First of All

Hey FOA fam! It's been a hot minute but Minji comes back to close out an insane year of ups and downs, and some big wins and losses. Did anyone else live their best and worst year ever at the same exact time??? In a moment of exhausted reflection and hopeful encouragement, Minji sends you all a ginormous hug in her "wearing a giant hoodie (with the hoodie yanked 90% closed of course) on a comfy couch with a giant mug of tea" energy. Thank you and adios 2023.

Hi First of All listeners! While we wait for the next season of the podcast, we wanted to share something cool with you all. Please enjoy the first episode of the new hit podcast, Dear Alana, from our partners at Tenderfoot TV.Dear Alana, is a show exploring the life of Alana Chen, a 24-year-old woman who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. Alana left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, love of fashion, and dream of becoming a nun. She also harbored a secret. At 14, she confessed to her priest that she was attracted to women and was instructed not to tell her parents. Over the next seven years, Alana covertly received conversion therapy which her family believes played a role in her fate.----Part 1: MomSimon travels to Boulder to meet Alana's mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana.This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Listener discretion is advised.Go deeper at https://dearalana.com/Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ for ad-free listening and an exclusive binge at tenderfootplus.com.

Asking for a friend - does anyone else feeling like just giving up and becoming a potato lately? Because same. In this episode, Minji closes out SEASON 4 and celebrates a beautiful milestone for 6 YEARS OF First Of All Podcast by processing her most recent super fun existential crisis with her dear friend am, the amazing dancer, entrepreneur, and soulful spirit Ben Chung. With the Hollywood strikes, rapid AI development, climate change doom, plus oodles of personal ups & downs, Minji finds herself a bit worn out (again). Ben shares his signature good vibes and deep philosophies that he's cultivated through his prolific creative work and faith. We're blessed with some crazy inspiring stories from Ben's journey of America's Dance Crew and thoughts on how to navigate a rapidly changing world. They chop it up about change, rejection, and practicing how to be present with profound gratitude in the most uncertain of times. Yes, even in this economy. Follow Our Guest Ben Chung:Instagram (@btek_benchung)Twitter (@btek_benchung)kinjaz.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "Close to the Edge" by Fulton Lee▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

There are few things more satisfying than taking an idea and turning it into a reality. Some call that manifesting (ahem, like Minji) and some call it just taking simple actions to achieve a goal. Potato, po-tah-to. Whatever you call it, there's SO much that gets in the way, all the imposter syndrome (bleh), the self-sabotage (ugh), the literal years of procrastinating (yeesh), legit life/time/money challenges, and so on and so forth. In this episode, Minji celebrates the creation of her first COMPLETED short film "HONESTLY" that she wrote and starred in with the film's director and her beloved homie Scott Sayasithsena. Together they share what they can about their tiny film project sans spoilers - the idea, the genesis of the collab, the internal hurdles, the logistical nightmares, and the incredible reception they received premiering the short at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in May 2023 alongside some stellar filmmakers. It's one tiny gigantic step that might've taken a long *** time to take, but it's 100% worth commemorating to remind us every path is unique, be kind to yourself, and to keep on keeping on. Follow Our Guest Scott Sayasithsena:Instagram (@scottsayasithsena)Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap"▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

In the very wise words of our goddess Aaliyah (RIP) - If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. In theory (and in lyrics/beats that slap thanks to the GOAT Timbaland), it's amazing. In practice, it's pretty freakin' hard. To chase dreams, to pursue life goals, to endeavor the seemingly impossible...in this day and age...in this economy...let's be real, it's easier to just stay in bed and not even try at all. But for better or worse, we push on. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend and talented rapper Trus Real to talk about his eye-opening journey pursuing, and giving up, a career in music. From playing a little too much to then hustling hard and giving rapping his all to basically giving up everything only to be brought back to it in the most unexpected of ways...as a TikTok creator making "news that rhyme", the path has been tough. Trus and Minji explore the many convoluted ways they've actualized a life that's fulfilling and (hopefully) pays all the bills. They talk about making hard choices, giving up control, taking radical responsibility, and getting scrappy with their creativity to live more authentically and wisely. Follow Our Guest Trus Real:Instagram (@trus_real)patreon.com/trusrealFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “Slow Down” by Trus Real▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

In this solo episode, Minji shares a personal story about unintentionally being a total a-hole, letting down one of her best friends, spiraling, prolonging the awkwardness (as one does), making it worse, freaking out a bit more, and then finally taking steps to make it right again. As universal and commonplace as these mistakes and rifts can be, there's a lot going on underneath it all - self-sabotaging, people-pleasing, being a teeny bit narcissistic/lazy/careless, and/or going into overwhelm trying to keep all our plates spinning at once and just sucking at it. These pain points and blips can lead to larger, more lasting patterns in lives as they pile up unaddressed. Maybe it's time we forget "time heals all wounds", and realize healing heals all wounds. So how can we start addressing that big nasty pile, one thing at a time, to clean house and get right within ourselves? Minji shares her thoughts (and strategies!) after releasing a TON of emotional baggage that has led to some pretty amazing changes in her life. Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" ▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Let's talk about sex! Because despite our global society's obsession with it, we're still frighteningly undereducated about it. While more conversations and information on sexuality are shared much more openly due to social media content and online resources, longstanding attitudes and deeply rooted cultural beliefs can take a lot longer for a person to become open to learn. Some of us have been trained to fear sex, some have been shamed to explore their curiosity, some have been traumatized, and some have been convinced there's nothing important for them to know about themselves or anyone else, and some have just had no access to learning, period. So yeah.. we're still unpacking A LOT. In this episode, Minji sits down with Anne Hodder-Shipp, an award-winning certified sex and relationship educator dedicated to providing accurate, expansive, and compassionate care. Together they talk about their very different upbringings and how everything from school, religion, parents, and communities influenced their understanding of sex from the biological to moral and intimacy facets. Anne shares some of the common misinformation that's creating barriers to having a healthy relationship within ourselves, and of course with others. Pleasure, boundaries, consent, mechanics - we are still just getting started in normalizing these conversations. Hopefully this one will be another to encourage more compassion, respect, curiosity and openness to get smart about what's going on inside our minds and others.Follow Our Guest Anne Hodder-Shipp:Instagram (@theannehodder)https://annehoddershipp.com/https://everyonedeservessexed.com/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “Red Ferrari” by Samica▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

As Minji has created this space and inadvertently shared a lot about herself over the course of First Of All's 180+ episodes, she's changed quite a bit. Grown on a good day, unraveled on a bad one. And one thing that she has intentionally confronted in 2023 is to not only make space for others but how take it up herself. In this episode we get a little one-on-one friendship time with Two Horny Goats co-host and beloved soul sister Priska Liang-Kim to find out more about our FOA host as she's in the "guest" hot seat on her own show for the very first time. Follow Our Guest Priska:Instagram (@priskamusik)twohornygoats.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “High Risk Travel (Priska & Aberbeats cover)” by Priska▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

A lot of good can come out of striving for excellence - a high standard of quality, valuable skillsets and smarts, plus amazingly positive contributions to self and society. It can also have a dark side in the form of all-consuming and suffocating perfectionism - an existence where there's no room for error or subpar...well, anything. Every flaw, every "mistake" is irreparable or at the very least, a lasting source of guilt and shame. So many people are familiar with this kind of pressure, and some of the MOST familiar with this insane demand are Asian/Asian American women. In this episode, Minji sits down with Adele Lim, Malaysian American film and tv producer and writer, who is now the new director of the upcoming (and very raunchy) Asian American female-led comedy Joy Ride. Together they dive into Adele's upbringing in Malaysia through her journey in Tinseltown, struggling to defend facets of herself, and other women like her, that weren't always welcomed or valued in her home, community, or industry. They blow off steam on how oppressive and straight up boring it is to be perfect all day everyday. They also reinforce how giving ourselves permission to be human beings who do occasionally make mistakes and imperfect, loud, opinionated, sloppy, unruly, questionable choices is liberating AF, mentally healthy, and...OK. We can love ourselves at our best and our worst! Follow Our Guest Adele Lim:Instagram (@adeleblim)Twitter (@adeleblim)Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “omg” by Gloria Kim▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim @daeunkmSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

For APAHM, we're highlighting some of our fellow Asian American podcasts from the Potluck Podcast Collective, so we're dropping in an episode from our sister show, Modern Minorities, a podcast featuring minority voices for ALL of our majority ears - Modern Minorities is trying to solve racism...one conversation at a time. Their co-hosts Sharon and Raman might be Asian American pals, but their guests go much wider to the entire American experience. You can learn more at modmypod.com, and subscribe wherever you get your favorite podcasts. ---“Filipinos love spam — but wherever you look in American history, I found how little I knew.”Gabrielle Berbey is a documentary audio producer and filmmaker who's done work with the Atlantic and WNYC / NPR. She's actually one of the hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast “The Experiment” by the Atlantic. Gabby recently released a three-part mini series talking about SPAM - beyond her personal Filipino family experience - going beyond the immigrant experience to American labor, the changing middle class, and the next generation of immigrant Americans. You'll love this candid conversation about how Gabby's mixed ethnic experience infom her curiosity as a journalist.LEARN ABOUT GABBYinstagram.com/gabriellejberbeytwitter.com/gabrielleberbeyairmedia.org/community/spotlight/gabrielle-berbeytheatlantic.com/podcasts/experiment/spam/MENTIONSBOOK: The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race (Anthony Christian Ocampo) - goodreads.com/book/show/28162897-the-latinos-of-asiaTV: PENN15 (Hulu) -imdb.com/title/tt8324422/PERSON: Hanna Errant - wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Arendt

You know how they say live your life to the fullest and every day as if it's your last? And you know how most of us think "Oh that's nice, I should do that. I will do that."...and then, even with the BEST of intentions, we just don't? (No judgment here, it's a super normal part of life.) Let's face it, it's so easy to stay in autopilot - chasing goals, maybe taking some important relationships for granted, & doing the most even if it's not particularly (or at all) fulfilling. In this episode, Minji sits down with highly decorated chef Viet Pham, whose resume as a chef is one that blows your mind - high end restauranteur, Iron Chef winner, defeating Bobby Flay (twice, mmkay), competing on tv shows, creating an incredible chicken sandwich that's quickly taking over Utah. And of course not to mention an amazingly beautiful and loving wife. But like all those with pretty highlight reels, Viet has gone through a LOT personally to experience this fulfilling life, and has overcome a LOT even in the midst of it. In this very personal conversation, Viet opens about facing health scares including a rare cancer that has further expanded his daily approach to life, love, and work. He shares the fears and attitude shifts he's faced as he is afforded new perspectives and a commitment to health and well-being. Follow Our Guest Viet Pham:Instagram (@chefvietpham)prettybirdchicken.comFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “I'll Be There” by Nina Sung▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer Da Eun Kim (@daeunkm)Social Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Far too many times in life, our narratives get told by others. Sometimes, being a passive passenger in the journey can feel the safest and most comfortable...until you realize the consequences of not speaking up on your or your community's behalf. Like misinformation, isolation, erasure, and even the exploitation of narratives to serve another's agenda. We're all becoming much more keenly aware of how this has been playing out for real all around us, and many of us are wondering how to approach it. In this episode, Minji sits down with Emily Inouye Huey, author of the moving YA novel "Beneath the Wide Silk Sky" - story about a Japanese American teenager named Sam who is navigating her young life in the wake of Pearl Harbor during WWII. Together they talk about Emily's personal process as a writer and as a Japanese American person unpacking very real family history that she's digesting. They go into the ups and downs of learning, embracing, and finding courage to share stories that mean so much, and how these stories can be vital contributions to culture, politics, and our own personal growth. Emily shares her thoughts on the recent book bans spreading across America, and what's at stake if we don't stand up for truth, accessibility and education. Timestamps: 00:00-10:15 - Introduction to episode & Emily featuring Uzuhan's "Uzutrap"10:15-52:42 - Part 1 of conversation with Emily52:42-54:42 - Break54:42-1:17:00 - Part 2 of conversation with Emily1:17:00-1:22:57 - Outro featuring Melissa Polinar's "Another Universe"Follow Our Guest Emily Inouye Huey:https://www.instagram.com/emily_inouye_huey/https://emilyhuey.com/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & "Another Universe" by Melissa Polinar▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video!▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @DaEunKimSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

We're back FOA fam!! So glad to be back on the airwaves, kicking off season 4 with a vulnerable and honest conversation with the beautiful and badass queen of the Internet herself- Gina Darling. In this episode, Minji gets to fangirl a bit and also get some insight into how Gina has navigated one helluva life path with her family, unorthodox education, and unconventional career pursuits on her own terms. Brought up in an intensely strict and conservative Vietnamese home, Gina grew up trying to find out who she is apart from all the crazy expectations that so many of us face - how to act, how to dress, what to value, and what is “true” about our personalities and capabilities. Together Minji and Gina break down how their respective circumstances and choices shaped a constant need for external validation, and how they have finally begun to break the cycle in recent years.Follow Our Guest Gina Darling:https://www.instagram.com/missginadarling/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & "devils & angels" by Flannel Albert▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @DaEunKimSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Ahhh the holidays.. a time to reflect and prepare the next vision board, and maybe a family tiff or deep introspective existential moment to round it out. Whatever your plans are for the holidays, whether you're seeing all your loved ones or asserting your boundaries and sitting on top of a mountain solo, Minji stops by to say hi and wish you well as we close out another crazy year. She also shares some fun FOA updates and reflections on 2022 to end the year with some gratitude, acceptance & LETTING GO. THANK YOU FOA fam for an amazing year. Cheers to a joyful, prosperous, healthy 2023!!Don't forget to subscribe First of All's new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@firstofallpodcastFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & "Gimme The Word" by Uzuhan▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSun(New) Producer! @PriksaMusicSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

The healing process, the inner work, the letting go, the consciousness, the forgiveness, it's all undeniably helpful...aaand let's be real, it also takes a lot outta you too. To close out FOA Season 3, we thought - who better to talk through all the ups and downs of battling ego, addressing inner child wounds and trauma, and conquering crippling emotional faceplants with deep insight and flair than our guest, actor and writer Anna Akana. Minji and Anna run the gamut of some of the ways their ongoing inner work has taken a lot of life-changing W O R K and has had massive payoff too. They share some vulnerable and embarrassing moments that had them face to face with their biggest insecurities and how they practice mindfulness to address harmful and problematic behaviors with some grace and even humor. They discuss the underrated benefits of being a little delusional and how to become their own friend/parent/cheerleader as they practice affirming and falling in love with themselves. CW: this episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide. Follow Our Guest Anna Akana:https://www.instagram.com/annaakanaFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & "Gimme The Word" by Uzuhan▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSun(New) Producer! @PriksaMusicSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Dating can be super fun, exploratory, and adventure-filled with charming people you can connect with...when it's not a dumpster fire of poor communication, confusing mixed signals, bad manners, and weird vibes from strangers we'd rather forget. All in a day in the life of the modern single human being, right? Well a silver lining to our over-connected world of the Interwebs, we have all these platforms to vent, commiserate & educate each other on how to identify and deal with some of the more undesirable parts. Like what is just an unattractive trait vs a glaring neon sign saying RUN as fast as you possibly can? This episode, Minji brings back singer-songwriter and actor Dia Frampton to spill the tea on some of the red flags they've experienced in dating. With Dia's just recently entering the world of dating apps and Minji's multiple years of experience, they share the warning signs they've picked up on online and IRL. There might even be a role play conversation on confronting an awkward dealbreaker.  Disclaimer, as there are SO many flags to identify and talk through, consider this a part 1 chat of many to come!!!Follow Our Guest Dia Frampton:https://www.instagram.com/diaframpton/https://www.instagram.com/meganddiamusic/http://www.diamusic.net/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Facebook (/christineminjichang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "Home To Me" by Simone Cardoso▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSun(New) Producer! @PriksaMusicSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Racism is a very complicated topic to broach. It can intimidate, trigger, and overwhelm so many so easily because of how pervasive and personal it gets, on top of how exhausted so many feel. Sometimes it feels like we've made some tiny headway towards a baseline respect, maybe even a bit of progress towards equity. Sometimes it feels like we've regressed or have come to a complete standstill. Meanwhile, the nuance of who gets put under the social microscope has evolved and includes more communities than ever before. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend Sami Jayne to get as real as possible about racism within the Asian American/Asian diaspora. Together they discuss their own painful experiences between different Asian ethnicities, discovering the different roots of their prejudice, understanding intergenerational trauma from war and colonization, colorism, racial purity, and where they care to move the conversation. They also share their thoughts on how representation, especially in their shared world of entertainment and media, plays out to different levels of success and what work they believe is yet to be done.  Follow Our Guest Sami Jayne:https://www.instagram.com/The.Sami.Jayne/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Facebook (/christineminjichang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “A Thousand Cuts" by Ruby Ibarra feat. Ann One▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSun(New) Producer! @PriksaMusicSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Minji returns to the FOA airwaves after an extended mental health and recharge break after one exhausting summer. A big update with reflections on making her first short film, learning to be proud of herself, unraveling with the overturning of Roe v Wade, and other impactful moments. She gets into the power of sharing stories, facing our unique fears, and taking time to get centered when everything, everywhere, all at once is just... a bit too much. Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Facebook (/christineminjichang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Gud Luh" bye Isa▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSun(New) Producer! @PriksaMusicSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

No one likes a lawsuit. Lawyers are commonly vilified for exorbitant billable hours and sharklike tendencies.  For many people, any situation involving legal counsel is one to run away from and avoid at all costs. And yet at some point, many folks do require legal help to navigate a complicated system of rules and power plays. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend and actual legal counselor, Chuong Bui, who is a seasoned entertainment attorney and the co-founder of Counsel 4 Creators - a platform and subscription service to accommodate independent artists in their artistic journey. Together they dive into Minji's former deathly fear of legal matters, and a couple of the various incidents that made her analysis paralysis (mostly) a thing of the past. They also discuss Chuong's journey with becoming and practicing, as an attorney who helps out artists create great works of art and makes every "doctor or lawyer" comment from a parent suddenly doesn't seem so bad after all. They analyze the different barriers between need folks who can afford to get good help and the ones who do their best trying to get by on shoestring income but often need help the most. If you have ever been intimidated or overwhelmed thinking about lawyering up, this one's for you.Follow Our Guest Chuong Bui:https://counselforcreators.com/https://www.instagram.com/counselforcreators/https://www.instagram.com/who_is_bui/Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Facebook (/christineminjichang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Gud Luh" bye Isa▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSun(New) Producer! @PriksaMusicSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

From the days of Marilyn to The Beatles to Michael Jackson, Kim K & Logan Paul, it's safe to say that celebrity culture has evolved and transformed in its way into becoming an everyday part of our modern life. Now celebrity status includes "everyday" content creators or influencers who make funny skits from their respective glass rectangles, or even say.. podcast hosts. (Btw, we're self-aware here at FOA to know we are not celebrity status but do influence in our own way to our beloved brilliant audience, thank you love you) In this episode, Minji brings two of her dearest friends and fellow content creators Kevyn Fong (TikTok/IG's level4alpha) and Priska (singer/songwriter/co-host of Two Horny Goats Podcast) to dive into how our collective obsession/resentment/addiction/admiration/disgust with celebrities and influencers exists nowadays and how they attempt to navigate it all. Coming from a variety of backgrounds working in the entertainment industry from being talent and being behind the scenes watching how the sausage is made (and maybe making some themselves), they share their various insights on the fun and danger of it all. One example they dive into is the slap heard around the world by Will Smith at the Oscars, which they happened to be together to witness at the same time with very different reactions. Come tune in to hear them break it all down, wonder about our future, take responsibility for their relationships with the culture itself, and tips on how to maintain self-awareness and a healthy mental hygiene. Follow Our Guest Kevyn Fong:https://www.instagram.com/level4alpha/https://www.tiktok.com/@level4alphahttps://www.youtube.com/c/level4alphaFollow Our Guest Priscilla Liang-Kim aka Priska:http://www.priskamusik.com/https://www.instagram.com/priskamusik/https://www.instagram.com/twohornygoats/Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “80HD Screens” by Solomon Wook▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSunSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

So how about those home loan interest rates, eh?  And...mortgages! Escrow? Closing costs. Contingencies. Bidding wars. OK, anyone else totally lost too? If you're anything like Minji, seemingly responsible grown up as she (mostly) saw herself, you might have reached adulthood hearing about this grand milestone of owning a home over and over again. You might have 100% expected it to happen for you at some point when you were good and "established", even aspired to it and considered it a key marker of your success.  But somewhere in the giant batch of subjects that were never properly taught to most of us in school - budgeting, credit scores, taxes - home ownership is right up there in obscure and overwhelming adult rites of passage. In this episode, Minji brings calls upon her friend, realtor Ken Er, to come educate us all and commiserate with those who've been intimidated and in the dark about this mystical real estate journey.  Together they swap stories on how they first approached their very different experiences of buying property, the lessons that they painstakingly learned, and how much they've changed in their financial literacy once they took the plunge. If you've ever been amongst friends and family, nodding along pretending to understand your aunties drone on about HOA fees and refinancing more than once, this one's for you. You are not alone. Links For Our Guest Ken Er:https://www.instagram.com/ken_er/https://www.instagram.com/youreastbayhome/https://youreastbayhome.com/Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Stumble Home” by Samica▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSunSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

With times as crazy as these, we need all the support we can get. Deep conversations with friends, a good book, a tranquil walk through a park, a home cooked meal, meditation...and a social media persona moonlighting as our ultra caring significant other. Enter our Internet Boyfriend and charming FOA guest this week, James Tang. In this episode, Minji catches up with her friend James, the creative soul behind the viral TikTok character "Your Internet Boyfriend" who caught some attention for his sincere and clever emotional thirst traps. And oh did the parched online audience show up for the empathy, acts of service, and undivided attention via loads of direct eye contact. James' content happened to be a point of joy and levity in Minji's dark pandemic days, and together they reverse engineer how this character was inspired through James' acting background and the astoundingly low bar for dating these days...and perhaps since forever. They discuss how this persona is received across both male and female audiences, James' insights from "dating" so many people on the Internet, as well as how this character has truly helped people come to realize some important things for themselves. Links:https://www.instagram.com/jamesthetang/https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesthetanghttps://twitter.com/jamesthetangFollow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Special” by Andy Yu▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveAudio Engineer @marvinyuehProducer @AnnaSunSocial Media Manager @JulianaDeer

Motherhood is a monumental, life-changing and sacred experience for those who embark on it. It's also an incredibly loaded topic shrouded in mystery, fear, and sometimes shame when it comes to the complex reality behind the glowy maternity photos, sonogram announcements, and darling newborn portraits. In this episode, the single and childless Minji invites her new friend Gaby Meier, a working woman and mother to a darling 1-year-old son, to get very honest and real about the ups, downs, & reality checks of motherhood today. They share stories of their own mothers, the examples they set, and their respective cultural environments, as well as their life expectations from an early age. They also get honest about their thoughts about feeling up for the challenge, their sense or lack of agency and choice, and the very real inequalities and shortcomings of modern American society in supporting mothers. They are here to un-boo all the taboos, to call out the lack of government and systemic support that should to be in place, and their hopes to provide space and support for the beautiful and hard realities of motherhood. TRIGGER WARNING - There is talk about miscarriages so if you need to skip this episode or come back to it later, please do.  Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Follow our Guest Gaby Meier On:Instagram (@wearisgaby)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Louder” by Alfa▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSocial Media Marketing by @JulianaDeer

We're back with SEASON 3 fam! To kick off this third installment of First Of All, we set intentions to bring good vibes and deeply personal insights on some long-awaited topics. So we're starting by going all in on vibrations, frequencies, manifesting, and the law of attraction. In this episode, Minji brings back the hilarious and wise filmmaker and co-host of Two Horny Goats Podcast, Roxy Shih. Together they share their backgrounds of what led them to their respective spiritual journeys, one involving moving out of a devout religious Christian upbringing and the other coming straight from real life practical examples from their sage immigrant parents. They break down their philosophies and real life application of the law of attraction, and how they continue learning about how mindset, beliefs, energies, emotions, and even quantum physics result into some pretty profound experiences. They also get into some common "woo woo" misconceptions as well as bigger concepts of timing, energies, tarot, and channeling. This episode sets a reminder that life is a perpetual journey of growth, and we can continuously clear out the old to make for the new and good by aligning our mind, body, and spirit.Links: https://www.instagram.com/roxyshih/https://www.roxyshih.com/https://www.twohornygoats.com/Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Lonely Star” by Priska▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer

And just like that, we have reached the end of season 2 fam! And what better way to close it out than with the realest unfiltered-est conversation with comedian/podcaster/OG YouTuber/entrepreneur David So. In this extended season finale, David and Minji go down rabbit holes of self-awareness, fully owning what they dislike and also being disliked, as well as the ups and downs of being creative, achieving their goals, and changing ideas of success. They also discuss their second acts as grown adults parenting their aging parents, the challenges of accepting mortality and managing these very old, stubborn teenagers. Thank you so much for hanging with us for season 2 everyone!! We'll be back soon later this spring! Links:https://www.instagram.com/davidsocomedy/?hl=enhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geniusbrain/id1449325923https://scrtsociety.com/https://junbishop.com/https://eatshrimpdaddy.com/Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and a Cover song by David So ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - Season Finale + thank you's00:01:59 - Intro'ing the guest + Topic00:03:57 - Uncertain times and self-care 00:06:32 - Big brother birthday shout-out & Empowering gift giving00:10:11 - David So made it on the pod despite landlord drama 00:16:00 - David & Minji origin story00:18:31 - Pandemic fucked people up00:21:13 - Easing back into society and David's intensity  100:25:12 - Podcast is public communication in the moment00:29:32 - Evolution of FOA conversations  00:31:37 - How David's anxiety manifested in a woman's bathroom 00:36:28 - Overcoming anxiety in high school  00:40:01 - Daring to fail00:43:07 - Choose your destiny and enjoy the process  00:49:40 - Content creators are ball sacks   01:01:30 - BREAK + [Books & Boba Podcast] + FOA patreon 01:03:20 - Listen to Genius Brain Podcast episode about parenting   01:08:36 - Minji's dad's real reason for immigrating  01:12:13 - Asian parents don't understand us! But they also have a point, damnit.01:17:05 - Child abuse commercials don't land  01:22:23 - Forgiveness, empathy is a tool for you  01:33:12 - Acceptance of our aging parents 01:40:01 - Monitoring sodium and water intake  01:46:45 - Thank you David for amazing stories about these real struggles  01:51:44 - Minji's part in David and his fiance meeting   01:54:40 - David hates weddings too! 01:59:18 - This was a great recap of FOA S2 02:02:05 - FOA questions for our guest02:06:01 - Outro + Shoutout to FOA Patrons + Leave a review! + Cover song by David So02:08:23 - [They Call Us Bruce Podcast]

This week, we get to hear a very personal and insightful conversation about late bloomers and the evolution of an ugly duckling from our well-spoken guest, James Liao. Most of us think of being a late bloomer in terms of physical appearance and romantic relationships. And while those are major players in the conversation, James also walks us through the not-so-skin-deep shifts in his social, relational, career and personality that also played a big hand in being a late bloomer. Minji and James share their contrasting adolescent experiences of being hyper aware of social hierarchies versus being shut off and bullied, their role models or lack thereof, and how being a "bloomer" and gaining access to social capital can shape them for better or worse.   Links:https://www.instagram.com/jlaimaeos/https://lijiethemusicmaker.com/homeFollow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Follow Me Down” by Lijie▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer 00:00:00 - Hope everyone is safe and sane 00:02:25 - Intro'ing guest + topic 00:06:37 - How would James introduce himself? 00:10:30 - Acting class for business school00:13:58 - “Acting is the study of life”00:16:08 - James almost died twice 00:19:54 - Rationalized happiness + Emotional and mental calculus   00:25:39 - Late bloomers v early bloomers 00:31:49 - Channeled anger into 100s of pushups  00:35:43 - Ran away from home to go to church (age 13)00:39:40 - Going from an INTJ to an INFP  00:40:13 - BREAK + [Quarantined Comics Podcast] + FOA Patreon00:44:25 - Hyper aware v shut off  00:51:05 - Relationship bootcamp in college00:56:40 - Asian American men in media 01:03:58 - The point when James bloomed 01:12:52 - When guys started to gravitate towards him 01:15:19 - Haters and downside of late bloomers 01:22:05 - We want to be loved whilst still evolving  01:29:35 - FOA Qs for Guest 01:32:32 - Outro + Share ep with a friend + Thank you Patrons! + Music by Lijie - “Follow you Down”01:35:33 - [Books and Boba Podcast] 

This one goes out to the Asian diaspora Gen X, millennial & Gen Z-ers who are getting better acquainted with or just further embracing tf out of their Asian identities. For most of us Asian Americans, we grew up assimilating, disconnecting, and/or over-representing this side of ourselves - our languages, customs, features - in a society where we were mostly stereotyped, fetishized, or simply overlooked and ignored. But throughout the many decades since our parents and grandparents immigrated from our motherlands, we've created spaces, trends, and our own subcultures that have blossomed into a unique and increasingly stronger identity. In this episode, Minji sits down with two Asian American trailblazers who have contributed their life's work to carving out a space for our stories - writers & public figures Jeff Yang and Phil Yu (aka AngryAsianMan). Together they discuss their new book RISE, co-authored with Phil Wang of WongFu Productions, which covers some highlights in the evolution of Asian American pop culture. They dive into how times have changed, the significance of challenging the status quo, and the importance of a supportive, unified community to address bigotry, hate, and ignorance. Links: Spotify - Featured Music Playlisthttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/feb/15/wsj-shoes-on-shoeless-house-essayFollow Minji on:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)Follow our guests Phil Yu (AngryAsianMan) and Jeff Yang on: Phil Yu Instagram: @angryasianmanJeff Yang Instagram: @originalspinRISE book Instagram: @RISEAAbook ▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “This Is A Song About Self Love” by DANakaDAN.  Check out his new album "Me. Also Me." here! ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - Peace for Ukraine 00:03:55 - Intro'ing the topic + guests00:12:42 - Disappointment and hope from the pandemic00:15:18 - Phil and Jeff elevator pitch of what they do  00:23:20 - Impact of Angry Asian Man on college Minji 00:25:56 - Impact of Jeff's writings and publication00:34:48 - Origin story of Phil + Jeff00:42:32 - Phil as a judge for Kollaboration 00:48:51 - BREAK - [They call us Bruce Podcast] + FOA Patreon00:50:20 - RISE - the book is slice of AA history from 90s to now 00:56:55 - If we don't tell our story, who will?  01:03:36 - The decision making process for the book01:11:13 - Not a definitive chronicle but a POV from authors + collaborators  01:18:04 - Parts of the book they each championed   01:24:10 - Respect your elders! 01:25:18 - FOA Qs for our guests 01:33:08 - Outro + Drop a 5 star review + Music by DANakaDAN - “This is a Song About Self Love”01:36:31 - [All the Asians on Star Trek Podcast] 

If you've dreamt of starting a business, you may have stumbled across a roadblock or fifty to get off the ground or even take the leap to pursue it... Should I quit a secure thing? What if I fail? How do I prepare financially? How do I break this to my parents/significant other/industry? How do I get started or even get my foot through the door? Do I need to go back to school? How long will it take to be "successful"? In this episode, Minji sits down with Sajani Amarasiri, founder of Kola Goodies, a superfood and wellness goodies brand with beautiful, authentic South Asian roots. Together they unpack Sajani's journey going from a highly favored Amazon then Microsoft employee with terrific benefits to a globetrotting entrepreneur learning the very basics of creating a business from the ground up. As an immigrant from Sri Lanka, Sajani's story has universal lessons for anyone who aspires to step off their beaten path - learning how to bet on yourself, overcoming microaggressions and daunting setbacks, taking many bites of humble pie, cultivating unbeatable determination and patience, identifying driving values and a unique mission, staying curious, and the importance of support from others. Links: Spotify - Featured Music PlaylistFollow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Butterfly (222)” by Maijah. Get her single here! ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer

It's one day after Valentine's Day and we know everyone's already over it, but what society never seems to be over are real life tales of love and loss - the good, the bad, and the excruciatingly ugly. We at First Of All admit it openly - we love LOVE. And over time we can appreciate the bad for what it teaches us. In this solo episode, Minji shares the story behind one of the worst Valentine's Days (if not the worst) of her life - like full on ugly crying on the floor processing betrayal while in a whole other country with no wifi kinda bad. She also reflects on the long road she walked to heal and find love again, complete with a cute little love letter to celebrate it. Links: Spotify - Featured Music PlaylistFollow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Anything For You” by Jules Aurora▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer 00:00:00 - Intro00:02:05 - Valentine's Day 2005 - Paris, France00:05:20 - International calling cards & internet cafes00:08:25 - Don't mess with my big brother00:11:55 - The ugly truth comes out & sinks in00:16:33 - Angry woman > detective00:24:50 - Light and darkness, hope and despair 00:27:01 - Getting out of heartbreak00:31:29 - Single as helllll and peaceful and happy00:37:16 - BREAK + [Books & Boba Podcast] + [FOA Patreon Plug]00:38:59 - A letter to myself00:42:28 - Power in putting thoughts on paper  00:44:04 - Teaser for upcoming journey 00:45:00 - OUTRO + We love DMs and emails! + Music by Jules Aurora - “Anything For You” 00:47:28 -  [Quarantined Comics Podcast] 

LET'S TALK ABOUT MONEY, Y'ALL.  Now if talking about money openly and honestly ever felt taboo, this episode. is. for. YOU!  To get into the nitty gritty of money relationships, habits and strategies, Minji brings back a wonderful returning guest - photographer and blogger Melly Lee - to unpack this broad and emotionally charged topic. The two dive into their histories with money as a spender vs saver, someone who struggled with mountains of debt vs someone who was deathly afraid of debt, and as individuals who never received a substantial financial education. They share beliefs about money that they inherited and how those beliefs manifested in some TOUGH (and expensive) lessons - in work, in friendships, in family dynamics, and more. Most importantly, they share how they've both started reprogramming themselves to feel empowered with money despite gender inequalities, self-sabotaging tendencies, and lack of guidance. This is for the many generations of kids/adults who've had to figure this all out on our own and are learning financial literacy and the creation of true wealth.  Links:https://fromzerosavings.com/https://www.instagram.com/mellylee_/ Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “We Could Happen” by AJ Rafael▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer 00:00:00 - Intro. We made it!! Show me the money! 00:03:34 - Exposure does not pay the bills!00:06:08 - From freelance → to → tech 00:08:31 - Making more money means better money management, right? 00:11:16 - Paying for college + student loans 00:15:22 - Money education started with red envelopes 00:18:20 - Money talks are taboo whilst money views are inherited00:21:40 - Saver v spender00:31:18 - Need to reprogram ourselves00:34:42 - BREAK + Support FOA + [Quarantined Comics Podcast]00:36:49 - Hard lessons Melly learned00:43:38 - How Minji's beliefs manifest her life00:50:41 - POV's about money passed down but no guidance 00:53:20 - Melly starts to take a hard look at finances00:56:44 - Getting audited by IRS 00:58:56 - Cost of a bad accountant01:04:27 - Retirement, budgets, & investments01:17:02 - Be gentle with yourself01:21:19 - Women were not raised to be financially literate! 01:27:22 - FOA Q's for the guest01:31:16 - Outro + Music by AJ Rafael - “We Could Happen”   01:34:31 - [They Call Us Bruce Podcast] 

Weddings! Love. Joy. Family. Friendship. Magic! Celebration!! .... Stress. Tension. Regrets. Bills. Fights. FOMO. As beautiful as these momentous milestones are meant to be, let's be real. Weddings can be as painful as they are joyous. In the whirlwind of dreams coming true under very strained budgets while juggling tons of deadlines, expectations, logistics and relationships...it can be anything but a fairytale. In this episode, Minji unpacks her issues with the insanity of modern wedding culture with her dear friend and fabulous producer - actor and mama Anna Sun. Together they share 15 weddings as bridesmaids/maids of honor, and Anna has been a bride herself. For the record, they both LOVE love and love weddings, but there's much to examine when it comes to the culture surrounding them nowadays. From price gouging to bridal party expectations, fragile relationships, pressures to perform and be perfect, toxic entitlement, cultural layers, social media, and MONEY issues, they break down some of their toughest experiences, lessons learned and the societal norms that have gotten out of hand when it comes to tying the knot. They share their battle stories to empower folks to make their special days the way they truly want, do things differently, normalize having those hard conversations and truly be surrounded by love! Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Monster” by Meg and Dia▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer 00:00:00 - Intro'ing + please be kind00:04:38 - How we feel about this topic00:07:53 - A sprinkle of positive commentary 00:13:01 - Anna's engagement story00:16:09 - The laugh/ cry moment of becoming a bridesmaid00:20:09 - ALL the pressures + expectations00:22:30 - How to prioritize ALL those decisions00:25:01 - Nonexistent convos about money as a bridesmaid 00:30:31 - Bridesmaids v groomsmen00:34:32 - BREAK - [Books & Boba Podcast]00:35:41 - [Ways to support FOA]00:37:29 - The wedding party selection00:41:13 - The BM experience (esp in our 20s)00:50:05 - Beware of becoming a bridezilla 00:54:52 - Always a bridesmaid 00:58:00 - Dealing with the guest list, parents and gift etiquette 01:08:20 - The best parts about Anna's wedding01:10:31 - What Minji loves/ would change about weddings 01:18:58 - FOA Q's for the guest01:23:41 - Outro + Music by Meg and Dia (Monster) 01:26:20 - [Modern Minorities Podcast] 

Beauty can be such a fun way to channel your self-expression, try new products/personas/looks, practice self-care, and get in touch with your innermost confidence. It can also be overwhelming and painful trying to keep up with societal standards that feel rigid, unattainable, and downright dehumanizing at times. In this week's episode, Minji sits down with David Yi, a beauty expert and passionate advocate of examining and redefining beauty as a concept, practice, and culture. David has spent most of his life breaking down stigmas and stereotypes by asking “SAYS WHO?” through his work as a journalist, his industry-disrupting beauty products and his new book Pretty Boys. Together they go beyond skin-deep in their discussion about what beliefs and paradigms they've subscribed to and how that impacted their sense of self. Both host and guest question ideas and gatekeepers, and how we can move forward being seen and empowered for who we truly are at every age, gender, and identity we embody.Links: https://www.instagram.com/seoulcialite/https://verygoodlight.com/https://bookshop.org/books/pretty-boys-legendary-icons-who-redefined-beauty-and-how-to-glow-up-too/9780358410683https://asianpacificfilmexperience.com/ Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “A Thousand Cuts” by Ruby Ibarra▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer 00:00:00 - Ways to support the pod 00:00:30 - Intro'ing the topic + guest 00:05:51 - How David introduces himself00:07:24 - Has David considered becoming an accountant?00:09:25 - The Han is very potent  00:11:00 - Minji's contrasting childhood00:13:25 - To feel seen in media00:16:54 - The standard of beauty in America00:19:01 - David never wanted to feel beautiful00:21:02 - “Says Who?” = the essence of David and Minji00:25:21 - Being the only Asian in the room00:31:52 - Hire someone who can do Asian eyes and Asian hair, damnit! 00:34:56 - Beauty is preserving your essence00:36:55 - BREAK - [Books and Boba Podcast]00:39:12 - How Very Good Light got started 00:41:18 - Pretty Boys is a culmination of life's work00:43:57 - “Beauty” has been manufactured 00:48:35 - What do you mean “feminine” v “masculine”? Get specific. 00:51:12 - First memories of beauty 00:58:23 - When your family pushes plastic surgery01:07:59 - FOA Questions for our guests! 01:09:51 - Outro + leave a 5*Star Review :D 01:12:14 - [Modern Minorities Podcast] 

Season 2 of the Pandemic brought on a nationwide phenomenon known as The Great Resignation where MILLIONS of Americans either switched or quit their jobs..or have been thinking very hard about it. In this episode, the Gen Z hosts of Bamboo & Glass Podcast Da Eun Kim and Sophia Sun join Millennial big sis Minji to talk about their perspectives on how and why this may be happening. Together they share from their respective fields of healthcare, tech, grassroots non-profits, creative freelance, and the film industry. They also touch upon how things are shifting and how they themselves have been impacted by these changes. They breakdown society's evolving ideas of progress, success, and passion, and how the pandemic has created life-changing moments to pause and reflect on our priorities. Links:Burnout tweet hereStatus Quo tweet here Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Okay?” by Rianjali▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - [Patreon & other ways to support the show!]00:00:34 - Intro the topic + guests00:06:52 - Respective career journeys  00:13:46 - What Is the “The Great Resignation”00:21:21 - Has anyone figured out work life balance?00:27:59 - The grass is not always greener00:33:03 - Should I stay? Or should I go? 00:39:51 - BREAK - [Modern Minorities Podcast]00:41:10 - Peers who have switched/ resigned 00:51:08 - Older generations respond to their choices 01:00:20 - Redefining success01:07:01 - Burnout v Exploitation 01:16:34 - FOA Questions for our guests! 01:20:18 - Outro + New Music [Okay? By: Rianjali]  01:22:57 - [Books & Boba Podcast]

Welcome back to Season 2!  To kick off our return to the airwaves, Minji and our wonderful guest, Abe Kim, explore their perspectives about men, feelings, and therapy. They discuss longstanding societal pressures that have formed our ideas about male identity as well as the brutal impact of conditioning men not to feel.  You'll hear about how Abe got started in therapy, finding the right therapist, the work that goes into "the work", the financial aspect, and more.  There's no time to waste y'all, let's dismantle the stigmas and get healing!  Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Tough Guy” by Uzuhan  ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - Welcome to Season 2 of FOA!00:01:51 - Intro'ing the episode and hyping the guest 00:06:20 - Starting therapy and the great resistance00:11:37 - Internalized beliefs about men and feelings 00:15:52 - How being Korean-American and religious shaped their views00:22:54 - What MTV, Saved by the Bell, and Band of Brothers teaches about men 00:27:43 - Minji and Abe are sick of this shit00:29:13 - Abe's starts therapy and gets a diagnosis00:33:36 - Human reaction to guard and avoid  00:39:48 - [Break] (plugs Marvel & Makeup Pod)00:40:46 - Jumping back in00:43:00 - Talking about therapy when you're in it 00:48:29 - So, should I get into therapy? 00:55:19 - Matching with a therapist and dating01:00:31 - How to make the money piece work01:08:25 - Also celebrating the external work that Abe is doing  01:12:03 - closing out with 3x questions for our guest 01:18:50 - Outro + Tough Guy by Uzuhan + potluck podcast collective(01:21:27 - Plugs Saturday School Pod)

Surprise FOA fam!! Minji stops by to say hello & share some updates as we prepare for season 2! Tune in for this short episode with a special call to action for FOA listeners. Happy Holidays everyone!Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode is "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan  ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer

You ever reach a point in life when you step back and are just like, "Why have I been doing it this way???" Four plus years and many episodes later, Minji takes a moment to pause, reflect and make some big life decisions. Tune in to hear about radical responsibility + self-love, changing habits,  and what's changing for First Of All.  Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode is "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan  ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - Intro00:00:39 - Announcement time00:01:55 - The first season 00:04:26 - Coming to this decision 00:07:07 - Cold hard truth 00:20:20 - Go to bat and swing00:25:21 - Thank you's00:32:04 - Minji Out00:33:00 - Outro

We've all been navigating a lot of unrest and uncertainty this past year and a half (or more), with so many TBDs, IDKs and false starts all around us. Some folks have made some major life changes, whether that's switching up a relationship, geographical location, family plans, or a career path. Our guest this week is pretty dang familiar with all of this territory, since diving into the unknown and switching gears has been a hallmark of his life for many years now. In this week's episode, our guest is none other than former YouTube musician and icon now tech CEO of Takko, David Choi. He and Minji sit down to talk about the mindsets and emotional rollercoasters of making some pretty monumental life decisions, and how that's turned out so far. David gets into setting goals and navigating the highs and lows as well as the difficult realities of taking the leap to become the next version of himself in a world that's less and less black and white. Tune in to hear more about how he continues to make gains in his transition to building a company while also becoming a husband and a father. Links: David Choi's tweet about social media platforms Takko AppFollow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “By My Side” by David Choi   ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - Intro'ing aka hyping our guest00:04:59 - Missing out on David's hair  00:09:35 - What makes David happy?00:12:30 - David doesn't shrink from sharing his POV00:17:28 - Nothing is black or white 00:20:19 - Social media only encapsulates that moment 00:23:21 - Becoming a YouTube Icon00:26:51 - How to detach yourself from your work00:31:10 - Imposter syndrome00:37:44 - Transitioning from the YouTube world 00:40:30 - No pressure, no diamonds00:47:01 - Skydiving and machetes   00:52:10 - Get out of the hole and take action 00:56:44 - Stepping out of the limelight 00:58:51 - How he met his wife 01:02:49 - Getting through the hard times01:08:01 - Completely letting go and to each their own journey 01:11:17 - But make a damn decision 01:14:28 - What's giving David life? 01:16:09 - What made David's heart fly in the last 24 hours? 01:18:41 - Hard. Earned. Lessons.  01:20:09 - Takko the Next Gen video community! 01:23:32 - Outro01:25:49 - Song - “By My Side” by: David Choi

So the world continues to feel like it's imploding for a lot of us. And in the meantime, we're all at different stages in life - family dynamics, age, income, career trajectories, and relationship status - and just doing our best to figure things out from day to day. It has been one helluva strange year and a half to say the least, but also packed with tons of reflection on our places in life, who we want to be, where we want to go, and also who we want to go with. In this episode, we bring back Melody Cheng from AsianBossGirl podcast to talk with Minji about being single women in their 30's. As a new member of the 30's club, Mel has been saying bye-bye to those crazy 20's and transitioning into the beloved decade that supposedly promises more clarity, maturity, and self-love. Has it lived up to the hype so far? Let's talk about that. They discuss how they've processed the isolation of the pandemic, healing from breakups, and the aspects of dating in your 30s that make it challenging (especially with Minji unni having a few years head start). They talk about how they grapple with the harsh realities about themselves, expectations, realized hopes and dreams and how the heartaches have led them to reset and grow stronger for the next season. The wisdom that these ladies share not only applies to dating but to transitions and changing seasons of life at large. Follow Minji On:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Darling, I Love You" by David Choi ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer00:00:00 - Intro00:05:37 - Hyping Mel! + an ABG update00:11:57 - Speaking of the lost pandemic year00:15:28 - What we need v. what we like 00:21:47 - Questions that are raised when you're a bridesmaid  00:24:55 - Minji's breakup story and the tough life lessons she gleaned00:27:56 - Falling in love with the idea of something00:30:15 - Facing yourSELF in relationships  00:32:12 - Breakups are not a sign of your worth  00:35:55 - Age 29 is a rough year (Saturn's return)00:46:30 - Dating in your 30s 00:50:36 - Growth of knowing your non-negotiables  01:05:29 - Checking your patterns and points of weakness 01:07:23 - Everyone needs a feel-good ritual 01:11:30 - Mel's pearls of wisdom for other single, 30-something-year-olds  01:16:57 - Outro01:19:31 - NEW MUSIC ALERT by: David Choi 

The world feels like it's on fire or flooding at the moment, but we're here to bring some joy into it however we can. The two amazing hosts of Two Horny Goats podcast join Minji this week to put it all on the table about finding their voice and spirituality. Can we say dream collabo? The strength, vulnerability and honest humor of these women come through in a very open conversation about how they decided to go from "wouldn't it be nice" to "F it, I'm doing it, I'm making my own channel." They go over the intimacy of talk radio, how THG podcast came to be, how FOA may or may not have set the groundwork, and how we're all just particles in the crest of rising POC voices. They also dive into being gentler to our younger selves, and the practice of intention. They top it off by going into their newfound spiritual journeys that include religious upbringings, "what your sun/ moon/ rising sign?" and even a collective Tarot card reading for all our listeners! 00:00:00 - Intro00:02:42 - "Magical podcast triad of orgies "00:07:54 - What's your drag name?00:09:19 - Gassing up THG pod 00:12:12 - FOA paved the way for AA/ POC/ Women 00:17:18 - Podcasts are like raising a baby - more than you expect00:26:06 - Life Coaches have hyped podcasts  00:30:15 - Process of putting Minji's image on FOA Pod 00:33:54 - AA women need to be more gentle with past-selves00:39:50 - Goal v Intention 00:52:21 - You learn a lot from your (old) self - even if it's excruciating 00:54:08 - Talking sun, moon, rising signs01:00:18 - Tearing up at a diner in the middle of Ktown01:09:23 - We are more connected than different 01:12:49 - A Tarot card for the collective 01:15:19 - Outro01:18:47 - Outro song: Dan aka Dan ft. Priska (aka one of our guest)Links:Good morning, I love you - mindfulness, intention book Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "SOB ROCK" by DANakaDAN ft. PriskaFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer

Times are a-changing in Hollywood when it comes to putting stories from minority voices up on the screen. How does it all work? How have people made a lasting difference in this very historically white male dominated industry? In this week's episode, we get a little peek into the world of a seasoned Hollywood journalist working in "the trades". Our guest is Dino-Ray Ramos, who has been amplifying marginalized communities through his journalism for two decades. He shares insight on the inner workings of the machine and his perspective covering stories of for the BIPOC, female, & queer communities, once upon a time for Deadline Hollywood and now for his own publication, Diaspora. Listen in to hear how he and Minji believe the Asian American community in Hollywood has evolved and some of the growing pains. You'll also learn how Papa Ramos influenced Dino-Ray's work all the way from Texas, how we can flex on Hollywood better as viewers, and what we can do to create change beyond social media.   00:00:00 - Intro00:04:21 - Celebrating the impact of Dino-Ray Ramos' work  00:10:00 - When you care a lot about something and it adds up00:14:51 - Evolution of media cycle & "the trades"00:22:21 - Hollywood is built for the dominant culture    00:27:38 - Accountability means admission of wrong 00:32:17 - Why Dino-Ray started Diaspora00:40:10 - Business v Community relationships00:53:11 - “Go to where the love is” 01:07:47 - Call to action - beyond social media 01:11:47 - Wrapping it up and where to find Diaspora01:15:55 - Outro + Patreon shoutout01:19:42 - Pretty Lies by Run River NorthLinks:Diaspora FX TV Show Reservation DogsShang-Chi Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Pretty Lies" by Run River NorthFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeer

This week, Minji is extra thankful, humbled, and lost all at the same time as she examines the state of the world, America's battle with Covid and common sense, concerns in her personal life as well as her very own scary run-in with 'Rona. Forced to go into full blown quarantine once again, she works through a panic attack, bouts of despair and a lot of anxiety. While in recovery, she comes across a documentary that educates and fires her up about longstanding gender discrimination in Hollywood. She shares her own experience with toxic body image through an unlikely fashion accessory and what she is doing to undo the warped representations of "reality" we're so used to as well as the overwhelming news of the world. Get ready to hear her hopes, revelations and self-liberation talk and why the world needs us to put out more messages of hope and support for all things good and positive.  Additional Notes: Quote from IG: “One way to keep your heart together when the state of the world weighs heavy on it, is to simply help somebody. Even if it is just one person.”Netflix Documentary:“This Changes Everything”  Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro  00:02:51 - State of the world? Not rosy.  00:04:25 - Personal turmoil and unknowns 00:07:11 - Quote to manage some of the despair 00:08:37 - First story: Run in with Covid00:17:01 - I'm fine, I'm fine. (She was not fine) 00:21:09 - Managing reasonable anxiety 00:23:36 - Second story: self-care includes documentaries 00:29:43 - Enter chicken cutlets  00:36:56 - Slutty halloween costume00:47:38 - Tying it all together with a nod to TikTok and a rally cry00:54:31 - Outro + Special shout-out to Patreon patron Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Pretty Lies" by Run River NorthFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh & @AnnaSunSupported by @JulianaDeerPatreon backers: 

First loves, coming of age, passion, romance, angst. YES, PLEASE. Minji and Priska openly share their love for the show “Normal People” based on the beloved novel by Sally Rooney.  They go deep right out the gate with their thoughts and experiences with intimacy, abuse, heartache, beauty, class and mental health. They also dive into how the series portrays a particularly authentic journey with all the nuance and emotions of finding and losing love that everyday people around the world could connect with. There will be some spoilers but if anything, it may want you to watch the show more, so really they might as well be teasers. ;)  (In true Minji fashion, she acknowledges she's a tad late to the hit of 2020 but let's overlook that because it's a miracle she even watched something, pls don't @ us.) Priska is also our musical guest so stick around to hear her beautiful cover of "If The World Was Ending" with her husband Abe at the end!How they felt about "Normal People" -  “I think this is the best thing I've watched since Parasite.” - Minji“I do feel like this is millennial emotional porn.” - Priska Warning: The episode contains sensitive themes about sexuality and mental health.Add'l mentions from the episode:Normal People by: Sally Rooney (book)Normal People (TV show on Hulu)Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube Channel 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:40 - Welcoming Guest00:04:25 - Jumping in to Normal People00:16:54 - Triggering moments00:29:30 - Seeing and responding to abuse 00:37:35 - What does healthy intimacy look like00:44:42 - Take-aways aka what do you want to cuddle up with00:57:40 - Sexual Expression 01:01:05 - Wrap-up 01:03:48 - Outro01:08:15 - Featured Artist (aka our guest Priska!) This week's guest:Priska (@priskamusik)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Spiders" by Run River NorthFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

So how about that Delta variant, eh? Yeah, it's been a lot for us here at First Of All and for our returning guest Steve, making us just like every other person on this planet in 2021.  As many of you out there may have been sorting through returning to work, getting vaccinated, debating about vaccinations, pondering about work, questioning the meaning of life, being free of masks, having to mask up again, worrying about humanity, feeling every emotion under the sun about every one of your relationships under the sun, revenge traveling, & so much more, all while feeling like human interaction is everything you want and everything you hate at the very same time...we're with you. We're also very tired, and very much with you. In this episode, Minji and Steve share a little glimpse of how they have been managing this particular phase of the pandemic- quite poorly, in many cases. This one goes out to everyone whose energy gas tank has been running empty really fast. Together they discuss how they process the feelings, how they manage emotions and physical health, and how they remain hopeful, polite, and strong enough to get through each day. We can do this fam!This week's guest:Steve Lim (@ssurimu)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Spiders" by Run River NorthFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

Understanding our unique identities is no small feat. We're made up of so many intersecting things that also evolve over time. Some parts we embrace wholeheartedly, others confuse us, and some can just be difficult to accept. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend, Sam Futerman, to discuss her incredible journey as a transracial adoptee from Korea who also discovered an identical twin sister as an adult.  From growing up with a white family and having to navigate uncomfortable questions, looks, and assumptions to documenting the biggest surprise of her life - reuniting with her sister, Anais - Sam has walked quite a path. Together they discuss the short and longterm impact of culture, ignorance, racism, and love in how we grow up and see ourselves. They also get into the concept of family and what that means to those who are bound by blood and the beauty of choosing your own family.This week's guest:Samantha Futerman (@samfuterman)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Time of Your Life" by DanAKADan featuring Alex HwangFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

In this episode, Minji shares a meaningful and harrowing experience of treating herself to her very first solo vacation to Hawaii. From making the decision, committing to keeping it, budgeting, and then actually spending a lot of time alone in a new environment, she goes through a whole mess of fun and sometimes awkward, sometimes difficult growth. This goes out to everyone who's figuring out how to better love themselves, taking risks, and facing fears (uh, like ghosts). This is all very timely as we celebrate both Minji AND First Of All's birthdays!! THANK YOU to all the listeners who have been on this 4 year long journey with us! **Note: Minji would like to note that she has learned about some of the recent difficulties Hawaiians have been facing in the sudden flood of tourists in 2021, so she asks you please be mindful as you consider traveling to any part of the islands.Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Peace at Last" by Tim AtlasFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

Ever stop and look back on your life and realize that you've actually overcome some pretty crazy things? Same. It may not feel like particularly special at the time, but everyone is navigating their own unique path on their individual hero's journey. In Hollywood-land, the hero's journey is a storytelling mechanism in which the main character overcomes major obstacles and challenges to transform and grow as a person (or dinosaur, elf, what have you). In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend Anthony Francisco, who works as an artist for Marvel Studios creating worlds and culture-shaping characters (Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, NBD), and has an incredible story of his own behind this gorgeous dream career and life he now lives. Born and raised in the Philippines, dreaming of life in America and just barely making it out, Anthony has navigated through many a heartbreak and adventure. This may or may not include joining the military without telling his parents and contemplating choosing between career and the love of his life.  Get ready for crazy tales and reflections on purpose, choices, risks, and also dreams that really do come true. This week's guest:Anthony Francisco (@anthony_francisco_art)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "We Belong '21" by Magnetic North & Taiyo Na feat. Ann OneFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

Getting ghosted is great. If great suddenly means the absolute worst. As much as we wish we could be eternally unbothered, always in our most confident state, completely incapable of feeling small or rejected...it happens to the best of us. Falling for someone can be a high like no other- full of mystery, intrigue, butterflies, and anticipation. And if it doesn't work out, especially when the person, uh, vanishes, the fallout can be more than we ever bargained for. In this episode, Minji gets vulnerable sharing a (now) funny story about getting rejected and ghosted by a cute boy. She unpacks some of the deep insecurities that came to light in the aftermath, the underlying beliefs that she's carried around rent-free for most of her life, and how she's taken this painful as an important lesson in self-love and healing her mental health by changing her story.  Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "How Do I" by SurrijaFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

 Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month~ hope you all take time to celebrate the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) folks in your universe, including yourself if that applies. While May calls for honoring the Asian diaspora, it has been a painful and scary year for the AAPI community, with surges in anti-Asian brutality, hatred, and xenophobia. In the midst of all the ongoing racial tensions in the US and around the world, many have resorted to lashing out or just resigning to apathy. Some, however, have taken the opportunity to dive into complicated and sensitive conversations about race relations in hopes to build bridges and create much-needed healing. In this episode, Minji sits down with entertainment industry veterans and podcast co-hosts Marcus Moore and Ben Tubuo (or BT). They host Culture Score podcast, which discusses the impact of black culture on entertainment and entertainment on black culture. Together they continue a frank and sincere conversation on the tension between the Asian and black communities, including the history of hostility, misinformation, pain, and shared humanity. This conversation is an invitation to folks to create more points of connection, to listen and relate, to practice and build empathy, and to move out of fear into respect and love. This week's guests:Marcus MooreBen Tubuo (BT)Culture Score Podcast Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Stop The Hatred" by MC Jin & Wyclef JeanFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

For some people, it's easy to ask for what they want. It's not a big deal to say no. It doesn't take everything out of them to put themselves first all the time or even a majority of the time when it comes to big and little decisions. Some people walk around not having a bottomless need for approval, permission, or external validation. For anything. Seriously. And for some people, they don't know what that existence even begins to feel like because all they do is maneuver themselves around others and compromise their comfort for everyone else. And a lot of us may be somewhere in the middle. In this episode, Minji brings back her dear friend Kevyn Fong to unpack his inspiring COVID glow up that involved addressing a lifelong struggle with people pleasing. While Kevyn committed himself to getting physically fit and healthy, the internal shift that happened was undeniable and just as fulfilling as the outer transformation. They open up about what was at the root of playing small to stay "safe", and how they've taken tangible steps to say no (and mean it), ask for help, and become the main characters of their own stories. This week's guest:Kevyn Fong (@level4alpha)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Louder" by AlfaFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

Life moves quickly, doesn't it? And before you know it, you've gone through relationships, career changes, life transitions, family drama, friendships, and growth milestones in the blink of an eye. It's one thing to be able to slow down or even pause to savor all the good stuff, and it's another to let go of things that have taken up space, hurt you, and stunted your happiness. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend, artist/producer/creator Jessica Stafford, to dive into how important it is to let go of emotions, wounds, regrets, and even tangible things from our past that can hold us back. Jessica shares some of her life's biggest challenges, including a very difficult relationship with her mom, moving around, being bullied, and figuring out her life path through many location, careers, and versions of herself. Together they reflect on what they've learned about messing up, including how we can all make the same mistake repeatedly to finally learn its necessary lesson. This goes out to anyone who's needing to take an emotional or mental load off, so they can move forward on purpose with more freedom. This week's guest:Jessica Stafford (@alazay_official)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Our theme song is "Inner Me" by Melissa PolinarFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh

Spending a year+ in quarantine and separated from others has taken toll on many of us. Feeling isolated and feeling disconnected has made everyday life and even work life lose a lot of spark. Some people have gotten creative and use whatever platform is available to keep that light on and find opportunities to reach people who may have otherwise been inaccessible. This is how this weeks guest, NASA Postdoctoral Fellow Kyra Kim, utilized the new Clubhouse app to widen her audience and spread the word about her work at the Jet Propulsion Lab in water sustainability. Then Minji heard her and their destiny was cemented in this deep dive conversation into Kyra's incredible journey from pursuing classical piano and law to geological studies. Together they discuss the current state of women working in male dominated fields, processing American culture shocks, and learning how to take bold moves in speaking to audiences who may or may not receive you well. We learn about Kyra's fascinating work on the essential resource we first-worlders cannot afford to take for granted much longer - groundwater. Together they strategize how to make science accessible, sexy, and sustainable by getting everyone to do their part. This week's guest:Kyra Kim  (@whatsheworetoscience)Follow Minji on:Twitter (@minjeeeezy)Instagram (@minjeezy)Clubhouse (@MinjiChang)Our theme song is "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" by Ruby IbarraFollow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our PatreonThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast CollectiveProduced by @marvinyueh