I Am Multicultural | Interracial, Biracial, Blended Love Stories

When you’ve spent many months planning and preparing as part of an in depth international adoption process, what happens when you travel halfway around the world to meet your little girl?   In episode 42, I talk to Beth Haff about her experience growing up in an all white community in Oklahoma and why her and her husband decided to adopt after having their first child.  She candidly shares her family’s journey of adoption, how and why they decided to adopt a little girl from Nigeria and now another daughter from Hong Kong and how her and her husband’s faith has allowed them to thrive especially when the process of adoption was challenging financially and emotionally.   Learn more about them here

How can a multicultural couple incorporate each other’s culture into their relationship?   In episode 41, I talk to Derik + Lauren, a Filipino American blasian couple about how they grew up, met and seek ways to have fun through fitness and travel and how they intentionally incorporate each other’s culture in their relationship. Learn more about them here

Why did 1 multicultural mom of 8 decide to move to Africa, raise a family and create an organization that gives hope to Ugandan families suffering from jiggers? In episode 40, I talk to Asher Singe, wife, mama of 8 and the owner of Sole Hope about growing up as a third culture kid, living and raising a blended family of 8 in Uganda & now her family’s transition to Oklahoma all while leading Sole Hope, an organization that gives hope to Ugandan families suffering from jiggers.  Stay tuned.

When you’re Americanized but your parents were born in another country, how do you define who you are & what your brand? In episode 39, I talk to Nicole Yang, a savvy entrepreneur, designer and branding expert about life growing up in the South, why she decided to explore her Vietnamese heritage by sharing her parent’s story and how to overcome stereotypes and define own’s brand as a person and as an interracial couple. Learn more about Nicole Yang here

As an immigrant or multicultural couple, how can your upbringing and emotions impact how you live, spend and save money?   In episode 38, I talk to Katie & Val a Chilean - Ukrainian married couple about how they immigrated from their home countries to Canada, met, fell in love and how despite coming from families where money was scarce, they figured out how to make their dreams come true financially by uncovering the emotions behind their spending and are now teaching financial concepts to other multicultural couples so they too can have financial peace & security. Learn more about Kate & Val here

When you’re a strong, independent Filipino woman who makes the intentional decision to be a stay at home, how do you find the support and community to feel empowered in your decision despite what others might think? In episode 37, I talk to Edil: mom, wife & founder of the SAHMxStories about how and why she decided to stay at home & raise her multicultural & interfaith Filipino - Jewish daughter June & why it’s important for her to help & inspire other women to empower & honor their decision and to change the narrative around being a SAHM. Blog: http://Rockawaybaby.org

When you’ve grown up in a mixed household and are in a interracial relationship, how do you stay true to you are and your heritage despite how others might label you? In Episode 36, I talk to Vanessa of Sessa Photo, a mixed wife & mom of 2 about how she leverages her multicultural story to be a better mom, wife and emotive family, lifestyle and portrait photographer.

When you’ve been brought up in a culture with strong notions or expectations about one's wedding day and marriage, how do you create a wedding that’s all your own as a multicultural couple? In episode 35, I talk to Lydia and Doug, an Indonesian Chinese American White Caucasian couple & producer, Film Director & Dreampreneur about how they met, got married in a personalized wedding that honored their relationship first before their cultures & how they’ve created a marriage that fits their lifestyle.

How can music connect people of different cultures? In Episode 34, I talk to Adrien & Lizbet, an interracial American - Namibian couple about how they grew up, met, fell in love & formed an orchestral folk rock band that encourages conversation & connection between people of different backgrounds & cultures?

What journey did 1 biracial woman go on to discover who she was and embrace all of herself? In episode 33, I talk to Rachel Sawden about her mixed race experience growing up Jamaican - British, living around the world & how travel helped her discover and embrace all of herself.

What is transracial adoption? Why is it important as a multiracial family to openly discuss visual differences with your kids and why does representation matter? In episode 32, I talked to Krysten about how and why adopting a child of a different race popped her "white bubble" by opening up her eyes to a deeper meaning of what it meant to have white privilege and how that realization drove her to write and create 2 children's books to celebrate her multiracial family.

In Episode 31, I talk to Sonia Smith-Kang, a mom, speaker, writer, multicultural movement activist & CEO of Mixed Up Clothing about how she & her husband are raising & have created a very intentional home and public life that allows their their multiracial & multilingual Mexican, Korean, African-American children to fully celebrate their cultures, code switch seamlessly between different cultural worlds and make their own little box when asked “what are you?”

When you significant other's culture doesn't fit what's familiar and normal for you, how do you reconcile & gain respect with his or her family? In episode 30, I'm talking to Chris + Monique, a Jamaican - American couple about their journey to "I do," the cultural challenges they faced adjusting to each other's standards of dating and what they compromised to make their relationship work & gain the respect of their families.

When everyone in your family & cuture has allowed followed a certain path and way of life, how do you break free to create your own path without forgetting who you are or abandoning your cultural heritage? In episode 29, I’m talking to novelist Winnie Sabbat about what life was like growing up in Haiti with her mom & sister and her journey to pioneer her own path as a young Haitian - American woman by traveling around the world to find and create happiness her way.

How do you celebrate 2 different cultures as individuals and as a couple and family in episode 28, I talked to Abbey Domond and Raphael Medina an interracial couple living in Connecticut about how and why celebrating their cultures matters so much to them and why they want to pass on those same values to their granddaughter Ava. He's a gourmet chef and she's a rising photographer and we delve into life together as an interracial couple, why they work well together through life's ups and downs and how they are celebrating their Haitian & Puerto Rican heritages through music, food and other traditions.

How do you stand up for who you are when other people might be quick to stereotype or label you? In season two, episode 27, I'm talking to Mike and Rashaan, 2 talented business savvy creatives with the popular instagram account, Mike and RJ about what their life looks like as a gay interracial "gayracial" couple living in New York. In this heartwarming episode, they candidly and beautifully share why they aren't defined by boxes, how they met and how they define family.

When you’ve grown up in a country other than your own, what happens when you return to live in your home country and explore your roots? What stories will you uncover about your identity and family’s multicultural heritage?   In episode 26, I talk to Chrislyn Choo, multicultural storyteller and host of the Chrysalis Chronicles & a multimedia content officer at My China Roots about her inspiring and fascinating journey to trace her roots through story and Chinese history. Her story will inspire you to explore your family’s history, heritage and the pieces of their stories that they bring to the table and that shape who you are. In other words, quite literally, a family potluck.   We talk about the following: Returning to one’s home country and culture after growing up in a country and culture completely different than your own Why Chrislyn felt misunderstood during her studies at Duke University and what she did to find her place at the table The experience of being Asian in the United States How and why Chris Lynn decided to start exploring her Chinese - Malaysian roots and share other people's migration stories What Chrislyn learned about herself and her family while tracing her Chinese heritage The importance of understanding one's roots

Communication in a relationship can be challenging when you speak the same language, but what happens when you're studying abroad in a country where you don't know the language and meet the love of your life, who speaks a completely different language.  Edit Vasadi & Adam candidly share how they saved their marriage and learned to better communicate their needs, feelings and intentions in Episode 25. SEE Photos of Edit + Adam HERE

This week’s multicultural movie is Get Out, the American horror movie about a young black man Chris who goes away for the weekend to visit his white girlfriend Rose’s parent’s estate & during that weekend uncovers a disturbing secret.   Watch the trailer HERE

When you’ve assimilated & relate better to your American or Western culture, what are some ways that you can still honor your parents and grandparents non-Western heritages? Korie + Frank's interview will give you some insights into the subtle nuances and ways one can connect with your native culture.   SEE Photos of Korie + Frank HERE

This week’s multicultural movie is David, the story of an unlikely friendship between Daud, an 11yr old religious Muslim boy living in Brooklyn and an Orthodox Jewish boy Yoav.   Watch the trailer HERE

In episode 23, Louise, a biracial mom of 3 shares her story of growing up biracial with African-American and Italian - Iranian parents, adopted and biological siblings and how she's now raising her biracial kids and teaching them about their identity.   See PHOTOs HERE

This week’s MUST WATCH multicultural movie is The Hundred-Foot Journey. Based on the novel by Richard C. Morais, the 100 Foot Journey is the story of a young man Hassan Kadam (played by Manish Dayal), his father and 3 siblings, who immigrate to a small village in France after their home is burned down in Mumbai India.   They used to own a well known restaurant in India where Hassan learned how to cook from his mother, who was killed in the fire.   So they’re in this small town in France and Hassan’s dad decides to purchase & restore an old restaurant and convert it into an Indian restaurant inspired with recipes inspired by his late wife’s recipe, BUT the restaurant is 100 feet away from this 1 Michelin star French restaurant, hence the name the 100 foot Journey owned by structured.   Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie Learn more about the movie HERE

Episode 22 is the story of Jackie Murphy, who was born in Ghana, moved to Colorado, became a litigator and why marrying a Caucasian man of Irish descent wasn’t initially part of her plan until she met Dan… and now how she’s cultivating a strong interracial marriage and family while still celebrating her heritage. See PHOTOS of Jackie + Dan here

This week’s MUST WATCH multicultural movie is Coco.   Set in Mexico during Dia de la Muertos, Coco is the story of a little boy and aspiring musician Miguel, who despite his family's ancestral ban on music, desires to be a musician like his famous legendary deceased musician & movie star Ernesto de la Cruz, so he sets out on a journey journey to the “Land of the Dead” to meet his ancestors and find Ernesto de La Cruz with the hope that Ernesto de la Cruz’s blessing will show his family he is worthy of becoming a musician.   Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie Learn more about the movie HERE

In Episode 21, I’m recapping & sharing the best moments from Episodes 5 - 8 of the I Am Multicultural Podcast.   1.    Episode 5: 2.    Episode 6: 3.    Episode 7: 4.    Episode 8:

This week’s MUST WATCH multicultural movie is Black Panther based on the Marvel comic book Black Panther and is the story of T’Challa, king of Wakanda, a fictionalized African nation formed by a coalition of multiple tribes who united & harnessed the power of vibranium, a nearly indestructible natural resouce, to develop a technologically advanced society. Since then, Wakanda has been the only African nation to avoid colonization, so it’s developed it’s own culture free from European influence.    So T'Challa rises to the throne but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider, who was a childhood victim of T'Challa's father's mistake.   Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE Learn more about the movie HERE

When you’re of a completely different race, culture, religion or demographic from someone else but are genuinely curious about who they are, what they believe in, how do you cultivate a friendship where you can ask the really hard or “dumb” questions? In Episode 20, I talk to Ashley Gerrity about how to cultivate a genuine, interracial friendship. We talk about:  How to quickly identify who you most relate to How to cultivate a space to have tough conversations about race, culture, demographics What questions to ask yourself to understand your own inherent racial basis What steps to take to authentically approach someone who is different than you Learn more & SEE photos of Ashley Gerrity HERE

This week’s MUST WATCH multicultural movie is LOVING.   Loving is the beautiful love story of Richard & Mildred Loving, a couple whose arrest for their interracial marriage in Virginia began a legal battle that would end with the United States Supreme Court's historic 1967 decision and define all interracial relationships going forward.   Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE Learn more about the movie HERE

In Episode 19, I’m recapping Episodes 1 - 4 of the I Am Multicultural Podcast.  1.    Episode 001: Why 1 Wedding Photographer Launched a Podcast on Multicultural & Interracial Relationships 2.    Episode 002: How 1 Dad teaches his Multicultural Kids to Be True to Themselves | Rob Yaskovic 3.    Episode 003: How 1 Interracial Couple discovered the true meaning of family | Lily Yange + Kent 4.    Episode 004: How They Thrived in 6Yr Long Distance Courtship | Evelyn + Jeff

This week’s multicultural movie review is on the romantic comedy My Big, Fat Greek Wedding. It’s the story of a young Greek woman Toula, who falls in love with a non-Greek man Ian, a high school teacher, and struggles to get her family to accept him (as the first non - Greek Guy to date someone in her family) while she comes to terms with her heritage and cultural identity.    Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE

In Episode 18, I had a fascinating conversation with multicultural married couple Ilene & Jorge about cultural identity & how it significantly shapes everything from personality, to relationships, to communication styles, traditions to raising kids. Ilene's father is a 2nd generation Russian and Jewish and her mother is Filipino & Catholic. Jorge grew up in New York with parents who were Puerto Rican + African American, Colombian, Mexican and self-identifies as Afro-Latina. We discuss: not looking Filipino or white enough How having parents who were unapologetically proud of their heritage impacted who she is Why she naturally gravitates to people who are different What it means to be Afro-Latina How understanding their love languages and families allowed them to better understand each other & their cultural upbringing What they want their little girl to know about embracing her mixed “Other” multicultural heritage See photos of Ilene + Jorge HERE 

This week’s multicultural movie "Guess Who" is the story of a young black woman Theresa, who comes home for her parent's 25th anniversary celebration, and introduce them to her new boyfriend Simon home who they don’t know is white or that they are engaged. This hilarious romantic comedy starring Bernie Mac, Zoe Saldana and Ashton Kutcher explores what it means to be black, white and race relations in the context of love and marriage. Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE

Episode 17 is the story of an Indian-Pakistani woman Annum, who as a Muslim wasn’t allowed to date, but fell in love with a South African Jewish man Jordan & how together as a couple, they’re figuring out what married life and kids will look like as an interfaith, multicultural couple. I ask them the following questions to understand how they’re making their interfaith, multicultural relationship work. How she introduced her Jewish “special male friend” to her parents How they figured out if their relationship would work What happened when they were told, “a Muslim woman can’t marry a non-Muslim man” & how they faced that obstacle How Jordan proposed How their immigrant parents reacted to their relationship How they plan to raise their children What their wedding ceremony will look like  See photos of the couple & learn more HERE

This week’s multicultural movie review is on Bend It Like Beckham is the story of the daughter of orthodox Sikh family rebels against her parents' traditionalism by joining a soccer team.   Main character is 18 year old Jessminder, who is the daughter of Punjabi Sikhs living in London & becomes friends with Jules played by Keira Knightley & after seeing her playing soccer with some boys, invites her to play join a premiere soccer team.    Multicultural Topics Explored: Are you Indian enough? What it means to be part of a Sikh household and what it means to behave like a proper Punjabi woman Going against your parents ideals to pursue your own dream In the Sikh culture, how a kid's actions reflect on their parents & why parents get so worked up about having "perfect" kids Girl power on the soccer field What happens when 2 cultures collide     Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE Learn more about the movie HERE

Episode 16 is the story of a Bolivian - American couple Patricia and Juan Pablo, who despite being born in the same city & country, grew up with very different family traditions & but are now forging their own path & traditions as a family, raising 2 kids. We talk about: How they met & maintained a long distance relationship (she was in Virginia & he was in Bolivia) up until 1 month before having their first child together How Juan Pablo proposed via regular snail mail over 3700 miles away Why it was important for them to raise bilingual children who fluently speak, write & understand 2 languages How they made their own path as a couple despite having different traditions and upbringing What they've learned after 10years of marriage and advice for other multicultural couples See their photos & learn more HERE

This week’s multicultural movie review is on Victoria and Abdul. Based on the book by Shrabani Basu of the same name, the film is about the true story of an unlikely but extraordinary friendship between Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Abdul Karim, a tall, handsome Indian clerk. The movie explores how Victoria and Abdul became very close friends and the Queen's closest confidant and how the Royal family, friends and Victoria's household reacted with controversy to their interracial friendship.  Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE Get more details about the movie HERE

Episode 15 is the story of a Korean - Canadian mom, who as a young girl didn't fully embrace her Korean heritage only to marry a blue eyed blonde American Marine, have kids and realize the importance of celebrating her Korean heritage, food and language.   In Episode 15, I talk to the witty Jihae Watson, a Korean-Canadian mom living in Arizona about her journey to fully embracing her Korean heritage as a kid, wife and now mom.   We talk about: Her childhood experience as a Korean Canadian growing up in Jewish & Korean community How she met her American husband in Korea Why her parents initially wanted her to marry a nice Korean boy How she learned how to cook Korean food as a new wife How people react to seeing her husband & her with 4 multicultural kids & foster kid How her racist experiences has shaped what she's teaching her kids about being different and being sensitive to other cultures SEE Photos of Jihae & her family HERE Get to know Jihae: Jihae Watson Fostering Voices Works for Showit - Create your own website company  

This week's multicultural movie review is on The Joy Luck Club. Based on Amy Tan’s book of the same name, The Joy Luck Club is the story of the relationships between 4 Chinese women and their Chinese – American daughters.  Watch the movie trailer HERE  Find out where you can watch the movie HERE Learn more HERE 

Episode 14 is the story of how Nathalie from Martinique & Casey from the United States quickly figured out if they were a good match for each other using humor & vulnerability. We talk about: • What it was like growing up in a Martiniquan dual language household vs a black American family household • Growing up in a strict French Caribbean household • How Nathalie and Casey met • How a belly bump set the tone for their relationship • Keeping peace with the in-laws • How they communicated their relationship deal breakers

This week's multicultural movie review is on Hasan Minhaj's Homecoming King. In his first stand-up special, Hasan Minhaj weaves humorous & heartbreaking anecdotes to tell his life story as an Indian - American Muslim.  Rated 8.3/10 on IMDB, the film is absolutely hilarious and does a good job of giving viewers insights into the immigrant and multicultural experience. Watch the Movie Trailer HERE Find out where you can watch it HERE

Episode 13 is the story of a blond kid who wanted to belong in a place where no one looked like him. In Ep 13, I talk to Nathan Holritz, father of 2, minimalist & CEO of Photographers Edit about this third culture experience as a foreigner or “gaijin” growing up in Japan & what he did to immerse himself in Japanese culture, even though he looked distinctly different from everybody else in his neighborhood.   SEE photos of Nathan & show notes here

This week's multicultural movie review is on The Big Sick. The Big Sick is the multicultural story of Pakistani-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani (as himself) & Emily Gordon, (played by Zoe Kazan) as Kumail’s white American girlfriend. They fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. Watch the movie trailer HERE Find out where you can watch the movie HERE

Episode 12 is the story of Alex Barnett, a New York based comedian, writer & white, Jewish multiracial dad, married to an African - American woman (who converted to Judaism) & why it was important for him to raise his 6yr old biracial son in the Jewish faith. We talk about: His love story with his black wife why his wife converted to Judaism What it means for him to be Jewish Ashkenazic vs Sephardic subcultures of Judaism why it was important for him to raise his son in the Jewish faith why he loves being a multiracial dad Get to know Alex Barnett: His podcast His website Co-founder of MultiRacial Media See photos & show notes here

Episode 11 is the blasian love story of Chie Davis, who leaves behind her family in Japan to move abroad (the 1st in her family) and in the process falls in love with a famous African-American musician Dennis Davis, 25years older than her. See photos of Chie + Dennis David & detailed Show Notes HERE

Episode 10 is the story of my brother-in-law Ken & his outsider perspective as an American traveling to Kampala, Uganda to get officially engaged to his fiancé (my sister) as part of the traditional Ugandan engagement ceremony, the kwanjula . Along the way, he questions the why behind each Ugandan tradition vs his upbringing & makes a compelling observation that brings him closer to his future wife.   Resources mentioned: BOOK: The Good Earth by Pearl Buck DANCE TROUPE: Ndere Dance Troupe MUSIC: Prince, The Beautiful Ones

In Episode 9, I interview Ria & Jon, a Chinese – Filipino couple who met in the Philippines about how they’ve learned to communicate, love and resolve conflict despite their different cultures and the clever disagreement conflict management gimmick they’ve developed to say sorry and apologize.    Resources mentioned: Hashtag: #JRSeestheWorld The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller Filipino Tocino – pork dish Despacito – Luis Fonsi  & Daddy Yankee The Green Mile movie Pan's Labyrinth

In episode 8 of the IAM podcast, I chat with the cheerful, award winning media producer & diversity champion Anna Lauren Tufecki about her love story with her Turkish Muslim husband Eren & how together they’re pioneering & redefining what love & faith looks like in a healthy, fulfilling Christian – Muslim marriage.   We chat about: Anna Lauren’s Christian upbringing How she met her husband Eren & how they celebrated an emotional interfaith wedding Eren’s religion: Sufisim & what is Islam faith & what it means to be a Sufi Muslim What they believe in now & how they pray How they plan to raise their children Anna shares the best marriage advice she’s ever received & her top interfaith resources  RESOURCES Mentioned: Anna Lauren Instagram ALLove Diversity Project Anna + Eren’s Wedding Video Wedding Song: Beetles All You Need is Love The Social Animal by David Brooks Generation M - Shelina Janmohamed The Faith Club - Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, Priscilla Warner

What’s a head explosion & how do some people react when they see blasian couple Timolin & Eric?   In episode 7 of the IAM podcast, I chat with the bubbly and fun Eric & Timolin about   What We Discuss Head explosions: How people react when they see them How it’s sometimes hard for people to comprehend that they are together as a married couple How they met How Eric proposed onstage as part of an improv act How cultural background can influence a person’s communication style How they use humor to keep the fire alive   Resources mentioned: Tessane Chin – Jamaican – Chinese Blasian singer from Season 5 of The Voice - Lifeline Bob Marley – Three Little Birds Radiohead Languages Spoken: Tagalog & Hokkien

In episode 6, I talk to Khadijah & Thomas who have a Youtube channel called “The Delightful Carleys” about how they met online and from the very beginning were very intentional about their relationship.  We discuss what values have helped them get through a rollercoaster 1st year of marriage. See photos of Khadijah + Thomas HERE

In episode 5 of the IAM podcast, I talk to Yanshu + Mike, a Chinese - Filipino couple, about their first big international trip together as a couple & how they use food, travel, honesty, culture & humor to learn & support each other & how they're making their marriage work as they build a bubble tea business that keeps them apart 5 days a week.   See PHOTOs of Yanshu + Mike & detailed show notes HERE