Podcasts about asians

Today, the Noonas discuss cliffhangers in Kdramas--what we like, what we don't, and what we are always eager to see more of. Warning, there are spoilers in today's episode, so listen with care!Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a dynamic group of industry leaders gathered for MediaVillage's fourth annual AAPI Leadership Roundtable to discuss the ongoing evolution of inclusion in the media and advertising sectors. The panel featured Suzie Bao, VP Group Account Director for McDonald's at IW Group; Bernice Chao, Chief Creative Officer at Aster and Founder of Asians in Advertising; Irene Kwak, EVP of Client Growth at Starcom; Jinie Kwak, Executive Director of Global Communications and Marketing at VML; and David Lai, President and Head of Global Data, Analytics & Transformation at Publicis Collective.

With this many Asians doing this well, WE ALL BE WINNING! First, the Dodgers v Dbacks game on 5/20 deserves its own segment with major contributions from Yamamoto, Carroll, Edman, and Ohtani.Then, offense trends positive with our position players. Several of our guys are on a hot streak, Seiya Suzuki leads the league and his team, and will Stuart Fairchild and Corbin Carroll play for Team Taiwan in the 2026 WBC?? Over in pitching, Sugano continues to be a bright spot for the Os, Kikuchi finally notches his first W as an Angel, and Kumar Rocker is staying a starter, so stop spreading rumors! Ohtani news has a huge turn this week with his first live BP, and equally importantly he finally dons a good outfit in NYC.

Owen Thiele (Adults, Overcompensating) joins us in the call center to take stunning problems over the phone. We speak to callers about accidentally recruiting the fellow half Asians at work for a threesome, making out at the company outing, and stealing your boyfriends roommates toothbrushes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the pod: Lia, Megan and Amy share their spicy K-drama takes! Tune in for some friendly arguments, strong opinions, and maybe a few controversial confessions about your favorite shows!Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Asians in baseball are cruising in May!First up, Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK throws out the first pitch at a Mariners game, and the Baseball Hall of Fame's YAKYU exhibit opens in July.Then, pitching news?! Before position players?! We're crazy for that one! Sugano, Kikuchi, and Senga get the Ohtani treatment with solid outings not resulting in wins, Brennan Bernadino's May ERA remains a pristine 0.00, and Woo and Yamamoto remain atop the charts.In position player news, Rob and Stuart also shine despite team losses, Travis d'Arnaud's first homer of the year puts the Angels ahead (cries in Dodger fan), Hyeseong and Seiya lead all MLB in quad strength (unofficial), and IKF celebrates his Hall of Fame lineage. And Ohtani is on one of his famous hot streaks, though he stays humble by getting struck out swinging by the A's backup catcher, gets intent balked by a former Dodger, and keeps improving his arm.

What if everything you thought you knew about creating champion fighters was wrong? In this raw, unfiltered conversation with Olympic gold medalist Herb Perez and bronze medalist Juan Moreno, we crack open the uncomfortable truth about what's really happening in American Taekwondo.The discussion begins with a critical examination of the recent Cadet World Championships, where Russia's dominance reveals a stark contrast to America's approach. Despite our supposed advantages in resources and population, we're watching other countries consistently outperform us—and it's not for lack of talented athletes."You take kids from a system they're growing in, just to go there, and then what?" TJ asks, challenging the centralized training model that uproots athletes from their support networks. Moreno and Perez both built their Olympic success outside the system, training in environments where accountability wasn't optional and performance wasn't just measured, but expected by entire communities who knew them by name.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Perez shares insights about his mentor, the legendary Stephen Vizio—one of the first non-Asians accepted into traditional Kung Fu schools who later created an underground fighting system that produced champions across combat sports. His philosophical approach distilled fighting to its essence: "Do what you do well, avoid what you don't do well, and exploit the weaknesses of what other people don't do well."Between discussions of "pimps and pinky rings" in sports leadership and the absurdity of talent identification camps for athletes who have already proven themselves, this episode offers a masterclass in what actually develops champions versus what merely creates the appearance of development.Whether you're a fighter, coach, or simply fascinated by high-performance mindsets, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about talent development and make you question the systems we've built to create excellence. Subscribe now and join us next week when our hosts share stories about the mentors who transformed their lives.

"Let's do a buddy watch!" we said. "How about a short drama?" we said. "How about first loves where one is a grim reaper?" Your noonas were excited. Your noonas were all in. Your noonas cried to the point of dehydration. But also, your noonas LOVED Way Back Love and are putting the call out to the K-drama community for more melancholy and more longing...after we all stop grieving. This drama is on all our lists for top 2025 dramas so far, and we can't wait to hear what you think as well!Way Back Love is based on the book Naega Jookki Iljooil Jeon by Seo Eun-Chae'Come Back to Me' by RM (MV with Kim Min-Ha)K-Pop Rec: 'CHEST' by JUST B   Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It often comes as a surprise to non-Asians that people like Rohadi Nagassar and myself have things to say. Especially inside of North American Christianity. Like the proverbial tree falling in the forrest with no one to hear it, we do exist. We Asians often have to find our way out of church to develop our voices. Forget about "platforms." We have to first decolonize our own minds to learn that we do have things to say, and then we have to find our people.I'm so glad to have met Rohadi on social media, and I was honored to be on his podcast, Faith in a Fresh Vibe. His 2022 book, When We Belong: Reclaiming Christianity in the Margins is available wherever books are sold.Chapel Probation is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dauntless Media Discord ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for more conversation with all the podcast communities.Scott's book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is available now!Music by Scott Okamoto, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jenyi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Azeem Khan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shin Kawasaki⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wingo Shackleford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapel Probation Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to support Scott and for bonus content. Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapel Probation Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ group to continue the conversations.Follow Scott on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rscottokamoto.com⁠

An open access Asia Shorts edited volume from AAS. The spring of 2020 will remain etched in collective memory as a moment of profound upheaval. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities around the world to close their doors, reshaping education overnight. Teachers scrambled to reimagine their classrooms in online spaces, while students adjusted to a new, distanced reality. For educators of Asia-related topics, these shifts carried unique challenges. Already marginalized within English-speaking curricula, Asia's place in classrooms faced further reductions amidst the chaos of pandemic adaptation. Recognizing this, our Asia Shorts volume, Teaching about Asia in a Time of Pandemic (AAS, 2025), was conceived as a timely response, offering guidance and inspiration during those uncertain times. Almost five years later, the world has moved forward, but the ripple effects of that historic spring are still felt. This supplemental set of open-access essays, edited by Kin Cheung (Associate Professor of East and South Asian Religions at Moravian University) builds upon the foundation of the original volume, reflecting on the enduring impacts of the pandemic on education, equity, and how we teach about Asia. One lasting consequence of the pandemic has been the rise in anti-Asian racism. Harassment and violence against Asians, fueled by pandemic-related scapegoating and xenophobic rhetoric, surged globally. In the United States, inflammatory phrases such as “China virus” and “kung flu” further stigmatized Asian communities, exacerbating a wave of hostility. Educators now face the challenge of addressing these injustices while fostering inclusive, empathetic learning environments. The essays in this collection delve into the pedagogical responses to anti-Asian racism, advocating for teaching frameworks that prioritize social justice and counteract harmful stereotypes and complement the important work of the scholars whose work appears in our recent Asia Shorts volume, Global Anti-Asian Racism, edited by Jennifer Ho. Another critical dimension explored in this volume is the necessity of representation. Asian Americans remain underrepresented in both the teaching workforce and teacher education programs, leading to a curriculum that often overlooks the rich cultural and linguistic assets of Asian students and their families. This gap underscores the importance of preparing teachers to adopt culturally responsive practices, ensuring that all students—especially Asian American learners—feel seen and valued in the classroom. These essays also challenge educators to move beyond surface-level engagement with Asia. A case in point is the life and legacy of Grace Lee Boggs, an Asian American activist whose story offers rich insights into the intersections of race, gender, and political activism. By teaching figures like Boggs through an antiracist, transnational lens, students can develop a deeper, more empathetic understanding of complex historical narratives. This approach not only enriches their knowledge of Asia and its diasporas but also equips them with critical tools to navigate and challenge systemic inequities in their own societies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

An open access Asia Shorts edited volume from AAS. The spring of 2020 will remain etched in collective memory as a moment of profound upheaval. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities around the world to close their doors, reshaping education overnight. Teachers scrambled to reimagine their classrooms in online spaces, while students adjusted to a new, distanced reality. For educators of Asia-related topics, these shifts carried unique challenges. Already marginalized within English-speaking curricula, Asia's place in classrooms faced further reductions amidst the chaos of pandemic adaptation. Recognizing this, our Asia Shorts volume, Teaching about Asia in a Time of Pandemic (AAS, 2025), was conceived as a timely response, offering guidance and inspiration during those uncertain times. Almost five years later, the world has moved forward, but the ripple effects of that historic spring are still felt. This supplemental set of open-access essays, edited by Kin Cheung (Associate Professor of East and South Asian Religions at Moravian University) builds upon the foundation of the original volume, reflecting on the enduring impacts of the pandemic on education, equity, and how we teach about Asia. One lasting consequence of the pandemic has been the rise in anti-Asian racism. Harassment and violence against Asians, fueled by pandemic-related scapegoating and xenophobic rhetoric, surged globally. In the United States, inflammatory phrases such as “China virus” and “kung flu” further stigmatized Asian communities, exacerbating a wave of hostility. Educators now face the challenge of addressing these injustices while fostering inclusive, empathetic learning environments. The essays in this collection delve into the pedagogical responses to anti-Asian racism, advocating for teaching frameworks that prioritize social justice and counteract harmful stereotypes and complement the important work of the scholars whose work appears in our recent Asia Shorts volume, Global Anti-Asian Racism, edited by Jennifer Ho. Another critical dimension explored in this volume is the necessity of representation. Asian Americans remain underrepresented in both the teaching workforce and teacher education programs, leading to a curriculum that often overlooks the rich cultural and linguistic assets of Asian students and their families. This gap underscores the importance of preparing teachers to adopt culturally responsive practices, ensuring that all students—especially Asian American learners—feel seen and valued in the classroom. These essays also challenge educators to move beyond surface-level engagement with Asia. A case in point is the life and legacy of Grace Lee Boggs, an Asian American activist whose story offers rich insights into the intersections of race, gender, and political activism. By teaching figures like Boggs through an antiracist, transnational lens, students can develop a deeper, more empathetic understanding of complex historical narratives. This approach not only enriches their knowledge of Asia and its diasporas but also equips them with critical tools to navigate and challenge systemic inequities in their own societies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

An open access Asia Shorts edited volume from AAS. The spring of 2020 will remain etched in collective memory as a moment of profound upheaval. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities around the world to close their doors, reshaping education overnight. Teachers scrambled to reimagine their classrooms in online spaces, while students adjusted to a new, distanced reality. For educators of Asia-related topics, these shifts carried unique challenges. Already marginalized within English-speaking curricula, Asia's place in classrooms faced further reductions amidst the chaos of pandemic adaptation. Recognizing this, our Asia Shorts volume, Teaching about Asia in a Time of Pandemic (AAS, 2025), was conceived as a timely response, offering guidance and inspiration during those uncertain times. Almost five years later, the world has moved forward, but the ripple effects of that historic spring are still felt. This supplemental set of open-access essays, edited by Kin Cheung (Associate Professor of East and South Asian Religions at Moravian University) builds upon the foundation of the original volume, reflecting on the enduring impacts of the pandemic on education, equity, and how we teach about Asia. One lasting consequence of the pandemic has been the rise in anti-Asian racism. Harassment and violence against Asians, fueled by pandemic-related scapegoating and xenophobic rhetoric, surged globally. In the United States, inflammatory phrases such as “China virus” and “kung flu” further stigmatized Asian communities, exacerbating a wave of hostility. Educators now face the challenge of addressing these injustices while fostering inclusive, empathetic learning environments. The essays in this collection delve into the pedagogical responses to anti-Asian racism, advocating for teaching frameworks that prioritize social justice and counteract harmful stereotypes and complement the important work of the scholars whose work appears in our recent Asia Shorts volume, Global Anti-Asian Racism, edited by Jennifer Ho. Another critical dimension explored in this volume is the necessity of representation. Asian Americans remain underrepresented in both the teaching workforce and teacher education programs, leading to a curriculum that often overlooks the rich cultural and linguistic assets of Asian students and their families. This gap underscores the importance of preparing teachers to adopt culturally responsive practices, ensuring that all students—especially Asian American learners—feel seen and valued in the classroom. These essays also challenge educators to move beyond surface-level engagement with Asia. A case in point is the life and legacy of Grace Lee Boggs, an Asian American activist whose story offers rich insights into the intersections of race, gender, and political activism. By teaching figures like Boggs through an antiracist, transnational lens, students can develop a deeper, more empathetic understanding of complex historical narratives. This approach not only enriches their knowledge of Asia and its diasporas but also equips them with critical tools to navigate and challenge systemic inequities in their own societies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

An open access Asia Shorts edited volume from AAS. The spring of 2020 will remain etched in collective memory as a moment of profound upheaval. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities around the world to close their doors, reshaping education overnight. Teachers scrambled to reimagine their classrooms in online spaces, while students adjusted to a new, distanced reality. For educators of Asia-related topics, these shifts carried unique challenges. Already marginalized within English-speaking curricula, Asia's place in classrooms faced further reductions amidst the chaos of pandemic adaptation. Recognizing this, our Asia Shorts volume, Teaching about Asia in a Time of Pandemic (AAS, 2025), was conceived as a timely response, offering guidance and inspiration during those uncertain times. Almost five years later, the world has moved forward, but the ripple effects of that historic spring are still felt. This supplemental set of open-access essays, edited by Kin Cheung (Associate Professor of East and South Asian Religions at Moravian University) builds upon the foundation of the original volume, reflecting on the enduring impacts of the pandemic on education, equity, and how we teach about Asia. One lasting consequence of the pandemic has been the rise in anti-Asian racism. Harassment and violence against Asians, fueled by pandemic-related scapegoating and xenophobic rhetoric, surged globally. In the United States, inflammatory phrases such as “China virus” and “kung flu” further stigmatized Asian communities, exacerbating a wave of hostility. Educators now face the challenge of addressing these injustices while fostering inclusive, empathetic learning environments. The essays in this collection delve into the pedagogical responses to anti-Asian racism, advocating for teaching frameworks that prioritize social justice and counteract harmful stereotypes and complement the important work of the scholars whose work appears in our recent Asia Shorts volume, Global Anti-Asian Racism, edited by Jennifer Ho. Another critical dimension explored in this volume is the necessity of representation. Asian Americans remain underrepresented in both the teaching workforce and teacher education programs, leading to a curriculum that often overlooks the rich cultural and linguistic assets of Asian students and their families. This gap underscores the importance of preparing teachers to adopt culturally responsive practices, ensuring that all students—especially Asian American learners—feel seen and valued in the classroom. These essays also challenge educators to move beyond surface-level engagement with Asia. A case in point is the life and legacy of Grace Lee Boggs, an Asian American activist whose story offers rich insights into the intersections of race, gender, and political activism. By teaching figures like Boggs through an antiracist, transnational lens, students can develop a deeper, more empathetic understanding of complex historical narratives. This approach not only enriches their knowledge of Asia and its diasporas but also equips them with critical tools to navigate and challenge systemic inequities in their own societies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/education

Dominic continues talking about the case of the defecating delivery woman. He moves on to talk about racism against Whites and Asians, young gang members and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On The Other Side of Midnight, Dominic talks about the air traffic issues at Newark International Airport, a female teacher sexually abusing elementary school kids and a delivery woman who was caught defecating on someone's porch. Dominic continues talking about the case of the defecating delivery woman. He moves on to talk about racism against Whites and Asians, young gang members and more! T.J. McCormack joins in and talks with Stephen Bassett, the executive director of the Paradigm Research Group and a leading advocate for ending the government imposed truth embargo regarding extraterrestrials. They talk about UFO disclosure in congress, UFO sightings and the question of the existence of extraterrestrials. T.J. wraps up the show talking with listeners about conspiracies that drive them wild. He gets into chemtrails, the afterlife, microplastics and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 19! Health and wellbeing are so important to people who want to live a more productive and fulfilling life. So it's such a thrill that today's guest is Michelle Jungmin Bang who is an award-winning eco-entrepreneur, Chivas Venture Social Impact Fellow, and Harvard Business School graduate who spent 16 years living in Asia as a Korean-American from New York City. She is the author of the recently published Sun & Ssukgat, a wellness guide covering her research, interviews, and personal eco-conscious journey in writing about centuries-old well-being traditions she learned about during her time throughout Asia in general and Korea specifically. Ssukgat, or Chrysanthemum greens, are treasured in Korean culture for their healing abilities. In our conversation, Michelle shares some of the healthy habits of Koreans and Asians that are helping them not just live longer, but thrive in the years that many would consider more advanced. She also talks about her own personal journey, some tips for helping us all be more mindful and slow down, and so many other things. Sun & Ssukgat is a great book that's a blend of memoir, recipes, self-help, research, and more. You can find places to buy Sun & Ssukgat on Michelle's website. You can also follow Michelle on Instagram or subscribe to her Substack.  If you like what we do, please share, follow, and like us in your podcast directory of choice or on Instagram @AAHistory101. For previous episodes and resources, please visit our site at https://asianamericanhistory101.libsyn.com or our links at http://castpie.com/AAHistory101. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, email us at info@aahistory101.com.

On Today's Menu on Marsha's Plate We talk about folks transitioning in prison after horrific crimes and some Asians history in the South inspired by Sinners film. Listen on all streaming Platforms https://pod.link/1293033444 We have merch as well if you wanna support Marsha's Plate https://teespring.com/stores/marshasplate Reading Recommendations https://bookshop.org/shop/DiamondStylz #marshasplate #girlslikeus #boyslikeus #transgender #podcast #podsincolor #podernfamily #transisbeautiful #houston #lgbt #transmen #transwomen #blackfeminism #trans101 #trans #blacktranswomen #blacktransmen #houstonpride #indiepodcast #blacktranslivesmatter #lgbtqia #lgbtq #genderidentity #pride #blackgirlmagic #blackboyjoy #podcast

Today on Can't Be Contained, I get to sit down with someone who is not only a dear friend, but one of the most honest, energizing voices I know—John Wang! John is a champion of Big Asian Energy (yes, he literally wrote the book on it!), an advocate for anyone who's fought to be seen, and a living, breathing example of what happens when you shatter the boxes the world puts you in. As I recorded this intro, I was literally packing for a Vegas keynote, thinking about how wild life gets when you set your intention and fully claim it. It's not magic—it's clarity. And clarity? That is where today's conversation begins. From there, John and I roll deep. Like, deep enough to laugh about our inner children, roasting each other about country music (Amy, we love you!), and unpacking what it actually took for both of us—after lifetimes of being the achievers, the pleasers, the strong ones—to let go of old scripts and let ourselves feel. Not just feel, but receive, expand, and own the space we're meant for. Listen in as John shares his journey growing up in a culture that taught him to silence his own greatness, how breakdown led to breakthrough (men's group, what?!), and how being honest about the messiness actually brought more love—and power—into every area of his life. Inside, we dig into: ➤ How a “burnout breakdown” became the catalyst for John's true calling ➤ Rewriting the story of worthiness—especially for high achievers and “model minorities” ➤ The step-by-step way to bring your inner child (and all your parts!) back online so you can lead and love from wholeness ➤ Real tools for couples wanting more emotional connection, even if your partner “doesn't get” inner work yet ➤ Why receiving—compliments, support, rest, JOY—matters just as much as being productive If you've ever felt unseen, like you're living below your potential, or trapped in patterns that just don't fit anymore—this episode is your permission slip to break free. We talk relationships, power dynamics, joy over productivity (yes, I quit an $11 million offer that drained my soul!), and why “having it all together” is so last season. This isn't just about Asians, or men, or entrepreneurs—it's about anyone who's ready to let their light all the way out, even if it gets a little awkward, a little messy, or a LOT real. Grab John's new book Big Asian Energy and my free 3-minute breathwork for imposter syndrome, because whether you're on the edge of a breakthrough or just searching for your voice—trust me, you are SO worthy. And the world needs exactly what only you can bring. Join us as we laugh, get raw, and remind ourselves (and you!) that your energy cannot—will not—be contained. About Can't Be Contained Can't Be Contained' is the unscripted, unedited – fully uncontained journal entries & real-life experiences of those who follow their bliss & intuitive hits, the freedom seekers, the sacred rebels – the ones who are here to disrupt what preceded us & create what is ahead of us. Subscribe now to stay tuned for every episode!   For full show notes, resources, and links: https://www.samanthaskelly.com/episode-337-letting-go-of-perfectionism/   The Pause Breathwork App is the #1 app to clear stress using your breath. Download the app here: https://pause.live/Pause-Breathwork-App

Is this our third podcast on Moon Lovers? Yes. Are we sorry? No. Join Megan and Lia as they get into all the masked goodness and why a season two doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Also, we discuss that while the Fourth Prince breaks a million romance hero rules, we still love him. Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Wellness + Wisdom | Episode 738 What if the stories you're clinging to are preventing you from becoming your truest self? And are they even your stories to begin with? Leadership Coach John Wang joins Josh Trent on the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 738, to share how cultural pressure, generational wounds, and the fear of “not being enough” shape our identity from a young age, why challenging these scripts can help you rewrite your life, and how to close the gap between who you think you should be and who you really are. "The language that your parents speak to you becomes the language that you speak to yourself for the rest of your life. And if your parents didn't know how to speak the language of love, the language of nurture, the language of understanding, then it's likely that you didn't learn that language either." - John Wang

(AURN News) — The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, signaling continued growth amid global tariff tensions and economic uncertainty under President Donald Trump's administration. The national unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but stark differences remain among racial groups. The unemployment rate for Black Americans stood at 6.3%—the highest among any demographic—compared to 5.2% for Hispanics, 3.8% for Whites and 3.0% for Asians. Healthcare led job gains last month, contributing 51,000 new positions. Government employment, however, declined by 9,000 jobs. Wages also rose modestly, with average hourly earnings increasing by six cents to $36.06. President Trump took to Truth Social to tout what he called signs of a strengthening economy. “Gasoline just broke $1.98 a Gallon, lowest in years, groceries (and eggs!) down, energy down, mortgage rates down, employment strong, and much more good news, as Billions of Dollars pour in from Tariffs,” Trump posted Friday. “Just like I said, and we're only in a TRANSITION STAGE, just getting started!!! Consumers have been waiting for years to see pricing come down. NO INFLATION, THE FED SHOULD LOWER ITS RATE!!!” But the president's claims appear to overstate the situation. According to AAA, the national average price of gasoline is $3.18 per gallon—down from $3.67 a year ago but still far from the $1.98 figure Trump cited. Meanwhile, egg prices remain elevated. A dozen eggs currently cost more than $2.99, the average price a year ago. While the labor market remains stable, ongoing questions about inflation, tariffs and income inequality continue to loom over the administration's economic policies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists. Host Miko Lee celebrates AAPINH Month by interviewing Filmmakers: Sara Kambe Holland, Alleluiah Panis, and Kyle Casey Chu, also known as Panda Dulce. We also cover a bunch of AAPINH month events happening throughout the Bay Area.   Calendar of Events Community Calendar May 3 2-6pm Daly City AAPI Fest celebrating local Asian American & Pacific Islander culture in Daly City and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area     May 10 10am-12pm PT Our Heritage 5K 2025  a FREE, family-friendly 5K fun walk/run honoring the rich history and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in San Francisco. This scenic route winds through the heart of the city, passing by over 16+ historic AAPI landmarks—featuring goodies, resources, and fun facts about its cultural significance. Expect cheer stations, photo ops, sweet treats, and entertainment along the route to keep the energy high! May 10th is also AAPI Mental Health Day! The Our Wellness Festival, will celebrate mental health, community, and joy. The festival will feature family-friendly activities, carnival-style games, music, dancing, wellness resources, and more! May 23 at 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Asian American and Pacific Islander LGBTQ2S+ Mixer NJAHS Peace Gallery 1684 Post Street, San Francisco Children's Fairyland in Oakland, and Stanford's Asian American studies department host a series of events throughout the month that we will post in the show notes for you to check out.  Bay Area Public Libraries AAPI Month Oakland public libraries feature reading lists for all ages, a grab and grow seedling kit and events like watermelon kimchi making!San Francisco Public Libraries There will be events for all ages at Library locations throughout the City, including free author talks, book clubs, film screenings, crafts, food programs and musical and dance performances. San Jose Public libraries host a series of events with a highlights being Tapa Cloth making on May 6 and Vegan Filipino Cooking with Astig Vegan on May 7 Berkeley public libraries   CAAMFest 2025 United States of Asian America Through June 1    Transcript: Filmmakers Exploring Boundaries   Opening: [00:00:00] Apex Express Asian Pacific expression. Community and cultural coverage, music and calendar, new visions and voices, coming to you with an Asian Pacific Islander point of view. It's time to get on board the Apex Express.   Ayame Keane-Lee: [00:00:57] Welcome to Apex Express and happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Even though the Trump administration has eliminated recognizing cultural heritage months, we are still celebrating diversity and inclusion. Here at Apex Express and KPFA, we believe in lifting up people's voices. And tonight on Apex Express, we are focusing on Asian American filmmakers exploring boundaries. Host Mika Lee talks with filmmakers, creators, writers Sarah Kambe Holland, Alleluiah Panis, and Kyle Casey Chu, also known as Panda Dulce. Join us on Apex Express.    Miko Lee: [00:01:51] Welcome, Sarah Kambe Holland, the amazing young filmmaker, writer, director, here to talk about your very first film, egghead and Twinkie. Welcome to Apex Express.    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:02:04] Thanks so much for having me.   Miko Lee: [00:02:06] So first I'm gonna start with a personal question, which is an adaptation from the amazing poet Chinaka Hodges. And my first question is, who are your people and what legacy do you carry with you?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:02:19] Oh wow. What a great question. , I think that I represent my family and my heritage. I'm mixed, so I'm half Japanese and half British. I grew up partially in Japan and partially in the States. I feel like those experiences, my family, they make up who I am and the stories that I wanna tell.   Miko Lee: [00:02:41] And what legacy do you carry with you?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:02:45] I think the legacy of my family, my grandparents on both sides have overcome so much, and, , they're a big inspiration to me. Funny enough, my grandparents play kind of a secret role in this film. My grandparents on my mom's side were incarcerated in the Japanese American camps. My grandmom, my British side overcame a lot of adversity as well in her life. , I think that's the legacy that I carry.    Miko Lee: [00:03:09] Thank you. Tell me a little more, what secret role do your grandparents play in the film?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:03:14] all my grandparents have always been very supportive of, my art and my filmmaking. But my grandparents on my mom's side, they passed away ahead of the making of this film. And I inherited my grandfather's car. And that car is the car in the movie that, Egghead Twinkie drive cross country. So I like to think that this is their way of supporting me. I think that they would get a kick out of the fact that their car is like a main character in the film,    Miko Lee: [00:03:41] literally carrying you on your journey. I had so much fun watching the film. Can you share with our audience a little bit about what the film is about and what inspired you to create this?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:03:52] So the film is called Egghead and Twinkie, and it's about this mixed Asian teenage lesbian named Twinkie who's coming out and her best friend Egghead, who unfortunately is in love with her and she does not feel the same. , and they end up going on this cross country road trip to meet Twinkie Online love interest IRL for the very first time. So it's kind of like a buddy comedy road trip movie. Coming of age queer story, , and it's one that's very personal to me, I think is a mixed Asian queer person. This was a story I was drawn to tell because it was a story that I didn't really see on screen when I was growing up.   Miko Lee: [00:04:30] Can you talk to me a little bit more about the use of the name Twinkie, which for many folks in the A API community is seen as a slur, and I know she talks about it a little in the film, but can you share more how you came up with that?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:04:44] Yes, it's a very nuanced thing and it's something I was kind of nervous to tackle, especially like in a comedy film. , but really with the creation of Twinkie's character, , I feel like she's going on this journey to embrace herself as a lesbian, as a gay woman, but then also I think that she's searching for herself as a mixed Asian person. I feel like within the Asian American community, if you're raised here in the US or if you're mixed or if you're adopted, I think that there can be this feeling of not feeling Asian enough. I think the word Twinkie was something that was kind of weaponized against her. Like, oh, you know, you're not Asian enough, you're a Twinkie. And her way of coping with that is to kind of reclaim that word and kind of own that. As her own name.    Miko Lee: [00:05:31] Thank you so much for sharing. I read online that this is the very first feature film to be crowdfunded on TikTok. Can you talk a little bit about, I know your background is in as a social media creator. Can you talk about that journey from social media creator to filmmaker?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:05:51] Yes. Yeah. TikTok and social media was such a big part of getting this film made. Uh, so for myself, yeah. I was a YouTuber before I was a filmmaker. I should be clear, I wasn't like PewDiePie or anything like that. I had like 40,000 followers. Um, but for me at that time when I was like 15, 16, that felt like the whole world. Um, and I think that YouTube was really my first introduction to. Storytelling, but also to making friends with people through the internet. And that ended up being a really big influence on this film because Twinkie is traveling cross country to meet a girl that she meets online. And I think that that is such a common story nowadays. Like people make friends online all the time. Um, and the ways that we find love and community has changed.Because of the internet. Um, so it felt very appropriate that we turned to TikTok turned to social media as a means to raise money for this film. Uh, we did a whole targeted crowdfunding campaign on TikTok and we raised over $20,000 from a lot of strangers that I will never meet, but I owe a lot of thanks to.   Miko Lee: [00:06:53] So now that the film has been going out to different festivals and being screened at different places, have any of those that participated in the crowdfund, have you met any of those kind of anonymous supporters?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:07:05] Yes. And that was crazy. it was awesome. We screened it over 40 festivals all around the world. Our international premiere was at the British Film Institute in London. And it was at that screening that someone raised their hand during the q and a and they were like, I just wanted you to know that I backed your movie, uh, and I found you on TikTok. And that just blew my mind that someone on the other side of the world, you know, had donated whatever, you know, 10, 20 bucks to making this thing a reality.   Miko Lee: [00:07:31] Oh, I love that when the anonymous becomes real like a person in front of you that you can actually meet. How fun. I'm wondering if your use of animation is, , been influenced by your social media background.    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:07:45] Not really. Actually. I think the animation part of this film is just because I'm a total nerd. I really love animation, I love comics. And so that kind of bled into Twinkies character. You know, she loves comics, she wants to be an animator. And, uh, I think I've always been interested in the idea of combining 2D animation with live action footage. I feel like that's something that we see a lot in like children's movies or, um.Music videos, but it's not something that you really see in like, feature films all that often. So I was kind of excited to explore that, and it was a really fun collaboration with myself and our lead animator, Dylan Ello, who did most of the animations in the movie.   Miko Lee: [00:08:28] Oh, thank you for that. I, I, it was very delightful. Um, I'm wondering, because we're, our world right now is incredibly complicated and so conflicted. How do you feel filmmaking can make a difference?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:08:44] I feel like art is more important now than ever because I see even in just this film's journey how art literature and movies, it can change people's minds and they don't even realize that their minds are changing.I think especially with this film, 'cause it's so lighthearted and funny and silly, you'd be like, oh, it's just, you know, a good laugh and that's it. But, but not really. I've seen this film. Open doors and open conversations. And I think that that's really my hope is that maybe, you know, parents who have a queer kid and they're not sure what to do about it, maybe they'll watch this film and they'll be able to talk to their kid about things that maybe they're afraid to talk about. I think that art really has the power to, to change people's minds.    Miko Lee: [00:09:29] Have you experienced that with somebody that has actually seen your film, that you've had a conversation with them where they walked away, changed from seeing it?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:09:38] Well, on a very personal level, um, my parents, uh, are conservative and I think when I first came out to them, it was an adjustment for sure. Um, I. When I initially kind of pitched the idea of Egghead and Twinkie to them years, years ago, uh, as a short film, they were confused. They were like, why do you wanna make this film about being gay? Like, why do you have to make everything about being gay? And that's not really what it was. I just wanted to tell this story.  And it's been such an amazing journey to see my parents like fully embrace this movie. Like they are egghead and Twinkie biggest fans. They might love this movie more than me. Uh, so that has been really amazing to be able to kind of talk to them about queer issues in my identity through the making of this movie.   Miko Lee: [00:10:24] I love that. So let our audience know how they can see your film, egghead and Twinkie.    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:10:31] So Egg and Twinkie is coming out on streaming platforms on April 29th. It'll be on Apple tv, Amazon Prime, uh, any video on demand streaming platform in North America.    Miko Lee: [00:10:43] Yay. And Sarah, what are you working on next?    Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:10:46] Oh boy, have a big question. Uh, I have a few screenplays in the works, one of which is a time traveling lesbian rom-com. So, uh, I'm waiting for when I get the big bucks so I can make my first period piece.    Miko Lee: [00:10:59] Love it. Sounds fun. , thank you so much for sharing with us. It was such a delight to see your film and I look forward to seeing more of your work.   Sarah Kambe Holland: [00:11:08] Thanks so much for having me, Miko. This was great.    Jalena Keane-Lee: [00:11:11] Listen to Kushimoto Bushi by Minyo crusaders, a Japanese cumbia band    MUSIC   Welcome back. This is the Powerleegirls on apex express, and that was Kushimoto Bushi by Minyo Crusaders    Miko Lee: [00:15:24] Welcome, Alleluia Panis, the Executive Director of Kularts to Apex Express.    Alleluia Panis: [00:15:30] Thank you. I'm so honored to be here.    Miko Lee: [00:15:34] I wanna talk with you about your film, but first I wanna start with a personal question, which is an adaptation from the amazing poet Chinaka Hodges. And that is, who are your people and what legacy do you carry with you?   Alleluia Panis: [00:15:49] Wow, that's deep who are my people? My people is my community. And so it is here in, in the diaspora, Filipino Americans, Asian Americans, and folks of color. And then of course the indigenous people in the Philippines. . What I carry with me and continues to inspire me on the daily is the knowing that we have been here for a long time. Our ancestors have survived eons of whether it's, good times and bad times. And so that keeps me going.   Miko Lee: [00:16:28] Thank you so much for sharing. you have been working in the field for a long time. You're really, , a trailblazer in terms of putting Filipino arts on the map and really lifting up the culture. Can you talk about your new film Memories of Mindanao, where that came from, what it's all about?   Alleluia Panis: [00:16:49] Is a leg of, , Tribo tour, which began in 2002. But actually inspired by my first trip to, , then the wild and being with in 1989 , and, , basically traveling and. Setting myself and my, my, my music and dance company at the time to just be with indigenous people. ,and how profoundly that particular experience really impacted me. For years I've been wanting to like, how can I bring this? Experience or share the experience with other diasporic folks. Fortunately I was able to connect with Carlo Abeo in the Philippines, who's been my tour manager, in 2001. And then in 2002 we embarked on the first, Tribo tour.   Miko Lee: [00:17:50] So this was an effort to really share this powerful kind of artistic travel journey with more folks. Is that right?    Alleluia Panis: [00:17:57] Yes. And it's actually beyond artistic. It's really about recognizing something deeper, right? Because our history of colonization is pretty intense. 500 years and or is it 400 years? Give or take, a century. And so there are a lot of things that had been co-opted. It has been erased, it has been gaslit. And fortunately, I feel like within the culture of the archipelago, there are, and even those. That are, of the, what is considered the colonized people or the Christianized people. there are practices that exist today that might have a different name, um, or but actually is indigenous and so, and only. Could I say that because I was able to really experience and be with folks and, uh, and it's years, you know, it's years of kind of like assessing and looking at you know, different, uh, practices. And so that is so I don't know. It's beyond gratifying. It's connecting. I mean, it seems so cliche. It's connecting with something so deep, you know, it's like connecting to, you know, to Mother Earth in, in that way our, our Mama Ocean. And recognizing yourself that, that you are bigger and have, and has agency, you know, in terms of just. What you are connected to, uh, what we are connected to. Um, and so it's, it's it, of course within the cultural practices, which is artistic practices that we see that connection.    Miko Lee: [00:19:40] You were looking at, the impact of colonization and how arts and culture has really spoke to that or fought back against that in the Philippines. Can you talk about bringing that over to our colonized United States and how you see that playing out?    Alleluia Panis: [00:19:58] Well, I think first of all as, um, as folks of color. And as former subjects of the United States, you know, 40 years of the US and still, still, um, you know, in some ways kind of soft power over the people of the Archipelago. It's, it's really, um, first and foremost knowing or getting that sense of connection and confidence and, um, self-identity. That leads, that would lead us to create, um, in the diaspora. And so what, what this pro with this project, this particular program does and, and I continue to prove it with so many folks, is that it's really. Kind of finding yourself, I mean, that, that seems so cliche and knowing your place in the world and how you are connected so deeply despite all the, you know, like all the brainwashing that you don't know anything. Everything is, uh, you know, everything that, that, that, um, that exists in terms of the cultural practices of the arch of the people of the archipelago are borrowed or, or, um. Basically borrowed or taken from another culture, um, really kind of diminishes that, that colonized thinking. And so I think the power of it is finding your stepping into your own power in this way. Um, and, and, um, you know, it is also not just the current, like in, in once lifetime do you get that abuse or trauma, but it's also all the. You know, the, the, the inheritance from our, you know, from our parents, from our grandparents, right? Great. Passed down the generation and, um, oftentimes construed as the real deal, unt true. And so, aside from the form. Aside from, um, the practices, because this trip is really a little, is is focused more on not learning or like, you know, we don't go to learn like dance music or. Weaving or, you know, design or anything like that. Yes, that happens. We do, we do have workshops, but you know, it's not like it's, it's more like opening the ice of each, you know, individual. I. To the, to the, the whole, the whole thing. What, what is the, the presence of nature is, are they water people? Well, how does the water impact the cultural practices and therefore the artistic practices, um, and understanding sort of like, oh, they, they do that kind of steps with the, you know, flat feet or whatever. Because the sound of the bamboo slats is just. Amazing, you know, uh, under their feet. And so it's not so much that I'm gonna learn, you know, x, y, Z dance or x, y, z music, music or gongs, or, but it's more like w. Through those practices, how do we see the people, how do they mirror our own existence? And what, what we can remember really is remembering, um, what my, what, what we have forgotten or what we know it's true, but we're not sure. So I dunno if I'm answering your question. It's a roundabout response.    Miko Lee:[00:23:26]  I feel like you're talking about how we step into our ancestral wisdom and power.    Alleluia Panis: [00:23:33] Correct.    Miko Lee: [00:23:33] And I'm wondering if you can expand on that,, to talk a little bit more about this time of oligarchy we are living in, which is really built in colonization. How do we both as artists use our superpowers to fight back against that and then encourage other people? How do we use our artist beings to encourage other people to fight back against the world that we're living in right now?  Alleluia Panis: [00:24:00] One of the most powerful impact on me , in experiencing, indigenous practices and culture is the practice of spirituality, the rituals, the ceremonies. There's one specific ceremony from Ana as a magana on ceremony, um, that really, It was just such a profound experience in opening up, my senses and my sense of connection to something larger than this. And, and the EPO and, um, there's several, um. Ritual practices with different names. It's basically similar, uh, practice, uh, is the connection to the five elements and the basic, um, um, and fundamental elements of life. You know, water, earth, wind, fire, and the darkness. The, there's a transcendence. Um. And that that discovery is a, or that connection, um, is something that's, it sounds really woo woo, right? I mean, um, but it really becomes kind of a, a, an experience, an embodiment experience, a belief in your own kind of intuition, your gut feeling. My, uh, my. Um, response, you know, to it, a physical response. And, um, that, that's become like a, a guide for, for everything that I do. And so, um, to me that that is the grounding that, um, has allowed me to continue the work that that. That I've been doing, continue living, period. And so it's really, I think the, a matter of really kind of like, knowing yourself, it just sounds all so cliche, you know? And, and, the power of, Really understanding that you have or I have a depth of connection, that I can draw from in terms of energy and spirit and love, that is beyond kind of the physical, but also the physical. And so for me, that sense of knowing. Is what is allowing me to continue doing what I do despite all the, you know, challenges and difficulties and, you know, the insanity of these times or any time. and having kind of that grounding, I mean, you, you, the, the, clarity, is everything. it allows me to. follow what seems to be the correct route to wherever I was going. it doesn't mean that it's, it's, I'm, I'm not working on it, you know, but I'm also not, not pushing in a way that, you know, I'm, I'm gonna make you believe in me and I'll, you know, like, sort of like, I will tell you what is the right thing and, and, and I will make you, um, agree with me. It, it's, it's not that. Um, I is, I dunno. Is that making any sense? Do you have any other,    Miko Lee: [00:27:24] you totally make sense to me. I'm wondering how people can find out how, how can people find out more about your film and about all of your work?    Alleluia Panis: [00:27:34] Oh, sure. people can find out about, my work and the film through, um, the website. It's, uh, KulArts SF dot org and, most of, if not all of my work, uh, and the work of others, are actually on there. There's a lot of information there. the, the film is gonna be shown at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific, film Festival May 3rd at, uh, a MC. Eight or 14 or is it in, Monterey Park and, folks can actually just find that information on our website as well.    Miko Lee: [00:28:13] And what would you like audience to walk away from your film with an understanding of?   Alleluia Panis: [00:28:21] I want the audience to feel the. Power of being there in TT T is the southernness most islands of, of the Philippines. And, not too many people actually go there. If you have seen the Sam Baja, um, you know, divers, uh, where they can dive for, I think they can stay from five to 15 minutes underwater without any, you know, oxygen or assistance. These are, these are the people who, who, uh, these islands belong to. and as usual, their, you know, their live livelihood is being challenged by everything that's happening in the world. And what the, the film itself, itself, is really trying to put, put the audience within the, you know, like the, I guess the, the shoe of the there and how, you know, their experiences. there's not a lot of explanation to it because we really want it to be a more visceral experience. for the audience,    Miko Lee: [00:29:22] is there anything else you'd like to share with us?    Alleluia Panis: [00:29:26] Let's keep on going. Let's, you know, we, we all, we all need to be in community to uplift each other and keep hope alive.    Miko Lee: [00:29:38] Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing a little bit more about your film and about your work and your connection to the ancestors and the need to move forward.   Alleluia Panis: [00:29:47] Appreciate you. Thank you, Miko.   Miko Lee: [00:29:51] Welcome Kyle Casey, Chu, also known as Panda Dulce to Apex Express.    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:29:57] Hi so much for having me.    Miko Lee: [00:29:59] We're so happy to have you back here, onto Apex Express Land and you have a bunch of new things happening, not just a new film, but also a new book. First off, I'm gonna just start with a personal question, which I ask everyone. Who are your people and what legacy do you carry with you?    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:30:16] Ooh, that's a juicy one. Um, my people, I would say my people are the weirdos and the art freaks of the world. Uh, queer and trans people, Asian Americans, queer and trans Asian Americans, people of color, people from the Bay Area. Um, people who have noticed the boxes that they're in and are pushing the walls and the boundaries of that. I feel like these are the people who really inspire me the most. In terms of the legacy I bring, I am a fourth generation Chinese American, uh, queer and trans femme person living in the San Francisco Bay area where I was born and raised.   Miko Lee: [00:30:56] Thanks so much for sharing. , first let's start with just finding out more about your film, which was based on a true story called After What Happened at the Library. This was a national story, I remember hearing about it, but for folks that don't know, can you describe the real incident that inspired the film?    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:31:14] So, I'm one of the founders of Drag Story Hour, which is exactly what it sounds like., drag queens reading stories to, , children and their families and libraries, bookstores and schools. In 2022, I took a gig in Pride Month at San Lorenzo Public Library, , where I was doing a drag story hour and the Proud Boys stormed in. They called me a tranny, a groomer and an it. They wore shirts saying, kill your local pedophile and I had to retreat to the back and lock myself in the back room. They scoured the premises looking for me. , the authorities showed up and didn't get any of their names or information, um, and just. Dispersed them. And after the incident, I came back to the reading room where the children and families were there, but shaken and I completed the reading.    Miko Lee: [00:32:05] Incredibly traumatic. What happened after that in real life?    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:32:10] It's funny that you, uh, because the short film is called After What Happened at the Library, uh, for a reason because I feel like it's natural as social creatures for humans to focus on the incident itself. We want to approach people with empathy and we want to, really put ourselves in their shoes, uh, to kind of be there as a support for them. What I wasn't prepared for was the gauntlet of media attention, how people would be coming out of the woodwork to ask me about the situation. They would send gushing praise, hate mail, death threats, love letters, care packages, and this wave of attention. Almost added to the overwhelm of the experience and the fact that I had suddenly become a figure and a lightning rod in a culture war when I just wanted to read a book in a library. 'cause that's what I was doing. Um, and not only this, but in the coverage of the event. Because the authorities were so slow to act on this and only started investigating it as a hate crime after it blew up on Instagram and they suddenly felt the heat of media attention. Um, I felt the, my only recourse was to go to the media and was to talk, and especially as a writer and a storyteller, I felt I needed to kind of sound the alarm because it was pride month.  This was the first, this was the inciting incident of a national, even international anti-D drag wave of right wing extremism. Um, it was a couple days later that the oath keepers were found planning some kind of resistance, like violent insurrection in before Ohio Pride. And so I would talk to these journalists and. I felt in the beginning I trusted them because, you know, I trusted that they wanted to get the word out, that they had the same intentions that I did in protecting my people. And what I found instead was that they kind of almost, they tried to elicit the most emotional response from me, which often involved asking me to relive the most excruciating aspects of that time and that experience. So I had to go back and revisit it over and over again. And when the stories actually came out, I'd found that my story was edited to suit another preconceived formula that they had already pitched a certain idea for how the story was would go. That painted me as this static monolithic victim. And they would just plug in one tearful soundbite and the rest of the story, they could just say whatever they wanted with.And there's a certain violence in that. There's a certain. Greater injustice to going through something like that, number one. But number two, telling your story and having that be distorted to suit other political aims or to, you know, buttress a call for public safety. And that specific dynamic of the direct aftermath of notoriety is what the short film gets at.   Miko Lee: [00:35:11] Oh so you're taking back your own story.    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:35:14] Absolutely. So after what happened at the library, the short film is a very much a radical reclamation of my own voice and my own story. Um, prying it back from the hands of the media and telling it on my own terms.    Miko Lee: [00:35:26] Thank you for that. And how has it been received   Kyle Casey Chu: [00:35:29] So far it's been received very well. The short film World premiered at Florida Film Festival in Orlando. Received a special jury prize for courageous voice in a time of great need, which is incredible. It's our first screening and we already got an award, which is so exciting. It just screened at SF Film on April 23rd as part of the shorts block. SF film is an Academy Award qualifying festival, and it is going to screen again at Can Fest, one of my favorite local festivals, the world's largest Asian and Asian American film showcase it's screening on Friday, May 9th at Kabuki and tickets are on sale.   Miko Lee: [00:36:11] Thank you for that. And can you tell us about your new book? This is very exciting. You have a coming of age story, the Queen Bees of Tybee County. Can you tell us about your book?   Kyle Casey Chu: [00:36:22] Absolutely. When it rains, it pours in creative worlds. I had a lot of irons on the fire and it just so happened that all of them were exhibiting or debuting or hitting shelves in the same week of April, which is last week. The Queen Bees of Tybee County is my debut novel. It's middle grade, so for ages eight through 12, though like a Pixar movie, it's for all ages really. Um, and it is a hopeful drag coming out story about a queer Chinese American seventh grade basketball star. Derek Chan, who is unceremoniously shipped off to his grandma Claudia's in rural Georgia, and she is volunteering for a local pageant. And so he. Explores his queer identity and his love for drag via Southern pageant culture.    Miko Lee: [00:37:09] Ooh, do we see a film of this in the future?    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:37:12] Actually, Queen Bees of Tybee County was optioned by Lambert Productions, which put on the Hardy Boys on Hulu. So it is on its way to becoming a TV show if every, if all the stars align, it'll be on TVs in the uk. Fingers and toes crossed for that.    Miko Lee: [00:37:27] Amazing. I'm looking forward to that. Can we pull ourselves out a little bit and talk about the times that we're living in right now and how artists use our super powers to fight back against the oligarchy that we're living in?    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:37:43] We all know, or perhaps should know that the beginnings of fascism involve suppressing intellectuals and artistic voices, increasing police presence and trying to maintain a stiff and consistent lid on the voices of the people. And so this type of suppression is happening right now. There are book bans across the country. , there are state and federal efforts legislatively to curtail the rights of trans kids and trans athletes, and Intellectuals, diplomats and scholars are all being expelled or suppressed, and I think something that I've learned is that, and it sounds really cheesy, but that quote is so real where it's like being brave isn't the absence of fear, but it's doing things in spite of it. I know it feels very scary to speak out right now, but now is the exact time to speak out because any. Ground that is seated cannot be taken back. And so holding of the line by way of protest, by way of publication, by way of dissenting is how we crack this. The armor of fascism.    Miko Lee: [00:38:55] And can you talk a little bit about the moment of joy or celebrating joy within the context of the strife that we're living in? I bring that up because , you've given me much joy as part of the rice rocketts and a lot of the work that you do. So I wonder if you could just talk about what does joy mean in the moment like this?    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:39:16] Yeah. I think. I have a background in social work and one of the first things that we learned is this is hard work. It is hard to always start on your back foot and to have to argue your own humanity and justify your existence as an artist or as a person. I found myself doing that when coverage of the library incident was happening and. One of the things that they tell you is the way that you do your best work and the way that you best serve your communities is by keeping your own self afloat. And what this means is maintaining a balance. When you have hard work, you also need to reward yourself. You also need to take care of yourself. And I don't think it's enough to just say self-care. You need to expose yourself, and you need to fully embrace the full spectrum of human emotion, which necessarily includes joy. And so. After completing such an intense project, like after what happened at the library, I knew that I needed to engage in something that was hopeful and that really struck the cord of why community is so vital and important, and why social support is integral to all of us thriving. And so the Queen Bees of Tubby County, I was told by a reviewer, and this is my favorite review, they said that it's like Chapel R'S Pink Pony Club. If it were a book. Um, and I'm going with that 'cause I love that. But this story is really just about hope. It's about friendship, it's about, it's about dancing towards the future we want. And I don't think it is enough for us to react. I don't think it's enough for us to strike down. Terrible and horrifying regimes. We also must have a vision for the future that includes ourselves thriving and enjoying ourselves. And I think a part of that practice for me is making art and scaffolding a vision for the future that is positive.    Miko Lee: [00:41:20] And what would you like people to walk away from after either reading your book or seeing your short film?   Kyle Casey Chu: [00:41:29] I think after seeing the short film. What this gets at is whenever there's a flashpoint of a culture war and it's localized on one person, whenever a culture war is personified in one singular person, like for example, ma Moon kil. There's only so much of his life that we get to see, and it's through the headlines and this viral moment of like a flash on the pan. And I want people to realize that the way that you interact with these people in that fleeting moment is going to stick with them long after this moment of notoriety passes. And. To be conscientious and aware of what impact you're bringing to that person because it may just be a moment or a blip in your feed, but the impact is enduring for the person who's living it. And I also want us to be critical of how we consume trauma and violence in the media, and to ask ourselves if. We really, truly need to get all the details if we really, truly need to be put, put that victim in the position of reliving their experience just so we can relive it for a moment. Whereas they will have to relive it for the rest of their lives. And I think survivor narratives and victim narratives are way more messy and complicated and sometimes funny than people give it credit for or realize. And to realize that when you are reading something. That is just one dimension in one shade. Uh, yeah. So that was a lot, sorry. But, um, the other thing is for the Queen Bees of Tybee County. And the reason why I wanted to end on that is because it's uplifting is as dark as the world can be. It can also be as dazzling and bright and hopeful, and that the future that we are fighting for is worth fighting for. And we need to remind ourselves of that. Especially in times like these, and I know it might seem counterintuitive for us to celebrate or to be around each other when it feels earth shatteringly bleak, but it is essential to our survival, and don't be afraid to embrace that.   Miko Lee: [00:44:00] Kyle, thank you so much. Kyle, Casey Chu, thank you so much for joining us on Apex Express. I encourage people to check the film out and the book out and we appreciate chatting with you.    Kyle Casey Chu: [00:44:11] Thanks so much.    Ayame Keane-Lee: [00:44:14] Kyle's film will be showcased at Cam Fest, the nation's largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films, which runs from May 8th to 11th in San Francisco at a time when it feels particularly fraught to express stories from communities of color. Cam is doing what we've done for over 40 years, sharing films from Asian America to a wide array of audiences. It says, Cam's, director of programs, Dawn Young. Watching these stories in a theater full of friends and neighbors is an opportunity to laugh and cry, and ultimately to celebrate human experiences that transcend bounds. This year's festival will return to the A MC Kabuki in San Francisco's Japan town for opening night, and a total of four days of screenings in the historic neighborhood that is undergoing its own resurgence with new restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, highlighting both traditional and youth oriented culture. The Roxy Theater will also host three days of screenings. Cam Fest continues to strengthen ties with other local arts institutions with the Asian Art Museum hosting the Cam Fest gala. Following the opening night film on Thursday May 8th and SF M Om a opening the Phyllis Wa Theater for Mother's Day programming on Sunday, May 10th. Turning a lens on history, whether it's the end of the Vietnam War or the trailblazing women in the Bay Area, offers a chance to reconsider the stories through which we come to understand ourselves. Says Cam Fest program Manager Del Holton, ranging from intimate narratives of family and memory to experimental work that bends the conventions of storytelling. These films illuminate the many perspectives of Asian America.    CAAM Fest 2025 wraps up on Mother's Day with dedicated events that highlight strength and visionary artistry of Asian American women. You can also catch my sister Jalena Keane-Lee's film Standing Above the Clouds at 5:00 PM at the Kabuki. Honoring Mothering also includes celebrating the nurturing of community and pioneering of aesthetics. Cam's final day reflects on the contributions of Asian American women's work while looking to the future of storytelling. Another major multimedia arts, dance and music festival to check out is the annual United States of Asian America which runs through June 1st at venues around the Bay Area. This year's theme Critical Refuge asks us to reflect on our journey as immigrants, refugees, and generations of descendants and or mixed raced people in the diaspora as we seek necessary sanctuary within ourselves and in our communities in times of unrest and uncertainty. The festival will honor a API Arts and Culture, reflecting on where we have been, where we are now, and what our collective future holds, while acknowledging our roots as immigrants, refugees, and mixed race descendants. Also check out the 42nd annual Himalayan Fair in Berkeley's Live Oak Park happening May 17th and 18th. There will be Himalayan Food, handicrafts, music, and Dance. There are so many events happening in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Check out our show notes for links to all the wheelchair accessible events In addition to the films we featured tonight, camp Fest and United States of Asian America, there is also May 3rd, two to 6:00 PM daily city AAPI fest celebrating local Asian American and Pacific Islander culture in daily city in the greater San Francisco Bay area.    May 10th, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Our heritage, 5K 2025. A free family friendly, 5K fun walk slash run. Honoring the rich history and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in San Francisco. This scenic route winds through the heart of the city. Passing by over 16 plus historic A API Landmarks featuring goodies, resources, and fun facts about its cultural significance. Expect cheer stations, photo ops, sweet treats, and entertainment along the route to keep the energy high. May 10th is also a API Mental Health Day. The Our Wellness Festival will celebrate mental health, community and joy. The festival will feature family friendly activities, carnival style games, music, dancing, wellness resources, and more. May 23rd at 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBT Q2 s plus Mixer, NJAHS, peace Gallery 1684 Post Street in San Francisco. Children's Fairyland in Oakland and Stanford's Asian American Studies apartment will also host a series of events throughout the month that we will post in the show notes for you to check out in Bay Area Public Library News. Oakland Public Libraries feature reading lists for all ages, a grab and grow seedling kit and events like Watermelon Kimchi making. San Francisco Public Libraries will have events for all ages at library locations throughout the city, including free author talks, book clubs, film screenings, crafts, food programs, and musical and dance performances. Highlights for adults include the launch of Corky Lee's Asian America at the main library on May 23rd. The new book features over 200 breathtaking photos celebrating the history and cultural impact of the Asian American Social Justice movement. We've covered Corky Lee's work in multiple previous Apex episodes.    Additionally, four members of the Asian American Journalist Association, AAJA, who cover the Asian American and Pacific Islander News beat will discuss how authentic local reporting happens, important stories they've reported recently, and how having reporters dedicated to the BEAT impacts the A API community on May 8th, moderated by the interim president of the AAJA-SF Bay Area chapter Harry Mock. The panel features Ko Lyn Chang from the San Francisco Chronicle, Han Lee from the San Francisco Standard, and Ravi Kapoor, CEO of Dia, TV on May 25th. The library partners with the Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco to welcome Curtis Chin, author of everything I Learned, I learned in a Chinese restaurant for a book talk and library popup. For youth on May 25th, join June Jo Lee Food ethnographer and award-winning children's book author for a kimchi demo. Read aloud and krautchy making activity. Experience a read aloud of New Picture Storybooks for Children and participate in a drawing workshop on comics with illustrators mini fan and Sophie Dialo on May 23rd at Excelsior Branch Library. Katie Kwan, who has been featured on Apex dives into the world of comics and zines through the lens of an Asian American artist and educator, and teaches the community how to make their own comics and zines at multiple locations throughout May. San Jose Public Libraries host a series of events with highlights being top of cloth making on May 6th and vegan Filipino cooking with Aztec Vegan on May 7th. Once again, happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month from us at Apex Express. Please do checkout CAAM Fest. May 8th through 11th in San Francisco. If you get the chance and you'll be able to see Kyle's film. As well as many other incredible AAPI, histories and stories. You can check out all of that community calendar info in our show notes, as well as information on all of the guests you heard from tonight.   Miko Lee: [00:51:55] Please check out our website, kpfa.org to find out more about our show tonight. We think all of you listeners out there. Keep resisting, keep organizing, keep creating and sharing your visions with the world because your voices are important. APEX Express is created by Miko Lee, Jalena Keane-Lee, Preeti Mangala Shekar, Anuj Vaidya, Swati Rayasam, Aisa Villarosa, Estella Owoimaha-Church, Gabriel Tangloao, Cheryl Truong and Ayame Keane-Lee.        The post APEX Express – 5.1.25 – Filmmakers Exploring Boundaries appeared first on KPFA.

We chat about why Moon Lovers is not for Amy, why Park Hyung Sik can pull off any hair color, and our dreams for the Michael Learns to Rock concert. We answer some Patreon questions and discuss a controversial Marry, Mate, and Murder.Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Subscribe to Hey Fam on Patreon for the full episodeJon M. Chu on this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asians in baseball are in the swing of things! First, the LA Kings have the Koreatown Senior Center for a harmonica half time performance, and on Dave Roberts' Bobblehead night, he gives back to the LA community impacted by the fires.Our position players are blazing through April with Rob Refsnyder smashing the hardest hit homer of his career, Anthony Volpe shutting up the haters, Trevor Larnach mashing three homers since our last recording, and Steven Kwan on a 10-game hit streak. In pitching news, Tomoyuki Sugano has found his groove, Joey Cantillo possibly prepares to join the Guardians' starting rotation, and who is on top in the battle of Shohei vs. Shota?Asians in Hockey: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EmXiaE847jr4LuBj2D3RxSteven Kwan article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6303184/2025/04/24/steven-kwan-four-tenets-success-peak/

There are shit bags in every nation, race, continent, neighborhood..........   They come in every shape, size, and form.    I know a lot of good Asians, Blacks, Mexicans, Africans.......Europeans.....   I know the good and bad in every sector represented in the human race.    They're everywhere.    One thing I can tell you is, you can't group everyone into one category just because one of them has made mistakes or became a bad example for their people.    We can't lump people together in anything.    Operating with absolutes.    It cripples us as a whole.    What I can tell you is, we do have a responsibility to call people out of every race, creed, color, etc.    As the human race, we have to make clear the directions of what's acceptable and not acceptable in society.    So, the next time you hear someone of a certain race, color or creed did something fucked up, just know there's a counter balance in existence.    One person does not have the power or authority to represent one whole population or segment of people.    Keep it light and do right, no matter the shades of good and bad.    About the ReWire Podcast The ReWire Podcast with Ryan Stewman – Dive into powerful insights as Ryan Stewman, the HardCore Closer, breaks down mental barriers and shares actionable steps to rewire your thoughts. Each episode is a fast-paced journey designed to reshape your mindset, align your actions, and guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Join in for a daily dose of real talk that empowers you to embrace change and unlock your full potential.    Learn how you can become a member of a powerful community consistently rewiring itself for success at https://www.jointheapex.com/   Rise Above

This weeks guest is Janice Bailon, who joins us from New York City. Born in Panorama City, California, and growing up in Ventura County, Janice embraces her California background. Janice feels California awarded her some of her greatest passions. She still cultivates these passions and hobbies: Forgotten classic cinema, movies, and musicals, especially from the 1970s and earlier, local seasonal produce and food history. One of Janice's most beloved personal and professional passions is Agave and the relationship between Mexico and the Philippines. Bailon proudly calls herself an “agave nerd” believing that if you think you know everything and are an expert of agave you really don't know anything. Professionally, Janice has been recognized as a leader in the hospitality industry with articles published in Forbes, Punch and other media outlets as well as a Tales of the Cocktail Best New Bar Nomination in 2022 for her work at San Francisco's For the Record. Janice also served as former President for the SF Chapter of the United States Bartender's Guild supporting members through the pandemic. In 2025 she was named as one of the Imbibe 75's and her program at Leyenda was the only New York Bar nominated for Outstanding Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation. Janice dedicates her efforts to shape a better world through her brainchild, Hospitality of Asians & Pacific Islanders (HAPI), a nonprofit organization established in 2022. Nestled in the unceded Ohlone territory, known today as the San Francisco Bay Area, HAPI's mission is to elevate the voices and stories of the Asian and Pacific Islander community within the hospitality industry. They strive to normalize the success and thriving of API individuals in the industry through a plethora of initiatives, including events to boost visibility and promote the community, a forthcoming mentorship program, and the dissemination of career development opportunities and resources. @mytinydancer fueledbyagave.co @hapi.community A big thank you to Jean-Marc Dykes of Imbiblia for setting up our new website theindustrypodcast.club. Imbiblia is a cocktail app for bartenders, restaurants and drink nerds and built by a bartender with more than a decade of experience behind the bar. Several of the features includes the ability to create your own Imbiblia Recipe Cards with the Imbiblia Cocktail Builder, rapidly select ingredients, garnishes, methods and workshop recipes with a unique visual format, search by taste using flavor profiles unique to Imbiblia, share recipes publicly plus many more……Imbiblia - check it out! Looking for a Bartending Service? Or a private bartender to run your next corporate or personal event? Need help crafting a bar program for your restaurant? Contact Alchemist Alie for all your bartending needs: @alchemist.alie Contact the host Kypp Saunders by email at kypp@babylonsisters.ca for products from Elora Distilling, Malivoire Winery and Terroir Wine Imports. Links kypp@babylonsisters.com @sugarrunbar @the_industry_podcast email us: info@theindustrypodcast.club

On February 29, 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of color, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion. Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them.  In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars (Octupus Publishing, 2025) author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, Indigenous peoples, and women throughout the decades, charting their progression to the Oscars podium, galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests, and social media activism. Through lenses of history, cinephelia, and social justice, Hollywood Blackout offers a backstage view for those seeking the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the talents who fought to make change. You can find and follow Ben at hollywoodblackout.com or arogundade.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

On February 29, 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of color, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion. Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them.  In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars (Octupus Publishing, 2025) author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, Indigenous peoples, and women throughout the decades, charting their progression to the Oscars podium, galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests, and social media activism. Through lenses of history, cinephelia, and social justice, Hollywood Blackout offers a backstage view for those seeking the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the talents who fought to make change. You can find and follow Ben at hollywoodblackout.com or arogundade.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

On February 29, 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of color, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion. Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them.  In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars (Octupus Publishing, 2025) author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, Indigenous peoples, and women throughout the decades, charting their progression to the Oscars podium, galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests, and social media activism. Through lenses of history, cinephelia, and social justice, Hollywood Blackout offers a backstage view for those seeking the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the talents who fought to make change. You can find and follow Ben at hollywoodblackout.com or arogundade.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

On February 29, 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of color, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion. Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them.  In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars (Octupus Publishing, 2025) author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, Indigenous peoples, and women throughout the decades, charting their progression to the Oscars podium, galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests, and social media activism. Through lenses of history, cinephelia, and social justice, Hollywood Blackout offers a backstage view for those seeking the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the talents who fought to make change. You can find and follow Ben at hollywoodblackout.com or arogundade.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

On February 29, 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of color, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion. Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them.  In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars (Octupus Publishing, 2025) author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, Indigenous peoples, and women throughout the decades, charting their progression to the Oscars podium, galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests, and social media activism. Through lenses of history, cinephelia, and social justice, Hollywood Blackout offers a backstage view for those seeking the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the talents who fought to make change. You can find and follow Ben at hollywoodblackout.com or arogundade.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

On February 29, 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of color, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion. Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them.  In Hollywood Blackout: The Battle for Inclusion at the Oscars (Octupus Publishing, 2025) author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, Indigenous peoples, and women throughout the decades, charting their progression to the Oscars podium, galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests, and social media activism. Through lenses of history, cinephelia, and social justice, Hollywood Blackout offers a backstage view for those seeking the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the talents who fought to make change. You can find and follow Ben at hollywoodblackout.com or arogundade.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/performing-arts

In this inspiring deep-dive, I sit down with Pramita Mukherjee—featured in Animation Magazine's 2025 Rising Stars of Animation (https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/03/rising-stars-of-animation-2025/)—to explore her global journey from growing up in Kolkata to working on major animated films in Los Angeles. Pramita shares how early cartoons like DuckTales and Powerpuff Girls sparked her imagination, and how a pamphlet changed the course of her life.We talk about the importance of foundational 2D animation training, navigating burnout and industry instability, and why upskilling and curiosity are essential for long-term success. Pramita also gives a breakdown of underappreciated roles in animation and shares how she gives back through mentorship, including her involvement with Women in Animation, Asians in Animation, and VES.Whether you're just starting out or looking for the motivation to keep going, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art and heart of animation.

A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists. The post APEX Express – April 24, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Finding your K-Drama community creates meaningful connections that extend far beyond the screen. We bond through shared emotional experiences, discussing character development and plot twists that resonate with us personally. These communities often develop across cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together people who might never have connected otherwise.Watching episodes together (even virtually) and the anticipation of new releases creates a natural rhythm of connection and conversation. Many fans say K-Drama communities have helped them through difficult times by providing both entertainment and a supportive network of friends who understand their passion.Join Lia, Amy and Megan for a conversation about a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, and how this is a space that offers a sense of belonging and shared experience that enriches our lives through genuine human connection. Thanks for being a part of it!Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Pro Investor David Erfle describes how western investors have finally rediscovered gold and gold stocks. He shares why silver may be a good reversion-to-mean trade right now. Dave explains how some junior gold stock speculators have capitulated and sold due to the recent volatility. He shares his observation regarding recent junior gold stock sentiment and teaches what he is currently looking for in a PEA-stage gold developer. David Erfle is a self-taught mining sector investor. He stumbled upon the mining space in 2003 as he was looking to invest into a growing sector of the market. After researching the gains made from the 2001 bottom in the tiny gold and silver complex, he became fascinated with this niche market. So much so that in 2005 he decided to sell his home and invest the entire proceeds from the sale into junior mining companies. When his account had tripled by September, 2007, he decided to quit his job as the Telecommunications Equipment Buyer at UCLA and make investing in this sector his full-time job. David founded the Junior Miner Junky subscription-based newsletter in April, 2017 and writes a weekly column for precious metals news service Kitco.com, whose website attracts nearly a million visits every day. 0:00 Introduction 0:31 Gold and Silver 5:35 Asians sell gold jewelry 6:28 Trump vs Powell 8:46 Gold exploreCos 10:24 PEA-stage developers 11:45 Selling in a gold bull market 13:21 “Be right, sit tight” 14:13 Resolution Copper 16:05 Junior gold stock capitulation 18:58 JMJ sentiment indicator David's website: https://juniorminerjunky.com/ Sign up for our free newsletter and receive interview transcripts, stock profiles and investment ideas: http://eepurl.com/cHxJ39 Mining Stock Education (MSE) offers informational content based on available data but it does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It may not be appropriate for all situations or objectives. Readers and listeners should seek professional advice, make independent investigations and assessments before investing. MSE does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of its content and should not be solely relied upon for investment decisions. MSE and its owner may hold financial interests in the companies discussed and can trade such securities without notice. If you buy stock in a company featured on MSE, for your own protection, you should assume that it is MSE's owner personally selling you that stock. MSE is biased towards its advertising sponsors which make this platform possible. MSE is not liable for representations, warranties, or omissions in its content. By accessing MSE content, users agree that MSE and its affiliates bear no liability related to the information provided or the investment decisions you make. Full disclaimer: https://www.miningstockeducation.com/disclaimer/

Join Megan, Tonya, and Alison for a Deep Dive on HOPE ON THE STAGE Chicago and Oakland. Thoughts on the red leather, the flirtations, the dancing and of course being in the front row of the Baepsae Zone.NEW! Afternoona Army is now on PATREON!Join The BTS Buzz and get access to Afternoona Army's exclusive DISCORD channel, get shout outs on-air in podcast, and receive invitations to quarterly live support groups. Questions? Email afternoonaarmy@gmail.com for more information.Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Check out our sister pod www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest members of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Want to find more great BTS content? Head over to Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life and links to our social media.

Show Notes: Alison Wakoff Loren went to St Louis to medical school at Washington University. She specialized in internal medicine and later completed a subspecialty fellowship in hematology oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. She met her husband in medical school and they have three children all in their early twenties. Alison  is now the chief of the Division of Hematology Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in bone marrow transplantation, a curative therapy for blood cancer. Taking Care of Patients Alison finds the best part of her job to be taking care of patients, especially those who have just been diagnosed with leukemia. She gets to know people when they are in a vulnerable place and understand their lives, which is a privilege. She also does a lot of administrative work, mentoring trainees and faculty, helping them understand their passions and connecting them with opportunities. Alison is proud of her mentoring success stories. She encourages everyone to show gratitude and warmth, as the world is not always generous, and it is important to show that we can make a difference for each other by showing warmth and gratitude. She also shares a story of mentoring a talented MD and PhD candidate who was unhappy in her research role.  Helping Patients with Leukemia Alison discusses the fear and uncertainty people face when discovering they have leukemia. She shares her experiences in delivering sad news to a patient who had been a high school history teacher and had leukemia come back. She mentions that people have incredibly generous spirits and sometimes don't behave their best when they're scared. She also shares examples of people making decisions that matter to their loved ones, such as stopping treatment or continuing treatment when they don't want to. Alison also discusses the range of responses people have when they have to deliver sad news. She explains that most people know they're in for an uphill climb, and it's rare to be surprised. Alison specializes in bone marrow transplants, which are intensive but curative intent therapies, and she emphasizes the importance of laying groundwork ahead of time to make difficult conversations less shocking and offering hope while grounding the conversation. She also stresses the importance of being honest and respectful in her interactions with patients. Fertility Preservation in  Cancer Treatment The conversation turns to Alison's research and the importance of fertility preservation in cancer treatment, which can harm reproductive capacity and lead to infertility. Oncology teams often don't discuss this topic, partly because they are focused on cancer and not reproductive endocrinologists. However, there is a focus on making sure all patients are counseled about the reproductive impact of their treatments and reproductive options to engage in fertility preservation before starting cancer treatments. Alison explains what is recommended for women. She mentions that it is important to discuss these options before starting cancer treatment, as it reduces distress and decision regret for people after treatment. Alison is fortunate to be able to speak and advocate for fertility preservation for people with blood cancers, which represents a special population in oncology care. She has been fortunate to co-chair an effort to develop guidelines for fertility preservation from a large cancer organization. She explains that  colleagues in reproductive science are doing amazing research to extend options for reproductive care before and after cancer treatment, which is exciting to inform oncology clinicians and advocate for insurance coverage for these treatments. Family Life, Running, and Circadian Rhythms Alison shares her experiences with her children, including a daughter who works at the Amherst College Library, an older son considering medical school, and a younger son at Bates College in Maine. Her daughter has inspired her to think about women in the workplace, as she was criticized for not valuing women in her division and for hiring women because they are cheaper. Alison also shares her experience with running, which she enjoys but has to get up early to get in before work. She talks about the concept of morning and night people, stating that people have their own internal clocks. She also mentions that research into the biology of the circadian clock is still in its early stages.  Influential Harvard Courses and Professors Alison shares her experiences at Harvard, including taking courses with Stephen Jay Gould and Dick Lewontin, who were incredibly intelligent and insightful. She also took Act 10 as a senior, which was an unexpected experience that helped her learn different ways of thinking about the subject. Alison  volunteered at the Mission Hill after-school program, which allowed her to get to know the kids and families there. She tried out for various extracurriculars, such as singing and photography, but found it intimidating. She also mentions the training program for photographers. Timestamps: 01:51: Alison Wakoff Loren's Medical Journey  04:12: Motivations and Rewards in Patient Care  22:20: Mentoring Success Stories  22:36: Challenges and Insights in Patient Care  24:17: Balancing Professional and Personal Life  24:32: Research and Advocacy in Fertility Preservation  28:54: Influences and Reflections on Harvard Education  37:25: Extracurricular Activities and Personal Growth  Links: Penn Medicine Website: https://www.pennmedicine.org/providers/profile/alison-loren American Society of Clinical Oncology: https://www.asco.org/ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.org/ Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this episode of The 92 Report is recommended by Ming Chen who reports: “ One nonprofit that I've been involved in is the Keswick Foundation, which funds pilot programs in Hong Kong and mainland China to help the community serve needs that are not being met by the government. So we work with family and vulnerable populations. We work with the elderly, and we work with things like helping promote social work in China, as well as clinical psychologists in different NGOs around the region. The other nonprofit that I am on the Advisory Council of is the Asian American foundation, TAF for short, T, A, A, F, F. The Asian American foundation, basically, is a platform that gets together different organizations around anti hate, changing the narrative education, helping to advocate for Asian American history taught in public schools, as well as narrative change representation in Hollywood and beyond. And again, it was founded around the 2020, around the growing disturbing rhetoric against Asians with the rise of COVID So yeah, those are two nonprofit organizations that I'm involved with. So again, one nonprofit that's been on the board for for many, many years is called the Keswick Foundation, and it funds pilot programs in Hong Kong as well as Mainland China. And then the Asian American foundation. If you want to learn more about the Asian American foundation, it's www dot T, A, A, f.org, check it out.” To learn more about their work, visit:  The Asian American Foundation: https://www.taaf.org/ The Keswick Foundation: https://www.keswickfoundation.org.hk/    

A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists. Important Links [URGENT] ICE Is targeting Nepali-speaking Bhutanese Americans: Learn more Asian Refugees United: Website  |  Instagram Hamro Katha: When the Lotus Blooms:  Instagram  | Spotify |  Youtube Minjoona Music instagram | spotify Transcript: Cheryl Truong: Hey everyone. You're tuned into APEX Express at 94.1 KPFA, 89.3 KPFB Berkeley, 88.1 KFCF Fresno, and online at kpfa.org. This is your host, Cheryl, here. Before we dive into today's episode, I want to start with some important context. This conversation was recorded a few months ago before the recent and deeply distressing wave of ice [00:01:00] enforcement targeting the Nepali speaking Bhutanese community. Since March 26, over 20 Nepali Bhutanese refugees have been deported. Many without legal representation and some moved between detention centers so quickly that they couldn't even contact their family or attorneys. The fear, disruption and trauma that is being inflicted is real and ongoing and raises serious concerns about due process. This is part of a larger ICE operation that is already detained over 60 Bhutanese Americans. This is a rapidly unfolding crisis, and the numbers continue to shift as more people are detained and more impacted families come forward to share their stories. Asian Refugees united is calling for justice, demanding an end to these deportations and immediate protections for their communities. For the latest data and development, or to learn more and take action, please visit Asian Refugees United's website. It will be linked in our show notes.  Now onto today's show. I had the joy and privilege of sitting down with the youth podcast team behind Hamro Katha: When the Lotus Blooms, [00:02:00] a show created by young leaders from Asian refugees United. Asian Refugees united or ARU is a grassroots art and healing leadership center led by and for Asian refugees. We'll hear more about their powerful work later on in the show. One of their programs, the Camp for Emerging Leaders, brings together refugee youth to build community, explore their histories, and grow into their leadership. That's where this podcast team first came together, and they'll of course share more about that as well. They've created something really special and I'm so excited for you all to hear from them. So let's get started. Do you all mind just going around and introducing yourselves? Nawal Rai: Yeah, for sure. Hello, everyone. I'm Nawal Rai. My pronouns are he, him, and I currently live in the East Coast in New Jersey. I'm currently a student studying environmental and urban studies. And right now I currently volunteer and do some work with Asian Refugees United here in the Harrisburg area, and I'm also from the Nepali speaking Bhutanese Refugee community.   Manju Gurung: Hi everyone, I am [00:03:00] Manju Gurung My pronouns are she and hers. I also live and work here in Harrisburg. I work full time as a home care manager but I also do some work with AARU, Asian Refugee United. So glad to be here.  Susmita Tamang: Hi everyone. My name is Susmita Tamang. I am a sophomore majoring in chemistry and I'm from Harrisburg. I interned over the summer at Asian Refugees United and that's how I'm connected. I learned a lot of new skills and got to meet new people. Today we're here mostly to talk about our podcast, Hamro Katha: When the Lotus Blooms, which is under Asian Refugees United.  Sarada Tamang: Hi, everyone. My name is Sarada Tamang. My pronouns are she and her. I currently live in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I'm a student taking classes to enter the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. And first met my podcast team members through Asian Refugee United's Camp for [00:04:00] Emerging Leadership Program.  Cheryl Truong: Awesome. And our listeners out there, I'm sure you're wondering, what is Asian Refugees United? Nawal, do you want to give us a little introduction on what ARU is about? .  Nawal Rai: Yeah, of course. Again, Cheryl, thank you for having us tonight. Asian Refugees United was born in 2016 in the Bay Area. There was a big influx of Nepali speaking Bhutanese refugees after the third resettlement started for our community.  We had a bunch of community members that resided in Bay Area. And when you look at Bay Area, Bay Area is very diverse. And when you look at the history of Bay Area, there's a lot of social movement and activism that has happened throughout the history. And that kind of gave birth to this organization to unite refugees from different parts of Asia. We as Asian Refugees United here in Harrisburg currently work specifically with Nepali speaking Bhutanese community here since a lot of our population has now moved here. Asian Refugee United started with the focus on connecting our stories with the land that we now [00:05:00] live on and also acknowledging the stolen land that we stand on and also focusing on healing our communities and highlighting the stories of many refugees communities that are often overlooked by the medias and different political agenda. It was a way to find solidarity across communities and also how do we heal. And with that, we use art as a tool to heal and through storytelling where we come together to write stories and perform that stories in front of audience and community members. So we do various different work through Asian Refugees United. Our podcast hamro Katha When the Lotus Bloom is also under Asian Refugees United. So you can tell, there's different things that happens with our org. Cheryl Truong: Thank you so much for sharing all of that. It's so clear how much storytelling and healing are at the heart of ARU work. And one of the ways that it really shows I think that really shows up is through one of ARU's community building projects. Camp for emerging leaders, which brings together refugee youth from all [00:06:00] over and it's actually where this amazing podcast team first met. Can you all share what that space was like for you? What do you remember feeling or learning during that time?  Susmita Tamang: I can go ahead. By the way, I think the first time we all met each other was way before CAMP for Emerging Leaders, but that's when our idea grew. But Camp for Emerging Leaders is a program that Asian Refugees United organized. It was for the Bhutanese Nepali speaking youth in Harrisburg area, but then it also branched to basically across the states, whoever was available because we met virtually, on Zoom every week or so, and we talked about what it means to have our identity as Bhutanese Nepali, our journey from Nepal to America, we talked about our experiences, acceptance, and then ways of connecting to each other. Anything else that you guys want to mention?  Nawal Rai: Yeah. And with the leadership camp, we also focus on different factors that is focused on our, community health and wellness [00:07:00] and also, identity, belonging and um, education. Manju Gurung: Yeah. We had three groups within camp called wellness, education, and identity and belonging, and then. Under identity and belonging there was also storytelling who did more of art and performance, but we divided into those three groups and we created activities to share with each other when we met in person in August.  That was Camp for Emerging Leaders. We got to learn new skills, such as working with each other, being compassionate towards each other, open minded. Yeah,, it was great.   Cheryl Truong: Oh, whoa. I didn't know that camp was mostly virtual apart from that last in-person session, but that makes a lot of sense now, how Sarada could join from Virginia. Nawal from New Jersey. That's so cool. It really shows just how spread out the Nepali Bhutanese refugee community is and how something like camp can bring folks together across distance, and it makes me think about what that means to feel connected. Do you feel like camp was the first [00:08:00] space where you got to meet other people from your community in that kind of way? Or have you felt that sense of community where you're from, even before camp?  Sarada Tamang: When I first moved to America, within a few years, in the city that I live in right now, we had a bigger population of Bhutanese Nepali people compared to now. Back then we did have a strong community to the point where we would host Losar programs which, can someone explain what that is? Susmita Tamang: Oh yeah, Losar means New Year in Nepali but also in our ethnic language. So in Tamang as well as Gurung and maybe other languages in Nepal. It's somewhat like the Chinese Lunar New Year because it's connected to the, lunar calendar. I'm actually also from Charlottesville. We used to live in the same neighborhood, Sarada and me. And back then, we did have a large community, but then people started moving to Ohio, Harrisburg, and then those areas became more of the [00:09:00] hub for Bhutanese Nepali people. And so, now, I do have some family there, Sarada lives there, some of my cousins live there, but compared to 2011, it's very, very low in terms of population, so they don't really have large events compared to Harrisburg.  Cheryl Truong: What was that like for all of you growing up in such conservative states as refugees? I,  Manju Gurung: Yeah, I can share one. So I moved to Concord, New Hampshire back in 2012 from Nepal. And, even back then when we were talking about communities, we did have a lot of Bhutanese refugees living there by the time that my family moved and settled there.  Unfortunately, one of the incidents that happened to my family was some sort of like… Hate crime? It's like,  Nawal Rai: definitely racial, racial racial hatred.  Sarada Tamang: We just received this in a very hateful letter saying, go back to your country. You don't belong here. All of that. We don't really know exactly what we did to make that [00:10:00] person very upset about us being there. So that was one thing that I had to deal with as a young teenage girl who had just moved into a new city, new country with my family and who barely spoke English back then as well. So that was a very difficult experience to go through. But, with that incident, what came was our community showed up, not just the Bhutanese community back then, but other communities that were from different part of the world, basically, you know. They really showed up and let us know that we were in the right place. We're welcome. And there's no space for hate for anybody. That was really nice. After joining ARU and storytelling group, I was actually able to share that story through performance alongside Nawal, which definitely helped me heal some of those traumas that I had to experience back then. So, yeah, very grateful.  Susmita Tamang: Their performance was amazing. They did it in person during the ARU camp In person [00:11:00] summit. We also had people from our community, like uncles and community leaders there and they were all moved by her performance. Surada and I, we were crying. It was so good. So I'm really glad that one day you were able to share your story. As well as everyone else who performed. Manju Gurung: No, we had cried a lot. I think Nawal knows how many times I cried when we were practicing and rehearsing before. Because we started a couple months before we were meeting up in August for the Emerging Leaders camp session.  I remember being in this room and just sharing my stories and not being able to share all of it because I was just crying and I had to let that emotion out. So I think that really helped me get over that traumatic past. I think that I was holding it on for so long. So that's something. I was very grateful for the storytelling group that, you know, that ARU has created. Nawal Rai: Yeah, the talking circle is part of the process of our storytelling and identity and belonging, so we try to focus on sharing each other's [00:12:00] story and trying to create that space to be vulnerable. And I think that's the work that we're also trying to do with our podcast that is kind of extending toward our community and not just us youth and highlighting a lot of personal stories and our community stories. Cheryl Truong: Thank you for sharing that. I love what you said that in telling our stories, especially when it carries themes of pain, it doesn't just help the audience understand and relate, but it also helps you process and heal too.  We are going to take a quick music break, don't go anywhere  Cheryl Truong: More on the power of storytelling when we return. Next up, you're listening to a track called “Juniper” by Minjoona, a project led by Korean American musician, Jackson Wright. This track features Ari Statler on bass, josh Qiyan on drums, and Ryan Fu producing. Juniper is the lead single from Minjoona's newest release, the Juniper EP, a five track p roject rooted in indie rock, 60 throwback vibes, and lyric forward storytelling. You can follow Minjoona on Instagram [00:13:00] at @minjoonamusic or find them on Spotify to keep up with upcoming releases. We'll drop the links in our show notes. Enjoy the track and we'll be right back. [00:14:00] [00:15:00] [00:16:00] [00:17:00] [00:18:00]  Welcome back. You're tuning in to Apex Express at 94.1 KPFA 89.3 KPFB, 88.1 KFCF Fresno, and online@kpfa.org. Before the break, we were talking about the power of personal storytelling and how sharing our own experiences, especially around identity, can be both healing and powerful. Now I want to dig into how that turned into Hamro Katha: when the Lotus Blooms, what inspired you all to start a podcast? Susmita Tamang: So within our Identity and Belonging group, we divided again to different groups. One was podcast, one was an identity wheel activity we had to do in front of everyone in the summit. So that was when the idea initiated, but then, after we were done with our summit we talked again [00:19:00] altogether. Sarada brought up the idea of podcast because her inspiration drew from the Moth podcast. Sarada Tamang: Yeah. Thank you for filling it in. I was in the subdivision of the podcast from Identity and Belonging, and I thought, we should do something. And I was really moved by the Moth podcast, which I was first introduced to in freshman year of high school. I thought maybe this would be a great way for each person in our community to share their individual stories and experiences so that, you know, it's out there for people to hear and in a way it's preserved because of lack of media coverage in our history,  Susmita Tamang: I agree. Bhutanese Nepali people, not a lot of people even know who we are. And usually when people are like, Oh, where are you from? We say Nepal, but we never explain or go into depth. We're actually not really from Nepal, but at the same time we are. Our parents were born in Bhutan, but then they fled, and therefore, blah, blah, blah. There's not a lot of coverage, so that was definitely one of the main ideas that all of us agreed on. [00:20:00] We want to speak about our issues, about our history, our story, so that people know that we do exist, and acknowledge, us. Cheryl Truong: That's such a great point on the lack of representation and coverage. Sarada, I would love to know more about the Moth and what that is for our listeners out there who don't know what the Moth is.  The moth is where they have stories from thousands of people and it's recorded live. You can hear the audience's reaction to the storyteller as they talk about their journey or talk about a core memory. The stories, they don't have to be serious all the time. Sometimes they're just a funny moment from your life or a little snippet of a journey from your life. I, wanted to incorporate that into our podcast. And one of our team members suggested that maybe we should also have a conversational type of podcast that we all listen to nowadays where we cover important topics in our community that are often overlooked. I hope that, from talking about these issues [00:21:00] as a community, we can grow and connect with each other.  Thank you so much for sharing that. I also wanna take a moment to talk about the history that shaped so many of these stories. For folks who may not know, can you, can one of you share a little bit about the history of the Nepali Bhutanese refugee community?  Nawal Rai: Yeah. We were forced to leave our country, basically stripping our citizenship overnight by the Bhutanese government, and obviously it was not overnight, but it was a progress through putting in policies like one people, one nation act which kind enforced one language, one religion, one cultural costume, one way of practicing and worshipping. That became an issue. A lot of Nepali speaking community, a majority who are Hindu, started to resist toward that policies. Then the people were started to labeled as terrorists and anti nationalist. And so a lot of those caused for us to leave. Some families were given notice to leave by certain dates. And if you're not, then you're either going to be evicted or your house are burned [00:22:00] down or you're forced through violence. Some folks left because of scared of this violence from the government, but also some people after seeing those violence that was perpetuated against the people that resisted. Right. So that kind of became mass migration toward Nepal and that's where we ended up. Some people stayed in India, got stuck in India and in between borders with Bhutan and India and then more than 100, 000 people then resettled in the Seven Refugees Camp in Eastern Nepal.  Cheryl Truong: Yeah. This is a really dark and painful history one that often doesn't get told and, and it really pushes back against that popular narrative of Bhutan being the quote unquote happiest country in the world. You all have touched on how important storytelling is not just for healing, but also for connecting with others and building understanding. So I'm curious when you're all recording, when the Lotus blooms. Who do you imagine listening? Who is the audience you have in mind when you share these stories?  Manju Gurung: I think it is for everybody from our [00:23:00] community or the elders who have not been able to share their stories and struggles that they had to go through. And for our parents people our age and younger than us, the next generation. Anybody who wants to share their stories. It doesn't have to be only about their struggles, if they have something funny or happy stories or anything that they want to write and share, we have created the space for them to use and amplify their voices so we can inspire more people or at least their stories can kind of let others know that, Oh, there are people who have gone through similar stuff like I have, or they have, so yes, it's. I would say it's for everybody.  Susmita Tamang: Yeah, I would say our primary audience is definitely our own community. But also outside of our community, people who support us or don't know about us so that again, our main message that our stories are heard and we are acknowledged. Our identity is Shown and talked about. I think that's also [00:24:00] definitely our target.  Cheryl Truong: And your podcast name is Hamro Kata, When the Lotus Blooms. I totally butchered that. Now, could you tell me the symbolism? What, where does this name come from? Susmita Tamang: We actually made a post on Instagram about our name– when the lotus blooms is our username. We couldn't fit the whole entire podcast name because it was too long. So, yeah, please follow us. Hamro Katha, by the way, means our story in Nepali. That's the direct translation. Our name signifies the perseverance of the Bhutanese Nepali refugees. The lotus. I think many know, it's a symbol of how a lotus prospers from muddy waters. Despite our adverse origins, we continue to flourish by learning and sharing our experiences, trying to inspire others along the way.  Cheryl Truong: What are the kind of stories that you're able [00:25:00] to hear from your elders? Are they open to sharing?  Nawal Rai: Yeah, that's a really good question. And are they open to sharing? I think our community is pretty open to sharing those stories. And I think that also comes from not having anyone to listen for them before, right? At least my grandparents are always like ask me questions. I grew up listening to a lot of the stories from Bhutan and of growing up in Bhutan and the impact of migration. So I have had a lot of those conversations with my grandparents, so they always, at least my grandpa, he can be really buggy with our family because some of our family members doesn't ask him questions like that. Not everyone is interested in the political and the social world like I am in the family. So he's always upset that our uncles or our family members is not asking him enough questions. So from my understanding, there's that part of them that wants to share their stories, because of their struggles that has never been really spoken on and I feel they have never been able to share those stories with anyone. I see that in my family coming out in the structural where he started to be upset with us you know, you guys are [00:26:00] not even trying to learn anything about our stories and blah, blah, blah. And I was like, I got you, grandpa.   Susmita Tamang: Without even asking my dad usually when there's a family gathering of any sort, they're always talking about how their life was back in Bhutan. So from their anecdotes and narratives, I'm always able to listen to what happened. I think usually most of the people I've asked about how their life was in Bhutan, or if they have anything they'd like to share, they're always open to sharing and talking more about it.  Sarada Tamang: I was a big yapper growing up when I was small, especially. So I would be like, grandma, where are you from? Oh, what is, what was that? What was this? And so, I would hear a lot of stories from her and I would also hear a lot of stories about Bhutan and even life in camp from my mom and my relatives when they're reminiscing about old times. I heard the quote when your grandparents pass away, it's like a whole library crashes down or something along the lines of [00:27:00] that. Ever since I heard that I was like, oh my goodness I need to know everything that my grandma has been through. Every time we talk on the phone i'm always asking her about Her life and her journey. Cheryl Truong: Wow. This is actually so different from my experience growing up. Like I remember growing up super ashamed. I would tell my parents don't speak Vietnamese. I don't want everyone to hear it I wanted to fit in.  Susmita Tamang: I did experience what you just talked about, trying to assimilate with the American society because early on when we first immigrated here, being in this space where everyone is Very different from you and more of like you're the one who's different from everyone else. You just wanted to hide or how do you say fall into their group so that you're not singled out as a refugee. I did have that crisis where I was ashamed of myself It was only till high school [00:28:00] When I accepted, I am Bhutanese Nepali, I am a refugee, and I'm proud of that, and that's actually when I started asking questions. So, I wasn't always very curious, but then later on learned more about myself, and that's when things actually started going. Was it like that for you guys?  Nawal Rai: Yeah, Cheryl, I was gonna say, you are definitely not alone. I think we've all been through that phase of running away from our community and everything, and we're trying to reach for that whiteness and the validation of white people. And I think even in the structural way. In college, as a freshman, and after Covid and after George Floyd, that's when those were the moments that really looking into politics and like also looking at the systematic racism and how it has embedded in us in our consciousness and the way that we go on about life. Those moments and those phase of life has definitely made me start the process of decolonization and really explore who am I? And those [00:29:00] curiosities became strong. I found ARU at a perfect moment in life and I'm still exploring and I'm still learning. ARU gave me the space and that people and that community. I'd never seen an organization like ARU in our community that really focuses on healing and talking about social and political issues that is impacting people, and not just about about it, but also how do we take action and getting our communities involved in those conversations. Obviously, we're not where we want to be and I think it's a constant everyday process and work that we're constantly trying to do and trying to build and give something back to the movement and to our people.  Cheryl Truong: Yes. Healing is such a powerful part of this work and of course everyone in this room knows that healing and storytelling is really political too, especially as racialized people. So I wanna ask, what radicalized you? Was there a moment in experience or a story that made you start to see the world differently or made you wanna speak out and organize?  Sarada Tamang: [00:30:00] For me, it was seeing other Bhutanese Nepali youth on social media embracing our culture. And I realized, wow, the clothes that we wear, the language that we speak, it's actually really beautiful. And That's when I started digging more into my culture and trying to understand why I was the way I was growing up. And so, yeah, I think seeing my community, but in different states through social media was definitely a way that moved me, pushed me to accept my culture.  After I was able to get over my insecurities or the desire to fit into certain categories in high school, I was like, Well, I had always been dancing ever since I was small and I enjoyed it even more as I grew up and I would perform if I could at school during our talent [00:31:00] show or diversity program and a lot of people complimented me and they were like, wow, you dance so well. Sarada Tamang: And when people are like, how many languages do you speak? And I say two, they're like, what? I can only speak English. And then after that, I was like, you know what? Yeah, I should embrace this because I love everything about our culture, especially the dance part of it. Cheryl Truong: And how did you get into dancing? Was that something you did with your family?  Sarada Tamang: Growing up, I would see my sister practicing with her friends. And that heavily influenced me because I was like, wow, they were so good at dancing. I want to be just like my sister. And so, I continued practicing and improved. Susmita Tamang: I actually have a story about that.  When we were very young, like when we were around eight years old. I'm pretty sure It was our first performance together, but we did dance in front of, what was it? Wasn't it, Kerelama Arubakotoma? Monks Arubakotoma?  Sarada Tamang: Oh yeah, it was [00:32:00] at a Buddhist temple.  Susmita Tamang: Yeah, and we got five dollars as our, I don't know why we got five dollars, but there was an envelope and I opened it and it was money. I was like, oh my god, maybe I could do this for life, you know? But no, no, no. And we actually performed another time too, it was during Losar, a New Year's event. This was in middle school. That was really fun. And I think that was the last time where our community actually got together. Because afterwards, Charlottesville, it became dry. But I have a lot of good memories of dancing with Sarada.  Cheryl Truong: Wow, five dollars. When you're young, five dollars is a lot. Do y'all do the red envelopes, too?  Susmita Tamang: We don't do red envelopes, but we do get money during our holidays, Dashain and Tihar.  From our last October and November GoHolidays, Dashain and Tihar. DR, I made around 800 and I saved that up and I paid my tuition with it.  So I'm always happy when it's around, you know, holiday season. [00:33:00]  Nawal Rai: Also, in our system, the man doesn't get the money.  Yeah, our family often just gives money to a woman in our family Because they often see our women often gets married and lives with husbands, right? And I think there's that respect of showing more appreciation towards that, at least that's what I heard going on, and I was  like, that's kind of cool. I  Susmita Tamang: In my family, they do get money, but obviously lesser than the girls, but for Tihar is when the guys, if they have siblings or cousins, they get gifts, and in return, the girls get money.  Manju Gurung: But  then about that too, guys, I think for in Hindu religion, there is a one goddess who kind of represents wealth and money and all of that. So people who celebrate, our practice Hinduism at least at my household, we practice both Buddhism and Hindu, like holidays and all of those. So, since there is a goddess who people actually pray for wealth and all of that, I think one of the reasons why a [00:34:00] lot of times women in households get a little bit of extra attention and money as a blessing, so. Susmita Tamang: Yeah, it's a bonus point, I guess.  The gender dynamic, I feel in Bhutanese Nepali community is like in most South Asian immigrants community, where the male kind of dominates the household and The females are the ones who are supposed to stay home, do the majority of the housework, look after the kids. So it's very traditional roles, but having come to America, I think those ideas of it being super dichotomous has been lowered because we know what it is. Susmita Tamang: Individualism is.. People are able to kind of work towards that, whether you're a male or a female or any other genders. So I think being in an American society has definitely influenced now our idea of those dynamics. It's much more [00:35:00] free. But there are definitely, communities within our community that still hold on to the older ideals. Yeah.  Nawal Rai: Yeah, like I would say in terms of a lot of gender roles, I will say like our communities pretty progressive and again, I also don't want to under undermine a lot of the violence that happens against women in our community, right? There's still that imbalance in power in different households, right? But I think when I do, look at our community as a whole, I will say like majority of it's like a more progressive learning, I would say in terms of a lot of issues as well. And if we're looking at men and women, I will say our women in our community are a little bit more progressive than men, I would say. And I think that also plays a big dynamic in our community and how women plays a role in society, even at my household, was very much of a on and off of the power dynamic with my mom and dad. I feel like there was a lot of things I knew that my mom [00:36:00] was and like, even my from my grandparents to see what's this, the oldest, daughter in law, she was, her opinion was always needed there and without her presence or without her saying, no family decision could be made. And that was respected by our grandparents and that was implemented in this. But there, I know there are also my friend's family, right, where there is that dynamic of really, uh, oppressive kind of dynamic.  Manju Gurung: I think within my family to what I've seen growing up between my parents when it comes to gender roles and all that. I think we'll just speaking from experience. I think I've had. This is not me like talking bad about my father or anything. He's a great father and husband and brother son all all, He's an amazing man. But I've had in past two, three years I've had conversations with him where he would say Oh, women should learn to cook. He would heavily focus on those words, which didn't really Sit right with me as I grew older and learned from [00:37:00] experience and around the world. And the thing is, his message was not really entirely wrong. Not just to make women be all prepared for their marriage and stuff, but he was just saying in a way as a concerned father would be like, in case if you , get married off and then go to your in laws homes, we don't want to hear your in laws making you feel bad about not knowing how to cook, clean, all of that, you know.  I always argued with him by saying I don't need to be perfect before I get married or, because I think it's a life skill that a man and women should know. The way that My parents have raised me. I would question them and be like, well, have you taught your son how to cook and clean. It's not only my responsibility to cook and clean and provide. I think after that conversation that I've had with him over and over again, he does kind of pause before he speaks to me about those things because he knows since I'm the oldest one from my home. He knows that, it's going to backfire on him. And so it's a lovely conversation to have with parents and I think even with grandparents too, about gender roles and [00:38:00] dynamics and what we are expecting of women specifically in our communities.  Susmita Tamang: By the way, what I love about what Manjutimi just said is that I feel like our generation is the one who's kind of asking them so that they're aware of what they're actually saying. And a lot of our parents are like that. But then I also realize. It's because their parents were like that and then their parents, grandparents were like that. So it's a lot of these things are passed down and I feel like we're here to break that and say, hey, stop, pause. That's not it. And then actually explain why it shouldn't be like that. Nawal Rai: Yeah, and I want to add a little bit because a lot of our listeners are going to be people who grew up in America, most likely, right? And I think I want to, and why I said that, our community is a little progressive is because I compared our community to a general conservative man of the West. And I feel like a lot [00:39:00] of those views about women and what you just mentioned about like your dad About your dad saying that right? It's not coming from like a woman should do this It is something that culturally passed down to that that's what they're used to and what's Susmita said you know, I think we are the ones To break that. And I feel like when break into those conversation, I feel like a lot of the elders often are pretty open to at least listening in my instances and I know it's not the same for everyone. Again, like the talk, speaking from my experience and with a lot of elders, I have been able to break that crack doing those conversation and I feel like they have been open to welcoming those different views and listening and I've been able to do that in my family, quite a bit. So I think that's something that, yeah, we can do.   Cheryl Truong: Yeah, that's so real. Challenging those cultural norms, especially when they've been passed down for generations, isn't easy. It takes a lot of care and courage, and you're all doing that through your stories, and I think that really shows in your first episode! So for all of our listeners out there, the first episode of [00:40:00] Ro Kata, when the Lotus Blooms is available using the links in the show notes. How was your experience recording your first episode?  Susmita Tamang: It was so nerve wracking at first because we wanted to keep it conversational, like we're just talking with our friends, but at the same time people are going to be watching this, so it's like, do we talk to the audience? How do we still retain our natural tone? It was a lot of just talking to ourselves, hey, it's gonna be okay. We can edit this out later, you know? But it was such a fun experience because everybody was on it. They had the same emotions as I did. But as we were talking about each topic, it kind of just naturally flowed. We had so much to say. Seems like all of us are big yappers so it was nice. What about you guys?  Manju Gurung: Yeah, well, definitely, we had to restart so many times just because everybody was so nervous. When we knew that it was recording, I think it really made all of us a little bit nervous, yeah. Sarada Tamang: [00:41:00] definitely a learning experience. This was a trial and error kind of, but I think overall we did great. I think as the more we do this, the more comfortable we'll get. During this process, we're doing our best to improve as we go and we've also been receiving a lot of feedback and we will definitely incorporate them on our following episodes. I  Nawal Rai: yeah, I wasn't on the podcast, but I did the editing. I think it was, it was a really good experience and I watched them while I was editing. I think overall for the first time, no one has ever done a podcast in our group, this was all like new, something new for all of us. And Yeah, putting that in mind, I think it was a very successful. I would say it was a successful first episode and, even for the edit, while I was editing too, there was a lot of things that I was learning as I was editing and there was a lot of things That are also group were incorporating that we were helping each other to produce that. So I wasn't the only editing. My groups were sharing their ideas and how we can really make that product look the way that it came out, you know? It was a lot of teamwork and [00:42:00] learned to take criticism, then how do we implement that in practice?  I think especially being virtual, it's difficult to do all the things. , it's a process. So we're trying to do a different recording in a different method next time and try, if that would make our screen much clearer or just play around with us. It's as we go, I think it's going to be an experience.  Cheryl Truong: Thanks for sharing your reflections with me, everyone. I'm glad to hear that it was overall a good experience. Well, we are at time, but before we close, I want to ask you all one last question. If you could go back and tell your younger self something, something you know now, after being part of this podcast, this community, this journey, what would you tell yourself?  Susmita Tamang: I think for me, it would be, don't try too hard to fit in, because my whole entire elementary to middle to early high school year, it was always trying to do these activities that like trying to get into musicals, and ballet, I did so many, I mean, these were actually really good opportunities, but [00:43:00] it was so that I looked like my peers, my interests and hobbies were the same as theirs, so that they took me in, kind of. They were fun though, I did get into musicals, it was fun, but that was definitely my time where I tried my hardest to be in that group. But I guess I would tell myself, don't try too hard to fit in because you will find your people. Just be yourself and that will help you move on through life.   Manju Gurung: For me, I think I would tell my younger self to be brave. I'm still telling myself to be a little bit brave and be confident. And I think that's a work in progress, but yeah Be a little brave and don't be afraid to share your voice. And I think that's something that I have struggled with, being confident in my own voice. And, thankfully enough at this age and day that I have ARU and this amazing team that we have. So that has allowed me to share my voice and not be scared.  Sarada Tamang: For me, advice I would give to [00:44:00] my younger self. Is that I would tell her to don't be afraid to speak and initiate a conversation because I feel like because I did that. Now I'm more afraid to speak to people. And embrace your culture. Nawal Rai: Yeah, for me, I would say. You didn't have to be a parent. I feel like, that's a sound depressing. I feel like I'm saying that because I feel like I had a lot of little siblings. And a lot of the time. My parent didn't force me to be, but being the oldest, I tried to put that habit of being an adult and being a parent figure. Now I'm 23 and living alone, trying to figure life out, and I'm like, I am still a child and I don't know how to be an adult. I feel like I didn't get time to be a child back then, because I was trying to be an adult so much, now I'm like, okay, I want to be a child now, so , I'm trying to figure out how do I also be a child and also [00:45:00] figure this world out, and I think that's the phase I am in life right now, trying to figure that out.  Cheryl Truong: Well, I'm so excited to see more of y'all. Thank you all so much for coming on the show for our listeners out there. Can you remind me one more time, how can we listen and tune into your podcast and how can we stay updated on all things?  Susmita Tamang: So majority of the things we're going to be posting is going to be on our Instagram, whenthelotusmoons, that is our username. And then we have a YouTube account, Spotify, as well as TikTok, where we're going to be posting more of our materials. So if you guys go there, you can check us out.  Nawal Rai: I think the best way to stay connected would be following on Instagram. That's where I feel like we'll post a lot of the things that will be , updated, and I think a lot of the announcement will come there.  Cheryl Truong: Thank you all so much for sharing your stories, your honesty, and your hearts with us today. Once again, this is the incredible team behind Asian refugees United's new podcast. It's really clear that Hamro [00:46:00] Katha isn't just a podcast. It is a space for healing, for truth telling, and for imagining something better. To our listeners. If you wanna learn more about Asian Refugees United and the work that these incredible youth leaders are doing, please check out Asian Refugees United's website.  It's currently linked in the show notes. And as always, thank you for tuning in to Apex Express. We'll catch you next time.  Cheryl Truong (she/they): Apex express is produced by Miko Lee, Paige Chung, Jalena Keane-Lee, Preeti Mangala Shekar. [00:47:00] Shekar, Anuj Vaidya, Kiki Rivera, Swati Rayasam, Nate Tan, Hien Nguyen, Nikki Chan, and Cheryl Truong   Cheryl Truong: Tonight's show was produced by me, cheryl. Thanks to the team at KPFA for all of their support. And thank you for listening! [00:48:00] [00:49:00] [00:50:00] [00:51:00] [00:52:00] [00:53:00] [00:54:00] [00:55:00] [00:56:00] [00:57:00] [00:58:00]  The post APEX Express – April 17, 2025 – When the Lotus Blooms appeared first on KPFA.

Because Lia would never make it past the first scene without hating us, it's just Amy and Megan today with a deep dive of a drama we both loved, Undercover High School. Do we have questions? Sure. Are there plot holes? Absolutely! Do we care? Not. One. Bit. Seo Kang-Joon is a new favorite for both of us, and Jin Ki-Joo gives us a plucky heroine we absolutely adore. Add to that a fantastic ensemble, a dastardly villain, many skeletons, and lots of LOLing, and apparently, that's the recipe for a 10/10 drama. We hope you loved it too!Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Asians were making (positive and less positive) waves from the Bay Area to Washington D.C. these past couple of weeks...Of course, we have to talk about our disappointment with the Dodgers going to visit the White House, Jazz Chisolm Jr. makes his love of anime the star of the show, and NPB bans fans from posting to social media at games?!In position player news, Tsung-Che Cheng debuts, Tommy keeps Tanking, and our on the ground reporter Naomi Ko describes the Lee Jung Hoo mania in San Francisco.Pitching is strong! Tomoyuki Sugano gets his first Major League win, Bryan Woo bests Kumar Rocker in the Asians in Baseball head-to-head matchup, and Asians in the Bullpens are pristine. Finally, Ohtani goes yard on his bobblehead night and a new celly is born. Check out Nate Nakao's podcast Asians in Hockey here! https://linktr.ee/asiansinhockey

Whew! This one was juicy. I sat down for my very first ever all-female roundtable with two of my dearest, most brilliant soul sisters—Dr. Lalita and Simone Heng—and let me tell you, we did not hold back. From getting shushed (multiple times) in a Tallinn café to unpacking what it really means to be a brown, bold, and brave woman in today's world, this episode is the unapologetic, heart-expanding chat you didn't know you needed.We're getting into everything: growing up the “rainbow sheep” of our families, healing generational wounds, thriving in male-dominated industries, and building deep, aligned female friendships that aren't just “transactional.” So pull up a seat, pour your matcha (or your wine), and get ready to feel seen, heard, and maybe even a little called out—in the best possible way.

CardioNerds (Drs. Daniel Ambinder and Eunice Dugan) join Dr. Namrita Ashokprabhu, Dr. Yulith Roca Alvarez, and Dr. Mehmet Yildiz from The Christ Hospital. Expert commentary by Dr. Odayme Quesada. Audio editing by CardioNerds intern, Christiana Dangas. This episode highlights the pivotal role of cardiac MRI and functional testing in uncovering coronary vasospasm as an underlying cause of MINOCA. Cardiac MRI is crucial in evaluating myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and diagnosing myocarditis, but findings must be interpreted within clinical context. A 58-year-old man with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, a family history of cardiovascular disease, and smoking history presented with sudden chest pain, non-ST-elevation on EKG, and elevated troponin I (0.64 µg/L). Cardiac angiography revealed nonobstructive coronary disease, including a 40% stenosis in the LAD, consistent with MINOCA. Eight weeks later, another event (troponin I 1.18 µg/L) led to cardiac MRI findings suggesting myocarditis. Further history revealed episodic chest pain and coronary vasospasm, confirmed by coronary functional angiography showing severe vasoconstriction, resolved with nitroglycerin. Management included calcium channel blockers and long-acting nitrates, reducing symptoms. Coronary vasospasm is a frequent MINOCA cause and can mimic myocarditis on CMRI. Invasive coronary functional testing, including acetylcholine provocation testing, is indicated in suspicious cases.  US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscript here. CardioNerds Case Reports PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Notes - Coronary Vasospasm What are the potential underlying causes of MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries)?  Plaque Rupture: Plaque disruption, which includes plaque rupture, erosion, and calcified nodules, occurs as lipids accumulate in coronary arteries, leading to inflammation, necrosis, fibrosis, and calcification. Plaque rupture exposes the plaque to the lumen, causing thrombosis and thromboembolism, while plaque erosion results from thrombus formation without rupture and is more common in women and smokers. Intravascular imaging, such as IVUS and OCT, can detect plaque rupture and erosion, with studies showing plaque disruption as a frequent cause of MINOCA, particularly in women, though the true prevalence may be underestimated due to limited imaging coverage.  Coronary Vasospasm: Coronary vasospasm is characterized by nitrate-responsive chest pain, transient ischemic EKG changes, and >90% vasoconstriction during provocative testing with acetylcholine or ergonovine, due to hyper-reactivity in vascular smooth muscle. It is a common cause of MINOCA, with approximately half of MINOCA patients testing positive in provocative tests, and Asians are at a significantly higher risk than Whites. Smoking is a known risk factor for vasospasm. In contrast, traditional risk factors like sex, hypertension, and diabetes do not increase the risk, and vasospasm is associated with a 2.5–13% long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).  Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) involves the formation of a false lumen in epicardial coronary arteries without atherosclerosis, caused by either an inside-out tear or outside-in intramural hemorrhage. SCAD is classified into four types based on angiographic features, with coronary angiography being the primary diagnostic tool. However, in uncertain cases, advanced imaging like IVUS or OCT may be used cautiously. While the true prevalence is unclear due to missed diagnoses, SCAD is more common in women and is considered a cause of MINOCA when i...

We're back with another First Episode study, and this time we're covering Moon Lovers which has just dropped in full on Viki in the US. Lia has loved this drama forever. Can she convince Megan and Amy to give the princes and IU a chance? Are we on board with the love triangle? Does the Fourth Prince have too many red flags? Let's talk about it!Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Too much nonsense on today's livestream so chose not to post it! Instead here's an episode of my other podcast "Comedy Quick Hits with Opie". SUBSCRIBE to that podcast for all the episodes! Buckle up for a laugh-packed episode of Comedy Quick Hits with Opie! This time, we’ve got side-splitting moments from the Opie Radio podcast featuring an all-star lineup: Pete Davidson, Theo Von, Nick Diaz, Carl Ruiz, Matt Farrah (The Smoking Tire), Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), Jackie The Jokeman (Howard Stern Show), Kristen Bell, and Ron the Waiter. From stolen identities and nightmare wives to dad jokes, sobriety struggles, and a mind-blowing elevator ride with Asians, this episode’s got it all—plus Trump’s reading woes, dating app disasters, and a clever underwear-hiding trick. Heaven, hell, and jump ropes collide in this hilarious, unfiltered comedy free-for-all!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm angry! A Once-UndocumentedImmigrant Speaks from the Heart-- Live Work with Sunny, Part 1 Sunny Choi is a beloved member of the TEAM community. He grew up in Hong Kong before emigrating with his family to the United States when he was 11 years old. He graduated from UCLA with a major in engineering, completed a master's degree in Engineering Management at Stanford, and developed a successful career in high tech Silicon Valley companies. However, he left his work to pursue additional graduate training in clinical social work because he discovered that his strongest call was to help individuals who were being marginalized by American culture and suffering. He then obtained an MSW degree with a specialty in Community Mental Health from California State University. We were fortunate when Sunny discovered and joined our free Stanford TEAM CBT training group, and blossomed into an expert TEAM therapist and beloved colleague and friend. Today, Dr. Jill Levitt and I worked with Sunny because he requested a session to work on his own troubled feelings concerning the recent political developments. He emphasized that he wanted to do personal work, rather than focusing too heavily on the current political controversies and battles. You can find the Daily Mood Log (DML) that Sunny prepared just prior to his session if you click here As you can see, at the top of his DML, he described the upsetting event as tearing up when he was teaching a class and discussing a case of a transgender Mexican American man, and he began reflecting on his own memories of growing up as a gay male and undocumented immigrant. Sadness and anger were the two strongest negative feelings (rated 70 and 80, respectively on a scale from 0 to 100), although he was also moderately anxious, guilty, rejected, hopeless, and frustrated. You can also see the ten negative thoughts he recorded on his DML, and how strongly he believed each one, on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 1000 (completely.). During the session he added three more thoughts: 11.  I (shouldn't be) living such a happy and pleasurable life when others are suffering. 70% 12.  I should be helping others more. 80% 13.  I have to figure out the correct way to be thinking and feeling. 50% At the start of the session, he said that he felt vulnerable and nervous discussing such personal feelings, memories, and thoughts. He also said that after doing much personal and professional work, he was generally happy and loving, but felt profoundly disturbed when he thought about so many people who are suffering. He said, “Many of my clients are being deported. And those who are gay are worried that they'll lose access to their medications.” These were the kinds of thoughts that triggered his feelings of guilt. During the empathy phase, Jill mentioned that she felt honored to be talking to Sunny today and proud to be a member of a community where you can reach out when you're suffering. She added that she felt torn, as I did, because it seemed to us that many of his negative thoughts were realistic, and not distorted, and that it makes sense to feel sad, anxious, worried, and angry. For example, his first negative thought on his DML was, “The world is much more unstable and dangerous now.” Sunny emphasized that most of the time he does feel happy, especially when involved with friends and family, and doing the things he loves. But then he gets confused and guilty, wondering if it is right to feel happy when things are looking so dark for so many people. It certainly makes sense to feel unhappy when, as Sunny said, some of his clients and friends have lost their jobs and people in the LGBTQ+ community are afraid they'll get deported. And we're all afraid to speak up and talk about diversity, which has become a dirty word that can get you into trouble. And when Sunny thinks about this, he feels profound sadness and compassion. But as previously noted, this has caused confusion for Sunny, and he struggles with feelings of guilt about the fact that he is truly happy so much of the time. He's happy about his beautiful life, his marriage, and more—this, in fact, is his happiest he's ever been. Here's how he puts it: “I used to be undocumented. The experience and the hostility and bias I confronted traumatized me. And when I heard Trump talk about all the ‘murders and rapists' invading our country from Mexico, I became tearful. I feel angry—they don't think we're human. “I want people to be more compassionate. . . . To say we're rapists and criminals, it's not okay. . . it's mean, and it's very harmful to mental health. . . . It's like repeatedly poking at someone who is recovering from a terrible wound, and it hurts.” Jill was touched, and found Sunny's vulnerability heart-warming, beautiful, and refreshing. Rhonda reminded us that unless we are Indigenous Native Americans, all Americans are descended from immigrants. In my own case, all my ancestors came from Sweden in the late 1800s during the potato famine. Sunny pointed out the European immigrants have not been discriminated against in the same way as the Africans, Asians, Latinos, Islamic, and dark-skinned individuals: “Let's be open. It's racism. I felt it right from the start.” Sunny gave us an A+ on empathy, and then we worked to set the agenda for the session. What did Sunny hope to get from the session? What did he want help with? What changes was he hoping for? He said: “Maybe my feelings are appropriate, but some may be too intense. My goal is to find peace; to have hope, and to try to do something to help. . . I want to feel proud of who I am and what I stand for. I want to try to be loving and compassionate, even to people who don't have the same beliefs and values. . . . Although that can be incredibly challenging!” When you listen to today's podcast, you will hear the T = Testing and E = Empathy portions of the session. Next week, you will hear the A = Paradoxical Agenda Setting and M = Methods portions along with the conclusion, including the final T = Testing to evaluate his end of session scores on the Brief Mood Survey and Evaluation of Therapy Session. Thank you for joining us. Rhonda, Jill, Sunny, and I appreciate all of you!

This week we're back with another deep dive, another office romance, and another win for your noonas. While My Dearest Nemesis may not be breaking new ground, it's a great twist on a tried and true trope--enemies to lovers--with a message we've been trying to uphold since we started this podcast. Love what you love without shame. K-Pop Rec: "like JENNIE" by JENNIEReady to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Will and Dawn In Osaka: Let's check in on Will and Dawn's trip to Osaka! We have some footage from Osaka Castle as well as Universal Japan! JAWS IS DOWN! Let's Look At Corey's Twitter: We do have to check back in on the Anti Jim and Them petition and Corey's Twitter. Daredevil Deb: We check in on our favorite, Daredevil Deb who is now doing stand up!? FUCK YOU WATCH THIS!, THE BEAR!, DAVE BLUNTS!, FIRST DAY OUT THE HOSPITAL!, HARD R!, REMOTE MIKE!, WOMEN'S MONTH!, WHITE BOYS!, NAPKINS OVER THEY DRINK!, THEME PARK!, VLOGGERS!, THEME PARK MAGIC!, YANKEE IN THE SOUTH!, WILL AND DAWN!, JAPAN!, OSAKA!, CASTLE!, COREY'S TWITTER!, GATLINBURG!, BREAKING!, OFFICE!, LAUGHING!, FRUSTRATED!, ANNOYED!, GALAXY GAS!, DRIVEL!, NOTHING!, SIERRA SISTER!, SCREAMING!, UNIVERSAL!, NO TICKETS!, ET!, JAWS IS DOWN!, WEATHER!, SNOWING!, COLD!, OUTSIDE!, SNOOPY!, PEANUTS!, HARRY POTTER!, PEANUTS!, BUTTERBEER!, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!, UNDERGROUND LEVEL!, BUTCHERED!, GLITTER!, STRIP JOINTS!, REFERENCES!, SUBTLE!, TROLLING!, NEED ATTENTION!, LIKE WOMEN!, HDM!, HEATHER MAY!, CAN'T GET WOMEN!, HERBS!, ADDICTION!, ASHAMED!, GASLIGHTING!, BLOCK AND IGNORE!, DIVINE BING BING!, MONEY!, VIDEOS!, 5D BARS!, MUSIC!, 3D PRINTER!, WALK OFF A CLIFF!, ADRIEN SKYE!, DISS!, BHAD BHABIE!, DAREDEVIL DEB!, TIKTOK!, STUNTS!, OLD LADY!, STAND UP!, INSIDE BITS!, OPEN MIC!, ASIANS!  You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!