‘Best of 2023’ CapRadio’s Podcasts ‘Mid Pacific’ and ‘This is What it Feels Like’

Glenna Walters at her home during the summer 2022 in Rio Linda, Calif. Andrew Nixon/CapRadio

We’re highlighting two CapRadio podcasts that launched this year: “Mid Pacific” which explores what it means to be Asian American and “This is What it Feels Like” which puts us in the shoes of everyday people.

Mid Pacific

CapRadio’s launched “Mid Pacific” this spring, which explores what it means to be Asian American and the feeling of being caught between two worlds. As host Sarah Mizes-Tan explains, through food, politics, mental health, music– and much more– we learn how loaded of a question it can be. Today, we’re going to revisit a conversation we had about family. Whether Asian American, or you have a story of immigration– or you’re a 10th generation Californian– the family that comes before us shapes how we walk through life. And in recent years, the dynamic of Asian American families is taking more of the spotlight in pop culture. The biggest example this year is the Oscar winning film “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” And this film resonates deeply with some CapRadio journalists. Back in May, I sat down with Mid Pacific host Sarah Mizes-Tan, as well as CapRadio reporters Janelle Salanga and Kristin Lam about the significance of the film. 

This is What it Feels Like

CapRadio’s new podcast “This is What it Feels Like” has a simple, open-ended premise: “In a world that feels more divided than ever, put yourself in the shoes of everyday people at the center of issues often overlooked or politicized by society. It’s not simple. It’s not black and white.” Host Terra Lopez explains the life experiences were wide ranging, and all first person narratives. The first season just wrapped this fall, and while all episodes were powerful, there was a fan favorite. It features a 106-year-old woman named Glenna who dismantles, and gives us, a deeper understanding about getting older. As Terra Lopez puts: Instead of focusing on what we lose as we age, Glenna’s focus is living simply and staying inspired– to the very last moment. Glenna passed away shortly after her 107th birthday, surrounded by family.