First of All

Weddings! Love. Joy. Family. Friendship. Magic! Celebration!! .... Stress. Tension. Regrets. Bills. Fights. FOMO. As beautiful as these momentous milestones are meant to be, let's be real. Weddings can be as painful as they are joyous. In the whirlwind of dreams coming true under very strained budgets while juggling tons of deadlines, expectations, logistics and relationships...it can be anything but a fairytale. In this episode, Minji unpacks her issues with the insanity of modern wedding culture with her dear friend and fabulous producer - actor and mama Anna Sun. Together they share 15 weddings as bridesmaids/maids of honor, and Anna has been a bride herself. For the record, they both LOVE love and love weddings, but there's much to examine when it comes to the culture surrounding them nowadays. From price gouging to bridal party expectations, fragile relationships, pressures to perform and be perfect, toxic entitlement, cultural layers, social media, and MONEY issues, they break down some of their toughest experiences, lessons learned and the societal norms that have gotten out of hand when it comes to tying the knot. They share their battle stories to empower folks to make their special days the way they truly want, do things differently, normalize having those hard conversations and truly be surrounded by love! 

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Monster” by Meg and Dia
▫️ 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer
 

00:00:00 - Intro’ing + please be kind
00:04:38 - How we feel about this topic
00:07:53 - A sprinkle of positive commentary 
00:13:01 - Anna’s engagement story
00:16:09 - The laugh/ cry moment of becoming a bridesmaid
00:20:09 - ALL the pressures + expectations
00:22:30 - How to prioritize ALL those decisions
00:25:01 - Nonexistent convos about money as a bridesmaid 
00:30:31 - Bridesmaids v groomsmen
00:34:32 - BREAK - [Books & Boba Podcast]
00:35:41 - [Ways to support FOA]
00:37:29 - The wedding party selection
00:41:13 - The BM experience (esp in our 20s)
00:50:05 - Beware of becoming a bridezilla 
00:54:52 - Always a bridesmaid 
00:58:00 - Dealing with the guest list, parents and gift etiquette 
01:08:20 - The best parts about Anna's wedding
01:10:31 - What Minji loves/ would change about weddings 
01:18:58 - FOA Q’s for the guest
01:23:41 - Outro + Music by Meg and Dia (Monster) 
01:26:20 - [Modern Minorities Podcast]

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

Beauty can be such a fun way to channel your self-expression, try new products/personas/looks, practice self-care, and get in touch with your innermost confidence. It can also be overwhelming and painful trying to keep up with societal standards that feel rigid, unattainable, and downright dehumanizing at times. In this week's episode, Minji sits down with David Yi, a beauty expert and passionate advocate of examining and redefining beauty as a concept, practice, and culture. David has spent most of his life breaking down stigmas and stereotypes by asking “SAYS WHO?” through his work as a journalist, his industry-disrupting beauty products and his new book Pretty Boys. Together they go beyond skin-deep in their discussion about what beliefs and paradigms they've subscribed to and how that impacted their sense of self. Both host and guest question ideas and gatekeepers, and how we can move forward being seen and empowered for who we truly are at every age, gender, and identity we embody.

Links: 

https://www.instagram.com/seoulcialite/
https://verygoodlight.com/
https://bookshop.org/books/pretty-boys-legendary-icons-who-redefined-beauty-and-how-to-glow-up-too/9780358410683
https://asianpacificfilmexperience.com/

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “A Thousand Cuts” by Ruby Ibarra
▫️ 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

 

00:00:00 - Ways to support the pod 
00:00:30 - Intro’ing the topic + guest 
00:05:51 - How David introduces himself
00:07:24 - Has David considered becoming an accountant?
00:09:25 - The Han is very potent  
00:11:00 - Minji’s contrasting childhood
00:13:25 - To feel seen in media
00:16:54 - The standard of beauty in America
00:19:01 - David never wanted to feel beautiful
00:21:02 - “Says Who?” = the essence of David and Minji
00:25:21 - Being the only Asian in the room
00:31:52 - Hire someone who can do Asian eyes and Asian hair, damnit! 
00:34:56 - Beauty is preserving your essence
00:36:55 - BREAK - [Books and Boba Podcast]
00:39:12 - How Very Good Light got started 
00:41:18 - Pretty Boys is a culmination of life’s work
00:43:57 - “Beauty” has been manufactured 
00:48:35 - What do you mean “feminine” v “masculine”? Get specific. 
00:51:12 - First memories of beauty 
00:58:23 - When your family pushes plastic surgery
01:07:59 - FOA Questions for our guests! 
01:09:51 - Outro + leave a 5*Star Review :D 
01:12:14 - [Modern Minorities Podcast]

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

Season 2 of the Pandemic brought on a nationwide phenomenon known as The Great Resignation where MILLIONS of Americans either switched or quit their jobs..or have been thinking very hard about it. In this episode, the Gen Z hosts of Bamboo & Glass Podcast Da Eun Kim and Sophia Sun join Millennial big sis Minji to talk about their perspectives on how and why this may be happening. Together they share from their respective fields of healthcare, tech, grassroots non-profits, creative freelance, and the film industry. They also touch upon how things are shifting and how they themselves have been impacted by these changes. They breakdown society’s evolving ideas of progress, success, and passion, and how the pandemic has created life-changing moments to pause and reflect on our priorities. 

Links:
Burnout tweet here
Status Quo tweet here
 

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Okay?” by Rianjali
▫️ 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

00:00:00 - [Patreon & other ways to support the show!]
00:00:34 - Intro the topic + guests
00:06:52 - Respective career journeys  
00:13:46 - What Is the “The Great Resignation”
00:21:21 - Has anyone figured out work life balance?
00:27:59 - The grass is not always greener
00:33:03 - Should I stay? Or should I go? 
00:39:51 - BREAK - [Modern Minorities Podcast]
00:41:10 - Peers who have switched/ resigned 
00:51:08 - Older generations respond to their choices 
01:00:20 - Redefining success
01:07:01 - Burnout v Exploitation 
01:16:34 - FOA Questions for our guests! 
01:20:18 - Outro + New Music [Okay? By: Rianjali]  
01:22:57 - [Books & Boba Podcast]

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

Welcome back to Season 2!  To kick off our return to the airwaves, Minji and our wonderful guest, Abe Kim, explore their perspectives about men, feelings, and therapy. They discuss longstanding societal pressures that have formed our ideas about male identity as well as the brutal impact of conditioning men not to feel.  You'll hear about how Abe got started in therapy, finding the right therapist, the work that goes into "the work", the financial aspect, and more.  There's no time to waste y'all, let's dismantle the stigmas and get healing! 
 

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “Tough Guy” 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

00:00:00 - Welcome to Season 2 of FOA!
00:01:51 - Intro’ing the episode and hyping the guest 
00:06:20 - Starting therapy and the great resistance
00:11:37 - Internalized beliefs about men and feelings 
00:15:52 - How being Korean-American and religious shaped their views
00:22:54 - What MTV, Saved by the Bell, and Band of Brothers teaches about men 00:27:43 - Minji and Abe are sick of this shit
00:29:13 - Abe’s starts therapy and gets a diagnosis
00:33:36 - Human reaction to guard and avoid  
00:39:48 - [Break] (plugs Marvel & Makeup Pod)
00:40:46 - Jumping back in
00:43:00 - Talking about therapy when you’re in it 
00:48:29 - So, should I get into therapy? 
00:55:19 - Matching with a therapist and dating
01:00:31 - How to make the money piece work
01:08:25 - Also celebrating the external work that Abe is doing  
01:12:03 - closing out with 3x questions for our guest 
01:18:50 - Outro + Tough Guy by Uzuhan + potluck podcast collective
(01:21:27 - Plugs Saturday School Pod)

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

Surprise FOA fam!! Minji stops by to say hello & share some updates as we prepare for season 2! Tune in for this short episode with a special call to action for FOA listeners. Happy Holidays everyone!

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode is "Uzutrap" 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

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 ever reach a point in life when you step back and are just like, "Why have I been doing it this way???" Four plus years and many episodes later, Minji takes a moment to pause, reflect and make some big life decisions. Tune in to hear about radical responsibility + self-love, changing habits,  and what’s changing for First Of All.  

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode is "Uzutrap" 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:39 - Announcement time

00:01:55 - The first season 

00:04:26 - Coming to this decision 

00:07:07 - Cold hard truth 

00:20:20 - Go to bat and swing

00:25:21 - Thank you’s

00:32:04 - Minji Out

00:33:00 - Outro

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've all been navigating a lot of unrest and uncertainty this past year and a half (or more), with so many TBDs, IDKs and false starts all around us. Some folks have made some major life changes, whether that's switching up a relationship, geographical location, family plans, or a career path. Our guest this week is pretty dang familiar with all of this territory, since diving into the unknown and switching gears has been a hallmark of his life for many years now. In this week's episode, our guest is none other than former YouTube musician and icon now tech CEO of Takko, David Choi. He and Minji sit down to talk about the mindsets and emotional rollercoasters of making some pretty monumental life decisions, and how that's turned out so far. David gets into setting goals and navigating the highs and lows as well as the difficult realities of taking the leap to become the next version of himself in a world that's less and less black and white. Tune in to hear more about how he continues to make gains in his transition to building a company while also becoming a husband and a father. 

Links: 

David Choi’s tweet about social media platforms 

Takko App

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and “By My Side” by David Choi   
▫️ 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

00:00:00 - Intro’ing aka hyping our guest

00:04:59 - Missing out on David’s hair  

00:09:35 - What makes David happy?

00:12:30 - David doesn’t shrink from sharing his POV

00:17:28 - Nothing is black or white 

00:20:19 - Social media only encapsulates that moment 

00:23:21 - Becoming a YouTube Icon

00:26:51 - How to detach yourself from your work

00:31:10 - Imposter syndrome

00:37:44 - Transitioning from the YouTube world 

00:40:30 - No pressure, no diamonds

00:47:01 - Skydiving and machetes   

00:52:10 - Get out of the hole and take action 

00:56:44 - Stepping out of the limelight 

00:58:51 - How he met his wife 

01:02:49 - Getting through the hard times

01:08:01 - Completely letting go and to each their own journey 

01:11:17 - But make a damn decision 

01:14:28 - What’s giving David life? 

01:16:09 - What made David’s heart fly in the last 24 hours? 

01:18:41 - Hard. Earned. Lessons.  

01:20:09 - Takko the Next Gen video community! 

01:23:32 - Outro

01:25:49 - Song - “By My Side” by: David Choi

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

So the world continues to feel like it's imploding for a lot of us. And in the meantime, we're all at different stages in life - family dynamics, age, income, career trajectories, and relationship status - and just doing our best to figure things out from day to day. It has been one helluva strange year and a half to say the least, but also packed with tons of reflection on our places in life, who we want to be, where we want to go, and also who we want to go with. In this episode, we bring back Melody Cheng from AsianBossGirl podcast to talk with Minji about being single women in their 30's. As a new member of the 30's club, Mel has been saying bye-bye to those crazy 20's and transitioning into the beloved decade that supposedly promises more clarity, maturity, and self-love. Has it lived up to the hype so far? Let's talk about that. They discuss how they've processed the isolation of the pandemic, healing from breakups, and the aspects of dating in your 30s that make it challenging (especially with Minji unni having a few years head start). They talk about how they grapple with the harsh realities about themselves, expectations, realized hopes and dreams and how the heartaches have led them to reset and grow stronger for the next season. The wisdom that these ladies share not only applies to dating but to transitions and changing seasons of life at large. 

Follow Minji On:

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

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "Darling, I Love You" by David Choi 
▫️ 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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

00:00:00 - Intro
00:05:37 - Hyping Mel! + an ABG update
00:11:57 - Speaking of the lost pandemic year
00:15:28 - What we need v. what we like 
00:21:47 - Questions that are raised when you’re a bridesmaid  
00:24:55 - Minji’s breakup story and the tough life lessons she gleaned
00:27:56 - Falling in love with the idea of something
00:30:15 - Facing yourSELF in relationships  
00:32:12 - Breakups are not a sign of your worth  
00:35:55 - Age 29 is a rough year (Saturn’s return)
00:46:30 - Dating in your 30s 
00:50:36 - Growth of knowing your non-negotiables  
01:05:29 - Checking your patterns and points of weakness 
01:07:23 - Everyone needs a feel-good ritual 
01:11:30 - Mel’s pearls of wisdom for other single, 30-something-year-olds  
01:16:57 - Outro
01:19:31 - NEW MUSIC ALERT by: David Choi

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 world feels like it's on fire or flooding at the moment, but we're here to bring some joy into it however we can. The two amazing hosts of Two Horny Goats podcast join Minji this week to put it all on the table about finding their voice and spirituality. Can we say dream collabo? The strength, vulnerability and honest humor of these women come through in a very open conversation about how they decided to go from "wouldn't it be nice" to "F it, I'm doing it, I'm making my own channel." They go over the intimacy of talk radio, how THG podcast came to be, how FOA may or may not have set the groundwork, and how we're all just particles in the crest of rising POC voices. They also dive into being gentler to our younger selves, and the practice of intention. They top it off by going into their newfound spiritual journeys that include religious upbringings, "what your sun/ moon/ rising sign?" and even a collective Tarot card reading for all our listeners! 

00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:42 - "Magical podcast triad of orgies "
00:07:54 - What’s your drag name?
00:09:19 - Gassing up THG pod 
00:12:12 - FOA paved the way for AA/ POC/ Women 
00:17:18 - Podcasts are like raising a baby - more than you expect
00:26:06 - Life Coaches have hyped podcasts  
00:30:15 - Process of putting Minji’s image on FOA Pod 
00:33:54 - AA women need to be more gentle with past-selves
00:39:50 - Goal v Intention 
00:52:21 - You learn a lot from your (old) self - even if it’s excruciating 
00:54:08 - Talking sun, moon, rising signs
01:00:18 - Tearing up at a diner in the middle of Ktown
01:09:23 - We are more connected than different 
01:12:49 - A Tarot card for the collective 
01:15:19 - Outro
01:18:47 - Outro song: Dan aka Dan ft. Priska (aka one of our guest)

Links:
Good morning, I love you - mindfulness, intention book 

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "SOB ROCK" by DANakaDAN ft. Priska
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 & @AnnaSun
Supported by @JulianaDeer

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

Times are a-changing in Hollywood when it comes to putting stories from minority voices up on the screen. How does it all work? How have people made a lasting difference in this very historically white male dominated industry? In this week's episode, we get a little peek into the world of a seasoned Hollywood journalist working in "the trades". Our guest is Dino-Ray Ramos, who has been amplifying marginalized communities through his journalism for two decades. He shares insight on the inner workings of the machine and his perspective covering stories of for the BIPOC, female, & queer communities, once upon a time for Deadline Hollywood and now for his own publication, Diaspora. Listen in to hear how he and Minji believe the Asian American community in Hollywood has evolved and some of the growing pains. You'll also learn how Papa Ramos influenced Dino-Ray’s work all the way from Texas, how we can flex on Hollywood better as viewers, and what we can do to create change beyond social media.   

00:00:00 - Intro

00:04:21 - Celebrating the impact of Dino-Ray Ramos’ work  

00:10:00 - When you care a lot about something and it adds up

00:14:51 - Evolution of media cycle & "the trades"

00:22:21 - Hollywood is built for the dominant culture    

00:27:38 - Accountability means admission of wrong 

00:32:17 - Why Dino-Ray started Diaspora

00:40:10 - Business v Community relationships

00:53:11 - “Go to where the love is” 

01:07:47 - Call to action - beyond social media 

01:11:47 - Wrapping it up and where to find Diaspora

01:15:55 - Outro + Patreon shoutout

01:19:42 - Pretty Lies by Run River North

Links:

• Diaspora 
• FX TV Show Reservation Dogs
• Shang-Chi 

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Pretty Lies" by Run River North

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 & @AnnaSun

Supported by @JulianaDeer

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