In this episode of "Shoes Off Inside", we attempt to talk about everything and the kitchen sink because there is so much happening every week, every day, every hour. May, Kelly and Tamlyn recorded this episode before protests against ICE raids in the Los Angeles area were inflamed by Trump's order to send in the National Guard and threats of U.S. military intervention. But make no mistake, MKT do NOT hold back when it comes to their thoughts on Donald Trump and his policies, Elon Musk and his erratic behavior. 

But at the heart of this episode is a very sincere, vulnerable and painful talk about our elderly parents and the struggle and heartbreak of caretaking...especially as Asians. Get your tissues ready. This will strike a chord regardless of your situation because it's about the power of love and what we're willing to do for our loved ones.

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The trade war between the U.S. and the world isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s something very real and painful for small businesses, especially those that rely on products from China. In this episode, we talk to two Asian American female small business owners who are fearful about their future because of the wild swings in tariff policy. First it was a 145% tariff imposed by Donald Trump on all Chinese imports to the U.S.. China responded by slapping a 125% tariff on U.S, imports. But on Monday, May 12, it was announced after meetings in Switzerland, that there will be a 90 day pause on the triple digit tariffs to allow for more negotiations. Although this may seem like progress, there's apprehension about what's coming next, especially since the trade war, to many, was self-inflicted by the U.S. President. China, on the other hand, has not changed its policy nor has it agreed to any concessions or compromise.  For small business owners like Elenor Mak, founder of Jilly Bing dolls and Evelyn Wang, founder of the hair care line Silverist, the uncertainty only fuels their fears and anxieties. But, they're also not willing to give up the fight to save their businesses. Both true examples of fierce, Asian female entrepreneurs! 

PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded BEFORE the conclusion of the meetings between U.S. and Chinese officials in Switzerland. 

Show Notes:
jillybing.com 
silverist.com 

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The current trade war between the U.S. and China has already sent shock waves around the world and this is just the beginning IF an agreement can't be reached. But there are some giant obstacles that stand in the way of any peace...Donald Trump's lack of understanding when it comes to China's global reach and influence AND Xi Jinping's need to show strength against a perceived western bully. Xi is already shifting from American reliance and cutting new deals with other nations. But it's not just about monetary trade for China...it's also about the growing nationalistic fervor, inflamed by J.D. Vance, by calling Chinese "peasants". Poking the dragon with insults was a mistake. And what about other Asian nations that have been slapped with unexpectedly high tariffs such as Vietnam? In this episode of "Shoes Off inside 1-on-1", May sits down with Eric Olander, longtime China watcher, journalist and analyst based in Vietnam. Eric's deep knowledge of Chinese history and its global relationships helps put this current dangerous trade war into context. To understand the present and the future, we must understand the painful past.

Eric Olander, Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief

www.chinaglobalsouth.com 

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On a daily basis, Americans and the world are being overwhelmed by the Trump administration's decisions that are deeply consequential politically, economically, socially and constitutionally. Since Trump's first term, the press has been under fire often being called the "Fake News". In this second term, the attacks are growing stronger. On March 15, the U.S. President signed an executive order to shut down the Voice of America, a government funded network that has provided news and information to the world for more than 80 years. VOA is one of the most trusted news sources to 350 million people globally, often in places where the idea of free press is non-existent...North Korea, Myanmar, Belarus, Venezuela to name a few. In this episode of Shoes Off Inside 1-on-1, May talks with her old journalist colleague and friend Steve Herman, VOA's Chief National Correspondent, about the significance of the network's mission and what the devestating impact the shutdown of VOA will have on the world. 

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What happens when we take ACTION to find joy, connection and inspiration? From taking a vacation to going to see live theatre to getting emotionally invested in the livelihood of a bald eagle family (May is obsessed!), these are just some of the ways we are finding light in the darkness. But that's not to say May, Kelly and Tamlyn are ignoring the reality of what's happening around us. The key is to find the humanity in our stories, in art, in history, in nature, in life. And when we come together to share these experiences it's called "Collective Effervescence", a concept coined by Sociologist Émile Durkheim, to describe the feeling of intense shared emotional activation and a sense of unison that emerges when people come together and engage in a shared activity or experience. So join MKT in this episode as we share Collective Effervescence together. 

Show Notes:
"Here there are blueberries" tickets (runs until 3/30/25
thewallis.org

"Cambodian Rock Band" tickets (runs until 3/23/25)
eastwestplayers.org 

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One important pillar of a functioning Democracy is the press and the ability to freely report truth and fact to the public. But has been a steady erosion of journalistic efforts due to the current political chaos in the U.S. and that is leading to genuine fears that journalism, as we know it, will soon vanish and, instead, a type of propaganda will take its place. This is textbook dictatorial behavior. May is joined by fellow journalist, Rebecca Sun, to talk about how their industry has changed dramatically and what can be done to save the important work that journalists are committed to doing. Not easy when billionaires are creating media empires and politicians label journalists as the "enemy of the people". Don't miss this crucial episode. 

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Sometimes you just need to say “What the F*K!” But then, you need to find a way to cope with all that’s going on…and there’s A LOT going on. So in this episode, May and Kelly (Tamlyn had a very good excuse not to join this time, which is explained in the show) decided to just sit down, unload and share coping mechanisms…everything from dealing with friends on the opposite end of the political spectrum to K-dramas as a distraction from the madness to how May would react to an alien encounter. Yes, you read that right. If you’re in need of authentic and raw conversation about where we are right now, watch and listen. 

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This episode of "Shoes Off Inside" was originally supposed to be about how to mentally prepare for the new year ahead with the help of our guest psychologist Dr. Jenny Wang. But then, the cataclysmic LA wildfires hit and we knew we had to pivot. The destruction to homes, businesses and entire neighborhoods is so immense, it's difficult to truly understand the scale of loss. As of the date of this episode, more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the fires. More than 10,000 structures are damaged or destroyed. 11 human lives have been lost. Animals, both domestic and wild, have also been dramatically impacted. May, Kelly and Tamlyn speak with Dr. Wang about how we can all help each other through this unprecedented disaster and what each one of us can do to make a difference even in the smallest of ways. This was a way for us to share a space of comfort, compassion, sympathy and empathy. 

Thank to all the incredible first responders who are courageously putting themselves in harm's way to save others. 

At the end of the episode there is information about ways you can help.

Here are links to organizations mentioned in the show:
disasterassistance.gov
calfund.org
211la.org
supportlafd.kindful.com
caninerescue.club
coreresponse.org
gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california
habitat.org

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It's that time of year! This is when May, Kelly and Tamlyn put together their list of Holiday Favorite Things! So if you need some gift ideas AND want to support AANHPI and women owned small businesses, this is the episode for you! From beautiful jewelry to yummy baked goods to silver hair care, MKT share a wide range of unique gifts for the holidays! BUT, for a few minutes at the top of the show, they address what transpired since the last episode of "Shoes Off Inside" and that is Election 2024. Hear what all of them have to say about how they're feeling and what each is doing to move forward. 

Happy Holidays everyone! 

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly's Favorite Things:
readtangle.com
33edge.com (30% discount code: shoesoffinside)
mohalaeyewear.com
bigislandcoffeeroasters.com
glowrecipe.com
onemoon.com

Tamlyn's Favorite Things:
houseofhara.com
jacl-dc.com
alohacreationsonline.com
vh07v.com
edibol.com
japangeles.com
gjenmi.com
linjer.com

May's Favorite Things:
silverist.com (15% discount code: shoesoff15)
silveringbeauty.com
"Banchan: 60 Korean American Recipes for Delicious, Shareable Sides" (available on Amazon and other bookstores)
eatfoodologie.com
DM @mayleeshow or @shoesoffinsidemkt for "Shoes Off Inside" slippers
ryzesuperfoods.com (15% discount code: mayleeshow15)

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Do you believe in miracles??? After 2 years of hosting "Shoes Off Inside" virtually, May, Kelly and Tamlyn FINALLY recorded an episode IN PERSON and they made sure to get into some GOOD TROUBLE! Sitting on the floor in May's living room eating musubi, mochi donuts and drinking boricha, the outspoken threesome tackled the subject of Childless Women, who have recently come under attack. So who better to talk about it than three childless women. The conversation is raw, honest and powerful. 

And on a completely different subject, May tries to get Tamlyn to spill the beans about a possible "Joy Luck Club" sequel. Here's a hint...what she says may not reflect what she really means. Hmmmm....

Side note...the election is right around the corner, so make sure to vote!

Another side note...our audio is a little wonky because our mics weren't coming through, but fear not, it's still totally audible!

Here are some voting resources, including states that allow same day registration:
https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/same-day-voter-registration
https://ballotpedia.org/Same-day_voter_registration

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