Take1.5 Podcast: Stories from the Messy In-between

Why should the church care about undocumented immigrants?

In this episode of Take 1.5 Podcast, we sit down with Eunil David Cho, Assistant Professor of Spiritual Care and Counseling at Boston University School of Theology. Beyond his academic work, Dr. Cho is also a Korean American Presbyterian pastor who has served congregations in Atlanta, Dallas, and Boston.

Born in Korea and raised in Atlanta, his journey from teacher to pastor to scholar gives him a unique perspective on faith, community, and what it means for the church to show up in the lives of undocumented immigrants.

We explore questions of belonging, compassion, and the role of the church in addressing real human struggles that often get overlooked.

✨ Subscribe for more conversations about life in the in-between.

Caring for Aging Immigrant Parents: Expectations, Resentment, and EmpathyIn this episode of Take 1.5 Podcast, I sit down with Ruby Urquiza, LCSW, to talk about the complexities of caring for aging immigrant parents. From navigating medical systems to balancing emotional labor, we unpack the unspoken expectations that often fall on children of immigrants.Ruby opens up with an honest and vulnerable story about caring for her own parents—sharing the struggles, guilt, and moments of tenderness that many of us rarely say out loud.We also explore:How cultural values shape caregiving rolesThe hidden resentment and guilt that can surfaceStrategies for approaching medical and emotional care with compassionBuilding empathy—for our parents and for ourselvesIf you’ve ever struggled with the weight of responsibility, conflicting emotions, or what it means to honor your parents while honoring yourself, this conversation is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more in-between stories.About the guest:Ruby Urquiza is a licensed clinical social worker on the Comfort and Palliative Care team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her passion and heart are to serve people, seek social justice, and help those in need. She was born in Korea but immigrated to Argentina at an early age and is fully bilingual in Spanish and English. Her life experiences have shaped the lens through which she views her world and community. Having aging parents has brought another layer of caregiving while navigating changes in her own family and work-life balance.#ImmigrantParents #Caregiving #Take1Point5Podcast

Hey, get to know your host of Take1.5 Podcast, Min LeeSome of you asked, and she answered.Stay tuned for Season 2, coming soon!Subscribe to this channel, Like, CommentFollow on Instagram, Spotify & AppleYour support really matters to us!

Stay tuned for the upcoming Q&A with your host, Min LeeAsk anything! Go ahead!!Full Q&A episode coming this Saturday!Preview

기러기 가족의 둘째 딸로 1994년 미국에 온 최유정은, 미국에서 자라며 서구적인 사고방식을 갖게 되었지만 여전히 마음속엔 한국인의 정서를 간직한 “1.75세”입니다. 15년간 와인 회사에서 회계 업무를 하다 팬데믹을 계기로 교육 비영리 분야로 커리어 전환, 현재는 파이낸스 전문가로 일하는 동시에 한 아들의 엄마로 살아가고 있습니다.이번 에피소드에서는 유정이 지난 16년간 청소년 기독교 컨퍼런스를 통해 한국계 미국 청소년들과 함께하며 느낀 사랑과 책임, 그리고 10대 아들을 키우며 배우게 된 “미국식” 대화법과 “한국식” 정서 사이의 균형에 대해 나눕니다.부모로서 어떻게 자녀와 소통할 수 있을지, 특히 문화적 차이 속에서 갈등을 줄이고 공감을 쌓아갈 수 있는 방법은 무엇일지 고민하는 부모님들께 따뜻한 조언을 전합니다.자녀와의 관계에 대해 고민 중인 분들이라면, 유정의 이야기를 통해 위로와 힌트를 얻을 수 있을 거예요.

Ownkyeong Lee is a psychologist and learning scientist (M.Sc.) pursuing her PhD with a research focus on multilingualism and identity. As a mother of two raising her children in Germany—navigating three nationalities and four first languages—she brings both personal and academic depth to the conversation on multilingual, multicultural family life.To support families with Asian heritage and beyond, Ownkyeong founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing research-based programs, practical tools, and culturally responsive resources. Her work centers on helping children and families build strong intercultural identities and thrive in their multilingual worlds.✨ Topics we cover in this episode:Raising multilingual childrenNavigating cultural identity across generationsSupporting Asian heritage families abroadBalancing research and real-life parentingCreating inclusive tools for multicultural families🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on identity, belonging, and the in-between spaces.#MultilingualParenting #AsianDiaspora #InterculturalIdentity #PsychologistMom #Take1Point5Podcast#cultural develpment

기러기 가족의 둘째 딸로 1994년 미국에 온 최유정은, 미국에서 자라며 서구적인 사고방식을 갖게 되었지만 여전히 마음속엔 한국인의 정서를 간직한 “1.75세”입니다. 15년간 와인 회사에서 회계 업무를 하다 팬데믹을 계기로 교육 비영리 분야로 커리어 전환, 현재는 파이낸스 전문가로 일하는 동시에 한 아들의 엄마로 살아가고 있습니다.이번 에피소드에서는 유정이 지난 16년간 청소년 기독교 컨퍼런스를 통해 한국계 미국 청소년들과 함께하며 느낀 사랑과 책임, 그리고 10대 아들을 키우며 배우게 된 “미국식” 대화법과 “한국식” 정서 사이의 균형에 대해 나눕니다.부모로서 어떻게 자녀와 소통할 수 있을지, 특히 문화적 차이 속에서 갈등을 줄이고 공감을 쌓아갈 수 있는 방법은 무엇일지 고민하는 부모님들께 따뜻한 조언을 전합니다.자녀와의 관계에 대해 고민 중인 분들이라면, 유정의 이야기를 통해 위로와 힌트를 얻을 수 있을 거예요.

What does it mean to be heard without being seen?In this episode of Take 1.5, we sit down with Alex 현지 Wang, a Korean-American foley artist who shapes the emotional undercurrent of shows like Severance, Godfather of Harlem Season 4, Emily in Paris, and many more. Her work lives in the details—the creak of a chair, the echo of footsteps—sounds that make a scene feel real but often go unnoticed.Alex shares how she found his way into this quiet, hands-on craft, and how navigating the margins—as both a foley artist and a Korean American—has taught her to embrace the in-between. We talk about cultural identity, creative invisibility, and the deep resonance of sound in shaping how we feel, remember, and belong.This is a conversation about what we hear when we slow down—and what it means to build entire worlds from the background.https://www.youtube.com/@LikeAlexinUS

In this heartfelt episode of Take 1.5, we sit down with Heejin and Jimmi from Love After Divorce Season 4 to talk about what life has looked like after the cameras stopped rolling. From their whirlwind romance on the show to getting married, having a baby, and moving to Vancouver, Heejin and Jimmi open up about building a life together as a cross-border couple.We also dive into their experiences living as 1.5-generation Koreans—navigating identity, language, and love between cultures and continents. Join us for an honest, funny, and touching conversation about starting over, growing together, and redefining what it means to find home and family—again.

In this episode of Take 1.5, we’re joined by best-selling children’s author, educator, and podcast host Chelsea Chong Kim, whose beloved book Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl is inspiring a generation of young readers to embrace who they are.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Chelsea brings over a decade of experience as a master educator into every story she tells. We explore how her background in teaching shaped the journey of Carol—a shy carrot who learns that being different is her greatest strength. Through themes of inclusion, friendship, perseverance, and confidence, Chelsea invites children to shine in their own way, even when it feels hard to speak up.We talk about the power of storytelling in childhood development, Chelsea’s creative process, and how Carol the Carrot grew into a fan-favorite book, celebrated in classrooms and homes alike. Chelsea also shares insights from her podcast Chelsea’s Story Nook, her work with “Your Favorite Homeroom Teacher: Shy to Shine,” and her mission to help every child feel seen, supported, and ready to lead.This episode is a warm invitation into Chelsea’s colorful world—where books build confidence, carrots find their place, and kids learn that being themselves is more than enough.