In this episode, Karen Chong joins Neither Here Nor Here to share her global journey living across Hong Kong, San Francisco, Japan, and London—and how each place shaped her identity. Karen opens up about the realities of being a cultural outsider, particularly during her time in Japan, and the emotional and social adjustments that come with starting over in new countries.

Through personal stories and reflections, Karen explores how adapting to local customs while staying true to yourself is a delicate but essential balance. She discusses meaningful cultural lessons, including a memorable misunderstanding in Japan, the concept of “face” in Chinese culture, and how social expectations vary widely across regions.

The conversation also dives into relationships—how to maintain deep friendships across time zones, why quality matters more than quantity, and how genuine curiosity keeps connections alive. Drawing from her upbringing with educator parents and her own international experiences, Karen offers thoughtful advice for third-culture kids and anyone navigating life between cultures.

Listeners who enjoy thoughtful conversations on identity, belonging, and cross-cultural growth will find this episode both relatable and grounding.

You can also check out Karen’s podcast, Mind Blend, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow her on Instagram @mindblendpodcast for more insights and conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Living in multiple countries can shape entirely different versions of yourself
• Feeling like an outsider is challenging but deeply formative
• Cultural adaptation does not require losing your identity
• Social norms and unspoken rules vary widely across cultures
• Deep friendships require intentional effort, especially across distance
• Quality over quantity leads to more meaningful relationships
• Embracing discomfort often leads to the most growth

Sound Bites

• “I felt like an outsider the most in Japan.”
• “Adapting to local cultures is key.”
• “Quality matters more than quantity in friendships.”
• “Embrace cultural differences and learn from them.”
• “Living in multiple countries shaped who I am.”