Rootin' and Gaijin

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2 best friends. 2 countries. 1 shared experience of being: Asian American. This is Rootin' and Gaijin, a podcast hosted by Missie Yamamura and Hana Maeda.

Rootin' and Gaijin

  • Dec 2, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • weekly NEW EPISODES
  • 30m AVG DURATION
  • 71 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Rootin' and Gaijin

New Year, New Us?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 12:50


Believe it, but it's already the end of 2020 and to toast this strange year, we talk about our hopes for 2021. Also, be sure to catch a *bittersweet* announcement at the end.

Rootin' in Gratitude

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2020 34:52


To say that 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year is an understatement. From the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter Revolution, & the US presidential election (just to name a few), this year has taken a toll on everyone both physically & mentally. In today's episode Hana and Missie reflect on their gratitudes, realizations, and what they've learned so far in hindsight of the almost closed chapter that is 2020.

Hana's K-Drama Journey

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 15:53


During quarantine, Hana fell into the K-drama hole and hasn't looked back since. In this solo episode, she breaks down what a K-drama is and gives her recommendations of what shows to watch, what to skip, and what to "maybe" watch, as well as shows that are on her "watch list."

Seiichi Nagai: A Musician Rootin' in His Cultural Melody

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 64:40


Tune into Missie's solo interview episode ft. Seiichi Nagai: Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, & producer based in Seattle, WA. We discussed how his experience growing up as a Japanese American translates into the music he creates today & how one's cultural identity exploration is a life long journey. Seiichi's Social Media Music IG: @seiichi.music Spotify link: https://spoti.fi/3iXaQ7e

The Fox Eye Trend

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 9:00


The fox eye trend has been popularized by social media influencers and celebrities, but is it a beauty trend or a form of cultural appropriation? Hana breaks down what it is and why it's problematic in this solo episode.

COVID-19 Friendly Halloween Ideas

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 14:01


In today's episode Hana & Missie brainstorm ways you can still have a spooky Halloween holiday in the midst of a pandemic. They give their favorite horror movie reccs, so stay tuned!

Self-Care Routines

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 19:57


In the age of COVID-19 and the upcoming presidential election, life can get quite stressful. To help calm any nerves or anxiety, we're shared our self-care routines we hope you will incorporate in your daily lives.

April Jingco: Music Marketer & Vinyl Enthusiast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 47:16


Tune into Missie's solo interview episode ft. creative April Jingco. We discuss how she started in the music marketing industry to her love of vinyl record collecting. April's Social Media Personal IG: @aytrill Plant IG: @plant_mamas

36 Q's That Lead to Friendship (Part III)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2020 30:35


Inspired by the podcast Asian Boss Girl (ABG) 's episode 35 of season 4, tune in as Hana and Missie also answer some questions from the NY Time's article 'The 36 Questions That Lead to Love' (https://nyti.ms/2RSU5i8) by Daniel Jones. The series of questions explores the intimacy between two strangers that require them to step into vulnerability and answer personal questions. The goal of this social experiment is to bring forth the importance of how mutual vulnerability through these shared stories fosters a meaningful connection. Here are the following questions answered in this episode: 11. Take four minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much detail as possible. 20. What does friendship mean to you? 22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items. 25. Make three true “we” statements each. For instance, “We are both in this room feeling ... “

Workplace Stigmas: Part 2

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 25:26


In the second episode of our two-part series, we discuss imposter syndrome, and how we've dealt with imposter feelings at work and in our personal lives. We also touch on burnout culture in the U.S. and Japan, and how we grapple with overworking ourselves.

Workplace Stigmas: Part I

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 30:38


Our two-part series on Workplace Stigmas deals with the challenges of workplace culture both in Japan and the U.S. In Part I, we discuss our personal experiences—as well as the broader issues—of racism/sexism at work.

Mulan: Yay or Nay?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2020 10:40


The recent release of Disney's live-action remake of Mulan is a big win for Asian representation in media. Still, there has been criticism regarding some of the decisions the film has made. Hana breaks down everything you need to know before choosing whether or not to watch it. Content mentioned: Throughline, "Hong Kong"

Audrey Duque: Counseling Psychologist & Vintage Curator

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2020 46:44


Tune into Missie's solo interview episode ft. creative Audrey Duque. We discuss mental health stigmas in the AAPI community to her love of vintage curation. Audrey's Social Media Vintage Shop IG: @_wearwemeet

Adult Friendships

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 34:28


This week's episode is all about navigating adult friendships. Your friendship dynamic may have become significantly smaller post-grad &...that's okay. Hana and Missie discuss the struggle of making genuine + long lasting friendships in adulthood.

Personal Finance 101

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 12:53


Talking about money is quite a taboo nowadays, but to break those barriers down, Hana gives her five (basic, non-professional) tips on personal finance in this solo episode. Here are the resources mentioned: Books: "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki Podcasts: Planet Money, The Dave Ramsey Show Youtube: Aja Dang, The Financial Diet Apps: Mint, YNAB

Interview 6: Kate Nakamura

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 55:48


Purpose of the 'foreign, yet familiar' series: “To facilitate a discussion of the multi-cultural/ ethnic identities of Japanese-Americans of the diaspora. The aim of this podcast mini-series is to center a conversation around how our guests'` Japanese-American experience has transformed and influenced their current lives. Documenting these person-specific stories creates a safe space to foster community in similar experiences, while celebrating the diversity within the Japanese American identity sphere. Each story is accompanied by their own experience of identity crisis and the resilience born in the struggle. Let us deconstruct the narrative around Japan`s racial homogeneity and encourage a healthy perception of one`s Japanese-American self-image by rooting in first-hand accounts of millennials via the Japanese diaspora.” Instagram:  @alienspacebats

The one where we spill our secrets!

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 32:08


It's been over a year since we've started Rootin' & Gaijin, and we're finally sharing our (non-professional) tips and tricks on starting a podcast. We chat about branding, recording equipment, and much more. Mentioned links: Roselle's website (artist who designed our logo graphic).

Is Dating Abroad Worth Your Time?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 77:50


Have you ever thought about what it's like dating someone from another culture...let alone country? Tune into this week's solo episode as co-host Missie chats with her s.o about the benefits & disadvantages of dating inter-racially & internationally.

Raul Sadhwani: Aspiring architect with a love of food

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 42:51


Hana interviews her good friend, Raul, an aspiring architect who loves food (and Kanye West). He talks about his passions, what he hopes to achieve, and what being Asian means to him.

Interview 5: Dustin Tanabe

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 75:40


Purpose of the 'foreign, yet familiar' series: “To facilitate a discussion of the multi-cultural/ ethnic identities of Japanese-Americans of the diaspora. The aim of this podcast mini-series is to center a conversation around how our guests'` Japanese-American experience has transformed and influenced their current lives. Documenting these person-specific stories creates a safe space to foster community in similar experiences, while celebrating the diversity within the Japanese American identity sphere. Each story is accompanied by their own experience of identity crisis and the resilience born in the struggle. Let us deconstruct the narrative around Japan`s racial homogeneity and encourage a healthy perception of one`s Japanese-American self-image by rooting in first-hand accounts of millennials via the Japanese diaspora.” Links mentioned: -Jim Carrey's Commencement Speech: https://bit.ly/2zrNuVQ -'Start With Why' by: Simon Sinek: https://bit.ly/2WYVyWX

NYC Life as an Asian-American Man

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2020 70:34


Hana interviews her brother, Maiki, in this episode as he shares what it's like to grow up as an Asian-American in New York City.

Rootin' & Gaijin Eats

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 43:37


Tune into this week's episode as Hana & Missie chat about their favorite Japanese dishes to cook & eat during their downtime. #nikujaga+umeshuforever

A Man of Few Words

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2020 32:59


In honor of Father's Day last Sunday, we chat about our relationships with our fathers, our favorite memories together, and the biggest life lessons we learned from them.

BLM + Anti-Racist Allyship

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2020 43:14


In light of recent events surrounding the police killings of George Floyd and countless other black men and women, we pressed pause on sharing new content these past two weeks in respect to Black Lives Matter and the ongoing protests against racial injustice. Instead, we used that time to reflect, educate ourselves, and support the black and brown community so we can speak more appropriately about this important issue. And while there is a lot to unpack and talk about, from police brutality to systemic racism to the violence against peaceful protestors, we want to focus today’s episode on how we can all become better anti-racist allies and share our personal experiences with understanding racism. We hope that this raw and honest conversation will continue to encourage you to keep fighting for black lives and be on the right side of history.

What's Your Sign?

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2020 28:37


We're joined by our childhood best friend Emily to talk about one of her favorite interests: Horoscopes. We share what our Sun, Moon, and Rising signs are, how much we resonate with them (or not), and much more.

Hana & Missie Take a Personality Test

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 28:31


To truly get to know ourselves, we took two personality tests (Myers–Briggs and Enneagram Tests) and shared our results in this episode. Find out how accurate or not they were, and join the fun by taking the tests yourselves! Myers–Briggs: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test Enneagram: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

A Mother's Love

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2020 23:00


Happy Mother's day! Tune into this week's episode as Hana & Missie honor their mothers & chat about love languages.

36 Q's That Lead to Friendship (Part II)

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 36:20


Inspired by the podcast Asian Boss Girl (ABG) 's episode 35 of season 4, tune in as Hana and Missie also answer some questions from the NY Time's article 'The 36 Questions That Lead to Love' (https://nyti.ms/2RSU5i8) by Daniel Jones. The series of questions explores the intimacy between two strangers that require them to step into vulnerability and answer personal questions. The goal of this social experiment is to bring forth the importance of how mutual vulnerability through these shared stories fosters a meaningful connection. Here are the following questions answered in this episode: 8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common. 9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful? 12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be and why? 17. What is your most treasured memory? 19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why? 34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

Solitude as a Skill

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 12:00


Tune into this week's episode as Missie chats about the benefits of framing solitude as a skill. Inspired by this Vox Article 'How to Be Alone': https://bit.ly/2xKZhO1

Let's Talk About Sex, Baby

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 24:10


Hana is joined by special guest (and college best friend) Julie, as they chat about first times, how they learned about sex, and why talking about sex is a stigma in Asian-American households. P.S. funny sex stories are involved—you won't want to miss out!

Artist Interview: Stephen Paclibar

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 82:10


Tune into Missie's solo artist interview episode ft. illustrator Stephen Paclibar. Stephen's Social Media Personal IG: @coffeesap Art IG: @ stephenpaclibarart

Being OK with Doing Nothing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2020 46:41


With so much "free time" in the age of coronavirus and social distancing, there's also the pressure to be productive and fill up every minute in our days. Between baking, virtual workouts, and TikTok challenges, we're here to tell you that it's OK with just doing nothing sometimes.

Anti-Asian Racism During Coronavirus

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 42:36


Self-isolation. Quarantine. Lockdown. The outbreak of COVID-19 has not only caused a world pandemic, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about our Asian community. Tune into this week's episode as Hana & Missie give their updates on how they're staying positive in uncertain times.

10 Things to Do at Home

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 13:45


Well, it's April 2020 and by now, the entire world is somewhat affected by Coronavirus. Instead of talking about the damaged it's caused, Hana shares some fun and productive things to do at home (if you're fortunate enough to work/live remotely). So do your part, social distance, and let's help contain this spread — even if it means spending 5 hours on TikTok.

Interview 4: Rena Ibaraki

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2020 49:56


Purpose of this series: “To facilitate a discussion of the multi-cultural/ ethnic identities of Japanese-Americans living in Japan. The aim of this podcast mini-series is to center a conversation around how our guests` Japanese-American experience in the West has transformed and re-translated into their current experience living in Japan. Documenting these person-specific stories creates a safe space to foster community in similar experiences, while celebrating the diversity within the Japanese American identity sphere. Each story is accompanied by their own experience of identity crisis and the resilience born in the struggle. Let us deconstruct the narrative around Japan`s racial homogeneity and encourage a healthy perception of one`s Japanese-American self-image by rooting in first-hand accounts of millennials via the Japanese diaspora.”

Interview 3: Kelsey Uehira

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 38:48


Purpose of this series: “To facilitate a discussion of the multi-cultural/ ethnic identities of Japanese-Americans living in Japan. The aim of this podcast mini-series is to center a conversation around how our guests` Japanese-American experience in the West has transformed and re-translated into their current experience living in Japan. Documenting these person-specific stories creates a safe space to foster community in similar experiences, while celebrating the diversity within the Japanese American identity sphere. Each story is accompanied by their own experience of identity crisis and the resilience born in the struggle. Let us deconstruct the narrative around Japan`s racial homogeneity and encourage a healthy perception of one`s Japanese-American self-image by rooting in first-hand accounts of millennials via the Japanese diaspora.”

Interview 2: Kyle Yukawa

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2020 25:47


Purpose of this series: “To facilitate a discussion of the multi-cultural/ ethnic identities of Japanese-Americans living in Japan. The aim of this podcast mini-series is to center a conversation around how our guests` Japanese-American experience in the West has transformed and re-translated into their current experience living in Japan. Documenting these person-specific stories creates a safe space to foster community in similar experiences, while celebrating the diversity within the Japanese American identity sphere. Each story is accompanied by their own experience of identity crisis and the resilience born in the struggle. Let us deconstruct the narrative around Japan`s racial homogeneity and encourage a healthy perception of one`s Japanese-American self-image by rooting in first-hand accounts of millennials via the Japanese diaspora.”

Interview 1: Kai Kojimoto

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2020 32:23


Purpose of this series: “To facilitate a discussion of the multi-cultural/ ethnic identities of Japanese-Americans living in Japan. The aim of this podcast mini-series is to center a conversation around how our guests` Japanese-American experience in the West has transformed and re-translated into their current experience living in Japan. Documenting these person-specific stories creates a safe space to foster community in similar experiences, while celebrating the diversity within the Japanese American identity sphere. Each story is accompanied by their own experience of identity crisis and the resilience born in the struggle. Let us deconstruct the narrative around Japan`s racial homogeneity and encourage a healthy perception of one`s Japanese-American self-image by rooting in first-hand accounts of millennials via the Japanese diaspora.”

Honoring Black History Month

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 24:25


For our special, Black History Month dedicated episode, we talk about our relationship with the black community as Asian American allies. Plus, we share some important Asian activists who have supported black movements over the years.

Parasite

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020 22:33


Parasite became the first non-English language film to win 'Best Picture' at the Academy Awards — so how did they do it? In this solo episode, Hana investigates how this movie resonated with audiences around the globe and why it's considered one of the best films ever.

Yellow Fever or True Love?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2020 33:00


In the spirit of Galentine's + Valentine's Day, we debate about the yellow fever fetish in dating, and whether someone truly likes you or just likes you cause you're Asian. And a warning, this might be our most NSFW episode ever — sorry mom and dad!

Welcome to Season 8!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2020 9:58


...And we're back! Hope you didn't miss us too much from our two-month hiatus — check out what's in store for the rest of the season and what we've been up to over our break.

New Year, New Me, 2020

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2019 14:30


As 2019 comes to a close, Missie and Hana reflect on their year and share their "goals" for 2020. Plus, listen in as they share a special announcement on Rootin' and Gaijin.

#YangGang2020

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2019 32:00


Andrew Yang: Who He Is and What He Stands For? A former tech executive turned 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist... Tune into this week's episode as we break down Yang's signature policy of what he calls the 'Freedom Dividend' and if he breaks or conforms to the model minority myth.

Queer Eye Japan!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2019 28:46


In honor of Queer Eye's newest season in Japan, Hana and Missie talk about their favorite episodes and the cultural significance of the season as the guys help transform the lives of four Japanese men and women. Spoiler alert, but be sure to catch Queer Eye on Netflix!

Welcome to Season 7!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2019 12:48


Welcome to Season 7 of Rootin' & Gaijin! In this recap episode, we share some life updates, chat about our favorite moments of Season 6, and give a sneak preview of what we have in store for you in Season 7!

Japanese Horror Films

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2019 19:48


We are getting spooky in the spirit of Halloween by talking about Japanese Horror Films! Tune in as Hana and Missie share their recommended Japanese horror films that will for sure give you a scare (+ a couple of sleepless nights to follow)...! Happy Halloween and stay safe everyone

Remembering Sulli

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2019 27:07


The death of South Korean singer and actress Sulli sparked conversations surrounding mental health and cyberbullying of K-pop idols. In this solo episode, Hana honors Sulli's life and talks about the tragedies that lead to her death. If you or someone you know are suffering through depression or contemplating suicide, we encourage you to seek help with some resources below: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 741-741 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 Alternatively, here is a list of resources worldwide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Too thin, Too fat

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2019 31:25


With so many beauty and body standards in East Asia, Missie and Hana discuss how they were influenced by these ideals and compare those standards to Western beauty.

Reflecting on Chanel Miller

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2019 26:39


Continuing from Missie's solo episode on Chanel Miller's testimony, we share our thoughts on the Brock Turner case, the broken justice system, and how women are unfairly treated in sexual assault cases.

Chanel Miller's Testimony: 'Know Her Name'

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2019 46:56


Tune in for this week's solo episode as Missie reads Chanel Miller's 2016 testimony (https://bit.ly/2LvNDwj).

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