First of All

Spending a year+ in quarantine and separated from others has taken toll on many of us. Feeling isolated and feeling disconnected has made everyday life and even work life lose a lot of spark. Some people have gotten creative and use whatever platform is available to keep that light on and find opportunities to reach people who may have otherwise been inaccessible. This is how this weeks guest, NASA Postdoctoral Fellow Kyra Kim, utilized the new Clubhouse app to widen her audience and spread the word about her work at the Jet Propulsion Lab in water sustainability. Then Minji heard her and their destiny was cemented in this deep dive conversation into Kyra's incredible journey from pursuing classical piano and law to geological studies. Together they discuss the current state of women working in male dominated fields, processing American culture shocks, and learning how to take bold moves in speaking to audiences who may or may not receive you well. We learn about Kyra's fascinating work on the essential resource we first-worlders cannot afford to take for granted much longer - groundwater. Together they strategize how to make science accessible, sexy, and sustainable by getting everyone to do their part. 

This week's guest:

• Kyra Kim  (@whatsheworetoscience)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" 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

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 several weeks of anti-Asian violence and the subsequent expanding conversation around anti-racism in general has intensified. While communities and individuals have turned to various sources for information and outlets to express their grief, we've all come to revisit the enormity of the problem and felt a number of feelings from bitterness and rage to fear and hopelessness.  None of these issues are simple, but all have left their mark in society that enough has been enough for way too long and there is work to be done. For AAPI specifically, there has been an internal and external call to action to stop the silence and stand up for ourselves. The question is, how?  Minji shares reflections from recent conversations with individuals who range from being well-versed on the issue of structural racism and those who are just stepping up to the plate to speak out. How can we continue to share constructive strategies so our pain and suffering don't fester into lasting hatefulness and distrust? Minji touches upon growing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the workplace, identifying ways to partner with other groups, and taking time to intentionally address personal pain points. 

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The Asian American community is going through a time of collective grief following a year of rising racial tensions and fear, punctuated by this week’s tragic murders in Atlanta. To our listeners who are looking for ways to take more direct action, either to spread the word, protect our community, or support the victims, here are some resources for you:

• Support the AAPI Community Fund to uplift and protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• 3 Ways to support our community in Atlanta (courtesy of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta):
• Sign on to AAJA-Atlanta’s collective community statement
• Donate to support the victims and their families and to support crisis intervention
• Offer to share crisis response resources to those in need

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Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Someone's Beloved" by MILCK 

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 few months have been a physical and emotional overload for Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and many Asians around the world facing violent attacks in a surge of racism and xenophobia. With the recent murders of 6 Asian women in Atlanta, Georgia, many AAPI are reeling from the mental toll and the heightened fear for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. In this solo episode, Minji shares some of her thoughts in the wake of the shooting as well as her experiences being fetishized as an Asian woman, and being silenced, discouraged and educated on many of the deeply rooted issues that have brought us here. This episode is meant to serve as a safe space for listeners to grieve, reflect, and  regroup as we learn how to stand up for ourselves as well as in true solidarity with one another against hate.  

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The Asian American community is going through a time of collective grief following a year of rising racial tensions and fear, punctuated by this week’s tragic murders in Atlanta. To our listeners who are looking for ways to take more direct action, either to spread the word, protect our community, or support the victims, here are some resources for you:

• Support the AAPI Community Fund to uplift and protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• 3 Ways to support our community in Atlanta (courtesy of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta):
• Sign on to AAJA-Atlanta’s collective community statement
• Donate to support the victims and their families and to support crisis intervention
• Offer to share crisis response resources to those in need

---

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Someone's Beloved" by MILCK 

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

Sit down and get ready, fam. We're about to get right into our feels, our issues, & go DEEP on this one.  In this episode, Minji sits down with Lillian So, who some people call a life coach, some people call a healer, integrator, or facilitator of transformation. Whatever you want to call her work, & whatever your comfort with the spiritual "woo-woo" (no worries, we understand), Lillian's work is helping people work through some of their toughest internal barriers to change their lives for the better. Together, Minji & Lillian break down the tough but necessary process of healing old wounds & traumas, including some helpful framing of WHY & HOW we get stuck in awful cycles of pain & victimhood. They share personal stories & reflections on how our family dynamics, generational trauma, culture, egos, & habits can get in the way of inner peace, financial stability, healthy relationships, & more.  Let the healing begin.

This week's guest:

• Lillian So (@meetlillianso)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "IFYIS (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

The most universal life experience: the gut-wrenching, butterflies in your stomach, lightheaded, sweaty palms, heart racing, quasi-hyperventilating breath, hold-up-I-need-a-moment, shaky af...leaving of your comfort zone. Can I do this? Do I have what it takes? What if it doesn't work out? What if I fail? What I let ____ down? Should I do this? We've all been there. And sorry (but not sorry) to call it what it is fam, we'll continue to face these necessary changes as we grow. The silver lining is that practicing courage and a bit of that "F it" boldness can be transformative in the best of ways. In this episode, Minji sits down with Big 4 corporate veteran turned inspiring podcaster and creative Helen Wu from AsianBossGirl in her very first solo podcast conversation ever. Together they reflect on her significant and scary life changes, including leaving her hometown of Boston and relationships to pursue a new life across the country, navigating a challenging career, growing in her relationship with now-fiance Phil Wang, and taking on a new identity as a creative professional with AsianBossGirl Podcast, including facing major phobias like public speaking. They dive into the highs and lows, the lessons, the fears, and future visions. Show Helen some love as she takes flight in 2021! 

This week's guest:

• Helen Wu (@hwuwu)
• Asian Boss Girl Podcast (@asianbossgirl)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Uzutrap" 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

Ever feel like you're working so freaking hard at "getting it together", leveling up, building the life of your dreams, etc... only to have life throw you a curve ball? Say.. a rejection, a change of heart, or even a little global pandemic? As much as we're constantly seeking certainty and control, life is usually anything but. So while we're all STILL smack in the middle of the highly uncertain COVID era, we say it's a great time to get introspective on dealing with the uncomfortable, peculiar in-between. In this episode, Minji sits down with the wildly talented and hilarious Kulap Vilaysack, writer/director and host of Add To Cart Podcast. Together they float on their respective metaphorical life rafts, trying to make sense of this past year, our turbulent society, and our relationships. Kulap shares some wise perspective on navigating a changing and fulfilling career in Hollywood from acting in The Office to becoming a showrunner, even with the common (and crippling) comparison game. She dives into her journey finding her father and discovering her roots in Laos while making her documentary Origin Story. From politics to creating rituals to stay grounded, this is a safe space for anyone out there just trying to get through the day. Same, we got you. 

This week's guest:

• Kulap Vilaysack (@iamkulap)
• Add To Cart Podcast (@addtocartpod)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Uzutrap" 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

In a world where all people strive to be seen and understood, invisibility can be demoralizing, damaging, and dangerous. Asian Americans have long experienced marginalization as a model minority (myth) - a quiet, hardworking, and subservient community that stays low-key, obedient and committed to the grindstone. In this week's episode, Minji sits down with the co-founders of the Asian Hustle Network, Bryan Pham and Maggie Chui, to dive into how their passion project turned full-time job aims to dismantle the bamboo ceiling in the media, corporate, and entrepreneurial world. They also talk about how their growing community and increasingly louder voice coincides with the anti-Asian violence that has surged in the COVID era. As many Asians struggle with the pain of internalized racism and heightened fear of hate crimes, our stories and voices take a new significance.  Together they share their successes, struggles, intentions, and strategies on how to make more spaces to empower the unseen and show up for others. 

This week's guest:

• Bryan Pham
• Maggie Chiu
• Asian Hustle Network

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "Captain America" 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

In our current world of heightened awareness around issues like mental health, race, gender identity, xenophobia, homophobia, and sooo much more, there are tons of ways we can say or do the wrong thing. Go back a few years, and you might remember some horrific stuff you used to say as a joke, or find a problematic tweet you posted or a very poorly worded letter or journal entry. Like, who really wrote that? We know, guys. We cringe too. And while it's highly uncomfortable to face these less than ideal versions of ourselves, it is a normal and important part of evolving as a person. Society as a whole has gotten more vigilant about accountability, even ruthlessly calling out problematic behavior and freely calling upon the power of cancel culture. Still there remains the fact that everyone is still figuring themselves out, with differing levels of success. In this episode, Minji talks with her high school classmate and brilliant makeup artist, Sarah Coy. Together they unpack some of their misconceptions, biases and pitfalls as teenagers who didn't know each other's real baggage at all. They discuss how the sleepy, conservative California suburbs and cultural influences they grew up in shaped their outlook and expectations in life. They also talk about navigating privilege and stumbling through extremely tough but necessary conversations as adults and allies of marginalized communities. Let's do better together. 

This week's guest:

• Sarah Coy (@coymakeup)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song is "Uzutrap" by Uzuhan and "Little 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

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

Alright, so we made it to 2021, which has been feeling an awful like an extension of the 2020 season of Life. Still in a pandemic, still unclear about the future, facing our private and personal struggles on top of the societal/global issues that are just impossible to ignore. The bad part? We still don't know how much longer we'll be in these circumstances. FR, most likely a good while longer. The good part? It's not forever. We still have each other. We're building resilience together. And we're learning how to rise to the occasion and face challenges that will strengthen us as individuals for the long haul. While we're all just doing our best make it through the day, hold onto a job, navigate our relationships, maintain our health, and keep faith alive for brighter days, we're forced to take it all a day at a time. In this episode, Minji kicks off FOA season 2021 with a direct heart to heart with anyone who needs it. She shares the inner work that's helped her work through the mental noise, the emotional chaos, and the real life challenges of making a living with a fluctuating supply of energy and motivation. The key? Big values and visions with MICRO MOVES. Take every task, every goal, every priority one teeny tiny step at a time when you can. We've got this fam!!

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song 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

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

WHAT. A. YEAR. We made it y'all. Now, there's a loooot to unpack, and we all have our own ways that we want to say goodbye to one of the most difficult years the world has collectively experienced in all of history ever. And we support all of it. We went through every kind of upheaval: from personal struggles in every size, shape, form, and intensity.. to massive societal reckonings magnified from our local communities all the way to the global stage. None of it was normal. And we survived. And in the midst of the exhaustion, grief, and dread, we are all finding things to be thankful for. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend, producer and community organizer Sean Miura to talk through some of their most significant lessons (that Minji can actually remember because.. 2020). From race to cancel culture, calling out to calling in, disconnecting to setting intentions, coping mechanisms to relationship wins. We process the tip of the iceberg that was 2020 to make peace, get centered and move into 2021 with our eyes open and hearts full of hope.

THANK YOU to everyone who rode the waves of 2020 with us at First Of All. Sending massive hugs and positive vibes as we close out a year we'll never forget (even if we want to). Proud of all us for making it through! Remember: you are RESILIENT, you are ENOUGH, & you are LOVE.

This week's guest:

• Sean Miura (IG: @seanmiura)

Follow Minji on:

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

Our theme song 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

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