The Sifu Mimi Chan Show

Do you have post-election blues? I know I do.

In this MiOsc episode, we have practical ways to cope with some of the frustration and anger after the election. Many of you are feeling anxious or disheartened, especially if the results didn’t align with your hopes.

We don’t have all the answers, but we felt better after sharing our best practices and methods of staying grounded.

Although these emotions are valid, taking time to care for oneself and building resilience can pave the way for a brighter, more connected existence.

Listen on as we try to combat the post-election blues.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

https://youtu.be/HslnAIGHzYM

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

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The Wah Lum Kung Fu Sifu Test: A Journey of Tradition, Dedication, and Growth

In this podcast episode, I share all about the Wah Lum Sifu Test—an event that brings together instructors from around the globe every three years to uphold the traditions and standards of the Wah Lum system.

I share personal insights into the responsibility of leading the test after years of learning from Grandmaster Chan and the vital support system that has helped me maintain Wah Lum’s high standards.

I also talk about the importance of continuing to test, even as a senior instructor, and how this dedication to pushing our own limits strengthens the Wah Lum community.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

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October is a busy month: We honor Pink October, Hispanic Heritage and Filipino American History Month. In order to give myself a bit of a mental health break, I am going to be sharing some episodes that you might have missed.

This interview was recorded 5 years ago in celebration of my mom’s 70th birthday. We discuss her experience with breast cancer and her healing process. My mom did not opt for chemotherapy, but instead healed with her strong spirit and practiced the ancient art form of tai chi chuan. We of course do not recommend this for everyone, but listen on to hear survival story.

We also go back in time and discuss her music career in Jamaica which led her to the United States. I love hearing about her life as a singer on the road, and she shares some fun stories of her adventures.

Ironically she shares a story about Elvis Presley and I just happened to have watched the film ELVIS (Baz Luhrmann)… If you have seen the film and listened to this podcast, please share who you think her mystery driver was. I certainly have my suspicions!

I’m loving these conversations and hope you are too. If you are, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Pink October 

Mammogram Screenings

Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer – award-winning Chan family documentary

Elvis Presley 1969 Vegas

Get Suzy’s Book

ELVIS, Baz Luhrrman

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

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It’s The Mimi and Greg Show – my dear friend Greg Rucka and I can’t help but talk about the upcoming election and its impact on our society.

Listen to hear about Stop Project 2025 Comic, a comic book collaboration of some of the finest comic book writers in the industry. The comic is crafted to explain and understand the “Trump” Conservative agenda and move you to vote against it. I urge everyone to read it and be an informed voter of what’s at stake in this election.

Greg also shares fascinating insights into his writing methods and the challenges of writing his latest novel. Whether you’re a fan of comics or concerned about the future of our democracy, this conversation is a shared space of empathy and understanding.

As a reminder to everyone, these are tense times. Be kind to yourself and others. We can get through this together. Get out and VOTE!

I enjoy these conversations and hope you do too.  Please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

Discussed in this episode:

Stop Project 2025 Comic

Stop Project 2025 Comic

The Forged (comic)

NYCC

Black Magick (comic)

Matthew Dicks

Rose City Comic Con

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

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In this episode, I break my vacation promise and sit down for a spontaneous chat with our incredible safari field guide at Sabi Sands, South Africa.

Geoff Haslam is highly skilled and knowledgeable about all the animals in the reserve. As a qualified Level 2 guide, Geoff has undergone rigorous training and accumulated over 1,200 hours of experience leading trails through the African wilderness.

This certification not only reflects his deep understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and safety protocols but also demonstrates his ability to provide guests with an immersive and educational safari experience.

We dive into the harsh realities of poaching, explore the fascinating behaviors of the animals we encountered, and reflect on the beauty and intensity of the South African wilderness.

From witnessing a pride of lions feasting on a buffalo to seeing a leopard with its impala kill, the experience was both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Despite the freezing rain and rough terrain, each game drive brought us closer to nature’s raw, untamed beauty—and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for exclusive footage of these unforgettable animal encounters! However, trigger warning for those who might get upset by animal kills and feedings. There is some big cat action, so please watch with care.

I’m also linking in the blog post ways you can get involved to help protect the animals. There are a couple of gin companies that actively support wildlife conservation efforts, so you can sip and make a difference.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

Discussed in this episode:

SORAI – Be the change.

nkombe gin – Google Search

Indlovu Original Gin – Elephant Dung Infused 50ml

About Geoff Haslam

Geoff is a highly skilled and knowledgeable field guide at Arathusa Safari, located in the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As a qualified Level 2 guide, Geoff has undergone rigorous training and accumulated over 1,200 hours of experience leading trails through the African wilderness. This certification not only reflects his deep understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and safety protocols but also demonstrates his ability to provide guests with an immersive and educational safari experience. With his extensive fieldwork, Geoff is well-equipped to navigate the diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters that make Sabi Sands an unforgettable destination.

“What drew me to the bush was the concept of freedom – freedom from city life and the hustle and bustle that people endure. We would journey annually to the Waterberg, where I discovered my passion for the wilderness.” – Geoff Haslam

https://youtu.be/dnAsbyO-FUI

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

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It’s another MiOsc episode!

Oscar and I reflect on our recent trip to Africa. We discuss the vibrant culture, languages, and safaris.

This episode was recorded during Banned Books Week, an annual event that highlights the dangers of censorship and the suppression of diverse voices. When books are banned, it’s not just stories that are being suppressed—it’s the opportunity for learning and progress. Reading opens the door to new ideas, diverse cultures, and the possibility of meaningful change, which is why protecting access to education and literature is vital for the future of any society.

Oscar and I delve into how storytelling also plays a fundamental role in martial arts, especially in preserving traditions and fostering learning. If we lose our stories, we lose more than just words on a page—we lose the very essence of who we are.

Listen to the full episode on our podcast and join the conversation.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Adam Grant

George Saunders

Wah Lum Temple

Arathusa Lodge

Victoria and Alfred’s Waterfront

Cape Town

Zimbabwe

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

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I had the pleasure of sitting with Gordon James, a man whose life journey spans four countries—Jamaica, Kenya, the USA, and Canada. Gordon’s experiences living in such diverse places have shaped his perspective on the world. In our conversation, we explored how these experiences have fueled his passion for life, fostered empathy, and equipped him to combat racism through meaningful dialogue.

Gordon’s journey began in Jamaica, where the vibrant culture and rich history instilled in him a deep sense of identity. But it was his move to Kenya that expanded his worldview. Living in East Africa, Gordon was immersed in a different cultural tapestry, where he encountered new ways of thinking and living. This experience taught him the importance of adaptability and the value of understanding others’ perspectives—lessons that would become crucial in his later life.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the power of dialogue in building empathy. Gordon spoke about the importance of having uncomfortable conversations about race and identity—conversations that many people shy away from. He stressed that these discussions are not just about airing grievances; they’re about listening, learning, and finding common ground.

Listen on to hear more from Gordon James on how we can all work together to build a more empathetic and inclusive society.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too.  If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others!  If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Tribes of Kenya

About Gordon James

**Gordon James was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and has lived in Canada, Kenya, France, Spain, and the United States. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and received his M.F.A. in Acting from Brooklyn College.  He is best known for his recurring role as Nurse Gregory on Grey’s Anatomy as well as for being the host of **Grey’s Anatomy Post-Op on abc.com.

In 2017 he wrote, produced, and acted in his first narrative short, Thinking Out Loud, receiving several industry accolades including the Gold LA Shorts Award, an LA Top Shorts Award, and being an official selection of the 2018 Pan African Film Festival.

On stage, he has performed leading roles in such productions as The Colored Museum, Six Degrees of Separation, The Island, and Tartuffe.

His poetry has been published in the literary magazine Signifying’ Harlem and he has been featured as a spoken word performer at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, The Brooklyn Moon Cafe, The National Black Theater, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.  As a repeat winner of the Hottest Poetry Slam in Harlem, he has twice been a headliner on their radio program.  He has been the opening act to R&B singer Angie Stone and performed in the New Faces/New Vision Program at New York’s Aaron Davis Hall’s 25th Anniversary.

His one-man show  Outbursts: A One-Man Multipoemonologue combines spoken word and theater and opened to critical acclaim at Harlem’s National Black Theater and the Complex Theater in Los Angeles.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

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“The Last of Us” isn’t just a post-apocalyptic survival story; it’s a deep exploration of what it means to be human when the world around us is ending.

‌If you’ve experienced this story through the original video game or the HBO TV adaptation, the themes of empathy, humanity, survival, and hope resonate at every turn.

‌Whether you played the game, watched the show, or a fan of The Mimi and Greg Show, join us as we reflect on what it means to live, love, and hope.

‌Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the show or played the game. You also don’t need to have done either to enjoy our conversation.

—

For those that don’t already know:

Greg Rucka is a New York Times bestselling author of hundreds of comics and nearly two dozen novels. He is also the writer for his critically acclaimed and award-winning film The Old Guard starring Charlize Theron.

‌I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too. If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Mimi Chan on Patreon. ‌

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

‌

Discussed in this episode:

Y2K

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Shakespeare

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

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I had the privilege of sitting down with Monica May, a radio host whose story is nothing short of inspiring. Monica’s journey began in the projects of New York, where she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and survival—qualities that would later define her remarkable career in radio. You can hear Monica on Star 94.5 hosting “Monica May’s Point Of View”. Many conversations are built on today’s hot topics and issues concerning African Americans.

Monica’s journey in radio is just one part of her incredible story. Beyond her professional success, she has made it her mission to give back to the community by educating and empowering young girls. Drawing from her own experiences, Monica understands the challenges that many young women face.

‌Recognizing the need for better education and support around issues like pregnancy, drugs, and sex education, Monica launched the nonprofit Let’s Spill the Tea, breaking communication barriers between parents & teenagers during critical young adult years.

‌Tune in to hear more about Monica May’s incredible journey and the powerful work she is doing to uplift and empower young women. For those in Central Florida, you can join the Let’s Spill the Tea event on September 28th at Valencia College West Campus.

‌I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too. If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Mimi Chan on Patreon.

‌For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

About Monica May

A radio & television veteran, community affairs expert, and founder of Let’s Spill the Tea, a nonprofit organization supporting parent/teen relationships. Her latest pivot is principal consultant with Monica May Communications. In addition to keynote speaking, political forum moderation, and corporate consulting, Monica facilitates workshops on an array of topics including her flagship workshop, Let’s Spill the Tea®, came to life after a heart-to-heart with her daughter and other young women who felt guarded when having conversations with their mothers.

To expand its reach, she co-authored, Let’s Spill the Tea: A 21-Day Mother-Daughter Journal, with her daughter, Monique. You can hear Monica on Star 94.5 during the following times: Sunday mornings from 6-8a.m. hosting “Monica May’s Point Of View”; Conversations will be built on today’s hot topics and issues concerning African Americans. Local and national guests will share their points of view as well. Sunday afternoons from 5-10 p.m., Monica will host her own show; playing the hits and integrating her warm, engaging, witty, and compelling personality.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

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The post 397. Monica May on Breaking Barriers – from the Projects to Empowering the Next Generation first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.

Celebrating Cultural Unity and Literary Passion at the Orlando Blasian Book Fair

I’m so psyched to talk about the team behind the Blasian Book Fair Orlando!

The Blasian March proudly combines forces with Make Us Visible Florida [MUV FL] and Kizzy Books & More to present the first ever Blasian Book Fair in Orlando on Saturday September 14th, 1 – 5 PM, in Orlando, FL at A Perfect Union Art Gallery in West Oaks Mall, 9401 W. Colonial Drive. In partnership with FusionFest and A Perfect Union Art Gallery, this public event offers free books from Black, Asian and Blasian writers to bridge our communities and share similar histories and struggles for justice.

Rohan Zhou-Lee is the force behind the Blasian March, a movement that has grown from a local initiative into a nationwide phenomenon. Trenessa Williams is the founder of Kizzy’s Books & More, an independent bookstore committed to embracing the African-American culture and the joy of reading.

Together, they share their stories, challenges, and visions for the future, all while gearing up for the highly anticipated Orlando Blasian Book Fair.

Rohan shares how the movement was born out of a desire to foster solidarity between Black and Asian communities, particularly in the face of rising racial tensions. They spoke candidly about the challenges they have faced along the way, from organizing events to navigating the complexities of cultural unity.

Trenessa’s deep passion for books and commitment to creating a space where diverse voices are celebrated is electrifying. I can’t wait for Central Floridians to come out and meet Trenessa to learn more about her store and share her love for books.

We are excited about the upcoming Orlando Blasian Book Fair, an event that promises to celebrate cultural diversity and literary passion. The Book Fair represents a unique opportunity to highlight the intersection of culture and literature and celebrate the voices of Black, Asian, and Blasian authors.

With over 100 books already donated from publishing houses like Haymarket Books, Scholastic, and Simon & Schuster, the Blasian Book Fair in Orlando will offer the community stories written for and by the Black, Asian, and Blasian communities alongside their intersections.

The free book fair includes Native literature to honor the people indigenous to this land. Attendees – dress and show off your heritage pride. There will also be a lineup of panels, performance art, including a lion dance, and a cosplay runway show! Everyone is welcome to participate.

Special appearances include rapper and activist Jason Chu, nationally acclaimed and award-winning teen writer Sumer Strawbree, and more! To support the event, you can donate to our Go Fund Me fundraiser, which directly benefits Kizzy’s Books & More.

Please follow @‌makeusvisibleflorida @blasianmarch @‌kizzysbooksandmore on social media to stay tuned!

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too. If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Mimi Chan on Patreon. Thanks for the support!

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Visit our Blasian Book Fair Orlando website and RSVP here:

Blasian Book Fair | Get Tickets in Ocoee | Ticketbudticketbud.com

Discussed in this episode:

https://www.kizzysbooksandmore.com/

Rohan Zhou-Lee | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok

Press release:

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Comment Rules: Be Cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation!

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