Big Asian Energy

After years of building, researching interviewing and writing and rewriting more times than I can count—it’s here. Big Asian Energy, my debut book, is officially out in the world.

This episode is different. It’s just me—no guest, no script—sharing the real story behind the book. Where the idea came from, what it took to write, what I’ve never said publicly about the process, and why I almost didn’t do it at all.

I made this episode because I know I would’ve wanted to hear it when I was starting out. And I made this book because I couldn’t find one that captured the full picture—not just the workplace challenges or the stereotypes, but the internal stuff no one talks about.

In this episode, I talk about:

What’s inside the book

Here’s just some of what I cover:

 If you take away one thing
This book isn’t trying to speak for all of us. That’s impossible. But if it helps you feel even a little more seen—or a little less alone—then it was worth writing.

I hope it sparks conversation. I hope it starts something that goes far beyond me.

And I hope, above all, it helps you show up—not as who the world expects you to be, but as who you already are.

Grab Your Copy

Buy the book:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742831/big-asian-energy-by-john-wang/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Asian-Energy-Unapologetic-Leadership/dp/0593475437

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-asian-energy-john-wang/1146224703

More resources: www.bigasianenergy.com

Say hi! 
[email protected] | [email protected]

In this joyful and deeply resonant episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome back Dr. Stacey Litam—tenured professor, licensed therapist, and bestselling author of Healing Patterns That Remain. Back by popular demand, Dr. Stacey joins us for a special “snack therapy” episode where we explore identity, childhood memories, and healing through the foods we grew up with.

What starts as a nostalgic taste test turns into a powerful conversation on belonging, bicultural identity, and inner child healing. With her signature warmth and insight, Dr. Stacey helps us unpack what it means to feel “not Asian enough,” how to hold space for grief and joy at once, and why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is cut your own fruit.

Dr. Stacey shares:

• How food helps us reconnect with cultural identity and emotional safety

• What diasporic grief and diasporic joy really feel like

• Why so many Asian Americans wrestle with “not enough-ness”—and how to reframe it

• The difference between assimilation and integration (and why one supports better mental health)

• What healing looks like when it’s playful, embodied, and rooted in joy

If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures, unsure how to “belong,” or just want a comforting conversation that goes deep while keeping it real—this episode is for you.

Connect with Dr. Stacey:

Website: https://www.staceylitam.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstaceyalitam 

Buy Healing Patterns That Remain: https://www.staceylitam.com/patterns-that-remain-a-guide-to-healing-for-asian-children-of-immigrants

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Pre-order Alert!

My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles!

Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder.

Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle

In this empowering episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with Sheena Yap Chan—Wall Street Journal bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast. With over 800 interviews under her belt, Sheena brings deep insight into what holds so many women back from fully stepping into their power—and what it takes to break through.

We talk about the realities of self-doubt, how perfectionism and fear keep us stuck, and why learning to believe in yourself is the most radical, life-changing thing you can do.

Sheen Shares:

The truth behind the confidence gap—and how it affects women in leadership

Why we’re conditioned to play small (and how to break free)

What “ready, fire, aim” looks like in action

Why self-promotion isn’t tacky—it’s leadership

How to reframe rejection, get visible, and believe you’re enough

Whether you’re dreaming of publishing a book, going for that next promotion, or just want to feel less alone on the path to confidence, this conversation is for you.

About Sheena Yap Chan:
Sheena is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Tao of Self-Confidence and her latest book Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World is out now. She’s the host of a podcast of the same name, which has hit 1M+ downloads. Her work has been featured in NBC, Mindvalley, The Manila Times, and more.

Connect with Sheena: 
Take Sheena's Self-Confidence Quiz : https://www.sheenayapchan.com/quiz
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sheena.yap.chan/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan
The Tao of Self-Confidence Podcast: https://thetaoofselfconfidence.com/
Pre order Bridging the Gap: https://www.sheenayapchan.com/bridgingtheconfidencegap

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Pre-order Alert!
My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles!

Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle

What does it take to reshape an industry from the inside out?

In this in-person episode of Big Asian Energy, John sits down with Christine Hung, Executive Director of Marketing at Vintage Books (Penguin Random House) and interim director of People of Color in Publishing. From growing up in Minnesota to working on campaigns for literary icons like James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, Christine shares how her journey has been quietly powered by advocacy, storytelling, and community.

They dive deep into the unspoken realities of publishing—who gets in, who gets left out, and why representation isn’t just about who’s on the page, but who’s in the room. With humor, heart, and plenty of honesty, Christine reflects on identity, negotiation, diversity in publishing, and why she’d love to teach a class on financial literacy.

What You’ll Learn:

Why representation—both on the page and behind the scenes—matters more than ever

How financial privilege and gatekeeping shape who gets to work in publishing

What it really means to advocate for inclusion from inside the system

Why curiosity, connection, and negotiation are essential tools for career growth

How we can reimagine publishing to be more transparent, equitable, and inclusive

Connect with Christine and POC in Publishing!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocpub/

Website: https://www.pocinpublishing.com/

Ever had a project, story, or dream you just couldn’t start—or finish—because you were overthinking every detail? You're not alone.

In this solo episode of Big Asian Energy, we explore the concept of perfection paralysis—the fear-fueled freeze that keeps high achievers stuck in their heads and out of action. John breaks down the difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism, why procrastination is often not laziness, and how cultural expectations around success and "saving face" deeply influence our creative courage.

If you've ever told yourself "I'm just not ready yet," this episode will help you reframe that mindset and finally get moving.

What You’ll Learn:

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Pre-order Alert!
My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles!

Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle

What if the problem isn’t your story—but the system deciding who gets to tell theirs?

In this eye-opening episode of Big Asian Energy, I talk with Jafreen Uddin, Executive Director of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW)—and the first woman to lead the organization in its 30-year history. From her early nonprofit roots to reshaping the publishing world, Jafreen shares how she’s working to create radically inclusive spaces for Asian American writers and readers alike.

We get into the real talk behind publishing: who it excludes, how Asian American authors are often boxed in, and why building community is the key to both creativity and change.

What You’ll Learn:

Connect with Jafreen Uddin!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jafreenmu/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jafreen-uddin

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Pre-order Alert!
My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles!

Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle

What if the life you built isn’t the one you were meant to live?

In this deeply moving episode of Big Asian Energy, I sit down with Jackie Kai Ellis—designer, award-winning pastry chef, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Measure of My Powers. Jackie opens up about burnout, depression, and the courage it took to walk away from a life that looked successful but didn’t feel fulfilling. Through vulnerability, creativity, and a chocolate chip cookie, she found her way back to herself—and built something entirely new.

What You’ll Learn:

How burnout and self-doubt can become turning points toward reinvention

Why following small joys can unlock life-changing clarity

How Jackie overcame cultural and personal fears to start over in her 30s

The reality of family pressure, identity, and pursuing joy as an Asian woman

How to trust yourself, even when the path isn’t clear

Connect with Jackie Kai Ellis!
Website:https://www.jackiekaiellis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiekaiellis

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Pre-order Alert!
My new book Big Asian Energy is almost here—and I’m giving away exclusive preorder bundles!

Get a free bonus book bundle when you preorder. Preorder now: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/book-bonus-bundle

Tune in now for a soulful conversation on reinvention, resilience, and what it really means to come home to yourself.

What does it truly mean to be a leader? Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or demanding authority—it’s about curiosity, learning, and the willingness to serve others. But how do we redefine leadership beyond titles and perfection?

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Tony Delarosa, an educator, speaker, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Tony challenges the traditional ideas of leadership, highlighting how curiosity, vulnerability, and a deep commitment to learning are the true markers of impactful leaders. From navigating self-doubt to embracing lifelong learning, this conversation will reshape how you view leadership and your role in it.

What You’ll Learn:

Connect with Tony Delarosa!
Website:https://www.tonyrosaspeaks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyrosaspeaks/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonydelarosa89/

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation on redefining leadership, curiosity, and making a lasting impact!

How do we turn adversity into strength and step fully into our power? For many, personal struggles, cultural expectations, and self-doubt hold us back from embracing confidence and leadership. But what if your challenges could become the foundation for your success?

In this empowering episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome Jiggy Yoon, a coach, speaker, and advocate for self-confidence and leadership. Jiggy shares her powerful journey of overcoming hardship, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and helping others do the same. From battling imposter syndrome to finding your voice in leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, personal stories, and practical strategies for stepping into the most authentic and powerful version of yourself.

Website: https://www.jiggyyoon.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiggy_yoon
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naeunjiggyyoon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Tune in now for an inspiring conversation on confidence, resilience, and stepping into your true power! 🎧

Why do so many Asian Americans struggle with behavioral addictions and mental health stigma? For many, cultural expectations, family dynamics, and a lack of open conversations create deep challenges in addressing emotional well-being. The need for healing and connection is more important than ever.

In this powerful episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with Tom Kim, a licensed professional counselor, scholar, and speaker specializing in behavioral addictions, trauma, and Asian American mental health. Tom unpacks how gaming, internet use, and other behavioral dependencies impact our well-being, and why fostering community-driven healing is essential.

What You’ll Learn:

Connect with Oikos!

Website: https://www.oikoscnc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oikos_cnc/

Let’s connect on socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Tune in now for an eye-opening conversation on mental health, addiction, and healing in Asian communities!