Brazn Azn

Author Kaila Yu Discusses Her Debut Memoir 'Fetishized' and Asian American FeminismIn this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan, have a compelling conversation with author and cultural writer Kaila Yu about her debut memoir Fetishized: a Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty."

Kaila shares her experiences navigating the fetishization of Asian women, the slow yet collaborative process of writing her memoir, her journey towards self-love and sobriety, and the transformations in Asian representation in media. Kaila's memoir is a deeply personal narrative interspersed with essays on various themes, offering a nuanced exploration of identity and resilience.- Discussing Kaila's Memoir: Fetishized- The Impact of Vulnerability and Recovery- Challenges in Asian Representation in Media- Nylon Pink and the Rock Scene- Asian Fetishization and Its Real-Life Consequences

Follow Kaila @kailayu on Instagram.

In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan are joined by award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and voiceover artist Anthony Ma. Anthony discusses his new short film "God and Buddha Are Friends," which is inspired by a childhood experience.

- The Story Behind the Film

- Big Mom Energy

- Creating an Authentic 90s Experience

- Balancing Accuracy and Storytelling

- The Evolution of Asian American Roles in Hollywood

- Challenges and Progress in the Industry

Follow Anthony Ma on Instagram @anthonyma

Join hosts Stella and Virginia as they chat with author Thien-Kim Lam about her latest novel "Something Cheeky" and explore:

- The evolution of Asian American representation in romance literature

- Writing authentic, diverse characters and relationships

- Balancing cultural specificity with universal themes

- The importance of found family and community in storytelling

- Challenging stereotypes and creating sex-positive narratives

Follow Thien-Kim Lam at https://thienkimlam.com

Socials: @msthienkim

In this episode of Brazn Azn, hosts Stella and Virginia dive deep into the complex world of risk-taking, exploring their personal experiences with calculated caution and unexpected leaps of faith. From early marriage to career choices and parenthood, they unpack the nuanced ways we define and navigate risk in our lives.

-Early marriage and its financial implications

-Pregnancy is a huge risk and not health neutral

-ADHD and impulsivity vs. calculated decision-making

-The myth of the risk-averse eldest child

-Balancing stability and adventure in relationships and careers

In this episode of Brazn Azn, hosts Stella and Virginia welcome rising Korean American actor Ezra Justin Lee, who shares his transformative journey from growing up as a pastor's kid to finding his authentic self in Hollywood. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of reconciling cultural heritage, family expectations, and personal ambition in the entertainment industry.

- Short film "Pastor's Kid"

- Not demonizing our fathers

- Authentic Asian representation in media

- Differing beauty standards

- Self-love and self-acceptance

On this episode of Brazn Azn, co-hosts Stella and Virginia have an intimate conversation about their personal journeys with religion and spirituality, exploring how they've moved away from traditional Christian faith while still grappling with big existential questions. It's a raw, honest exploration of leaving organized religion while still wrestling with fundamental questions about meaning, community, and the possibility of something beyond our immediate perception.

- Personal faith journeys

- Spirituality vs. religion

- Purpose of prayer

- Collective human experience

In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan chat with improvisational pianist GKO about his unexpected path from tech to becoming a full-time musician. GKO shares his journey of discovering a sudden ability to improvise during the pandemic, building an independent music career, and breaking away from traditional Asian American narratives.

Key Topics:

- The Magic of Musical Improvisation

- Navigating Life as an Independent Artist

- The Current State of the Music Industry

- Breaking Free from Asian American Stereotypes

- Finding Authenticity Through Therapy

- Taking Risks and Pursuing Passion

You can find GKO on all social media platforms @GKOPiano and stream his music on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan sit down with poet Ophelia Hu Kinney. Ophelia shares her experiences of moving to Maine, co-owning 20 acres of land, and building a community as a queer Asian American. The discussion explores themes of change, the importance of community, the interaction of Asianness in predominantly white settings, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

- Tending the Land and Community

- Navigating Small Town Conservatism

- Family and Community Connections

- Lessons from the Land and Parenthood

- Community and Vulnerability

- Navigating Asianness in Maine

In this episode of the Brazn Azn Podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia delve into the nuances of religious language, including the use of the word 'blessings,' and discuss their experiences deconstructing Christianity. They also cover moral authority, the violence of missionary work, and how they're raising their kids outside of the church.

- Is the word "blessing" offensive

- Navigating Religious Trauma and Inclusivity

- Deconstructing Faith and Leaving the Church

- Cultural Identity and Religious Conversion

- Moral Authority and Relativism

- Progressive Faith and Justice

In this episode of the Brazn Azn podcast, co-hosts Stella and Virginia Duan chat with Tracey Gee, certified leadership coach, consultant, and author of "The Magic of Knowing What You Want." They explore why desires are good, how pursuing individual desires can contribute to social good, and how our desires are magic.

- Validating Desires and Overcoming Barriers

- The Magic in the Process

- The Vulnerability of Desires