Welcome to the Season 2 Premiere of Taste of Meaning!! In this episode, hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by guest Irvin Rosales, a Music major who attended UCR and worked with Martin and Charlie. Irvin is half Mexican and Guatemalan and discusses how his Guatemalan side gets overshadowed while living in Southern California, where it is predominantly Mexican. Irvin shares his favorite food is Guatemalan Chow Mein and how it helps him identify more with his Guatemalan heritage. We brought on Irvin to share his journey from creating a research paper on Music and culture, earning a prestigious internship at Paradigm, and nearly becoming a full-time employee; however all this was unexpectedly halted by the pandemic, sending everyone home and companies cutting employees wherever they can. This sent Irvin to a year full of confusion, fear, internal struggles, and financial hardship. As many individuals can relate during the 2020-2021 pandemic, so much looked to be uncertain and filled with questions on what will happen next. Fortunately, Irvin can close the chapter on this story after securing a job at ABC Entertainment, giving listeners hope that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Please enjoy this episode and we're excited for Season 2!

Eat:

Guatemalan Chow Mein - http://guatexplorer.com/chao-mein

Welcome to Episode 10 of Taste of Meaning! For our Season Finale, hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by guest Min Kwak, Director of ABC Entertainment at Disney's Media Agency. Min grew up in Michigan in a Korean household and recounts eating homemade Soon Tofu and various noodle dishes. He shares his love for KBBQ as it allows a social setting where people can eat amazing food and drink the night away. As a Director for a giant Entertainment Partner, Min explains his leadership style and how to manage a healthy, work-life balance. Min is a proud University of Michigan Alumni and recalls how attending college were the best four years of his life. The group bond over videogames and sports towards the end of the episode, having a good o'bro time. The season finale is jammed pack with great professional advice and highlights the success of a minority in a directorial position in the Entertainment Industry. Please enjoy this episode!

Eat:

BCD Tofu House - https://www.yelp.com/biz/bcd-tofu-house-los-angeles?osq=Bcd+Tofu+House

Toe Bang Cafe - https://www.yelp.com/biz/toe-bang-cafe-los-angeles?osq=tobang

Miyabi Shabu and Grill - https://www.yelp.com/biz/miyabi-shabu-and-grill-irvine?osq=hot+pot

Rad Na Thai Noodles - https://whattocooktoday.com/kwe-tiau-ladna.html

Thai Boat Noodles - https://www.thinkeatdrink.com/thai-beef-noodle-soup/

Soba Japanese Noodles - https://www.japan-experience.com/to-know/chopsticks-at-the-ready/soba

Naengmyeon Korean Noodles - https://www.koreanbapsang.com/naengmyeon-cold-noodles/

Jjamppong Korean Spicy Noodles - https://mykoreankitchen.com/korean-spicy-seafood-noodle-soup/

Jajangmyeon Korean Black Bean Noodles - https://mykoreankitchen.com/korean-black-bean-sauce-noodles-jajangmyeon/

Pollo Asado - https://www.isabeleats.com/pollo-asado/

Welcome to Episode 9 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by guest Lenin Fernandez, lifelong friend of Charlie's, an avid listener of the show, and an artist who expresses himself through dance. Lenin and Charlie reminisce of highschool together, leading Martin down a dark spiral of the nightmare that is his youth.... *Back to our scheduled program!* Lenin talks about coricos, a Mexican pastry that he grew up eating and how this single item united his family all his life. Lenin walks them through his journey from studying Engineering to discovering his passion and career in dance; ultimately leading Lenin to a life of traveling and doing something he loves. Passion and following one's desires is a huge theme in this episode and Lenin couldn't have said it better, be sure to tune-in to hear what he said! All in all, this episode discusses important conversations and delivers beautiful messages. Please enjoy this episode!

Eat: 

Coricos - https://mexicanfoodmemories.co.uk/2016/12/06/coricos-mexican-corn-flour-cookies/

Folk - https://www.yelp.com/biz/folk-nashville

Rolf and Daughters - https://www.yelp.com/biz/rolf-and-daughters-nashville 

Tailor Nashville - https://www.yelp.com/biz/tailor-nashville-nashville

Welcome to Episode 8 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by Sophia Duff, a digital marketer and social media maven from Virginia who moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in Entertainment. Sophia is a mixed Latina, being half Venezuelan, quarter Brazilian, and quarter Canadian-White. She talks about her favorite meal from Venezuela, arepas, and how difficult it is to find them here in the US. Her ambiguous background has played several, defining moments in her life that we touch upon in this episode. Sophia has worked as a Production Assistant in her spare time for talents such as Donald Glover and Juice WRLD. She's also worked on the Hilary Clinton Presidential campaign back in 2016. All in all, the Third Act of this episode may be some of the most genuine conversations we've had of the season; it all cultivates to an experience where Sophia stood up to a man and was called a "Fiery Latina" by her friend for trying to defuse the situation. This comment was used to excuse Sophia's behavior and justify the man's actions, however it made Sophia feel her entirely argument was dismissed after speaking up for herself. Be sure to listen to this episode to get more of the story and the impact it had on her. As always, thank you for listening and enjoy this episode!

Eat: Arepas - https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/arepas/

Welcome to Episode 7 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by guest Winnie Baker, a long-time friend of Charlie's. Winnie moved from Hong Kong to the US at 12 years old and has lived in Oregon for all of her adult life, having attended university in Oregon and now working at the Nike Headquarters (Campus) as a Program Manager. She shares her love for Cantonese street food and how she hasn't been able to find a suitable replacement in the US. We discuss the importance of identity and how the notion of wanting to "fit in" can alienate minorities from their own culture for the sake of acceptance and looking more "white." Winnie acknowledges how she wants her bi-racial children to accept their Asian heritage while navigating their lives in the US, especially with the increase in Asian Hate Crimes recently. The three laughed, cried, and overall had a great time together. Please enjoy this episode!

Eat:

Dragon's beard - https://worldfood.guide/dish/dragons_beard_candy/#

Welcome to Episode 6 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by guest Paola Lopez, a recent college graduate who's entering the next stage in life, finding a career that aligns with her interests and passions. Paola's journey as a graduate may be different than most. She completed college during the pandemic, this involved remote learning and a real possibility of not crossing a stage to receive her diploma. However, that will not stop her output on life. Paola is determined to pursue a career that fulfills her passions and interests, most importantly, she sets her mind on interviewing her interviewers and showing them why they should hire her, not why she should be hired. All this comes from what she learned in her degree in Psychology, a knowledge she applies to her everyday thinking; whether it be within her culture or society around her. This episode brought so many eye-opening sights and we cannot wait to share this with you all. Please enjoy this episode! 

Eat: 

Tacos de Papa - https://dashofcolorandspice.com/tacos-de-papa-potato-tacos/

Welcome to episode 5.5 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by podcast favorite Derrin, as the three discuss the cultural implications and importance of the Disney+ Original series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The conversation focuses on how Marvel continues to bring stories and characters to life that don't traditionally meet the norm of television or film. This case giving characters of color the spotlight as they navigate through society, social issues, and their identity. It's an amazing episode and we hope you all enjoy!

Read:

"Disney fan complains that Walt Disney World is becoming too 'woke' - here's what changed at the park and why" - Market Watch

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Hollywood Must Do More to Combat Asian Stereotypes - The Hollywood Reporter

Welcome to Episode 5 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin talk about food and the psychology behind food recommendations. Let's be real, do we really trust a person's food reco if we don't even trust the person? The two also talk about the scrutiny of MSG in food and how there are negative racial associations with Chinese food when foods like hotdogs and cheese also have MSG but don't receive the same attention. Did we mention Martin doesn't know how to say Shish Kabob? Please enjoy this episode! 

Read:

Forget What You Know about MSG (Anti-Racism Daily) - https://www.antiracismdaily.com/archives/forget-what-you-know-about-msg-anti-racism-daily

Watch:

Ugly Delicious (Netflix - S1E7) - https://www.eater.com/2018/2/23/17017880/ugly-delicious-fried-rice-recap-season-1-episode-7

Eat:

Birrieria El Tijuanazo (Moreno Valley, CA) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/birrieria-el-tijuanazo-the-barrel-lounge-moreno-valley-2?osq=birria+tacos

Yakitori Taisho (San Diego, CA) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/yakitori-taisho-san-diego?osq=yakitori

Khao Soi Thai (Studio City, CA) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/khao-soi-thai-studio-city?osq=crab+fried+rice

Welcome to Episode 4 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin are joined by longtime friend, Derrin Ford. Derrin speaks upon how he keeps himself driven and his method on approaching life. His inspiring words brings out interesting topics within the three. Such as keeping yourself confident in life and how to address decision making. This is definitely not an episode to miss. Please enjoy this episode!

Welcome to Episode 3 of Taste of Meaning! Hosts Charlie and Martin welcome their first guest ever, Christine Long. Christine co-owns Bae, an ice cream shop in Little Tokyo, an area found in Downtown Los Angeles. She shares her experience as CEO of Bae before stepping down to pursue her passion in Data Analytics while studying at USC, as well as her love for board games. Please enjoy this episode and the links below!

Blue Lotus Podcast (soon to be known as "Imagine Blue") - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1hwSpanCGdaB8Ojl3OvJw

Bae Little Tokyo - https://www.yelp.com/biz/bae-los-angeles-6 ; https://www.instagram.com/baelittletokyo/?hl=en

Charlie's board game account - https://www.instagram.com/soboardgames/

Dōnatsu - https://www.donatsu.com/ ; https://www.yelp.com/biz/d%C5%8Dnatsu-los-angeles-2