Finding Family

This week, you get to hear a conversation with Ryan, my husband of over ten years.  In his session, which takes place in a cabin in the woods (no joke), we talk about his life before we met, his family dynamic, and his reflections on his white identity through it all.  Unlike the other podcasts, I found myself filling in some of the gaps because, after all, I was there.  So, this episode felt a little different and still, I learned a lot.  Take a listen.   

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

In college, I was lucky to find my family in a group of mostly Asian American friends.  In Tagalog (Filipino) this was my barkada.  No matter how much time passes, I know they are there for me, no matter what.  So while we're often separated by 3000 or so miles (many of my college friends are on the east coast and I am on the west coast), I was so happy to reconnect with one of my friends, Cindy.  Fiercely loyal and an incredible leader, Cindy continues to be an amazing spirit and an incredible mom.  Listen in as we discuss her family life growing up and now as the mother of 3 children.  

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

This week's episode is with my friend, sometimes co-worker, sometimes perceived wife, Sara.  We met doing some volunteer work with a national organization many years ago and have grown as friends since.  Her family story takes us around the world and then some, with many ups and downs.  Take a listen.  

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

So Insil and I worked together at a small private college in Oregon for a few years (where she also an alumna) and immediately clicked.  She's incredibly smart and has a fascinating family background growing up equally Korean and American.  She and I connect on many interests which includes our love for Mariah (even took a trip to Las Vegas to see Mariah's Christmas concert and I'm happy to say I purchased her copy of Mariah's autobiography).  Take a listen!

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

Deanne is a close friend (and soon to be co-worker again) who is always ready to indulge my Chinese side.  Known as "Auntie D" in our house, she's a warm and giving person who always makes room for connection and comfort.  If you listen closely to our conversation, you may even hear one of her two mini dachshunds moving around in the background.  Take a listen.  

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

Jenn is Paolo's life partner (listen to Paolo's interview in Episode 5).  Together, they're my first couple!  Jenn is one of those friends who you can always count on through thick and thin.  We're so glad to call her part of our local family.  In this episode, you'll hear us discuss everything from her background, to Paolo and Jenn's wedding, to her experience having and raising Ari.  

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color.

Meet Paolo, a former student and now friend.  He's a creative and fun-loving guy with a deep story about family.  Growing up, Paolo was the only child of a Filipina mom and a white dad and he talks about the many nuances of that experience.  Since then, he married Jenn (our next episode) and had a kiddo, Ari.  Now that our kids are growing up together, he's definitely part of our smaller Seattle family which is why it was so easy to chat. 

Since recording this episode, Paolo opened his own restaurant The Chicken Supply.  Go there for some of the best Filipino fried chicken ever!

About: Finding Family is a podcast dedicated to exploring the concept of family, its ups and downs, benefits and challenges, and how people navigate the influence of family as people of color. 

Chelle, or Sheila as I knew her, is one of my closest confidants from college.  Even though we only went to school together for two academic years, she's been a close friend for 20+ years.  She's one of the people in my life where I can pick up a conversation at any time with her.  Whether it's her experience immigrating to the States, almost immigrating back to the Philippines, or her family life now, Chelle is a warm and funny friend who's been there for me through it all.  

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore
• Haluhalo Espesyal by Yvette Fernandez, Jill Arwen Posadas (Illustrator)
• Balikbayan Box: Journey to the Philippines by Jocelyn Francisco (read by the author)