In this episode, Oscar and I are back at sea! We discuss our travels with book recommendations and explore what it means to understand who you are at your core.

We talk about discovering purpose as an ongoing practice — something that evolves with experience and reflection.

If you’re watching on YouTube, you can laugh along with us as we hang out in the middle of the ocean.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

https://youtu.be/wJBQcArFEfs

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

Discussed in this episode:

NW by Zadie Smith

The Martian by Andy Weir

Lazarus by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark

Mcilvanney on Boxing by Hugh Mcilvanney

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I had the pleasure of sitting down with my bestie, Dr. Mark Cheng, for a conversation that hits close to home for so many of us. Together, we unpack the challenges of elder care, the tough but necessary conversations families often avoid, and what it means to be part of the “sandwich generation.”

We dive into the difference between being reactive and proactive when it comes to aging and health—and how a shift in mindset can make all the difference.

Most importantly, Dr. Cheng shares the #1 preventive martial arts technique that could literally save your life.

Curious what it is? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

HBOT

Gray Cook – Functional Movement System

Peter Crone

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I always enjoy sitting down with Brett Jones, Master Strong First instructor, athletic trainer, and author of many books on strength training. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to stay consistent for the long haul, how to reinvent yourself at 54, and the many types of addiction that plague us.

What I value most in my conversations with Brett is his honesty and openness. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics, and his perspective reminds us that strength is about much more than physical training. It’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to keep showing up—both in the gym and in life.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3PRL-feYSw

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

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I had the honor of sitting down with Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani for an inspiring conversation. We dive into what motivates her, her reflections on public service, and her bold decision to run for mayor.

Beyond politics, this episode is also about getting to know Anna—the person behind the headlines. From her passion for community to the values that drive her, Anna shares openly about the experiences that shaped her journey and continue to fuel her commitment to service.

I’m grateful to call Anna a friend who has always supported our community—and me personally.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

Our Story — ANNA FOR ORLANDO MAYOR

CoVid-19

Team Anna campaigns

Legislative works

If you’d like to learn more, support the mission, or get directly involved, visit Anna V. Eskamani website. You can:

Volunteer through canvassing, calls, postcard writing, or even virtual support—there’s a role for everyone.

Sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on programs, events, and important news.

Make a pledge to help fuel the movement during this legislative session and beyond.

Every small action creates ripples of change—start yours today and check here for more!

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I had the absolute joy of catching up with my dear friend, the brilliant Kelly Sue DeConnick. We cover it all—from swapping movie reviews and sharing updates on family life, shopping at Good Will, and so much more.

Kelly Sue is the acclaimed writer behind Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons, the groundbreaking Captain Marvel run that inspired the film, and creator-owned favorites like Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly. And her latest comic, FML is out—be sure to pick it up today from your local comic book store.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

FML #1 :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics

John Wick Franchise

Ballerina Movie

Superman Movie

James Bond

Skyfall

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Inglorious Basterds

SALT movie

Fantastic 4

James Gunn

Wes Anderson

Wonder Woman Historia

About Kelly Sue

Ms. DeConnick first came to prominence as a comics writer, where she is best known for reinventing the Carol Danvers as “Captain Marvel” at Marvel and for the Black Label standard-setting Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons at DC. Her independent comics Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly (both from Image Comics) have ranked as New York Times best-sellers. Her books have been honored with Alfie, Eisner and British Fantasy Awards, the Bronze Medal for International Manga from Japan, as well as Hugo and Oregon Book Award nominations.

Ms. DeConnick’s screen work includes stints on Captain Marvel, a film that earned $1B for Disney worldwide, as well as 2023’s The Marvels with Marvel Studios; in addition to having consulted on features for Skydance and ARRAY, and developed television for NBCUniversal, Legendary Entertainment, Amazon Studios and HBOMax. Her most recent stage work is the mythic spectacle AWAKENING, which opened at the Wynn Resort Las Vegas in November 2022.

Mission-driven, Ms. DeConnick is a founding partner at CAAVE Media and Good Trouble Productions, where she has helped to produce non-fiction and educational comics including the “Hidden Voices” and “Recognized” series for NY Public Schools and Congressman John Lewis’ Run, in partnership with Abrams Comics. In 2015, Ms. DeConnick founded the #VisibleWomen Project, whose mission is to help women and other marginalized genders find paid work in comics and its related industries. The project continues to this day and recently expanded in partnership with Dani Hedlund of Brink Literacy.

Ms. DeConnick is proud to serve on the Video Game Advisory Board for the Gina Davis Institute, and the on Board of Directors for the Urban League chapter in Portland, OR, where she lives with her husband, writer Matt Fraction, and their two children.

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It’s another MiOsc episode on martial arts and fitness progression. The truth of any discipline is that progress is not a straight line. We discuss the importance of understanding your “why”—the core motivation that fuels your training.

The conversation also explores the idea of falling in love with the basics, finding value and joy in foundational movements versus just the flashy stuff.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

Brett Jones

Dan John

Dr. Mark Cheng

Cal Newport Deep Work Book

Wayne Tsse

Greg Rucka

Jim Lee

Phil Jimenez

Gene Ha

Nicola Scott

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I am always grateful to have a conversation with my friend legendary Coach Dan John. Over the years, we’ve been exploring T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, using it as a lens to explore education, mentorship, and the way we learn.

In this episode, we explore the distinction between knowledge gained through questions and experience versus a quick Google search, youtube, or even reading.

You don’t need to have read The Sword in the Stone to enjoy this episode, though I highly recommend it. The themes we explore are universal and I love being on this journey with Dan.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. If you do, please share the episode and take a moment to rate the podcast on your platform of choice.

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 my website or Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon.

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

LARP

Renaissance Fairs

Angedi

Legion of Superheroes

How I Met Your Mother

1991 Oscars

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As someone who grew up balancing tradition in a modern world, I’m always drawn to stories that imagine the future through a different lens—especially one that isn’t all doom and dystopia. Especially right now.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Abigail Hing Wen—author, filmmaker, and creator of the new book The Vale. It’s a hopeful and imaginative adventure that explores AI, creativity, identity, and moral responsibility.

I pick Abigail’s brain about the fear surrounding AI and how she manages to show us its more hopeful, human side.

We talk about everything from ethics and empathy to what it means to see girls and women in empowered roles. I loved hearing about her vision for young readers, her personal connection to the story, and how she brought this whole world to life—including an original short film featuring none other than Lea Salonga!

This conversation hit on a lot of themes that matter to me—discipline, imagination, storytelling, and representation. Please preorder The Vale from your local bookstore or Barnes and Noble and support stories that inspire.

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 Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI

Paramount Plus original film, LOVE IN TAIPEI

Website – Abigail Hing Wen

Instagram – Abigail Hing Wen (@abigailhingwen)https://youtu.be/ARAVXpfWeP4

TikTok – Abigail Hing Wen on TikTok

Facebook – Abigail Hing Wen

Threads – Abigail Hing Wen (@abigailhingwen) • Threads, Say more

X/Twitter – Abigail Hing Wen Updates (@abigailhingwen) on X

Goodreads – The Vale

Barnes & Noble – The Vale

Bookshop – The Vale

Submit receipts here to receive a free Vale sticker sheet.

Drop by Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in Manhattan for a free trial sized scoop with receipt.

Indie Bookstores Preorder Campaign — The Vale

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Backstage with RZA where Wah Lum meets the Wu-Tang Clan.

What started as a hopeful possibility turned into one of the most unforgettable nights. From personally getting upgraded Wu-Tang Clan concert seats by RZA’s team to unexpectedly interviewing RZA, the night was filled with music, inspiration, and martial arts philosophy.

Wu-Tang Clan and Run The Jewels didn’t just deliver an epic concert—they reminded me of the power of shared experience, of energy exchanged through art, and of what it means to be truly intentional in your craft.

I sit down with RZA to talk martial arts, hip-hop, creativity, and how we can use our platforms to create real change.

This conversation originally aired on Wu Wednesday on SiriusXM’s LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells Radio. If you want the full broadcast version, you’ll need a SiriusXM subscription to tune in. Out of respect for Wu Wednesday, we are not including some of the narrative RZA shared that night. We did our best to keep the flow intact while preserving as much of the vibe as possible, as this episode doubles as a very special one for the podcast.

If you are on youtube watching, you might notice I’m bobbing my head the whole time. It’s because through my headset were some smooth Wu-Tang Clan beats playing behind our conversation. I don’t have this in my cut, but you can imagine it.

The interview took place on the iconic John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, where RZA has been producing music with kids—because of course… Wu-Tang is for the children.

Stay tuned at the end of my interview with RZA for a wrap-up with Oscar and I, as we reflect on the events of the night.

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 Get exclusive content on Patreon

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

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

Discussed in this episode:

Gene Ching

Wah Lum Temple

Thank you to:

“Slice” and Tamika for making this interview happen.

Oscar Agramonte, Tiffany TaiSue, Ken Exconde, Kevin Exconde for video footage and audio gear.

Lennon Educational Bus team– Thanks Lennon for all your help!

Flores for the dope WTC | RTJ family reunion shirts and color correction on the videos.wu tang clan

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The post 427. RZA on the philosophy of martial arts and hip hop culture first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.