First of All

On this solo episode, Minji recounts a recent racially-charged incident in her growing acting career - getting asked for "geisha" photos from a prospective Hollywood manager. As a millennial woman of color who has participated in the growing outrage culture around her, Minji is faced with an important and uncomfortable choice. She must decide how to address this triggering request with integrity, courage, while also not ruining her career that's just getting started.

Follow Minji on:

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

The last time Minji invited Her Royal Empress Ratchet & Captain of #TeamExtra Jess Ju on this podcast for Episode 12, they dove head first into their experiences with online dating. In an in-depth analysis of favorite dating platforms, unsolicited dick pics, unique criteria for swiping right, & implementing questionable boundaries, they explored, celebrated, & lamented the untethered single life. Now one year later, they both find themselves in serious relationships. Ohhhh how the tables have turned.. Tune in for an equally entertaining conversation on how Jess went from fling to ring (at least talking about it) within weeks of that fateful Episode 12 as well as the unexpected transition of Kenji from Facebook friend to boyfriend. This episode comes with reflections & advice for all lovers, unattached, coupled, or otherwise. Happy HoliBAES!

This week's guest:

Follow Minji on:

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

Happy Thanksgiving First Of All fam! In Minji's second Thanksgiving episode, she continues a tradition of reflection on the past year, & what a year it has been. Thanks to Ariana Grande, we have a flow to this one: what taught her LOVE, PAIN, & PATIENCE & looking forward to what's NEXT. Diving right into the heart of holiday season with this one. Let's close this year out right!

Follow Minji on:

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

It's annoying, it's paralyzing, it's inevitable... it's REJECTION! Whether dealing with it at work, between friends or strangers, and most certainly in our romantic lives, rejection is that ugly reality that can mess with our sense of self-worth and ultimately our progress in life. In this week's episode of First Of All, Minji sits down with her marvelous friend, singer/songwriter/actor Dia Frampton. Together they dissect the many ways rejection has played a pivotal, albeit frustrating, role in their lives and how they've learned to cope with its many forms. While no two people or experiences are the same, Dia and Minji discuss how we can learn to develop courage and resilience through the pain of it all. Together they share ways to power through and hopefully find silver linings even in the most unexpected ways.

This week's guest:

Follow Minji on:

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

Content Warning: Discussion of depression & suicide

After an unexpected and extensive absence, Minji returns with a solo episode to talk about some difficult things that she's been dealing with for the past few weeks. She expands on her experience losing one of her close friends to suicide and the process of grieving, feeling, rationalizing, accepting, and learning from the process. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

Follow Minji on:

Our theme song is "Set Free" 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

“Is everyone hanging out without me? Why wasn’t I invited? Wow, their life seems amazing..and mine... sucks. I mean, I’m broke and exhausted and have a million things I need to do.. but.. I can’t NOT go. I hate this, but everyone else is doing it..might as well.” Sound familiar? Welcome to the age of FOMO- fear of missing out. This episode, Minji sits down with one of her favorite ATLiens on the planet- comedian Joon Lee. Together they go down the rabbit hole of dealing with daily, relentless, obnoxious, distracting, toxic & sometimes soul-crushing FOMO. They get real about how much it influences their lives in different ways, and a reality check on how to deal with it all. If you’re getting swept up in constantly comparing yourself to others in this extra triggering social media society, we got you.

This week's guest:

Follow Minji on:

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

In high school, Minji fell asleep in Econ class. In college, she tried it once more, only this time became completely intrigued & inspired by its concepts. One of her absolute favs? OPPORTUNITY COST - the benefits an individual misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. It's a concept that's more & more significant as she works hard at making smart, productive, healthy decisions. As time, energy, and bs tolerance become increasingly scarce in Minji's life, she realizes the importance of stepping back & recognizing the impact & payoff of her decisions, big & small. What are we giving up to prioritize the choices that we make? How can we assess if giving up X, we'll be more satisfied with Y? How do our actions align (or misalign) with our values & beliefs? Whether these decisions regard health, money, or relationships, Minji reflects on it on this solo episode of First Of All.

Follow Minji on:

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

Hey. We need to talk. Anyone else freak out when they hear those words? Maybe it's because usually on the other side of that tiny declaration is a serious conversation that might very well involve something you may have done wrong. Or didn't do enough of. Or forgot. Or unintentionally but insensitively ruined for all eternitty. In any case, conflict resolution is an essential part of life, so why is it still such a dreaded thing we gladly (and frequently) run away from? Whether it applies to family, friends, coworkers, or our romantic partners, figuring out to deal with our problems directly is a skill that must be constantly honed and practiced. In this episode of FOA, Minji sits down with her sparring partner, er, boyfriend, Kenji, to reflect on their ups & downs in learning how to resolve conflicts in their relationship & in others. They discuss communication styles, clashing personalities, taking responsibility, humor, and basic argument survival skills. We'll get through this, guys. Promise. Part one of a neverending series...

This week's guest:

Follow Minji on:

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

Millennials have this annoying reputation for being lazy, self-absorbed, and entitled, some of which can be true and some that's just plain nonsense. While some of these trends may hold up, a lot of sounds a lot like the same complaints every aging generation puts on the incoming one for just not being good enough. On this episode of First of All, Minji welcomes back dancer, artist, & entrepreneur homie FENG to the podcast to chat about the concept and values of respecting your elders. As Asian Americans, this is something both of them have been raised to strongly honor and respect since birth. Now that they're both in the thick of being the "grown up" and mentoring the next generation, they discover how maybe (just MAYBE) they ignored some pretty priceless wisdom as youngsters from parents, teachers, coaches, & even some peers. What are we ignoring? What are we unnecessarily shutting down? Are we better off for it? Together they take a moment to shed light on the value of being open to feedback, interpreting and implementing advice, and truly respecting elders who have come before.

This week's guest:

Follow Minji on:

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

1: According to research professor & viral TED talk speaker Brené Brown, vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging & love. It’s also the things we as humans often do anything, and we mean ANYTHING, to avoid being. We fear feelings of rejection, shame, guilt, inadequacies & much more. But what’s at stake when we withstand, nay FLEE, that which is so fundamental in building true connections with others? A lot, actually. In this episode, Minji invites her fried, personal trainer and Kollaboration SF Social Media Specialist Long Vo to chat about vulnerability, humility and motivation. They may even share an embarrassingly honest story or two. Y’know, to lead by vulnerable example.

This week's guest:

Follow Minji on:

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

On this solo episode, Minji shares her thoughts on the movie on everyone's (especially Asian Americans’) minds - summer romcom Crazy Rich Asians. She talks about what it meant to her to see Asian characters on screen be allowed to be whatever they want to be, and why that's important to the rest of us, ALL OF US. She addresses the criticisms, controversies, & sh*t-talkers. She also shares her thoughts on why diversity matters, and how an unexpected conversation with an African American friend in Atlanta that helped her figure out why it's important to her to contribute her voice as an actor, writer, podcaster and consumer.

Follow Minji on:

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