MIXUNDERSTOOD

Creating Mixunderstood has been more than just a creative project; it's been a transformative experience that has encouraged me to embrace my mixed identity with newfound confidence. Inspired by our amazing guests and the vibrant community, I've started looking into learning Japanese and have even launched Fusion Friday, an educational social media series collaboration with Mixed Asian Media that celebrates mixed culture and identity. Through these efforts, I am building a language around the mixed-race experience and finding comfort in spaces that once felt foreign. As I wrap up this season, I hope to explore even more themes like mental health and racial imposter syndrome in the future.

Massive thank you to all of our guests and contributors to Season 2!! 

Thank you to YOU wonderful listeners! 

Your support has been integral to this journey, and I’m deeply grateful for every message and contribution. This episode is dedicated to my father.

Thank you for being part of Mixunderstood.

Let's continue this exploration together.

(00:00) - Reflecting on Season Two

(04:53) - Discovering Identity Through Podcasting

(13:58) - Embracing Mixed Identity Through Conversation

(24:50) - Staying Connected Through Podcasting

(04:53) Podcast Origins (102 Seconds)

(10:31) Identity Crisis Sparking Podcast Creation (97 Seconds)

(13:45) Podcast Impact on Mixed Identity (86 Seconds)

(20:42) Dedication to Father and New Season (123 Seconds)

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Mixed Identity, Japanese Heritage, Grief, Identity Crisis, Personal Growth, Burnout, Conversations, Cancer, Mental Health, Racial Imposter Syndrome, Fusion Friday, Language, Community, Creative Project, Healing, Reflection, Season Finale, Podcasting, Identity, Cultural Spaces, Learning, Joy, Connections, Hope, Balance, Support, Contributions, Music, Transformative Experience, Curiosity, Questions, Future Episodes, 

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of Emi and Philip, a multicultural couple whose relationship has spanned continents and navigated countless challenges. Meeting in the U.S. in the early 2000s—before the convenience of Zoom calls and smartphones—Emi, who is Japanese, and Philip, who is English/Australian, embarked on a long-distance relationship that tested their resolve, patience, and commitment.

Their journey takes us through the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles of maintaining a relationship across oceans, navigating time differences, visa issues, learning each other's languages and accents, and staying flexible around constant career changes.

Their focus on "making it work" and staying attuned to each other's needs is inspiring and encouraging for anyone who might be currently in a long-distance relationship.

But this episode isn’t just about the logistical challenges. At its heart, it’s about two individuals searching for that elusive place where they can both fully be themselves. Through sacrifices, cultural and familial expectations, and the ever-present struggle of belonging, they continued to seek a home where their identities and experiences could be fully embraced.

Join us as we uncover the emotional and cultural complexities of their journey, filled with moments of humor, frustration, and ultimately, a breakthrough in finding a place where they both could thrive.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• The challenges of navigating long-distance relationships with limited technology.

This is our last interview for Season 2. Next week, I’ll be sharing a final short episode with my personal reflections on this season, so make sure to listen in!

Guests:

Emi Nishimura & Philip Canavan

@emi_canavan & @lostinthemosh

@japanscreenadvocacy

Patreon!

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

What would you do to keep your family together during the most challenging times? In this episode, we’re discussing a story of sacrifice, resilience, and the lengths one woman went to in order to stay with her family. During World War II, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps across the United States. In the midst of this, one woman made an unthinkable choice. Elaine Buchman Yoneda, a Jewish American, voluntarily entered one of these camps, Manzanar, to stay with her Japanese American husband Karl and their three-year-old son Tommy.

In this episode, I’m joined over Zoom by author Tracy Slater, currently in Canada, to discuss Elaine Yoneda's remarkable journey, explored in Tracy’s upcoming book, preliminarily titled Nine Months in Manzanar, set for release in 2025 by Chicago Review Press. 

Discover how Tracy uncovered this untold story and learn about the totem that guided her through the writing process. We delve into the split-second decisions Elaine faced, not only concerning her son Tommy but also other critical choices. 

We touch on the broader implications for interracial families under the shifting “mixed blood” policy and examine the political views and personal responses to the trauma experienced by those in Manzanar, including how these tensions affected Elaine, Tommy, and others. 

The conversation also covers Carl’s unique identity and feelings toward Japan, the complexities and contradictions in the lives of the Yoneda family, and the importance of acknowledging human contradictions in both personal identities and society.

This episode offers a thought-provoking discussion, shedding light on overlooked aspects of American history and the importance of understanding our collective past.

Guest:

www.tracyslater.com

@good_shufu

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Tina and Nacho, a couple whose whirlwind romance began on Tinder in Miami and has taken them across continents to settle in Buenos Aires. Their story is one of adaptability, resilience, and navigating cultural clichés as they merge their lives together.

Join us as we explore what it’s like to be in a long-distance international relationship and the realities of moving to a new country for your partner. Tina, from Germany, and Nacho, from Argentina, have faced numerous logistical challenges, from living in shared spaces in Miami to transitioning to Tina's childhood home in Germany, before embarking on an adventure in a cozy camper van and finally settling in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.

We kick off with three fun facts:

Tina's quirky relationship with wobbly foods, Nacho's confession about soccer, and what they adopted into their relationship during their year and a half of traveling across Europe in a camper van. Then, we delve into their decision to get married after seeing each other only four times, exploring how their family and friends reacted and their differing accounts of whether Nacho proposed.

As we transition to their practical life in Buenos Aires, Tina and Nacho share the humorous and eye-opening experience of navigating healthcare with Tina's improving Spanish and Nacho's assistance. This leads us to a discussion about cultural differences and navigating clichés, examining how they've managed to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the challenges of adapting to a new culture.

We explore the initial struggles and misunderstandings due to differing cultural expectations, particularly around timeliness and expressions of affection, and how these experiences have influenced their relationship and perspectives on their home countries and identities. 

Tune in as we discuss closing the gap of long distance, making a relationship work across countries, and the realities of moving to a foreign land for - Amor! 

Follow Tina and Nacho:

Social Media: @internationallovestory

WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fy5IOsGnOoN1D0foex9EBY

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-love-story/id1514145436

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod

Ever wondered how a fiercely independent academic from Boston could end up embracing the traditional role of a Japanese housewife? Tracy Slater, acclaimed author of The Good Shufu: Finding Love, Self, and Home on the Far Side of the World, joins us to unravel her incredible journey. From teaching in men's prisons to becoming a shufu in Japan, Tracy's story is one of transformation, self-discovery, and unexpected love.

In this episode, we explore how Tracy navigated the logistics of moving to Japan, adapting to a new culture, and balancing her career shift with the demands of a new lifestyle. Tracy shares her experiences of culture shock, her willingness to let life shape her path, and the adjustments she made to embrace new roles and responsibilities.

Discover how Tracy and her husband, Toru, balanced their different cultural backgrounds and overcame the challenges of living between two countries. We dive into the emotional and practical aspects of her journey, including caring for her terminally ill father-in-law, her efforts to conceive a child, and the impact of these experiences on her sense of self.

Tracy’s memoir captures the irony and profundity of her mid-40s transformation, offering insights into intercultural marriages and the subtleties of non-homogeneous social relationships. She shares heartwarming and humorous anecdotes about adapting to her new life, including a memorable story from her first week in Japan.

Join us for a deeper understanding of how culture shapes relationships and provides valuable lessons for anyone navigating mixed identities or intercultural marriages. Stay tuned for future discussions on Tracy's upcoming book about mixed families in America's World War II concentration camps.

More about Tracy:

www.tracyslater.com

The Good Shufu: Finding Love, Self, and Home on the Far Side of the World

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod

In this episode, we sit down with Punita Khanna, a first-generation Indian Punjabi immigrant and co-author of Mixed Daisies: Stories of Multiracial South Asians. As the mother of Rahul, featured in Episode 27, Punita reflects on her journey of raising a mixed-race child in a context where such families were relatively rare.

Punita shares her experiences of feeling like an outsider—facing discrimination as a brown person in the United States and struggling with acceptance in India. Despite these challenges, her unwavering dedication to providing Rahul with the best opportunities, resources, and community support shines through.

Being the first mixed child on both sides of their families, Punita discusses the dynamics of raising a mixed-race child in a predominantly white society, including recognizing her husband John’s white privilege and the contrasting parenting styles between her Indian heritage and his more relaxed American approach.

Punita also reflects on marrying and having a child later in life, her efforts to expose Rahul to various cultures and religions, and giving him the freedom to choose his own path. She shares her journey as a breast cancer survivor and passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness within the South Asian community. Her story highlights the importance of early detection, the challenges of dealing with a lack of representation in healthcare narratives, and her decision to shield Rahul from the emotional burden of her illness.

Ultimately, this episode is a monoracial South Asian mother’s love letter to her mixed-race son. It sheds light on the many overlaps between their journeys as they find acceptance, build community, and cultivate resources and spaces for mixed families and individuals.

 www.amazon.com/Mixed-Desis-Stories-Multiracial-Asians-ebook/dp/B0CQ93G46D

Mentions:

www.humsubglobalteen.com

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

by Amy Chua

Recommendations from Punita:

Raising Mixed Race: Multiracial Asian Children in a Post-Racial World

by Sharon H. Chang

Raising Multiracial Children: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World

by Farzana Nayani

Patreon!

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod

In this episode, we sit down with Rahul Arjun John Yates, founder of HumSub Global Teen and co-creator of Mixed-Desis: Stories of Multi-racial South Asians as he opens up about his unique journey as a multiracial teen in Los Angeles. Growing up with an Indian Punjabi mother and a White father, Rahul navigated the complexities of multicultural identity, which eventually led to the creation of a global platform supporting mixed-race youth.

Listen as Rahul shares heartfelt stories of feeling more connected to his Indian heritage through dance and poignant moments of questioning his identity, offering a relatable perspective for anyone grappling with the intricacies of mixed heritage. The conversation takes a deep dive into Rahul's efforts to celebrate both sides of his cultural background, highlighting the internal conflicts and external challenges he faced. Hear about the amusing tale of his 19-year-old cat Shah Rukh, and how Rahul's work in India through a Harvard program has strengthened his connection to his roots.

This episode explores phases of Rahul’s life where he felt "not Indian enough," and how these experiences have shaped his mission to foster a supportive community for multiracial youth through HumSub Global Teen. In a candid discussion, Rahul recounts the creation of a platform during the pandemic, which has since become a vital space for mixed-race teens. He emphasizes the importance of parental support, especially from his mother, and shares the rewarding journey of writing Mixed Desis.

Rahul’s story is not just about embracing a mixed identity but also about providing resources and inspiration for others on similar paths. Tune in for an episode filled with empathy, empowerment, and insightful guidance on navigating the complexities of multicultural identity.

Find Rahul:

www.humsubglobalteen.com

@humsubglibalteen

Book: www.amazon.com/Mixed-Desis-Stories-Multiracial-Asians-ebook/dp/B0CQ93G46D

Patreon!

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod

We are taking a little side chat, a break from our season's theme of mixed relationships and family dynamics, because guess what? Mixunderstood and yours truly, Hanna-Lee, went to our first event for mixed people!

This episode is a bit different from our usual format. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Free to Be Fest, a celebration of the mixed experience, right here in downtown LA.

The Free to Be Fest is an amazing event that showcases the richness of mixed identity and belonging. This year, it featured two short films and a TV pilot, all centered around the theme of mixed identity and belonging. I was fortunate enough to interview some of the attendees, including mixed individuals and allies, capturing their stories, insights, and thoughts on what it means to be mixed in today's world.

I recorded this episode on an outdoor rooftop in the heart of downtown LA, so you might hear some background noise from the event and the occasional siren. Please bear with me, as the conversations I had are truly worth it.

A special shoutout to Dr. Jenn, the brilliant mind behind this festival and a former guest on the podcast (check out Episode 20). Her passion and dedication to celebrating mixed identity made this event possible.

Interviewees: 

Maris Lidaka - @marislidaka Founder of @blendedfutureproject 

Film - “Gabriella”

Eloise joy @mixed_and_chill

Lauren Lola @akolaurenlola

Books: “A Moment’s Worth” & “Dasig”

Punita Khanna:

www.Humsubglobalteen.com

Book: Mixed Desis - Stories of Multiracial South Asians

Thomas Lopez - www.multiracialamericans.org

Aute Porter - www. auteporter.com

Larz Broussard - www.larzbroussard.com

Camille Tenerife - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/camille-tenerife-los-angeles-ca/931678

Conroe Brooks @conroebrooks

Tv pilot: “Alt Black” 

Sarah Shuman and David Ramos

Film: www.tsehaitheshort.com

Thank you Paola Morales del Castillo, Iris Tumi, Julie & Ariana 

And Thank you Dr Jenn!!!

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

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Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

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In part 1, we explored what it was like for Maria Fernanda growing up as a mixed-race transracial adoptee. We delved into the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, what it was like growing up with white parents, and being in an interracial relationship and getting pregnant unexpectedly. Becoming a young mom was a turning point for Maria Fernanda, who says it was the moment of “coming out of the fog” when she started to want answers and began the arduous journey of searching for her “First mother.”

Now, in part 2, we delve deeper into the emotional and challenging journey of uncovering adoption records that seemed almost impossible to access. Our exploration follows the relentless efforts to contact consulates, embassies, and a now-defunct adoption agency, leading to a surprising breakthrough. This realization highlights the systemic barriers many adoptees face when seeking answers, underscoring the ongoing struggles within the adoption process. Join us as we continue Maria's story of resilience, determination, and the importance of community and support.

• Maria Fernanda’s emotional journey of searching for biological family members:

Find Maria Fernanda:

Instagram: 

@abutterflyseries

Adoptees of Latin America+ Extended Latin Americas: https://www.asa-extendedlatinamericas.com/creators

Guia Nova:

Instagram @guianovamentoring

Patreon!

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Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod

How does a transracial adoptee navigate the intricate tapestry of identity, culture, and belonging? Join us as Maria Fernanda, a passionate advocate and voice for adoptees, shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering journey from Quito, Ecuador, to her adoptive home in the United States. Maria's story is one of resilience and determination, as she unveils the emotional complexities of birthdays as an adoptee, the painstaking process of uncovering adoption records, and the profound impact of reclaiming her identity and reconnecting with her birth family.

Maria discusses her transformative work in co-creating Adoptees of Latin America plus Extended Latin Americas and Guia Nova, emphasizing the significance of community and support for those navigating similar paths. She opens up about the challenges of growing up in a family of a different race, the emotional nuances of international adoption, and the intense moments of "coming out of the fog" to face the realities of her past. Her journey is marked by poignant reunions with her birth mother, navigating medical documentation as an adoptee, and the emotional roller coaster of finding her biological family amidst a global pandemic.

This episode is a testament to the importance of keeping adoptees' voices central in adoption conversations, highlighting the critical need for empathy, understanding, and trauma-informed care. 

This episode marks the first of a two-part series.

Show notes:

• When Maria Fernanda found out she didn't really know her birthday

Find Maria Fernanda:

Instagram: 

@abutterflyseries

Adoptees of Latin America+ Extended Latin Americas: https://www.asa-extendedlatinamericas.com/creators

Guia Nova:

Instagram @guianovamentoring

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod

Follow Mixunderstood!

Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod

Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod

Twitter/X: @Mix_understood

Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com

Patreon!

https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod