In honor of Veterans Day, I sit down to talk to Private First-Class Timothy Johnson, a military cook and paratrooper who served in the Vietnam War. I recently returned from Normandy, where I visited the D-Day beaches and landing sight of paratroopers in WWII like, Major Dick Winters from Band of Brothers.  The visit to the Normandy American cemetery left me awestruck.  As I walked the grounds of the park, I truly felt proud to be an American.  I have the deepest respect for those that selflessly serve this country in the military.  It is a sacrifice, that I do not believe I am strong enough to make, and I am grateful for their service.  I admittedly have not been as active in outreach for Veterans as I should be, and after speaking with Tim, realize this is another social issue that needs attention.

Many of the WWII veterans have now passed away, but were honored in history and welcomed home as heroes. Vietnam War veterans experienced mixed feelings at the end of the war since it was not supported by many American citizens at the time. The reception many of the soldiers coming home felt were negative, and they were treated as outcasts.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), drug abuse, homelessness, suicide, and racial tension were some of the effects they felt post war.  Even 50 years later, many of these issues still plague them today.  Tim shares his experience in the war and candidly talks about his challenges with drug addiction, homelessness, and PTSD.  Although some of his stories made me sad, they were so engaging and intense that throughout the discussion I was speechless. I started to better understand the effects the war had on these veterans, and am grateful to Tim for opening my eyes and enlightening me.

I have learned so much through these conversations, and hope you have to.  It has been fascinating to spend time talking to so many wonderful people, and I am grateful that I have an audience who has been appreciating these discussions.

Please continue to share this podcast with others.  I’m also looking for production savvy people to join my team! If you are interested in podcast production or helping me keep this podcast going by donating to the podcast please visit my website at www.culturechatpodcast.com. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

Discussed in this episode

Vietnam Veterans

Veteran Affairs

Wah Lum Temple

Control Your Health

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

In 1975, the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries at the end of the Vietnam War was named Operation Babylift.  Thousands of children were evacuated during that time, and today I speak with one of those evacuees, Dave Nguyen. Dave was adopted at the age of three by an American family and now has a family of his own.  In 2010, Dave set out on a journey to discover his heritage and find his birth parents.  He shares his compelling story of his return to Vietnam, visiting his birth place, and reuniting with his birth mother.   Through this emotional journey, Dave discovers his own identity, and is now on a mission to find more answers about his past.  I love learning from others, and in this chat, I enjoyed hearing Dave’s story of his adoption, reunions, and self-discovery and learning about Operation Babylift.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

I’m wrapping up breast cancer awareness month with a very special interview… my mom! Margaret Suzy Wong Chan joins me on the podcast today, and it is also her 70th birthday! Happy birthday Mom! 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 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 that carried over to the US. I love hearing about her life as a singer on the road, and she shares some fun stories of her adventures.

Pink October 

Mammogram Screenings

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

Elvis Presley 1969 Vegas

Get Suzy’s Book

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

 

 

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

Sifu Derek Johnson is a kung fu instructor of the Jow Ga system, former marine, and retired law enforcement officer.  For over 25 years, he served in numerous law enforcement specialties.  He was assigned to many agencies in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, such as: violent crimes, undercover narcotics, community outreach, leadership as a Patrol Commander, internal affairs, and worked with the DEA and FBI departments.  I have been outraged for the families that have lost loved ones to senseless shootings, and wonder why is this happening?  Do officers need more training or stricter screening and guidelines?  What is the problem?  Derek sheds light on the training many law enforcement officers receive and what can be going through their minds in these high stakes situations.  He also shares my frustration, and speaks openly as both a black American and a law enforcement officer on the Black Lives Matter movement.  I strongly believe in the movement and was grateful that Derek was so open with me on this sensitive subject.  I also wanted to understand the protocol for officers in aggressive situations, and what we can do to help change the perception of law enforcement officers in the community.

I hope that listeners will hear the podcast with an open mind, and as always remember all views expressed are my own, and do not represent my position at work or the Wah Lum system.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Bruce Lee

Force Science Institute

Body Cameras

Shooting of Philando Castille

Shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson

Black Lives Matter

Donnie Yen

Hill Street Blues

The Wire

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

In honor of Pink October, I am interview amazing breast cancer awareness advocates and survivors. Robin Maynard has served the citizens of Orange County as a Paramedic and Crime Scene Investigator since 1995. After the loss of her Mom Libby to breast cancer in 2006, Robin knew saving lives would take on a whole new path and with that, Libby’s Legacy was formed in 2007.  Robin worked full time as a CSI while running the foundation until 2009 when she cashed in her 401K and left her career to dedicate herself to this foundation in her Mother’s honor and memory. Robin is a passionate advocate who is committed to ensuring every woman gets the breast health care and treatment they need to live a long and full life. I enjoyed meeting Robin and truly believe in the work she is doing. I am inspired after listening to Robin’s story and motivated by her passion and devotion to the cause.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Scooters for Hooters Event

Cancer Screening Initiative

Mammogram Access Project

Patient Advocate Liaison

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

Daniel Springen is the executive director of the Orlando Film Festival and an award winning director. We talk about the ins and outs of film festivals and the challenges indie filmmakers face today.   He shares tips for indie filmmakers on how to make a quality film on a small budget, plus what curators are looking for when choosing a film to screen at a festival. My film, Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer screened at his film festival in 2012, and it was one of the most fun festivals we attended. The parties, panels, and workshops were fantastic, and the event has gotten even bigger over the years. Screening 411 films over 8 days, this is an event not to be missed in Orlando. Check out the Orlando Film Festival October 19-26 at the Cobb Theater in downtown Orlando.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode

Ride with Norman Reedus

Los Gritones (The Screamers – short film)

The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

TECHNICAL FILM TALK: Film Aspect Ratios

King Kong

Star Wars

Mash

Time Bandits

CChat 21 with Roger Garcia on cinema theory

 

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I am interviewing survivors and sharing their stories. Today, I am joined by Selina Siak Chin Yoke (石清玉) who shares her survival story.

She went from a theoretical physicist, investment banker, and quant trader to a best selling author. Ironically, had it not been for cancer, she might have delayed her passion of writing. She was born in Singapore at a time when Singapore was part of Malaysia and still a swamp. A time when there were racial riots on the island between the Chinese and Malays. Although her books are fiction, the stories depict real places and historical events during those times. Selina educates me on the history of Malaysia, formerly Malay, and explains the controversies and struggles that are still prevalent today.

Her first novel, The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds (The Malayan Series, #1), was published on November 1, 2016 and made an immediate emotional connection with readers. It debuted as an Amazon best-seller in historical fiction, was named by Goodreads as one of the 6 best books in the month of its release, and has been favourably compared to the work of Pearl S. Buck and Amy Tan.

New novel: When the Future Comes Too Soon

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode:

Orang Asli People 

History of Malaysia

Malaysian Cuisine

 

Where to see Selina in Orlando:

DEC. 1, 7 p.m. (Winter Park, Florida)

Event: Book chat with the Winter Park Presbyterian Church Book Club

Location: Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792

Website: http://winppc.org/book-club/

DEC. 4, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sanford, Florida)

Event: Book chat with the Rotary Club of Sanford Florida

Location: Sanford Chamber of Commerce, 400 East First Street, Sanford, FL 32771

Website: http://www.rotarylunchbunch.com/

 DEC. 5, 6 p.m. (Altamonte Springs, Florida)

Event: Speaking engagement with the National Association of Professional Women, Orlando Chapter

Location: Total Wine, 160 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL

Website: https://www.napw.com/chapters/orlando-chapterDEC. 6, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Winter Park, Florida)Event: Speaking engagement with the Florida Writers Association, Orlando chapter

Larry Nager is an award-winning writer, music historian, documentary filmmaker, educator and musician based in Nashville, TN. Larry shares his experiences on his current project, Havana Time Machine, a PBS Great Performances event airing on October 6. It was filmed entirely in Cuba, and features GRAMMY-winning Americana performers Raul Malo & The Mavericks in concert with some of Cuba’s finest musicians. (see the link below for artists) Larry and I chat about music and the ability for art in all forms to bring people together. We discuss the politics of today and how history keeps repeating itself, but what each of us can do to make a difference.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Discussed in this episode

Bluegrass Underground

Fairfield Four

McCrary Sisters

O’ Brother Where Art Thou

Che Guevara

Fidel Castro

Washboard Instrument

Eliades Ochoa (Buena Vista Social Club, Cuarteto Patria)

Roberto Fonseca

The Sweet Lizzie Project

Ivette Cepeda

Band of Brothers

Memphis Beat by Larry Nager

Larry’s Recommendations:

Roberto Fonseca, ABUC

David McCullough, The Great Bridge

Larry’s Performances: Larry on Washboard

Get involved, don’t be complacent

www.indivisibleguide.com

www.aclu.org

 

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

I have been enjoying all of my conversations, but I feel especially privileged to have spoken with strong women who inspire me. On previous podcasts I’ve spoken to real life Wonder Women like Hailey, a transgender gay woman who had to fight for her identity; Helena, a woman who left her religious cult to save her life; and Commissioner Sheehan, the first openly gay elected woman in Central Florida, who discussed her fight with politics and the aftermath of the Pulse shooting tragedy. Today I had the privilege to speak with Antje Wiegand. Antje had to overcome her own challenges being born with hip dysplasia and being bullied as a child. Today, she teaches others about Cultural Awareness to dismiss stereotypes amongst the community in Germany. She also shares some emotional stories of her work with Syrian and Nigerian refugees. Although I see myself as someone who advocates for diversity, after speaking with Antje, I learned that having true respect is more than just embracing someone’s culture, but embracing them simply as humans.

This interview was recorded in early August prior to the events in Charlottesville, VA.  I was curious how Antje felt seeing these acts of violence and racism in the US from a German perspective. At the end of the interview are a couple of follow up questions regarding her view of the events of Charlottesville.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!

September 15 marks that start of National Hispanic heritage month, and I was happy to chat with Alex Hernandez, a Cuban-American science fiction writer based in South Florida. He blends the sub genres of space opera and biopunk into his stories. Many of his books often themes of migration due to his family history with immigrating from Cuba. We discuss his heritage, genealogy, and how his life influences his work. Don’t think you are a fan of the genre? Once I learned what it was, I was surprised to learn that I like space opera and biopunktoo, being a fan of Star Wars, Cowboy Bebop, and Orphan Black.

IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show.

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan

Space Opera

Biopunk

Cowboy Bebop

Star Trek

Star Wars

Orphan Black TV Series

Genealogy

23 and Me

Dorne, Game of Thrones

Avatar, James Cameron

Versailles Restaurant in Miami

Croquetas

Check out Alex’s Books

Tooth and Talon

The Expanse Series

Lilith’s Brood

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!

Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be.  Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn out run on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention.  Be lenient, please!