Content warning: This episode explores systemic racism and sexism.

Paola Kim identifies as a Latina-Asian American woman, who grew up in Santa Monica.  She shares a touch of her rich cultural background having a Korean American father born in Japan and a Colombian mother, who actually dreamed that she would marry and have a Japanese husband someday.  Paola shares in this episode how she painfully learned through experience the Japanese culture of collectivism and 'saving face' as an international exchange student in Tokyo.  Fast forward, Paola meets Naoko at their former employer, a renowned philanthropic, non-profit organization. They both share experiences of dehumanization, particularly after raising issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion (i.e. gender pay gaps). These stories are shared by ordinary people living their truth and their lived experiences, so we can all learn from to move forward.  In order to move beyond pointing fingers at the organization, we are inspired to believe in and connect with one's humanity with dignity and integrity in the midst of traumatizing experiences, and feel empowered in our action and choice to take a stand with, "No more." Reclaiming our voices and stories to build community and intersectional solidarity rooted in humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness will be necessary and critical to forge ahead to fight against structural barriers like systemic racism, and fight for justice, equity, belonging, and love, one narrative at a time. 

Inside the Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion Industrial Complex | Doing the Work at Work What are companies desperate for diversity consultants actually buying?

An Open Letter to Philanthropy, from People of Color-led, Movement-Accountable Public Foundations

MasterClass: Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love Streaming for free on Amazon Prime during Black History Month

Gender Pay Gap

Of all groups of color, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities receive less than 0.2% of foundation giving and less than 1% of corporate philanthropy. ‍AAPIP (from The Asian American Foundation)

Giving USA 2021

Today's episode is inspired by writer and professor Roxanne Gay, who has unapologetically coined the term A Bad Feminist. Her TED talk, "Confessions of a Bad Feminist" is a must-watch where she has an empathetic vision of identity and its flaws. Then we touch upon a poignant film titled, "Feminists: What Were They Thinking?" a documentary that spans women photographed by Cynthia MacAdams in the 70s to where they are and what perspectives they share today, looking back in time.  

Happy Lunar New Year! We're celebrating our 20th episode with endless conversation about culture and community. This spans from the meaning of Lunar New Year, fast food (In N Out, McDonald's and Japanese burger chain MOS Burger anyone?) , to of course, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Naoko introduces Naoko to American writer and activist, James Baldwin, where his complex narrative centered around America's civil rights movement is beautifully directed by Haitian director Raoul Peck's documentary "I am Not Your Negro."  Compelling, poignant and poetic, themes of race and class intertwine and should be on  the watch list of all. We also revel in the works of powerful women of Viola Davis and Stacey Abrams, each of who is changing history by being present, being uniquely 'them' and impacting their respective roles in film and politics.  

Join us for one of our RICHEST conversations as of yet.  Naoko surprises Naoko with a guest, Sahira, to add to our power of connection. We touch upon the death of a loved one, memories that go back more than 40 years ago to Kindergarten, the origin narrative of Islam, Christianity & Judaism and mostly on the pain of being excluded and the beauty of belonging.

Finally, the Omicron variant (we think it's this one because the symptoms were mild) hits home with Naoko's pre-schooler.  The 0-5 years age bracket is still not approved for vaccinations.  Our message is to get VAXED to protect the vulnerable and keep the virus from spreading.  Yesterday was MLK day, an American federal holiday, honoring the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.  We share how Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates a little shy of 60 years later. Transcript of his full speech here:  https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety  

We also celebrate Naoko's daughter's birthday hitting a milestone of 11.  "Be kind to yourself moms and be present." is our motherly message to those who are mothering or parenting today.  *Note there are a couple disruptions, aka voice of toddler :) to represent our NOW

How do we overcome 'not being good enough?' We don't necessarily have clear answers, and here is our conversation.

Welcome to Naoness.  We (Naoko x Naoko) are excited to begin Season 2 after launching this past September 2021 with one vision and one bucket list to create a podcast.  A vision to have a heartfelt conversation with a dear trusted friend on everything and anything.  We found reasons why we still are friends after 30+ years.  Our quarterly check-ins on the phone until last September have now/NAO been replaced by weekly check-ins or intentional conversation and connection on sharing what's on our mind.  From being a part of the AAPI community, the founding of our continuously growing self, it is never too late to be curious and learn about ourselves, different cultures and what it means to be American.  This season, we are actively searching for guests on our show, the more the merrier for vibrant conversation.  Love and light, Naoko x Naoko

Naoness launched this past September 2021.  We are grateful to have gained listeners organically and hope to continue this conversation of cherishing the present while practicing love, kindness and patience.  Some things we learned are:

Thank you for discovering and embracing us.  Onward to 2022.  Peace and Love.

Blessings for Naoko Tsunoda's 81-year old mom joining us for a post Christmas, pre New Years Day episode.  Mostly in English, some parts in Japanese.  Mom likes to move towards the future and have goals.  She was honestly surprised we brought up some stories to share from her 36 years ago past!! Life is so frail and time is the one thing we cannot stop, we learn about how Masako finds pottery as her artistic medium in her late 30s that she continues all throughout her life, while balancing wifedom, motherhood and more.  

Content warning: This episode explores childhood and intergenerational trauma.

Naoness is blessed to share this week's conversation with younger voices, specifically young adults in college.  We each are honest and raw about sharing our childhood traumas and our process of healing. Naoness is a place of continued compassion for one another across race, gender and age.  

Definition: Trauma is the lasting emotional response that often results from living through a distressing event.  Experiencing a traumatic event can harm a person's sense of safety, sense of self, and ability to regulate emotions and navigate relationships.  Long after the traumatic event occurs, people with trauma can often feel shame helplessness, powerlessness and intense fear.

Naoness takes a lot of time talking about ojiya, okayu, aka rice porridge, congee, etc.  There is so much Asian cultural heritage in the depths of comfort food we eat when we're sick and looking for a nourishing and nutritious meal that soothes our ailed bodies.  We touch upon distinctive Asian condiments like kimchi and umeboshi as well as tea-infused hot pot and soup bowls.  Then, if you're seeking for special retreats, check out the Historic House & Gardens that Naoko recently visited with her MIL. https://filoli.org/  Happy Holidays Everyone!