Not Your Average Mai Podcast

What does it mean to be an authentic ally for the Black Lives Matter movement? In this final episode of our three-part #BLM series, we speak with trailblazer Kabzuag Vaj, Co-Executive Director of Freedom Inc., about her work in eliminating anti-blackness and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and behaviors within our communities. In particular, we discuss how we can be better allies in the movement for collective liberation and justice, and how we can fight against the rampant patriarchy and sexism within the Hmong community while advocating for radical change.

Kabzuag reiterates and reminds us that: people will always be MORE valuable than buildings; we have to ask ourselves how our actions will impact/support the affected group or the mission of the movement; and being an ally means holding our own people accountable because Black people do not need us to save them.

To continue our “Black Lives Matter” series, we invite Dr. Yang Lor from the University of California-Merced to contextualize the history of systemic oppression in our country and unpack the anti-black sentiments within our Hmong community. In this episode, we discuss how we can move our community members to a place of solidarity with the Black community.

This conversation highlights how our community often has a mainstream view of Black Lives Matter and the misconception that the movement is only about Black lives mattering. It is essential to think critically and understand that the Black Lives Matter movement is about securing the justice and accountability needed to end senseless, state-sanctioned violence against black and brown bodies. White supremacy must be eradicated across the globe because until Black lives matter, all lives cannot.

It has been a whirlwind of events and emotions this week from the murder of George Floyd, to the mass protests in outrage of this terrible tragedy, and to the violence incited by white supremacy groups across the country. We invited our very first guest, Nancy Xiong - Director of Development and Communications at Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), to discuss these unfolding events and how coalition building and racial solidarity can address systemic oppression, as well as move our community towards racial and social justice.

Our hearts are with our Black siblings who have endured systemic oppression for far too long. We are fully committed to joining the fight for Black freedom and liberation, and addressing the anti-blackness within our Hmong and larger Southeast Asian communities. Join us in making a personal commitment to creating a better world for our Black siblings.

After a recent tear-filled recording, we decided to dedicate a small digital campaign to our moms/mother-figures in honor of Mother’s Day. They are often the unsung heroes in our lives BUT their love, hard work, and sacrifices do not go unnoticed and should be celebrated every single day.

We asked our listeners to write a letter to their mothers/mother-figures, in hopes of providing them with a space to reflect, heal, love, or honor these relationships. These are their letters, along with ours! We hope you enjoy them. Happy Mother’s Day!

Is some AAPI representation better than none? May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), yet mainstream APAHM celebrations have historically commemorated East Asian American history and heritage. We know APAHM goes beyond the month of May and East Asian American narratives, and that our Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities are equally important in AAPI history.

In this episode, we give our hot takes on AAPI representation, how and where we fit into Asian America, and the importance of authenticity in living out our identities as Hmong Americans. We know that our ancestors did not die fighting for sovereignty for us to not embrace our unique history, heritage, and role in Asian America. This month, we pay homage to the generations who came before us and the opportunities that we have today to use our voices and power in advancing social justice.

In this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, we answer questions that our listeners are curious about, all UNFILTERED! We share everything ranging from feminism to the number of babies we plan to have (or not have) to our biggest life lessons. Tune in to this episode as we take a break from COVID-19 life to answer all of the questions you sent in! We reflect on our personal goals, careers, and our most unpopular opinions. Many thanks to everyone who DM’ed us a question.

2020 has started out extremely challenging for all of our communities; it is definitely “not your average” year. In this episode, we discuss how our families and larger Asian American community have been impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the racism that has been heightened by our administration’s choice to racialize this outbreak. In addition, we address the importance of being counted in the 2020 Census especially during volatile times like now, and outline ways to make sure that you and all of your community members can participate. We end this episode with our thoughts on the Democratic presidential candidates and how well-equipped they are in resolving continuous and pressing challenges in our country, if elected.

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, this episode celebrates womxn from all walks of life and the value of sisterhood. In this episode, we share key moments and experiences that have defined our womanhood, and how role models, mentors, and sponsors have inspired us to be the women we are today. We know that Hmong womxn have paved the way for so many of us, going above and beyond to lift all of us up. As such, this episode is dedicated to them and all of the not your average Mai's in the world who continue to be resilient, fierce, and fearless.

It seems more and more challenging in today's modern world to date and form romantic relationships as we attempt to balance our careers and other competing commitments in our lives. Being a Hmong woman adds an additional layer of complexity to dating, so how do you navigate through it all while maintaining your own identity? Tune in to Part 2 of Episode 08 where we dive into our relationship experiences and discuss how we have maintained our identities while pursuing our professional and personal goals and aspirations.

When is it the right time to DTR, say ‘I love you,’ say DTF, or send “U up?” texts to your person? It seems more and more challenging in today's modern world to date and form romantic relationships as we attempt to balance our careers and other competing commitments in our lives. Being a Hmong woman adds an additional layer of complexity to dating, so how do you navigate through it all while maintaining your own identity? Listen in as we get personal about our dating experiences and share our relationship advice in this two-part series, just in time for Valentine’s Day!