The Bicultural Identity

We treat ourselves this episode and take the time to have a healing discussion about our favourite Korean dramas. Spanning from classic romcoms to mystery/thrillers, each of us share our top three dramas of all-time - and some well-deserved honourable mentions. Let us know what your favourites are too by leaving us a comment @thebiculturalidentity on Instagram! --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week's episode revolves around feminism. The conversation begins with China's Me Too movement and how recent celebrity scandals have shed light on Chinese women's struggles. We also touch on a recent viral misogynistic tiktok that sparked outrage through feminist tiktok, leading to discussion on women's current roles in society and heterosexual relationships. Finally, Jenny ends off the episode by talking about her current journey of understanding makeup in a more positive light. Following beauty trends can sometimes do more harm than good for your self esteem, so how can we use makeup as a tool to celebrate our unique features rather than look like someone we're not? --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Introducing our new episode format. Bringing our happy, angry, and reflective thoughts of the week, we discuss various relevant topics that come and go through our Bicultural lives. This week, we launch into a few rants on Canada's new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the upcoming elections. On the lighter side, we also discuss some of the latest K-Pop gossip with some new couples making headlines. Follow our Anchor link to send us some audio recordings of what's on your mind recently too! --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

South East Asian and East Asian entertainment industries have been dominated by BL content in recent years. BL stands for "Boy Love" and depicts romantic relationships between men. In this episode, we talk about the origins of this niche genre, as well as how it has evolved from its roots in Japan to take multiple forms across entertainment industries in Eastern Asia. Most importantly, we breakdown the vast difference of what BL as a genre means for representation in comparison to LGBTQIA+ content we see more commonly Western content creation. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

The pet parent community is constantly exchanging philosophies on how to best take care of their companions. From training, to diets, to what boundaries are drawn, so many decisions are made by each parent when living with their pets. In this episode, we discuss the major differences that actually exist between pet parents across cultures - also referencing our own experiences with the East Asian culture. Tune in to learn about how families around the world show their love to their animals in different ways. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Awkwafina is known for her rising, yet already extensive career as a rapper, comedian, actress, author, and television host. In this episode, we explore the many milestones of her career, and explore her background growing up as a Chinese-Korean in Queens. We also reflect on her significant role in representing Asian Americans, and how she masterfully juggles the roles of being a cultural icon while staying true to her role as an entertainer. Join us this episode as we celebrate her achievements and reflect on the road she is paving for future representation. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Cultural barriers in medical care and therapy are staggering, and educating ourselves on the issues is a great start to demanding change. When we think about the term "healthcare", we tend to focus in on the common debate of public and private services. Countries are ranked in terms of the healthcare system, and the industry is constantly booming with new technologies and discoveries. However, even a country with a good healthcare system does not give equal treatment to all. In Western societies, both medical care and therapy techniques have been developed off of centuries of research largely dominated by White patients. Today, we discuss the gaps that still lie within getting BIPOC people access to the best therapy for them, the negative impacts of common medical practices on our Black population, and more. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

In 2020, season one of Never Have I Ever premiered on Netflix. Now a little more than a year later, the much anticipated second season is finally set to come out on July 15th! Never Have I Ever is a classic coming-of-age sitcom produced by Mindy Kaling. In this episode, Connie and Jenny revisit our thoughts after watching season one last year. We talk about the unique themes and critical messages that are included within the writing of the show that hit home for Indian-Americans and, to a broader scale, all second generation Americans. There are also very little spoilers, so if you've been wondering whether you would like to watch this show or not, perhaps we can convince you this week! --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

When it comes to colonizing, conquering, and the likes, the stories we talk about most often are focused on national governments and religious entities. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) is one of the interesting exceptions to their pattern. Equipped with military units, ships, servants, and weaponry, VOC built a gradual monopoly and ownership over Indonesian spice production from 1603 to 1799. These 200 years displayed the dangers of uncontrolled enterprises and the lasting impacts to this day. Tune in to get your TLDR breakdown of this small piece of Indonesian history. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

The idea of forming friendships has been an age-long stressor for people of all ages. Socializing and establishing bonds can be a terrifying experience when it requires you to be trusting and vulnerable. That's why giving and earning the title of "best friend" is a whole level of honour within itself. The concept of a best friend means that you are someone's Person, and they are yours in return. In this episode, we explore this topic through an open discussion on the different levels of friendships and what is required of someone to obtain a 'best friend'. We also discuss how not everyone has a best friend at each period of their lives (or have never had a best friend yet), and how upbringing and cultural teachings can even influence your perceptions of friendship. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

A few months ago, CBC announced the cancellation of the popular Korean-Canadian sitcom, Kim's Convenience. Since the decision was first made public, speculations have been circulating online discussing why the show may have been cancelled and whether a renewal would be possible with a different network could pick it up. Simu Liu broke the silence from the cast in a Facebook post at the beginning of June, and a few other cast members have followed since then. In this episode, we unpack all the information shared by the cast following the cancellation, and discuss the larger implication of Asian representation in Western media. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Hans Rosling created the concept of Factfulness after a lifetime of working as a physician, academic, and public speaker. In his book "Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think", Rosling explains the ten rules to approaching your view of the world in a fact-based manner. The general message boils down to how we, as individuals, tend to view the world more negatively than we need to. Touching on subjects of gender equality, racial equality, and social equality, Hans Rosling debates popular media content in stating that we have much to celebrate. In this episode, we review the ten rules of Factfulness and how they can be applied more in our lives - as well as our future activist mindsets. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

On this podcast, we have talked extensively about the experiences behind being Asian and belonging in the BIPOC community. Today, we take a more tangible approach by talking about the various systematic issues that actually create a higher cost of living for BIPOC people. The standard price many of us may be used to purchasing living necessities does not actually reflect the reality for many people in the exact same country. Join us on the episode where we can learn together about the conditions existing right within our communities that reduce access of basic goods to minorities. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Mobile phones have become an extension of our bodies. These days, we can search for robotics tutorials on YouTube, share our deepest worries in 280 characters on Twitter, or have an entirely virtual friendship with someone you met in a Facebook group. In this episode, the seamless integration of AI in using the big data collected on social media platforms is explored. We also deep dive into how AI contributed to the rise of TikTok and the ethical implications behind AI-driven social media as a whole. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Inspired by John Krasinski's "Some Good News" from earlier on in the pandemic, this episode is purely for spreading positive news. Connie and Jenny touch on 4 different optimistic articles they found, in which the topics range from mermaids to products that aim to reduce carbon emissions. Tune in to hear some fun stories as well as learn about how the world is changing for the better in certain ways! --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Is ___ really worth visiting? Today we bring this series on our show to Kyoto, Japan. After taking two trips to this city, Connie and Jenny sit down to reminisce over some fun memories of the old capital of Japan. From a chaotic arrival to a wonderful tea ceremony, tune in to see if Kyoto deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This episode covers a hidden story excluded from most historical accounts of the tragic Titanic sinking. On April 15th in 1912, at least six Chinese passengers were aboard the Titanic heading to the west to find work. Their journeys were met by horrifying tragedy, miraculous survival, and immediate deportation on the coasts of New York. Listen in as we retell the stories of the Chinese Titanic passengers and hold the larger conversation on the erasure of Asians in the Western history books. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

The Academy Awards were last night and it brought forward the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the focus around diversity and representation in recent years. In this episode, we explore well-known foreign-language Best Picture nominees and winners such as Roma and Parasite. The recognition of diverse voices in the film industry has the potential of bringing more attention to previously underheard voices. But how did these movies reach this level of esteem and what does this say about the Academy? From director filmographies, to film networks, to sponsorships and the reality of the film industry culture, we discuss why these "diversity" nominations were chosen and whether representation was really at the forefront of the Academy's mission. At the end of the day, the Oscars are still an American award show, and perhaps we're holding it to too high a standard in recognizing and highlighting foreign films... --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week, we welcome Josephine Liu who brings in the topic of food identity for immigrant children. Josephine shares the story of arriving in Canada from Taiwan as a child and how the move led to an early shame surrounding her family and cultural cuisine. Contrasting with our experience as second gen children born and raised in Canada, we still found many similarities between our stories how we viewed our social currency tying in with our rejection of home food. Today, Josephine has developed a deep interest in cooking and baking. This shift came simultaneously with a 'homecoming' experience and continuous process of learning and relearning her roots. In our conversations, we also talk about cultural foods and how they can expand your world and change your lifestyle. Plant-based diets, as an example, can be an enjoyable experience when you open your options to dishes from India, China, etc. At the root of it, food is one of the key factors of socialization, thus having a major impact on how each person experiences their cultures and find their community. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

As a continuation of Episode 35 where we talked about various companies who chose to profiting off of cultural appropriation, today we bring the topic towards fashion and beauty. So many mainstream fashion trends today have roots in Black culture, and we take the time to touch on some instances where these 'inspirations' have gone wrong. From B-style in Japan to the popularity of dreadlocks, we also have a subjective discussion about what's acceptable. and what's not. As Asian Canadians, we also talk about a few trends popularized in the West that remind us of past cultural traumas growing up here. The larger conversation eventually leads back to the root of the problem - the erasure of darker moments in history and the single goal that arises again and again... money. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

In the past month, many people around the world have been reminiscing over the past year spent in the new COVID-19 normal. This episode, we try our first completely unstructured and unplanned recording where we sit down and see where the conversation around quarantine life takes us. From mental health, to gaming, to being terrible at messaging friends back within an appropriate window of time, we touch on a little bit of everything that's been running through our minds since March 2020. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

As Women's History Month draws to a close for 2021, we take the chance to explore the experiences of Asian women in North America on the Bicultural Identity. This week, we address the surveys and research done on the most notable experiences every Asian women in North America must go through in their daily lives. The combined experience of sexism and racism leave Asians and all women of colour at a severe disadvantage throughout their careers as well. At the end of the episode, we take a step back to narrate some of the stories our listeners have sent in on their experiences, and allow the words to speak for themselves... --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Growing up trilingual has led Connie and Jenny to experience many hilariously embarrassing moments involving language. In addition to these embarrassing stories, the conversation builds towards a few theories around language and how its structure influences and is influenced by cultures. Connie and Jenny also take the chance to share the building confusion as you add more and more languages into their repertoires, and the difference between learning languages from a young age and starting later in life. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

In late February, Pixar made the decision to release two animated shorts created by Asian Americans to stand in solidarity with Asian and Asian American communities. After watching Wind and Float, Connie and Jenny discuss their first impressions and their larger takeaways after doing research into the meanings and inspirations that led to these creations. This episode also addresses the importance of representation in media and the magic of how cultural messages can transcend those borders, touch each person uniquely, and allow us to build a more empathetic society. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week, we sit down with Denis Tran to discuss his experiences as a Canadian Vietnamese young adult. Denis starts off by introducing us to a childhood struggling to understand the erasure of Vietnamese representation and culture in every day Western life. Our conversations then flash through the slow growth of understanding of the Vietnamese culture, starting from the rise of phở and bánh mì. Beyond the personal experiences of Denis, he also brings us into broader conversations around the lasting trauma and rebuilding around the Vietnam War, the “model minority” myth, and social issues surrounding Vietnamese identities around the world. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Over 500 million people practice Buddhism around the world. Starting in India and spreading across the continent and the rest of the world, Buddhism contains key beliefs and practices that have since been embedded in the core values of societies, namely across Asia. The initial views of Buddhism revolve around the Buddha, meditation, and the ideas of nirvana and suffering for those outside of the religion. As an Agnostic interested in what makes a religion, Jenny recently picked up her first book on Buddhism, "The Heart of Buddha's Teachings" to learn more about walk makes up this religion that has impacted so many underlying values in her second gen life. In this week's episode, Connie and Jenny sit down to talk about Jenny's learnings from this book, what resonates with the way they view the world, and where the differences in values lie between two types of "spiritual identities". --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Growing up under immigrant cultures, many of us view hard work and long sleepless nights to be strongly correlated. Some of us grew up seeing our own parents work late into the nights, while others were simply influenced by watching Asian school and office dramas. In this episode, Connie and Jenny talk about how sleep deprivation has been over glorified in many societies. They speak on how hard work is sometimes measured through the time spent, and how many hours of enjoyment and sleep are sacrificed, rather than focusing on the productivity and quality of output. Thinking back on their high school and university experiences, while reflecting on their current 9-to-5 work hours, they discuss the lasting impacts of skewed mindsets and the value in getting a good night of sleep. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Welcome to our belated Valentine's Day episode! This week, we did a little research on the various types of couple culture in Asia. While looking at Japan, Indonesia, China, Korea, and the Philippines, we discuss the various ways couples tend to behave in those societies, and what sort of national holidays like Valentine's Day are celebrated there. A few questions we also look into are how traditional or modern relationships tend to be, what is expected from partners while dating, and what other external involvement might come from family and friends. Join us in this episode for an interesting look into the differences between how we date in the West versus in Asia. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Happy Lunar New Year! Connie and Jenny were born in the Year of the Rat and Year of the Ox, respectively. So this week, they take the chance to review how the Chinese culture views each of these zodiac animals, and what they signify for their years. Along with these traditions, the two hosts chat about the significance of superstition in Asian cultures, and what sort of actions are taken by believers to ward of negativity and bring in luck for their own zodiac years (known as ben ming nian). Tune in to the Bicultural Identity this week to ring in the new year with us! Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous Year of the Ox :) --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Imposter syndrome is the psychological effect of feeling doubt over your own skills, accomplishments, or capabilities. This week, Christina Kim joins us as a special guest on The Bicultural Identity to dissect this phenomena together. In this episode, we discuss the amplified effects of the Imposter Syndrome on us in our early 20s, how our previous experiences may have led to this increased impact, and how we are choosing to move forward and escape this feeling. As new university graduates either starting to or applying for work , we also have an honest conversation on how being a second generation entrant into the workforce may increase the magnitude of the negative impact this fraudulent feeling leaves on our personal branding and career experience. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

When labelling our own personality types, the terms we most frequently use are either "introverted" or "extroverted". However, these terms often come with a bunch of preconceived notions (some accurate, and some less so). In today's episode, we discuss where we stand on the introversion/extroversion spectrum according to the MBTI, versus how we view ourselves in social contexts. We also touch upon stereotypes regarding Asian personalities, as well as explore how upbringing and culture influence how we perceive our ability to socialize with others. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Today, Connie and Jenny focus their conversations around the topic of Western companies making profit off of foreign cultures. Many cultures have failed to gain reputations for having reputable and respectable businesses in Western countries since the beginning of globalization and mass immigration. Meanwhile, Western entrepreneurs have repeatedly stumbled upon excellent business ideas embedded in outside cultures, and have take opportunities to build businesses profiting off of what the cultural groups themselves struggle to make a living wage from. In this episode, we speak about certain companies and products that have been publicly labelled with these appropriating behaviours. Connie and Jenny also reflect on whether each instance deserved the call-out, and if so, why the cultures have the right to feel exploited and taken advantage of. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Among everything that happened last year, one shining light was the expansion of Netflix Original Korean dramas introduced in 2020. In this week's episode, Connie brings us through eight shows that she watched last year. Looking for some more things to binge to get you through the rest of COVID? Join us this week and add some dramas to your slowly dwindling list of things to kill time with…. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week's episode features a very talented table tennis player who used to compete at a national level - Andrea Liu! She shares with us her experience competing in a sport that's hugely popular in Asia and also speaks about her time training in China. Jenny, who swam competitively at a provincial level in the past, also provides her input on the culture surrounding competitive sports. Together, they discuss competition mentality, performance anxiety, team dynamics, coaching styles, and more. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Connie and Jenny take a look back at the year in the last episode of 2020. From reviewing their favourite Bicultural Identity moments, to reflecting on the best and worst moments of the entire year, they document their experiences in this period of life that is sure to be in the history books. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week, we're getting educational with one of Jenny's favourite takeaways from her multiple international business courses in university. Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions is a great way to explain and visualize the differences between countries and cultures that immigrants and their children can find hard to put into words otherwise. In this episode, we explore countries from Germany to the Philippines and discuss how the difference in these societies have influenced the values of their members. While many of these factors really matched up to expectations based on daily experiences, a few came up to be less intuitive, and even sometimes surprising. Nonetheless, join Connie and Jenny in a trip around the world in a very abstract and educational field trip form! --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Kyra Lee joins TBI this episode to speak about her experiences in navigating the LGBTQIA+ community as an Asian Canadian. Starting from her roots in Hong Kong, to her life now in Canada, Kyra chats about the journey to growing into her identity, and the continuing struggle of finding representation in people who look like her in the community. As the Western world slowly makes progress on the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in entertainment, politics, and society as a whole, we seem to forget that the representation is still primarily for the white LGBTQIA+ comunity. Not to mention Asia as a whole still lagging behind in progress. Join us this episode for a small peak into the Asian LGBTQIA+ experience from the shoes of our friend! --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Welcoming in December with a light-hearted and fun episode! Today, Connie and Jenny bring you through a simple framework of the "Do's" and "Don't's" of your Hinge profiles from their limited experience on the application. Whether you're on the app to find love, to browse, or even if you don't have the app at all, this conversation can be enjoyable for all! On a serious note, the overall theme also extends towards the topics of personal branding and first impressions too. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Happy Cyber Monday! 2020 started with a global pandemic that quickly led to an unprecedented global economic collapse. As we enter the holiday seasons in the Western world, Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off what would be the shopping craze and main season of profitability for retailers. In the Eastern world, the largest consumerism holiday of the year ended recently in China on November 11, otherwise known as Single's Day. This week, Connie and Jenny use the holiday and sales season to discuss the impacts of holidays created by the capitalist structure we live in today. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

BTS is back with Life Goes On and so is our little 2 part series on how we followed BTS's career to this day. This episode is focused on Connie's journey with BTS, including how she became a fan and how their music has been a lasting influence in her life. Connie also speaks honestly about "stan twitter", the toxic sides of social media, and self esteem in general. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week, Xing Zhang guests on the Bicultural Identity to chat about her growing journey as a female in the world of gaming. Like many of us, Xing started as a recreational gamer in her childhood, playing on sites like Webkinz and Club Penguin. With COVID physical distancing coming into play, she is now finding social time best used on Discord and in games like League of Legends, Genshin Impact, and TFT/Auto Chess. As Connie and Jenny have started delving into LoL and PUBG Mobile during their time in quarantine as well, this chat was the perfect opportunity to feature the female perspective on gaming. In this episode, we touch on the topics of marketing in the gaming industry, the portrayal of female game characters, and what gaming has done for asian representation around the globe. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

When considering countries with the best health care systems in the world, it is impossible leave out Japan. Connie and Jenny experienced this firsthand when Connie fell ill during their trip back in 2018. They recount this story along with their impressions of Japanese hospitals and healthcare providers. Connie also provides an in depth analysis of how the Japanese and Canadian healthcare systems compare. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week, Connie and Jenny get nostalgic with a fun episode inspired by Teen Vogue's Playlist of My Life video series. Tune in for a peek into two playlists that show the growth of musical tastes from late 90's kids. Connie and Jenny grew up surrounded by instruments and music. Music has consciously defined many major milestones from their childhood and adulthood, and revisiting the cringey but heartwarming musical memories was a perfect way to cozy up for the last weeks of the fall season. From the first song loaded onto mp3 players, to the massive world of Spotify song discoveries and algorithms, 90's kids lives have gone through a musical journey of Top 40 radio hits to obscure indie artists. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Bringing in a special guest this week, we sit down virtually with Jack Chen to discuss the generation where social interactions are formed through virtual platforms (how on theme!). In our conversation, we visit our views on the Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, the influence of social media on mental health, the Chinese phenomenon of Tencent's WeChat, and more. Overall, the theme of this week's episode dances around the heavy theme of how the Internet and our online personas are creating an increasingly polarized and opinionated society… *Trigger Warning: brief discussions on self-harm and suicide* --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

The "American Dream" was largely framed around owning a detached suburban house with a lawn, a yard and a car (to drive into the city with). On the other hand, Chinese neighbourhoods, or 小区, are groupings of apartment complexes and are much more community driven. Growing up in the Canadian suburbs, Connie and Jenny weren't exposed to Chinese apartment living until their late childhoods. In this episode, they reflect on how different styles of neighbourhood living shapes society and discuss which type of layout they prefer. Jenny also provides an interesting crash course on urbanization in China --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Following Mental Health Awareness Week, this episode is all about the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health. Although the stigma exists worldwide, mental health tends be an especially taboo topic in collectivist societies and immigrant families. Connie and Jenny address this issue while bringing light to some important statistics on how prevalent mental illness actually is. They also discuss their perspectives on therapy and it's benefits. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Apart from STEM, the next most popular immigrant/second gen degree is probably in Business. This week, Jenny reflects on her four years in a Canadian business program. Join us for stories on the positive and negative sides of being a POC student in a prestigious university environment. Along the way, Connie and Jenny also address business student stereotypes and share their insights in navigating recruitment and career paths post-graduation. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

This week's episode features Harold Lu, a longtime friend of Connie's. As three currently single Asian-Canadians in their 20s, they discuss what it's like to navigate the dating world as second gens. Having both Eastern and Western values engrained into our identities can sometimes make it feel like finding the ideal romantic partner is more difficult than it should be. This topic is heavily discussed along with other struggles of dating as second gens, the fetishization of asians, and the big scary world of online dating. **Please expect audio quality issues as we recorded this episode outdoors for a safe socially distant guest edition!** --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

The release of Disney's Mulan this year has been one of the most controversial blockbuster movie releases in history. Facing backlash from both the Western and Eastern audiences, there is no hiding the negativity surrounding this movie. This week, Connie and Jenny share their analysis of the movie as Chinese Canadians. Along with discussing how accurately (or inaccurately) Disney was able to pay homage to Chinese and Asian cultures with the remake, and sharing a general review of the movie, they also learn about the real story of Hua Mulan as told in Ancient China. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

Menstruation was a topic that had been confusing to Connie and Jenny during the teenage years. Why were the females in school and in movies saying to eat ice cream on cramps while our mother was preparing hot water bottles for us? Why were some of our friends hesitant to take Advil for their cramps? An average member of the female sex spends 5-7 days every month menstruating. Apart from the common side effects such as dizziness, cramps, exhaustion, acne, etc., females can encounter struggles of irregular cycles and larger health problems all revolving around the ruthless uterus. Menstruation is handled so differently by each culture around the world. This episode is where we finally discuss the most defining experience that makes the life of a female. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message

BTS just hit #1 on on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this past week!!! As someone who has ben following BTS since their Danger era, Jenny talks about how it feels to watch an underdog group grow into a worldwide phenomenon. Jenny recounts everything about her stanning experience, from first impressions, to BTS' musical artistry, to their philanthropic ventures. --- Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, check out the links below: Website: thebiculturalidentity.com Instagram: instagram.com/thebiculturalidentity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thebiculturalidentity/message