First of All

(Warning: this episode includes content regarding suicide. If you are not in a good space to hear thoughts on this topic, we recommend listening at another time. Be well & take care of yourself.) We're getting into all our feelings in this one. In this episode, Minji shares the story, memory, & lessons learned from her first love, Jay. In celebration of his life & the lasting impact he made on her in the many years since they fell in love at church as 10-year-old kids, Minji reflects on some of her most beautiful & painful moments. She goes into the joyful innocence & heart awakening of a first love as well as the lasting friendship that also veered into unhealthy territory at times. She shares the process of losing him to suicide in 2018 & how that has shaped her until now. She hopes that in commemorating Jay, she can continue her healing while also helping others process their own pain & keep finding light at the end of their tunnels.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We can all help #PreventSuicide. @800273TALK provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). suicidepreventionlifeline.org #NPM19

Follow Minji on:

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

This episode features the song "Set Free" from 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

In the wise words of King Mufasa, you must REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.  And to supplement that very meta, very poetic guidance from an animated lion with a perfectly resonant voice, it's OK to be figuring out who & what that even means every single day. In this week's episode, Minji sits down with comedian/actor/director Lilan Bowden to talk about her twists & turns of becoming said comedian then actor and now director. This isn't a discussion talking shop about industry maneuvers (though that would be a great spin-off episode for later).. this is about being a geeky middle schooler dying for a training bra to fit in with her peers and being a grown a** woman who can fully own that she doesn't care to be "one of the guys" or subjecting herself to the torment of watching sports. Yeah, we said it. And if you're into it, good on you. :) Lilan shares her career wins expanding from guest appearance on Parks & Rec (whilst Minji screams) to becoming a series lead on Disney Channel's Andi Mack and recently taking the helm as director of a successful short film Becoming Eddie. They talk about the humility of being a perpetual student, stepping into power as a leader and learning to trust a team. Life is crazy, but it can be beautiful. Sometimes we just need reminders that we're all constantly at the drawing board, being challenged, getting thrown curve balls (like a horrible performance.. or a relationship ending...or a global pandemic), and just learning to make the best of it all.

This week's guest:

• Lilan Bowden (@yourfriendlilan)

Follow Minji on:

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

This episode features the song "Pretty Lies" from 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

Time for a COVID mental/emotional/physical temperature check, fam. In this episode, we bring back Minji's friend, actor/stuntman/health professional Josh Han. Last time we sat down on First Of All, Josh shared his diagnosis with a shocking kidney autoimmune disease and coming to terms with his body taking a turn for the worse at a young age. In this homie catch up, Josh and Minji take stock of the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects that are impacting their daily lives as COVID and general societal upheaval rages on. They talk about taking full responsibility of their bodies, minds, and souls while also accepting that there's sooo much that we just can't control. They also discuss the ways our feelings and emotions can deeply color our perceptions of reality, and even warp it to be something that it's not. Minji shares some helpful frameworks from therapy on "reality testing" and how she's learning to walk herself through moments of anxiety and pain. If you've been going through it like the rest of us have, this will hopefully serve as a reality check and a loving fist bump to keep fighting the good fight as we all level up. 

This week's guest:

• Josh Han (@thejoshhan)

Follow Minji on:

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

This episode features the song "Pretty Lies" from 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

If you're like most people, you've dreamt of great things for yourself - a fantastic career, a loving relationship, hilarious & supportive friendships, a killer body, an overflowing bank account, the list goes on. Whether it's to have that thrill of success, obtaining the validation of another, or having security to provide for loved ones, our aspirations have motivated us in one form another. But sometimes we find ourselves not quite getting there, maybe even being pretty far from it. What gives? In this episode, Minji talks with her friend, movement teacher and wellness advocate Lauren DeVera about mindfulness and discovering how and why we play small. They share a very honest conversation about the habits and life experiences that have set certain belief systems in motion, playing a major role in feeding lifelong self-doubt, fear, and even some self-destructive behavior. By identifying some uncomfortable truths, and finding some acceptance and healing practices like movement (and not just yoga, we're talking busting out the old clubbing playlist, OKAYYY), they dive into how to work through things that keep us small to bring our boldest, truest, most fulfilled selves to reality. 

This week's guest:

• Lauren Devera (@thelaurendevera)

Follow Minji on:

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

This episode features the song "Pretty Lies" from 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

After a 15 year hiatus, Minji reunites with Korean dramas. And it just so happens to be THE K-drama of 2020, the K-drama that ended up being a fun, romantic, heart-wrenching, harrowing rollercoaster serving as a safe haven for us all while the world has been a dumpster fire with Coronavirus. Of course we're talking about the global hit Crash Landing On You. :heart eyes: In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend & fellow film industry colleague, Joe Gunawan, to have a deeper discussion on the series - its themes, characters, storylines, cultural nuances, historical context, & personal impact. And fangirl & fanboy-ing. A lot. Don't worry, it's not just a bunch of squealing and gushing (though there is some of that, sorry not sorry). Minji dives into being at odds with her Korean identity and her motherland's culture for years, and how music and dramas have ironically been a means to alleviate that friction. Joe also reflects on the ways art and cinema have been a light during a very dark moment for so many. They also get into their attitudes on fate, destiny & the ways that some things can work out miraculously or what "meant to be" means to them. Joe also spills the tea on a new love he's found during quarantine and the ways life can imitate art in the most beautiful way. This episode is for everyone who doesn't care about spoilers and who also love Hyun Bin because he really is everything and we will fight you on that. :finger heart: 

This week's guest:

• Joe Gunawan (@JoeGunawan616)

Follow Minji on:

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

Music included in this episode is "Pretty Lies" from 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

2020 has revealed many growth areas for us all. Though the current madness is pretty signature for this particularly crazy year, a lot of what's been coming up for folks includes issues from many years past. Lifelong insecurities, bad habits, intimacy issues, & unresolved trauma just to name a few. Thankfully, we're opening up much more honestly about mental health and the powerful ways we can begin to address and heal our underlying issues. In this episode, Minji shares her experience doing inner child work from a therapy session earlier this year. In a vulnerable moment of intense distress coping with a painful breakup, Minji reached out for help to go deeper than she'd ever gone before. She shares her thought process leading up to it, the hypnotherapy experience itself, and the powerful, life-changing aftermath since she took a chance to talk with her 7 year-old self. We are also celebrating our 3 year anniversary (and Minji's birthday) of First Of All with the release of episode 119! Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with us!! Cheers to much more growth, transformation and joy!

Follow Minji on:

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

Music included in this episode is "Pretty Lies" from 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

As more & more people are awakened to social justice issues & cultural nuances that have been long discussed & experienced in marginalized communities, there is definitely a learning curve as we deepen our understanding. To explore the complexity of intersectionality, Minji sits down with her friend, actor/comedian/writer D'Lo. As a queer, transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American creative force of nature, D'Lo has been working purposefully to analyze, unpack, advocate & create space for all parts of himself & the many communities he represents. Together they talk about the importance of recognizing the humanity in all individuals, the dangers that certain groups face in our current society, & the critical ways we can all level up as people to protect, uplift & advocate for one another. 

This week's guest:

• D'Lo @dlocokid

Follow Minji on:

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

Music included in this episode is "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

COVID has been a time for reflection and self-discovery for many of us. Whether it's contemplating career paths, the importance of certain relationships, or the way we cope with solitude, the pandemic has been a catalyst to evaluate parts of ourselves we may not have otherwise have slowed down to do. And while we have a ton of memes and public posts on new baking skills or our quarantine-hair-don't-care stance on beauty, there are other, deeper, experiences that are dealt with much more privately. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend Janice Ho to talk about mental health and addiction. Janice opens up about her struggle with alcohol and the way that quarantine ended up serving as a turning point for her relationship with it and herself. They unpack its cultural roots, the impact on relationships, the taboo, shame, guilt, and misunderstood science of what addiction really is. Together they hope that opening up about these personal experiences can create space for people to get the tools and help that they need.

This week's guest:

• Janice Ho @janicehoimages

Follow Minji on:

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

Music included in this episode is "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

The United States is going through a massive reckoning and a crucial awakening regarding racial injustice in the middle of a global pandemic. Suffice it to say, it can be overwhelming for many of those who have been bearing the brunt of the struggle for many years leading up to this particular moment. In another light, perhaps they've also been primed to be stalwart leaders and eye-opening educators to help uphold the rest of us who are playing major catch up to assist in the work. In this episode, Minji sits down with her former Public Health co-worker and now public defender Quoc To. Quoc is a Sacramento trial lawyer with a tremendous heart for social justice and a unique perspective as a Vietnamese refugee who grew up as a minority in the complex racial American landscape. His clients come from a range of backgrounds and varying levels of privilege or disenfranchisement. Quoc walks Minji through his work going to defend the defenseless and vulnerable in the criminal justice system. He reflects on the significance of this moment and the many layers of history, policy, and cultural influence that has brought us here. Together they unpack their personal biases, their resolve to do what they can, some strategic ideas of impact, and how to show up in their respective ways in the fight for justice. 

This week's guest:

• Quoc To

Follow Minji on:

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

Music included in this episode is "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

Well these past three months have been a blast, right guys? Quarantined, isolated, stressed, & socially distanced...it's the perfect time to find love & experience romance! Seriously though, all of us are learning to connect & relate to one another in new ways that could truly redefine all our relationships moving forward. And funnily enough, there could be some interesting pros to the dating & relationship scene as a result of Coronavirus. To discuss the many ways this pandemic has impacted our interactions with potential SO's, temporary distractions, existing long-term partners, & ourselves, Minji sits down with Dateable Podcast co-hosts Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu. With their extensive backgrounds unpacking everything from first dates to fetishes on their channel, Julie & Yue are no strangers to navigating the nitty gritty of sex & dating with their guests. The three of them share their own COVID experiences & perspectives on dating apps, virtual dates, reconnecting with exes, coping with current relationships & projections of the TBD future of dating culture. 

This week's guest:

• Julie Krafchick 
• Yue Xu
• Check Out the Dateable Podcast at: @dateablepodcast or dateablepodcast.com

Follow Minji on:

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

Music in this episode includes "Yellow Ranger" by Awkwafina & "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

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