First of All

This week, Minji is extra thankful, humbled, and lost all at the same time as she examines the state of the world, America’s battle with Covid and common sense, concerns in her personal life as well as her very own scary run-in with 'Rona. Forced to go into full blown quarantine once again, she works through a panic attack, bouts of despair and a lot of anxiety. While in recovery, she comes across a documentary that educates and fires her up about longstanding gender discrimination in Hollywood. She shares her own experience with toxic body image through an unlikely fashion accessory and what she is doing to undo the warped representations of "reality" we're so used to as well as the overwhelming news of the world. Get ready to hear her hopes, revelations and self-liberation talk and why the world needs us to put out more messages of hope and support for all things good and positive.  

Additional Notes: 

Quote from IG: 

“One way to keep your heart together when the state of the world weighs heavy on it, is to simply help somebody. Even if it is just one person.”

Netflix Documentary:

“This Changes Everything”  

Timestamps: 

00:00:00 - Intro  

00:02:51 - State of the world? Not rosy.  

00:04:25 - Personal turmoil and unknowns 

00:07:11 - Quote to manage some of the despair 

00:08:37 - First story: Run in with Covid

00:17:01 - I’m fine, I’m fine. (She was not fine) 

00:21:09 - Managing reasonable anxiety 

00:23:36 - Second story: self-care includes documentaries 

00:29:43 - Enter chicken cutlets  

00:36:56 - Slutty halloween costume

00:47:38 - Tying it all together with a nod to TikTok and a rally cry

00:54:31 - Outro + Special shout-out to Patreon patron 

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

Patreon backers: 

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

First loves, coming of age, passion, romance, angst. YES, PLEASE. Minji and Priska openly share their love for the show “Normal People” based on the beloved novel by Sally Rooney.  They go deep right out the gate with their thoughts and experiences with intimacy, abuse, heartache, beauty, class and mental health. They also dive into how the series portrays a particularly authentic journey with all the nuance and emotions of finding and losing love that everyday people around the world could connect with. There will be some spoilers but if anything, it may want you to watch the show more, so really they might as well be teasers. ;)  (In true Minji fashion, she acknowledges she's a tad late to the hit of 2020 but let's overlook that because it's a miracle she even watched something, pls don't @ us.) 

Priska is also our musical guest so stick around to hear her beautiful cover of "If The World Was Ending" with her husband Abe at the end!

How they felt about "Normal People" -  

“I think this is the best thing I’ve watched since Parasite.” - Minji

“I do feel like this is millennial emotional porn.” - Priska 

Warning: The episode contains sensitive themes about sexuality and mental health.

Add'l mentions from the episode:
Normal People by: Sally Rooney (book)
Normal People (TV show on Hulu)
Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube Channel
 

00:00:00 - Intro 
00:03:40 - Welcoming Guest
00:04:25 - Jumping in to Normal People
00:16:54 - Triggering moments
00:29:30 - Seeing and responding to abuse 
00:37:35 - What does healthy intimacy look like
00:44:42 - Take-aways aka what do you want to cuddle up with
00:57:40 - Sexual Expression 
01:01:05 - Wrap-up 
01:03:48 - Outro
01:08:15 - Featured Artist (aka our guest Priska!)
 

This week's guest:

• Priska (@priskamusik)

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Spiders" 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
and @thisisannasun

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 how about that Delta variant, eh? Yeah, it's been a lot for us here at First Of All and for our returning guest Steve, making us just like every other person on this planet in 2021.  As many of you out there may have been sorting through returning to work, getting vaccinated, debating about vaccinations, pondering about work, questioning the meaning of life, being free of masks, having to mask up again, worrying about humanity, feeling every emotion under the sun about every one of your relationships under the sun, revenge traveling, & so much more, all while feeling like human interaction is everything you want and everything you hate at the very same time...we're with you. We're also very tired, and very much with you. In this episode, Minji and Steve share a little glimpse of how they have been managing this particular phase of the pandemic- quite poorly, in many cases. This one goes out to everyone whose energy gas tank has been running empty really fast. Together they discuss how they process the feelings, how they manage emotions and physical health, and how they remain hopeful, polite, and strong enough to get through each day. We can do this fam!

This week's guest:

• Steve Lim (@ssurimu)

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Spiders" 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

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

Understanding our unique identities is no small feat. We're made up of so many intersecting things that also evolve over time. Some parts we embrace wholeheartedly, others confuse us, and some can just be difficult to accept. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend, Sam Futerman, to discuss her incredible journey as a transracial adoptee from Korea who also discovered an identical twin sister as an adult.  From growing up with a white family and having to navigate uncomfortable questions, looks, and assumptions to documenting the biggest surprise of her life - reuniting with her sister, Anais - Sam has walked quite a path. Together they discuss the short and longterm impact of culture, ignorance, racism, and love in how we grow up and see ourselves. They also get into the concept of family and what that means to those who are bound by blood and the beauty of choosing your own family.

This week's guest:

• Samantha Futerman (@samfuterman)

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Time of Your Life" by DanAKADan featuring Alex Hwang

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 shares a meaningful and harrowing experience of treating herself to her very first solo vacation to Hawaii. From making the decision, committing to keeping it, budgeting, and then actually spending a lot of time alone in a new environment, she goes through a whole mess of fun and sometimes awkward, sometimes difficult growth. This goes out to everyone who’s figuring out how to better love themselves, taking risks, and facing fears (uh, like ghosts). This is all very timely as we celebrate both Minji AND First Of All’s birthdays!! THANK YOU to all the listeners who have been on this 4 year long journey with us!

 **Note: Minji would like to note that she has learned about some of the recent difficulties Hawaiians have been facing in the sudden flood of tourists in 2021, so she asks you please be mindful as you consider traveling to any part of the islands.

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Peace at Last" by Tim Atlas

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

Ever stop and look back on your life and realize that you've actually overcome some pretty crazy things? Same. It may not feel like particularly special at the time, but everyone is navigating their own unique path on their individual hero's journey. In Hollywood-land, the hero's journey is a storytelling mechanism in which the main character overcomes major obstacles and challenges to transform and grow as a person (or dinosaur, elf, what have you). In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend Anthony Francisco, who works as an artist for Marvel Studios creating worlds and culture-shaping characters (Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, NBD), and has an incredible story of his own behind this gorgeous dream career and life he now lives. Born and raised in the Philippines, dreaming of life in America and just barely making it out, Anthony has navigated through many a heartbreak and adventure. This may or may not include joining the military without telling his parents and contemplating choosing between career and the love of his life.  Get ready for crazy tales and reflections on purpose, choices, risks, and also dreams that really do come true. 

This week's guest:

• Anthony Francisco (@anthony_francisco_art)

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "We Belong '21" by Magnetic North & Taiyo Na feat. Ann One

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

Getting ghosted is great. If great suddenly means the absolute worst. As much as we wish we could be eternally unbothered, always in our most confident state, completely incapable of feeling small or rejected...it happens to the best of us. Falling for someone can be a high like no other- full of mystery, intrigue, butterflies, and anticipation. And if it doesn't work out, especially when the person, uh, vanishes, the fallout can be more than we ever bargained for. In this episode, Minji gets vulnerable sharing a (now) funny story about getting rejected and ghosted by a cute boy. She unpacks some of the deep insecurities that came to light in the aftermath, the underlying beliefs that she's carried around rent-free for most of her life, and how she's taken this painful as an important lesson in self-love and healing her mental health by changing her story. 

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "How Do I" by Surrija

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 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month~ hope you all take time to celebrate the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) folks in your universe, including yourself if that applies. While May calls for honoring the Asian diaspora, it has been a painful and scary year for the AAPI community, with surges in anti-Asian brutality, hatred, and xenophobia. In the midst of all the ongoing racial tensions in the US and around the world, many have resorted to lashing out or just resigning to apathy. Some, however, have taken the opportunity to dive into complicated and sensitive conversations about race relations in hopes to build bridges and create much-needed healing. In this episode, Minji sits down with entertainment industry veterans and podcast co-hosts Marcus Moore and Ben Tubuo (or BT). They host Culture Score podcast, which discusses the impact of black culture on entertainment and entertainment on black culture. Together they continue a frank and sincere conversation on the tension between the Asian and black communities, including the history of hostility, misinformation, pain, and shared humanity. This conversation is an invitation to folks to create more points of connection, to listen and relate, to practice and build empathy, and to move out of fear into respect and love. 

This week's guests:

• Marcus Moore
• Ben Tubuo (BT)
• Culture Score Podcast 

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Stop The Hatred" by MC Jin & Wyclef Jean

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

For some people, it's easy to ask for what they want. It's not a big deal to say no. It doesn't take everything out of them to put themselves first all the time or even a majority of the time when it comes to big and little decisions. Some people walk around not having a bottomless need for approval, permission, or external validation. For anything. Seriously. And for some people, they don't know what that existence even begins to feel like because all they do is maneuver themselves around others and compromise their comfort for everyone else. And a lot of us may be somewhere in the middle. In this episode, Minji brings back her dear friend Kevyn Fong to unpack his inspiring COVID glow up that involved addressing a lifelong struggle with people pleasing. While Kevyn committed himself to getting physically fit and healthy, the internal shift that happened was undeniable and just as fulfilling as the outer transformation. They open up about what was at the root of playing small to stay "safe", and how they've taken tangible steps to say no (and mean it), ask for help, and become the main characters of their own stories. 

This week's guest:

• Kevyn Fong (@level4alpha)

Follow Minji on:

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

Music featured in this episode include "Uzuhan" by Uzuhan and "Louder" by Alfa

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 moves quickly, doesn't it? And before you know it, you've gone through relationships, career changes, life transitions, family drama, friendships, and growth milestones in the blink of an eye. It's one thing to be able to slow down or even pause to savor all the good stuff, and it's another to let go of things that have taken up space, hurt you, and stunted your happiness. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend, artist/producer/creator Jessica Stafford, to dive into how important it is to let go of emotions, wounds, regrets, and even tangible things from our past that can hold us back. Jessica shares some of her life's biggest challenges, including a very difficult relationship with her mom, moving around, being bullied, and figuring out her life path through many location, careers, and versions of herself. Together they reflect on what they've learned about messing up, including how we can all make the same mistake repeatedly to finally learn its necessary lesson. This goes out to anyone who's needing to take an emotional or mental load off, so they can move forward on purpose with more freedom. 

This week's guest:

• Jessica Stafford (@alazay_official)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Inner Me" by Melissa Polinar

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