First of All

Once more for the people in the back: BLACK LIVES MATTER. Periodt. The collective social upheaval that has taken over the US & spreading across the globe has been timely, empowering, liberating, gut-wrenching, costly, and eye-opening for so many of us. After witnessing the inhumane death of George Floyd in MN to the silence around Breonna Taylor's murder in KY, all in short succession after Amy Cooper's shameful Karen actions in NYC & Ahmaud Arbery's murder in GA within such a short period of time during this global pandemic, something has profoundly & (hopefully) irreversibly shifted. In this episode, Minji takes a moment to start one of many discussions on racism, anti-Blackness sentiments, & the Black Lives Matter movement with actress & writer Neka Wright. While it feels like there is too much to even start, we really must start somewhere. Neka walks us through her identity as a Black-Filipina woman, including her experiences becoming aware of her color upon coming to America as a military child, recognizing the compassion & problematic parts of her Asian family/community, & finally accepting herself in all her amazing glory. Together they unpack the complex conversations happening on & offline in their communities, the culture of silence, privilege, what it takes to be a decent (& then stellar) ally, plus strategies for long-term impact long after the protests die down. No one claims to have all the answers, but we call on each other & everyone out there to do our best to protect our Black community. 

This week's guest:

• Neka Marie (IG: @nekamarieactress)

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)
• Instagram (@minjeezy)

Music in this episode includes "I forgive you, I’m sorry" by Jennifer Chung

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

Let's take a breath. It has already been extraordinarily rough for months because of COVID-19. And now, the pain of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless Black individuals who have been brutally and unjustly murdered due to racism and white supremacy is gripping the US and spreading to other parts of the world. So many are experiencing grief, fear, exhaustion, disillusionment... and so. much. anger. While the gravity of these tragedies and the shameful dysfunction of our culture, power dynamics, and justice systems deserve further analysis (as they most certainly will be), this episode is not to dive into all of that. This episode is address anger itself. Minji shares her evolving relationship with her lifelong anger (or her Korean rage), and how she has navigated understanding its root causes in her life as well as the destructive fallout she's experienced when it goes unchecked. She shares insights on how she has sifted through guilt, shame, and a helpless feeling of being out of control. Most importantly, she sheds light on how she's learning to accept, heal, and channel her anger to be a force of constructive change on the other side of its darkness. Let this be a time and space to work through our chaotic emotions as we reflect on the just, peaceful and safe world we so desperately want to create moving forward. #BlackLivesMatter

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)
• Instagram (@minjeezy)

Music in this episode includes "I forgive you, I’m sorry" by Jennifer Chung

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

As we all continue to adjust to the new normal, there's one part that definitely deserves some light: dating. To start an ongoing investigation of how people are connecting with others while in quarantine & social distancing (because FOA listeners are being responsible, right? RIGHT???), Minji chats with former college counselor Kevin Nguyen. Kevin is a higher education professional at a liberal arts college who's currently working on his Ph.D. in Higher Education. And if that wasn't enough on his plate, he's also been conducting a ton of life research navigating the dating scene pre- & post-COVID lockdown. Together they unpack his journey of learning about who he is, how to cultivate respect & the value of finding a quality connection in the sea of potential prospects. 

This week's guest:

• Kevin Nguyen (@kevinknguyen)

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)
• Instagram (@minjeezy)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Uzutrap" from by Uzuhan

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

In this episode, Minji lets you in on her secret practice that has been changing her life in a really beautiful way. In the midst of some super fun crippling self-doubt, insecurity, & loneliness, she was challenged to try something that sounded a bit strange but intriguing: singing a love song.. not to someone else, but to HERSELF. She had an important realization of the fact that no matter where she went or where she goes from here - romantic relationship, professional ambition, or creative endeavor - that she will always be there. She is her constant companion, her worst enemy, her annoying shadow.. or maybe her own best friend. By accepting the idea that life could be better if self-love was real & constant, she gave this suggestion a shot & had some profound results. And now she's here to challenge you to do the same. Because what even is life anymore? We're all out here venturing into the unknown, so.. why not go BOLDLY & LOVINGLY?

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)
• Instagram (@minjeezy)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Set Free" from by Travis Atreo

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

The importance of good leadership has never felt or been so significant. In a profoundly complicated and dire moment for humanity, we citizens of the world have had to lean on our various leaders to guide and decide much of our futures. We've seen more and more examples of the best and worst of them - those who lead by example with integrity, honesty, and vision, and those who attempt to dominate, manipulate, or simply avoid responsibility. It's in this moment of high stakes and intense reflection that we naturally take note of what good leadership actually looks like. To dive into this important topic, Minji invites back a FOA favorite, Boba Guys' co-founder Andrew Chau. As an entrepreneur, small business owner and advocate, Andrew shares her passion for understanding and sharing what good leaders are made of. Together they share stories of their own development, good decisions and bad, rising to many a difficult occasion, and their respective interpretations of what a quality leader is. Andrew reflects on speaking in front of Congress on behalf of all small business owners, and the two discuss the evolving state of Asian America's bamboo ceiling and internally conflicted narrative. 

This week's guest:

• Andrew Chau, Co-Founder of Boba Guys (@chaumeleon)

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)
• Instagram (@minjeezy)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Uzutrap" from by Uzuhan

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

Graduation is just around the corner for many college students. In our previous normal, there'd be the standard nerves about what to do in the immediate future, anxiety about making career moves, attempting financial independence, figuring out what dating even means -_-, & wondering about big things down the line like marriage/family/location. But Toto/darlings, we are not in Kansas anymore. To say that we find ourselves in a new normal is the understatement of the century. And yet it's important to realize that this generation-defining moment is an epic challenge that can & will be overcome. In this episode, Minji sits down with Da Eun Kim, a young software developer turned filmmaker & co-host of bamboo & glass podcast, to share tough lessons learns while navigating her 20's. Everything from toxic boyfriends, identity crises, career risks, messy priorities, sociopolitical challenges, & questionable guidance from elders. Becoming an adult has never easy. Especially in this present moment, we hope these shared stories, questions, & strategies will help us all rise out of the chaos with a sense of purpose, humor, & above all, hope.

Follow Minji on:

• Instagram: (@minjeezy)

Follow DaEun on:

• Instagram: (@daeunkm)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Fire" from by Paul Dateh

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

You doing OK? While there's the current baseline COVID protocol - wash hands, keep your distance, etc. - how are we caring for all the (many) other hours that are our lives? Self-care & self-love are terms that were being used increasingly before the coronavirus ever came to be, & it's safe to say they're more applicable now than ever. How we assess, practice, & change our habits on a mental, emotional, & physical level have all come to the forefront of our daily lives. To discuss how this is all playing out in real time & where we'd like to go from here, Minji sits down with her friend Jennifer Chung. Jennifer is a talented singer-songwriter & entrepreneur residing in Atlanta, GA, who is working through the ups & downs of quarantine & also just being a 3D human being on the daily. They talk body issues from the mental state to changing diet & exercise, money, relationships, communication styles, loneliness, & much more. 

Follow Minji on:

• Instagram: (@minjeezy)

Follow Jennifer on:

• Instagram: (@jenniferjchung)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Broke" from by Jennifer Chung feat. Joules

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

Hope you're all hanging in there, fam. In this episode, Minji sits down to chat with her friend, Dr. Chen Fu who is an attending physician at NYU Langone Medical Center in NYC. Besides having a beautiful voice and some impressive guitar skills that Minji witnessed at a Kollaboration Houston show many moons ago, Chen has tremendous brains and dedication that he pours into his role as a hospitalist. Even before his recent feature on Time.com sharing his experience being an Asian American doctor during this pandemic, Chen's commitment to his job in serving his patients was clear and absolute. He shares his thoughts on this unique defining moment for humanity as well as the beautiful ways everyday citizens are stepping up to be heroes in our darkest hours. 

Follow Minji on:

• Instagram: (@minjeezy)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Uzutrap" from by Uzuhan

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

Oh hi there, financial instability, existential crises (not just one, but 50), isolation, loneliness & uncertainty! So great hanging out with you all day, every dang day with no clear indication of when all this stress may start to ease up.  Hopefully you're not sitting in that headspace too much, but JUST IN CASE that you find yourself in a rough patch, we are here for you. You are not alone. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend, actor/host Ellie Lee, to unload & evaluate how to proceed through turmoil with sanity, purpose & dignity even when everything feels like it's falling apart. With two very turbulent lives leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have some real-life strategies & some hardcore inner work to fill you in on. You ready? From learning how to check our fear-based egos at the door to asking better questions to yield better results, it's time to get to work. Together, WE. WILL. GET. THROUGH. THIS.

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)

Follow Ellie Lee at:

• Ellie Lee (@ellieyjee)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Uzutrap" from by Uzuhan

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast

It's been a few days since we checked in, which equals many lifetimes in the era of the Rona. Everyone is finding their quarantine groove, managing their boredom, & preparing for the future as data & (mis)information comes in from the powers that be. In this episode, Minji checks in with her friends Jaeki, JoJo, & Michael from $6.99 Per Pound Podcast who are holding it down at COVID-19 Ground Zero in NYC. Together they share a frank conversation on the complex issues at play as humanity attempts to manage this global crisis: power abuse, data, politics, generational racism, apathy & our own personal interests. From losing friends & jobs to the cultural implications of Andrew Yang's recent op-ed, they discuss how they're processing all the changes with open eyes & heightened preparedness. Minji opens the episode with an extended intro on some helpful resources on PPE (personal protective equipment) & the importance of ALL Americans filling out the 2020 Census. We send all the love and light to NYC during their most difficult week as well as all the brave healthcare providers and frontline responders around the world who are battling this crisis.  Take care of yourselves & each other, fam! 

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)

Follow the $6.99 per Pound crew at:

• Jaeki Cho (@jaekicho)
• Joann Park (@jojoparque)
• Michael Stewart (@mad.names)

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Uzutrap" from by Uzuhan

Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Produced by @marvinyueh

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss an all AAPI production of HENRY VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts at The Public in NYC

The National Asian American Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS brings an all-AANHPI cast to The Public Theater for a decades-spanning saga of Joan of Arc, warring dukes, and the bloody birth of the War of the Roses. Adapted by Stephen Brown-Fried, this is Shakespeare like you've never experienced it.

Henry VI at The Public with an all AAPI cast