asian commercial radio.
According to the network, Lyca Xtra fills a long-standing content gap, offering extended discussions that go beyond short radio segments and surface-level conversations.
What Is Lyca Xtra?
Lyca Xtra is a weekly podcast series that blends:
Cultural commentary
Community-focused discussions
Round-table debates
Expert interviews
Real stories from British Asian lives
Each episode is designed to resonate with second- and third-generation British Asians, while remaining accessible to wider audiences interested in multicultural Britain.
A Platform Built for Conversation, Not Soundbites
Unlike traditional radio formats constrained by time limits, Lyca Xtra allows conversations to unfold naturally. This enables hosts and guests to explore topics that are often:
Considered sensitive
Rarely discussed openly
Overlooked in mainstream media
Simplified or stereotyped
By embracing long-form dialogue, the podcast creates room for nuance, honesty, and reflection—something many British Asians have been calling for.
CEO Raj Baddhan on the Vision Behind Lyca Xtra
Announcing the launch, Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, described Lyca Xtra as a natural progression for the company’s content strategy.
“This is a huge announcement for us and a natural extension of our hugely successful radio brands,” he said.
Baddhan highlighted the lack of speech-driven programming within UK Asian commercial radio, noting that Lyca Xtra is designed to address this imbalance head-on.
“The element of speech-driven content has long been missing on UK Asian commercial radio, and the launch of Lyca Xtra fills that gap.”
Topics That Matter to British Asians Today
At the heart of Lyca Xtra is editorial relevance. Each episode will explore subjects that directly impact British Asian communities, including but not limited to:
Key Discussion Areas
Identity and belonging
Mental health and wellbeing
Generational conflict
Career progression and entrepreneurship
Money, finance, and wealth planning
Relationships, marriage, and modern dating
Faith, culture, and evolving traditions
Representation in media and politics
By addressing these topics openly, Lyca Xtra aims to normalise conversations that are often avoided within South Asian households.
Round-Table Debates That Reflect Real Community Voices
A standout feature of Lyca Xtra will be its round-table debate format, bringing together multiple voices with differing perspectives. These discussions are designed to mirror the kinds of conversations happening in British Asian homes, workplaces, and social spaces—only now, they are amplified to a national audience.
This format allows for:
Balanced viewpoints
Inter-generational dialogue
Honest disagreement
Community-led storytelling
High-Profile Interviews with Meaningful Impact
In addition to debates, the podcast will feature one-to-one interviews with individuals who inspire, challenge, and reflect the aspirations of British Asians.
Expected Guest Profiles
Business leaders and entrepreneurs
Celebrities and creatives
Industry professionals
Community changemakers
Influential voices shaping British Asian culture
These conversations will go beyond achievements, focusing instead on journeys, setbacks, identity struggles, and lessons learned.
Lyca Xtra is not just about opinion—it is also about practical knowledge. Dedicated episodes will explore health, finance, and lifestyle topics that disproportionately affect British Asian communities.
These include:
Mental health stigma
Diabetes and heart health
Financial planning and home ownership
Career transitions
Work-life balance
By making these subjects accessible and relatable, the podcast aims to educate while empowering listeners.
Hosted by Familiar Voices from Lyca Radio
Presenters from across the Lyca Radio Network will host Lyca Xtra, bringing with them established listener trust and on-air chemistry. Special editions will feature celebrity guest hosts, adding further reach and diversity to the series.
This rotating hosting approach ensures:
Varied perspectives
Fresh editorial tone
Broader audience appeal
Multi-Platform Availability for Maximum Reach
Recognising changing listening habits, Lyca Xtra will be distributed across all major audio platforms, ensuring accessibility for audiences worldwide.
Available On
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Amazon Music
Audible
YouTube
JioSaavn
Gaana
This broad distribution strategy ensures both UK-based and international listeners can engage with the content seamlessly.
Visual Podcast Editions for Social-First Audiences
In a move aligned with modern content consumption, Lyca Radio Network will also produce visual editions of Lyca Xtra.
These video versions will be shared on:
Instagram
YouTube
This approach caters to younger audiences who prefer watching discussions rather than listening alone, while also boosting social engagement and shareability.
Why Lyca Xtra Matters in 2026
As British Asian communities continue to evolve, so too does the need for media that reflects their complexity. Lyca Xtra arrives at a time when audiences are demanding:
Authentic representation
Deeper storytelling
Community-centric platforms
Honest, unfiltered dialogue
By creating space for these conversations, Lyca Radio Network is positioning itself not just as a broadcaster—but as a cultural connector.
A New Chapter for British Asian Media
Lyca Xtra represents a bold step forward for UK Asian commercial media. It acknowledges the maturity of its audience and their appetite for content that goes beyond entertainment.
As the podcast prepares to launch in January 2026, expectations are high—and rightly so. With its focus on relevance, representation, and real conversation, Lyca Xtra could redefine what British Asian audio storytelling looks like in the years ahead.