First of All

March was a looong year, right? How are you all hanging in there? Well, we are still in the thick of COVID-19 and responding to it in a lot of different ways as the day-months progress. In this episode, Minji gets to sit down for a virtual check-in conversation with her talented and thoughtful friend, filmmaker Wes Chan from Wong Fu Productions. As they provide support for one another (and everyone listening!) they share perspectives on lifestyle adjustments, realizations, and the silver linings in this difficult moment for humanity. Wes shares an unexpectedly savage clapback moment to the powers that be, and they get real on healthy distractions and how to stay connected or even build connections more intentionally while staying in safe isolation. 

Follow Minji on:

• Twitter (@minjeeeezy)

Follow Wes on:

• Instagram (@thewesleychan)

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

OK fam, by now, we know the drill. Wash your hands, actually practice social distancing (no, don't go to your friend's house because it's less than 10 people. STOP IT. STAY HOME.), get your finances in order, & practice self-care. The dust is settling a smidge in this bizarre new normal, but who even knows what tomorrow will bring??? In this episode, Minji takes a moment to discuss her views on the current reality, fully aware that it could all be irrelevant in a matter of days. One issue that has been heavy on her mind and heart is the racism that Asians around the world, and definitely here at home in 'Merica, have been suffering in alarming numbers. She also speaks on varying approaches taken by global leadership and our responsibility to put the needs of our collective whole before our own. This episode features new music from Year Of The Ox with their new song "Viral" addressing the complexities of modern day bigotry and hate. 

**Please be warned that if you're in a bad place and suffering from any mental or emotional exhaustion from COVID-19 discussions, take a breather and go watch The Office or Parks & Rec or maybe something Disney (for the love of God, stay away from Tiger King, we hear it may not be healthy for your soul). 

Follow Minji on:

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

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Viral" from by Year of the Ox

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

How's everyone's 2020 going? Last we checked, there's been a little bit of a world-changing health crisis going on. BUT no big deal, we just have to power through some prolonged isolation & widespread instability & whatnot, but this is fine.. we're fine.. right? In this episode of First Of All, Minji sits down (in her safe self-quarantined recording studio/closet) to reflect on the state of the new COVID-19 world & some timely advice on how to adjust to being alone & being good with it. While we figure out how to navigate this new normal & the temporary circumstances of social distancing, financial uncertainty, & negative energy from a very scared society, it's helpful to remind ourselves that THERE IS STILL HOPE!  In times of crisis & change, our alone time can provide some real opportunities to reset our mindsets, habits & values to level up as individuals & a greater whole. Let this episode be a safe place for you to address your fears & make a gameplan to get through tough moments with grace, grit & gratitude.  Everything's going to be OK. 

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

Life, amirite? It's nothing we can't handle, we know this. But sometimes it's like we're really just getting pushed to the edge of our limits. And circumstances arise that make us feel like the Universe is just trolling us. In this episode of First Of All, Minji sits down with her good friend & magnificent singer-songwriter AJ Rafael about his life & his take on navigating its twists & turns. As they first set out to have AJ spill all the tea on what life is like as a famous influencer & YouTuber, they come upon a much deeper & relatable journey of facing uncertainty and overcoming hardship in various forms. He opens up about everything from juggling very personal losses on a public forum to the instability of a passion-driven career path. Together, he & Minji dive into what's at stake by being vulnerable with others & how to find inner strength & hope even when the light at the end of the tunnel feels dim. 

Follow Minji on:

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

Follow AJ on:

• Instagram (@ajrafael)

Our theme songs are "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "Like Me" by AJ Rafael

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

She's not sure how, but Minji has reached episode ONE-FREAKING-HUNDRED of First Of All. In this milestone episode, she shares some recent groundbreaking experiences that have set a new foundation for the future. She also shares lessons learned from the process of creating this channel, and some encouragement for anyone who is out there trying to find their voice as well. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who has been a part of this journey - listeners, guests, supporters, Patreon patrons, donors, good vibe senders - you are amazing!!! Cheers to another 100 episodes!

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

OK, here us out. Feelings are important - they're our constant companions and can be a powerful compass and a helpful guide through crazy twists and turns of life. But let's be 100% real, sometimes...they're not the best advisor or the proper captain.  When our feelings single-handedly run the show, we can end up in more trouble than needed. We make bad decisions out of fear, confusion, naivete, or bitterness. That's because, at the end of the day, we're all equally prone to being mushy bags of childhood trauma, insecurities, and straight up laziness. So what's a person to do? In this episode Minji sits down with her roommate and friend Chris King Wong who has a refreshing and entertaining zero tolerance approach to cutting the BS and getting things done, feelings be damned. Together they talk about looking at the bigger picture, whether that be relationships or career or lifestyle changes, and the importance of commitment, thoughtful execution, and consistent follow through. If you're a regular human being like all of us at First Of All, that concept is much easier said than done. But at some point we need to hear it and just make things happen. You got this!

Follow Minji on:

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

Follow Chris on:

• Instagram (@chriskingwong)

Our theme song is "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina

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

OK, we at First Of All just found out that Single Awareness Day is February 15th. Consider this your dating PSA for future reference.  But also, Happy Valentine's Day loves! While it's a beautiful holiday to celebrate all the couples and their flourishing romantic love (and give Hallmark/Flowers.com 1/3 of their annual income), for others it can be a tough one filled with feelings of loneliness, pain, and/or just not feeling good enough. In this episode, Minji shares some of her thoughts on her new chapter of being single and a developing self-love practitioner. We just want to love on you whether you're newly single, can't remember your last relationship or if you've never had one. At every stage, learning how to accept and navigate our honest emotions and fill our own cup is one of the most important acts of love we can do. XOXO @}--}------

Follow Minji on:

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

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina and "We Could Happen" by AJ Rafael

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

We all know that things rarely go as planned. But how do you deal with changes that happen unexpectedly, or even when you decide that the road you're on is no longer for you? Besides internally coming to terms with your own change of heart, or maybe realizing that the thing you were pursuing is a mistake, there are many other forces at play - outside opinions, expectations, disappointments, & more. All in all, in can be incredibly overwhelming. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend Janet Wang, a fellow podcaster from the amazing Asian Boss Girl Podcast, to talk about navigating the twists, turns, hard stops, & false starts that inevitably happen in all of our lives. With Janet's unique career path and evolving sense of self built through different moves and relationships, she shares her insights on how to navigate our turbulence with thoughtfulness and acceptance. Together they share their respective lessons and advice from learning how to truly accept that no one can walk your road except for you, AND that you can connect your wayward dots in a way that's real and fulfilling. 

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina

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

Before diversity and inclusion was ever a trendy topic to back on social media, discussions surrounding what representation really does to a person's sense of identity have been going strong for ages. One of the more underdiscussed and misunderstood conversations is around Asian men and their desirability. Whether created out of jealousy or malice (or both), Hollywood has had a history of spurning on stereotypes of Asian men as weak & asexual while hypersexualizing & fetishizing Asian women. Fast forward to 2020, we see how much things have changed onscreen, but how has everything leading up to now played out across generations? How have these depictions gone on to influence young men & women IRL when it comes to their self-image & to their relationships? To discuss this, Minji sits down with her friend, actor Mike Bow, to unpack some of their perspectives. Mike shares his journey in pursuing a less traditional path as an actor & how his own self-image & the image put upon him by others has shaped it all. 

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina

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

2020 has begun & we don't know about you all, but it's been a LOT to handle from the get go. However, it's a new YEAR, a new DECADE, and right now it's all about TAKING RADICAL RESPONSIBILITY. As we all reboot our energy, our minds, hearts, & hustles, there is no time better than now to take a good hard look at where we're currently at in life & learn how to deal with uncomfortable changes, painful awakenings, & ugly truths we might have been avoiding for too long. Minji shares about a new chapter in her life & some hard lessons that may just be the gateway to a happier, healthier & more purposeful future.  

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina

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